Chapter 191

Evelyn stood frozen in the vast emptiness of the silent living room.

Her trembling fingers found the light switch as she called out desperately, "Sebastian? Are you home?"

A faint rustling sound came from the bedroom.

Her pulse quickened. She rushed forward, voice cracking with worry. "Sebastian! Answer me! Are you ill?"

"Evelyn...don't..." Sebastian's voice came out strangled, his breathing ragged.

"Sebastian! What's happening?"

All color drained from Evelyn's face. As she moved to enter, the door burst open.

In the dim glow, Sebastian appeared drenched from head to toe, as though emerging from the ocean. His chiseled features burned crimson.

The suit jacket lay discarded, leaving only a soaked white shirt plastered to his sculpted torso. The fabric gaped open, revealing inflamed skin beneath. His entire body seemed to pulse with unnatural heat.

"Sebastian, you're—"

"Drugged."

His vision swam, Evelyn's form blurring before him. "Cold showers...ice baths...nothing helps. The dosage is too strong."

"This can't be!" Fury and panic warred within Evelyn.

Though a surgical prodigy who'd performed brain operations, she stood helpless before her brother's chemically-induced torment.

"Evelyn...it's a setup." Each word cost him dearly. "Lock me in...I'll endure this alone."

His breathing grew more labored, eyes now fully bloodshot.

Evelyn's mind raced. Every second endangered him further.

"I won't abandon you!" Her voice broke. "The car's waiting—we're going to the hospital now!"

Never had she seen Sebastian in such agony. Tears pricked her eyes as she reached for him.

A deafening crash shattered the moment.

Sebastian had hurled a vase against the doorframe.

Then, with terrifying deliberation, he seized a glass shard and clenched it in his fist. Blood welled between his fingers as he maintained the pressure, seemingly drawing strength from the pain.

"Sebastian!" Evelyn's heart fractured at the sight.

This was his last defense—self-harm to protect her.

"Please...go!" he begged.

When she hesitated, his lust-darkened eyes met hers with finality. "GET OUT!"

Meanwhile, in the banquet hall's golden glow...

Harrison engaged Reginald Blackwood in animated conversation at the head table. Nearby sycophants kept their distance.

Harrison's imperial presence—like some ancient monarch—rendered lesser men unworthy to approach.

Wine-loosened, Reginald beckoned younger guests to join them.

Marcus Underwood escorted Nathan Blackwood and Cassandra Blackwood to the prestigious seats.

"Harrison, what say you about my grandson?" Reginald nudged playfully.

A faint smile touched Harrison's lips. "Reginald, your grandson eclipses even your legendary self."

Leonard Blackwood coughed discreetly, baffled by this blunt assessment from a man who'd built a financial empire.

As Leonard's son, Nathan should have been praised for inheriting fine genes. Yet Harrison implied generational superiority.

"Ha! The boy's not half the man I was at his age!" Reginald boasted. "Though admittedly stubborn as a mule—won't heed a word of my advice!"

Nathan sipped tea, his expression glacial.

"Father, you underestimate Nathan," Leonard interjected, aiming to one-up Harrison. "Under his leadership, Blackwood Industries has seen unprecedented growth—far outpacing competitors."

"Pah! That's baseline competence!" Reginald scoffed, never missing a chance to belittle his son. "If he couldn't manage that much, I'd replace him with someone who could!"

Harrison's gaze sharpened. "Reginald, Nathan's reforms have made Blackwood Industries a Crestview powerhouse in mere years. He's set the standard for young executives."

The unspoken truth hung between them—Reginald's criticisms were inverted pride. His grandson had exceeded all expectations.

"Harrison, you seem quite taken with Nathan!" Reginald's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Shall we discuss merging our families?"