Chapter 376
“You got rid of Alessio and Cable?” Richard’s voice was a mix of fury and disbelief. He hadn’t expected Sebastian to go that far, even though they’d had their fair share of conflicts over the past few years. This felt different, more personal.
Sebastian glanced at Stephanie next to him, who was happily munching on snacks. “I told you, forget about the engagement with her,” he said, his tone flat but firm. Everyone was speechless. Stephanie, munching on a cookie, instinctively looked over at Sebastian when she heard his words.
Richard’s response was a heavy silence, followed by a cold, bitter laugh. “I might be able to forget, but you, Sebastian, do you really think you can be with her? Have you forgotten about Quinn—”
Sebastian’s grip tightened on the phone. He cut Richard off mid-sentence, ending the call abruptly. A storm raged in his eyes, a flicker of something intense and buried deep within him.
Stephanie, still chewing on a cookie, looked at Sebastian in confusion. “Quinn? What?” she asked, her voice innocent and puzzled.
Richard had hinted on the call that Quinn’s departure from school might be connected to Sebastian. Quinn was a close friend of Stephanie’s back in high school in Fiorenza. They were inseparable. But during their sophomore year, Quinn left school for some unknown reason, and they lost touch.
Sebastian reached out and gently tousled her hair. “Just eat your cookies,” he said softly.
But Stephanie’s curiosity was piqued. She knew something was off. Richard’s words had hinted at something significant. Sebastian met her inquisitive gaze and pulled her onto his lap, his expression softening. “Do you enjoy getting involved in other people’s business?” he teased gently.
“No, but Richard—” Stephanie began, but Sebastian cut her off.
“Is what Richard says really worth paying attention to?” he asked, his voice gentle but firm.
“Alright. I won’t ask about him.” Stephanie sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and curiosity. She decided to let it go for now, but she knew she’d find out the truth eventually. She took another bite of her cookie, pretending to be unconcerned.
Sebastian’s eyes softened further as he watched her. He kissed her forehead tenderly. “Good girl.”
“Where are we going now?” Stephanie asked.
“Long Harbor,” Sebastian replied.
“Again?” She really didn’t want to go back to Long Harbor. The place gave her the creeps, and the people there were even worse; she just couldn’t stand it.
He playfully pinched her nose, a teasing smile on his lips. “Just for a couple of days, and then we’ll head back to Fiorenza.”
“Really?” Stephanie’s eyes widened with hope, her expression softening.
“Absolutely,” Sebastian nodded reassuringly.
“Alright,” Stephanie sighed, feeling a wave of relief. She just wanted to go home. Just the thought of being home, in the place where she grew up, made her feel a little better.
“Is Sofia here?” Stephanie asked.
“Yeah, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to see her right now,” Sebastian said. He could tell Stephanie was eager to see Sofia, but something in his gut told him it wasn’t the right time. Sofia had come with Dan, and from the way she’d sounded earlier, something was definitely off.
“Elliot,” Sebastian called out.
“Yes, sir?” Elliot responded promptly.
“Send someone to check on Sofia. See what’s going on with her,” Sebastian instructed. Sofia was usually so carefree and cheerful, but he knew she could be vulnerable too. And from what he’d heard, Dan wasn’t the same person Sofia had once known.
Elliot nodded. “Right away, sir.”
Richard’s fingers tightened around the phone, his knuckles turning pale. With a sudden, explosive movement, he smashed it.
Theodore lay on the operating table, his face contorted with pain. Cold sweat trickled down his forehead as he groaned. “Man, I should’ve never come with you.”
Richard’s eyes flicked toward him, cold and dismissive.
Theodore’s bravado deflated in an instant. His voice dropped to a defeated mumble. “I told you, if you want that thing, just take it. Steal it if you have to. But don’t mess with Stephanie. She’s off-limits.”