Is That Still On The Table

Sebastian felt an unexpected chill.

He coughed lightly, forcing a laugh to mask his discomfort. "Truthfully, Alexander once did me an enormous favor. He saved my life, essentially. So you could view this as me repaying a debt."

Evelyn nodded, understanding dawning.

So that was the connection between Alexander and Sebastian. It explained why everything had been settled so easily.

Even though Alexander wasn't a major power player, he was still a Blackwood. It wasn't shocking that he had ties to someone like Sebastian, the Hayes family heir.

But Sebastian was the public face of Aethelgard Industries... Could Alexander's massive debt be linked to him?

Sensing Evelyn's unspoken questions, Sebastian quickly changed the subject. "Right, about those incompetent fools who work for me... I assume Alexander told you?"

His usual playful attitude disappeared, replaced by stern seriousness. "The point is, I misjudged those idiots and mishandled the situation. Evelyn, state your conditions. I'll agree to anything you ask."

Evelyn's focus snapped back. She remembered Alexander's words before he left.

As if reading her mind, Alexander gave a slight nod, signaling she had full permission to make any demand.

Sebastian was clearly desperate to save this land development project.

Wasn't he afraid she would make an outrageous request?

After a moment's thought, Evelyn decided to go easy on him, considering his relationship with Alexander.

"No grand gestures are necessary," Evelyn said softly. "I only want the children at the orphanage and Eleanor to be safe. You mentioned relocating the orphanage and providing compensation. Is that offer still valid?"

"Absolutely. It's the very least I can do," Sebastian confirmed immediately. He hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. "Are you completely sure there's nothing else you want?"

Evelyn shook her head calmly. "No, that's all."

Sebastian looked genuinely astonished. "You're serious? Nothing more?"

Evelyn frowned. "What else would I possibly want?"

She had been perfectly clear. Why was he so shocked?

Sebastian blinked. "Well, money, for starters."

After a brief pause, he added, "Or perhaps you planned to publicly ruin my reputation online, like you did with Patricia Blackwood."

Evelyn was surprised her clash with Patricia had become such widespread gossip. It seemed even the wealthy loved drama.

"Patricia brought that upon herself. She started the fight, and I simply ended it," Evelyn retorted.

"As for you," Evelyn continued calmly, "you claimed this was your subordinates' fault and that you were also a victim. Now that the orphanage situation is resolved, I see no reason to escalate further."

"Evelyn, you are truly a kind person," Sebastian remarked, admiration evident in his voice.

Then, a sly grin spread across his face. "But how can you be sure I'm not just acting? With my influence, I could easily force a subordinate to take the blame," he challenged.

Evelyn's expression turned icy. Her brow furrowed as she replied in a cold, firm voice, "Then don't say I didn't warn you when I retaliate."