Chapter 370

Sebastian's lips trembled slightly, as if struggling to form words of protest, but he swallowed them back with visible effort. His eyes squeezed shut, revealing deep anguish.

Olivia sensed something unusual. Did Evelyn have some hold over Sebastian? But that hardly mattered now.

The instigators had scattered like frightened mice at Sebastian's arrival. Evelyn's entourage now stood subdued under the watchful eyes of Sebastian's security team.

With a subtle gesture from Olivia, guards moved to restrain Evelyn. "Sebastian speaks truth. His protection won't shield you this time, Evelyn. The debt between us runs deep - did you truly believe I'd let your transgressions go unanswered? Did you imagine I wouldn't retaliate when you came hunting for me?"

Evelyn thrashed against her captors, eyes darting wildly with barely concealed panic. She raised her voice in desperate defiance, "Who do you think you are, Olivia Sinclair? You'll never surpass me! You're still the same worthless trash you've always been!"

Amelia rushed back into the room, cheeks flushed with outrage. "Olivia, she's unbearable!"

A glacial edge entered Olivia's voice. "Then ensure we never hear from her again. The noise offends me."

Evelyn's knees buckled as the color drained from her face. The guards dragged her away, her fading curses echoing down the corridor long after she disappeared from view.

Silence reclaimed the private chamber. Olivia gingerly touched her wounds, shadows of pain darkening her eyes.

Sebastian dropped to his knees before her, handsome features twisted in remorse. "This is my failure, Olivia. All of it. Berate me as you will. How could I have been so blind? To let you suffer like this... Had I arrived moments later..." His voice broke as he struck his own chest in self-recrimination. "Sebastian—" Olivia caught his wrist mid-motion.

Their eyes met - his filled with torment, hers with quiet understanding.

"I bear you no malice. As I've said before, you could have lived comfortably as the Whitmore heir. Your dedication to the auction house is undeniable. Without you, it would never have become Eldermere's premier establishment. For that, you have my gratitude."

Her tone shifted abruptly, turning arctic. "But today we settle accounts. I cannot comprehend your attachment to Evelyn. As you've witnessed, our conflict admits no reconciliation."

"You must choose - Evelyn or the auction house. Should you depart, you'll receive a generous severance."

Sebastian's eyes flickered, his throat working soundlessly. The decision was clear, yet speaking it proved unbearable.

He bowed his head, avoiding Olivia's piercing gaze. "I cannot break my engagement. Forgive me."

Olivia released his wrist. Not angry, merely perplexed. What hidden strings did Evelyn pull? Sebastian was no fool - he must have uncovered Evelyn's true nature. Since he refused to explain, Olivia wouldn't press.

"Then assist me in selecting a new director. This changes nothing between us personally, Sebastian." Her voice turned steely. "But know this - Evelyn won't escape consequences this time."