Chapter 96
Evelyn looked momentarily stunned, but she quickly averted her gaze. Though she fought to suppress her emotions, Sebastian could still detect a flicker of embarrassment in her eyes.
His pulse quickened, heat creeping up his neck.
Just then, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, glanced at the caller ID, and immediately stepped out of the study.
Leaning against the corridor wall, Sebastian stared at the name flashing on his screen—Vanessa. With a quiet exhale, he answered.
“Sebastian, are you still upset with me?” Vanessa’s tearful voice spilled through the line before he could speak.
“No,” he replied flatly.
But she wasn’t convinced. “C-Can you come over tonight? I miss you so much, I can barely sleep…” Her voice was honeyed, pleading.
“Not tonight. I’m staying with Grandfather.”
“You’re at Archibald’s?” Her tone brightened. “I’ll come by, then. Didn’t you say I should visit more often? That way, he’ll accept me as family.”
She continued eagerly, “I just baked a fresh batch of chestnut tarts—the ones we used to sneak before dinner. I’ll bring some for him too. I want him to taste my cooking.”
“Vanessa, not tonight.”
Sebastian’s voice softened slightly when she mentioned their shared memories. “Evelyn is here. It wouldn’t be good if you two crossed paths. You know how fond Grandfather is of her—”
“You’re with her?” Vanessa’s voice trembled with sudden fury.
“Yes. Grandfather insisted on seeing her.”
“Is that the truth? Or do you want to see her?” she snapped.
“Don’t overthink it,” he said coldly.
“What is that shameless woman plotting now? You’re divorced! Why is she still clinging to you?” Vanessa seethed. “She must be poisoning Archibald against me! Using him to pressure you! How dare she?”
Sebastian pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling in frustration.
Meanwhile, Evelyn’s mind replayed the way Sebastian had looked at her earlier. Her heart stuttered.
Damn it. Why had she blushed? How pathetic.
His gaze was naturally intense—had she mistaken it for something more?
“Evelyn,” Archibald called suddenly.
She snapped to attention. “Yes, Grandfather?”
“I see you’re still wearing the bracelet I gave you.”
Panic shot through her. Her throat went dry.
“G-Grandfather—”
“Keep it. That bracelet will stay with you forever.” He smiled warmly. “I had Edmund sort through my late wife’s jewels. There are a few more pieces I’d like you to have. Consider them security.”
His expression turned solemn. “I’m old, child. I once believed you and Sebastian would have a happy life together, but that grandson of mine is as foolish as his father.”
“I want you to be safe. If trouble ever finds you, those gems will ensure you never want for anything.”
Suddenly, Archibald faltered. The usually commanding man looked helpless.
Evelyn stood before him like a guilty child, shoulders trembling, eyes welling with tears. Then, they spilled over.
“Grandfather, I’m so sorry…”
Memories flooded her—how she’d deceived him to get close to Sebastian, how kind he’d always been, how she’d failed to protect his gift.
Guilt crushed her.
“Oh, darling, don’t cry!” Archibald fumbled for his handkerchief, dabbing her cheeks anxiously.
Sebastian, hearing her sobs from the hallway, turned sharply.
The sight of Evelyn crying shattered something in him. His chest ached.
