Chapter 71

Olivia Valdemar stormed into the hotel lobby, her stilettos clicking sharply against the marble floor.

Beneath the crystal chandelier, her expression was colder than frost.

"My brother and sister are locked in a room," she snapped, her fingers drumming impatiently on the front desk. "Is this your so-called five-star service?"

The receptionist flinched under her piercing glare.

"We're terribly sorry. We'll send engineering right—"

"Now!" Olivia cut her off. "One second later, and I'll shut this place down by tomorrow."

She turned sharply, her heels striking the marble with urgent precision.

What was supposed to be a carefully arranged matchmaking meeting had spiraled into chaos. Olivia massaged her temples. That stubborn brother of hers—all her efforts wasted.

"Evelyn Roland is such a catch. What more could he possibly want?"

Across the lounge, Victoria Lowell stiffened on the leather sofa.

Evelyn Roland?

Her crimson nails dug into the Hermès bag strap. That bitch was here meeting a man in secret? This was a gift from fate itself.

A sinister smile curled Victoria's lips.

She hadn't forgotten the humiliation from the design competition. This time, she'd make sure that country bumpkin was utterly ruined. Silently, she pulled out her phone and switched it to mute.

As the elevator doors closed, malice flickered in Victoria's eyes.

Inside the suite, Sebastian Valdemar's gaze raked over Evelyn like an X-ray.

"Miss Roland seems quite close to Mr. Roland," he mused, twisting the signet ring on his pinky. "The way he defended you yesterday didn't seem... professional."

Evelyn's spine stiffened, her fingertips turning cold.

"You're mistaken," she said, lifting her teacup to mask her expression. "Mr. Roland treats all employees well."

Sebastian suddenly closed the distance, his towering frame eclipsing her.

"Is that so?" He leaned in, his breath brushing her ear. "Then why does he look at you like you're a long-lost treasure?"

Evelyn shot to her feet, but Sebastian caught her wrist.

"Show me your birthmark," he rasped. "Just once."

They stood locked in tension by the sofa. Evelyn could feel the scorching heat of his palm against her skin.

With a sharp twist, she broke free.

Surprise flashed in Sebastian's eyes—that move wasn't something an ordinary designer would know.

Evelyn had already retreated to the window.

"Stay back!" She flung the floor-to-ceiling window open.

Night wind rushed in, tangling her hair.

Sebastian's pupils constricted. "Are you insane? This is the second floor!"

He lunged to grab her, but Evelyn leaped without hesitation.

"Evelyn!"

His roar was swallowed by the howling wind.