Chapter 431

Sebastian's brows knitted together. "Evelyn. Are you seriously thinking about exercising now?"

"Yes, Bash. I'm feeling energized, so I thought I'd take the kayak out on the river behind the estate." She beamed up at him, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"It's pitch black outside. What if you capsize? You barely passed your swimming test last summer." Sebastian's voice carried a protective edge as he gave her waist a gentle pinch. "And have you checked the temperature? It's below freezing in that ridiculous outfit."

His sharp gaze shifted to Theodore. "She only listens to you. How could you let her even consider this?"

"My apologies, Mr. Kingsley. I should have been more firm." Theodore dipped his head in acknowledgment.

"Stop scolding Theo, Bash." Evelyn tugged her brother's sleeve. "He did warn me, but I insisted."

The siblings settled onto the plush sofa, fingers intertwined. Evelyn rested her head against Sebastian's broad shoulder. "The editor-in-chief of Éclat just finalized all the event details with me. Thank you for arranging this incredible opportunity. Éclat was my childhood bible - every issue fueled my fashion dreams."

Vivienne Laurent of Éclat was a living legend, the Miranda Priestly of their generation. Industry insiders knew a single disapproving glance from her could make or break designers during fashion week.

Yet this titan had personally called Evelyn to discuss the charity gala.

No one needed to know how her hands had trembled during that call, though her voice remained perfectly composed.

"As long as it makes you happy, little star." Sebastian's lips curved into a rare soft smile as he booped her nose. "I worried you might be brooding over Blackwood Industries stealing Isabella Wang from your project. Busy minds have no room for melancholy."

"Pfft. I'm not some fragile doll." Evelyn's pink lips formed an adorable pout. "I've been sleeping like a baby and eating everything in sight. That business with Isabella didn't even scratch the surface."

Theodore discreetly bit his lip, his pulse quickening as he watched the unguarded affection playing across Evelyn's face. This softer, more playful version of her only emerged around Sebastian.

He couldn't tear his eyes away from the rare display.

"Sleeping well? Those dark circles tell a different story." Sebastian's calloused thumb gently traced the delicate skin beneath her eyes. "And speaking of - wait, how do you even know Vivienne Laurent? She's practically entrusting her precious event to you. That's not just professional courtesy."

Evelyn's eyes shone with curiosity. "Éclat has never hosted an event in Crestview before."

"We're not acquainted." Sebastian's expression remained impassive.

"Then how-"

"She's been infatuated with me for about a decade, I believe."

Evelyn and Theodore gasped in unison. "What?"

Sebastian shrugged. "I've rejected her multiple times. Eventually I stopped acknowledging her advances altogether."

This was shocking - Vivienne Laurent was nearing fifty, while Sebastian had just turned thirty. The age gap alone made this revelation astonishing.

"How tragic. Absolutely heartbreaking." Evelyn sighed dramatically.

"Indeed. Must be exhausting having a fifty-year-old admirer." Theodore nodded sympathetically.

"Excuse me? I meant for Vivienne!" Evelyn swatted Theodore's arm. As a longtime admirer of the editor-in-chief, she felt compelled to defend her. "Age is irrelevant here. She simply chose the wrong man. She's every bit the formidable Miranda Priestly from Devil Wears Prada. How could sparks fly with an iceberg like Bash? Two frosty personalities don't make a flame."

Sebastian looked utterly speechless.

Theodore found himself equally at a loss for words.