Chapter 472

Theodore Ashcroft leaned over the documents, his pupils contracting sharply. He recognized the distinctive medical emblem, his fingers tapping lightly on the paper.

"Mr. Valdemar, this case involving Melanie Linton is highly unusual." Theodore adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses. "Bipolar disorder coupled with severe autism spectrum disorder. She hasn't spoken a word in five years."

Sebastian Valdemar's fountain pen paused mid-signature, leaving a small ink blot on the document.

"All records verified?"

"Absolutely. She's the most complex case among over two hundred volunteers." Theodore slid the file forward. "I'm concerned about the risks if Ms. Roland takes this on."

A brief silence settled over the office. Sebastian gestured dismissively, and Theodore quietly exited, closing the door behind him.

Dusk painted the skyline beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. Sebastian stared at his phone screen, hesitating before finally selecting the video call option.

The dial tone echoed sharply in the empty office.

"Busy?" The call connected to an empty frame, only rustling sounds audible.

"Almost done." Evelyn Roland's voice carried a faint echo from the lab.

Sebastian loosened his tie, his gaze dropping to the case file. When her composed face finally appeared on screen, the tension in his brow eased unconsciously.

"Trouble?" Evelyn held a mug, instantly recognizing his uncharacteristic demeanor.

He lifted the file toward the camera. "Need your opinion on a special case."

"More applicants than expected?" She set down her cup, fingers flying across the keyboard. Only then did she notice the explosion of sign-ups across social platforms.

"Not about numbers." He transmitted Melanie's records. "This one's too high-risk."

Silence stretched on the other end. Evelyn zoomed in on the medical images, her professional instincts immediately recognizing the severity.

"I need to evaluate her personally." Her tone brooked no argument.

Sebastian's knuckles rapped the desk. "Considered the PR fallout? The Starlight Initiative is under intense scrutiny."

"All the more reason we can't turn her away." Evelyn's gaze pierced through the screen. "Send the complete files. You'll have my decision by tonight."

That stubborn glint in her eyes reminded him of their first meeting in the lab. She'd worn the same expression when convincing him to fund what seemed like an impossible project.

"Fine." He finally relented. "But I'm joining the evaluation."

A faint smile touched Evelyn's lips. "Since when did Mr. Valdemar develop such interest in psychology?"

"Since meeting a certain psychiatrist." His deadpan retort succeeded in tinting her ears pink.

After the call ended, Sebastian stood before the panoramic windows. City lights twinkled like distant stars. His mind returned to the case photo—a girl curled tightly in a corner.

Risk and opportunity always walked hand in hand. Just like his gamble on Evelyn Roland.