Chapter 478

"Have them wait in the lounge."

Sebastian Valdemar didn't look up as he gave the order, his long fingers pausing briefly on the document.

Theodore Ashcroft immediately set down his tablet and glanced at his boss.

"You may leave." Sebastian's voice was icy.

"Yes, sir." Theodore tactfully exited the office, closing the door softly behind him.

Sebastian shut the folder and stood, the cuffs of his suit flashing coldly under the light.

"Uncle!"

The moment the lounge door opened, a small figure barreled toward him like a cannonball.

Theodore Valdemar tilted his flushed little face up, arms wide as he threw himself into Sebastian's embrace.

"You're in high spirits today?" Sebastian scooped the boy up with one arm, lightly tapping his nose.

But a flicker of something unreadable passed through his eyes.

"You haven't come home in forever!" Theodore pouted accusingly. "Mommy says I can't bother you at work."

"Little troublemaker, tattling on me now?"

Sebastian pinched his cheek, eliciting a peal of laughter.

Who would've guessed this lively child had been a withdrawn autistic boy just six months ago?

"Sebastian."

Olivia Valdemar rose gracefully, taking her son from her brother's arms.

"Don't spoil him. He's five and still this clingy."

She settled Theodore on the sofa, where he immediately busied himself with building blocks.

A brief silence settled over the lounge.

Olivia absently smoothed her son's hair before speaking casually. "The volunteer list is finalized?"

"Here."

Sebastian handed her the tablet, his expression unreadable.

"Has Evelyn seen it?"

A nearly inaudible "Mm."

Olivia instantly noticed the shift in her brother's mood.

"Did you two argue?"

"No." His face remained impassive.

"Sebastian." Olivia met his gaze directly. "You can't lie to me."

He turned to stare out the window without answering.

"It's about the volunteers, isn't it?"

His fingers had tightened imperceptibly when she'd mentioned it earlier.

Sebastian moved toward the door. "Let me show you the lab."

"You..."

Olivia sighed but didn't press further.

Theodore blinked his large eyes between his uncle and mother before quietly returning to his blocks.

Adult world was far too complicated.

"Master! The mixing order totally changes the flavor!"

Bianca Savigny shook her cocktail shaker excitedly, eyes sparkling.

Evelyn Roland leaned against the bar, sipping her own concoction.

"Remember that sensation. You'll develop your own style eventually."

Bianca tried several recipes but kept hesitating.

She stole glances at her mentor's profile, wanting to ask about Sebastian but not daring.

Something was off—Evelyn drinking this early? Definitely not normal.

"Out with it."

Evelyn's sudden words nearly made Bianca drop her glass.

"Okay..."

Bianca clamped her mouth shut but fidgeted like a restless monkey.

What on earth had happened between her mentor and Sebastian?