Chapter 221
Sebastian Royston lost consciousness from excruciating pain.
Nathaniel Langley didn't even flinch as he meticulously recorded the experimental data.
The pen scratched against paper until he suddenly paused.
His gaze lingered on Sebastian's pallid body.
A flicker of madness flashed in his eyes before vanishing into calm.
He inhaled deeply and placed the scalpel back on the tray.
Not yet.
Live dissection was too cruel.
Even for Sebastian Royston.
At least...not until he'd outlived his usefulness.
Nathaniel turned away as the heavy metal door sealed shut behind him.
No one would ever discover this underground laboratory's secrets.
Morning sunlight streamed through the curtains onto Evelyn Laurent's duvet on her birthday.
Rubbing her eyes, she descended the stairs to find her entire family waiting in the dining room.
"Happy birthday, Evelyn!"
Her six brothers' synchronized greeting made her freeze mid-step.
A steaming bowl of longevity noodles sat on the table as Victoria Langley sprinkled chopped scallions.
"Come here, darling. I made them myself." Victoria beckoned with a smile.
Evelyn's eyes prickled with warmth as she hurried over.
Richard Langley looked years younger in casual wear instead of his usual suits. "After school today, Ethan will take you to Symphony Heights."
"That's...?"
"A new music restaurant," Julian Langley interjected. "We reserved the penthouse."
Just as Evelyn started to protest, her father added, "Just family."
She pressed her lips into a smile and began eating.
The noodles were perfectly chewy, the broth rich, even the egg had a molten yolk.
After breakfast, she grabbed her backpack. "Off to school!"
Instead of the family Bentley, Ethan Sullivan's Maybach idled outside.
The window lowered to reveal his striking profile. "Happy birthday, Evelyn."
She blinked before sliding into the passenger seat. "No meetings today?"
"On my way." He turned the steering wheel with a faint smile.
In truth, he'd woken at 4 AM just to drive her himself.
As they merged onto the main road, he casually asked, "Any special gift requests?"
Evelyn tilted her head. "I'll love anything from you."
Sunlight dappled gold across her lashes.
Ethan's grip tightened on the wheel.
His heartbeat skipped.