Chapter 462

The hospital corridor was bathed in harsh fluorescent light.

Scarlett clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms. Behind her, excited chatter spilled from the hospital room—Grandma and Mrs. Lefèvre's voices, each word like a knife twisting in her chest.

"They make such a perfect match!"

"Did you see the way Sebastian looked at Evelyn?"

Her stiletto slammed into the wall, sending a shower of plaster dust to the floor. Scarlett stared at the dent she'd left, her chest heaving.

Why?

Why did everyone think they belonged together?

Meanwhile, the black Maybach glided through the night.

Evelyn leaned against the seat with her eyes closed, long lashes casting shadows. Sebastian kept stealing glances at her, his grip tightening on the steering wheel.

"We're here."

The car stopped in front of the villa. Sebastian's voice was soft when he spoke. Evelyn opened her eyes, still drowsy.

"Need me to carry you inside?"

His deep tone held a hint of hope.

She shook her head—but as she pushed the car door open, her pinky hooked around his. That tiny gesture made his eyes light up instantly.

Fingers intertwined, they walked toward the entrance. The night breeze carried the faint scent of flowers.

"This is far enough." Evelyn stopped at the door.

Sebastian suddenly pulled her into his arms. Warm breath brushed her ear: "Remember. No other man steps foot in your home except me."

The tips of her ears turned pink, but she feigned composure as she pushed him away. "Are you restricting my freedom, Mr. Valdemar?"

"What if I am?" He arched a brow, danger glinting in his gaze.

Evelyn chuckled and swiped her keycard. As the door closed, she caught him still standing there, watching intently through the gap.

She slammed it shut deliberately—but the moment she turned away, her lips curved up.

Outside, Sebastian stared at the door, his Adam's apple bobbing. After a long pause, he shook his head and left.

Back in the hospital corridor, Scarlett's phone screen lit up. An unknown number had sent a photo—Sebastian holding Evelyn intimately.

Her nails scraped across the screen with a screech.