Chapter 482

"Am I the one getting married here, or are you?" Evelyn shot her agent a withering glare. "I'm discussing business with Ms. Laurent. It's incredibly rude to interrupt."

Isabella flushed crimson, turning to her agent. "I chose to work with Ms. Carter precisely because I trust her judgment completely."

"I fully intend to follow her recommendations, so kindly keep your opinions to yourself."

After finalizing the new contract with Isabella, Evelyn delegated her team to escort the celebrity's entourage out. She quickly briefed her staff on the assignment details before heading home for the evening.

Sebastian's Rolls Royce was idling at the office entrance. The chauffeur opened the door with practiced elegance.

"Seb! What's the occasion?" Evelyn slid into the plush leather seat and immediately wrapped her arms around her brother's neck.

"I heard you gave Theodore an entire week off." Sebastian absently stroked her hair.

"Yes. He's been working nonstop lately. The break is well-deserved."

"Is that so?"

Sebastian's eyes narrowed with knowing amusement. "Trouble seems to follow you everywhere these days, and yet you dismiss your most capable assistant when you need him most. Did you two have a lovers' quarrel?"

Evelyn's brows knitted together. "What exactly are you implying? We're not involved like that. Where did you get such an absurd idea?"

"Ah, so the poor fellow's affections remain unrequited then."

Evelyn's eyes widened. "Sebastian Kingsley, explain yourself this instant!"

"Theodore's feelings for you are painfully obvious to everyone," Sebastian remarked with a knowing smile.

"Everyone?"

"Aunt Lillian too. She mentioned it to me recently - said she couldn't bring herself to tell you directly."

Evelyn fell silent, mortified. Apparently the entire world had noticed Theodore's crush except her.

As if the situation wasn't awkward enough already.

"Aunt Lillian worries his feelings might complicate your professional relationship, especially since you're living together at Crestview. She's not comfortable with the arrangement," Sebastian said, squeezing his sister's hand.

Lillian's concern stemmed from genuine care - she viewed Evelyn as her own daughter.

In Lillian's mind, there was always the risk Theodore might act on his desires when emotions ran high.

"I trust Theodore completely. He would never cross that line," Evelyn said firmly. "But I need to know why you suddenly granted him leave."

"Truthfully? I'm giving him space to reconsider his position."

Evelyn didn't need her brother's protection. Her expression turned serious. "I became aware of his feelings, so I insisted on this break. It's a reality check."

"If he can't move past this, I can't keep him as my assistant."

Sebastian frowned. "That's rather harsh. You'd really let him go over this?"

"It's for his own good."

Evelyn sighed heavily. "Romance isn't in the cards for me anymore. Nothing could ever happen between us. It would only cause him pain to remain close, knowing his feelings can't be returned." Her voice softened. "I know the agony of loving someone you can't have. I won't let people I care about suffer that way. Theodore deserves better than pining after me."

Sebastian pulled his sister into a comforting embrace.

His phone chose that moment to ring.

Keeping one arm around Evelyn, he answered curtly, "Yes?"

"Mr. Kingsley, Cassandra Blackwood has been released without charges. Lawrence Pembroke secured her release."