Chapter 640
In the car, Stephanie looked out the window, feeling upset. Even though she didn't say anything, Sebastian could tell something was wrong. “Stefi,” he said in a rough voice.
But she ignored him, thinking about the gathering they had just attended. It had been short but filled with gossip, especially about Sable and Lucinda, who had said things that bothered her. She was also worried about Mireille’s comments, which suggested Mireille still had feelings for Sebastian. With the governor of Rivencrest in her family, she felt more confident in pursuing Sebastian.
Seeing Stephanie so quiet, Sebastian hugged her and asked, “Are you jealous?”
Stephanie asked, “Did you call Mireille over the last two years?” Her tone was sharp, showing her jealousy.
The tension in the car grew. Stephanie was openly upset, unlike Mireille, who had kept her cool with Sebastian. Sebastian kissed her firmly, which surprised her. “Let go,” she said and struggled to pull away, but Sebastian’s warm hand held the back of her head, leaving her no way to escape. His kiss was both assertive and gentle. Gradually, Stephanie became lost in his touch.
After what felt like forever, when her breath quickened, he finally let go. His voice, low and warm, whispered, “You have much to learn. A kiss shouldn’t leave you breathless.”
She leaned against him, a bit annoyed, while he playfully pushed her head down and said, “Stay still.” The heat in the car seemed to rise. “You’re scolding me,” she pouted.
“I’m not,” he said, affectionately ruffling her soft hair. At that moment, his voice felt warm and tender. Hearing him like that surprised Stephanie. He usually had a strong, commanding presence. These gentle words were rare.
At first, Stephanie had acted like a fiery kitten, but his words calmed some of her anger. “Tell me more about Mireille.”
Sebastian said, “I don’t know her well.”
“But the Murphy family wants you to marry her.” Stephanie had always worn her emotions on her face. Hearing her possessive tone made Sebastian laugh. “Who I marry is my decision.” In Fiorenza, it was hard to imagine anyone daring to challenge the Giovanni family’s power.
Sebastian pinched her cheek playfully. Stephanie asked, “Did Mireille call you over the past years?” Her voice showed her discomfort.
Elliot, who was driving, tried to hold back his laughter at all of Stephanie’s questions directed at Sebastian. In Fiorenza, it was unlikely anyone else would dare to speak to Sebastian like that; only she could.
“She had no chance to,” Sebastian reassured her, speaking the truth.
“Ms. Giovanni, don’t worry. Mr. Giovanni hasn’t paid attention to any other women in these years,” Elliot said, trying to calm her.
Stephanie wore a proud expression, her anger towards Mireille still clear. Sebastian pressed her head against his heart and told Elliot, “Call the Murphy family and tell them we won’t consider.”
Elliot said, “Okay.”
Chapter 640
There were additional benefits outside of the official collaboration, and these were set to be shared equally between the Murphy family and the Giovanni family. Sebastian was indifferent to this situation, but Halden felt differently. Those hidden benefits were very enticing to Halden. However, at that moment, Sebastian maintained a completely official stance. As a result, the advantages that Halden desired were likely to slip away.