Sebastian, his presence sharp and imposing, walked out of the office, hand in hand with the softly-demeanored Stephanie. The contrast created a heartwarming visual. In the elevator, colleagues whispered behind Jennifer, "Is that Miss Giovanni's boyfriend? He looks much better than Mr. Ashford, and he treats her well, too." Another countered, "Come on, don't make things up. I think that's her brother." Jennifer, remembering Stephanie's earlier introduction of Sebastian as her brother, mused, "Well, even if he's her brother, having someone like him around means Mr. Ashford will get what's coming to him for bullying Miss Giovanni." "He already has," Jennifer added, doubting anyone in Long Harbor would dare touch Chris Ashford. The Ashford family's longstanding influence in the city meant impunity for most, but not for Sebastian. Serves him right.
Tyler, as expected, was a terrible person. He was not only incapable of discerning close from distant relationships, but also maintained a mistress while pursuing a wealthy heiress. Jennifer considered him the epitome of a scumbag.
Stephanie and Sebastian returned to Whispering Bay. The scent of spicy food hit Stephanie as they entered; she immediately released Sebastian's hand and dashed toward the dining room. Sebastian, noticing his hand empty and seeing Stephanie's cheerful back, smiled slightly. Elliot, following behind, remarked, "Her appetite has improved a lot lately." He had done his research: Stephanie usually ate little, enjoying spicy food only when Ella took her out; otherwise, she frequently skipped meals. "A good appetite is a blessing," Sebastian replied, his gaze gentle and fixed on Stephanie.
Hearing this, Elliot fell silent, wondering why Sebastian hadn't allowed Stephanie to eat more freely before. Sebastian, when unable to return home on time, would instruct the butler to watch over her, returning personally if she misbehaved.
Sebastian removed his coat, handing it to Elliot. "Tell Jackson we have no intention of exporting our minerals." Elliot froze, surprised. They had previously planned overseas distribution, and Jackson seemed a suitable candidate. Elliot, unsure of the change, simply nodded. "Understood. I'll let him know right away." Sebastian, saying nothing more, went to the dining room.
Meanwhile, Stephanie stared at the supposedly "spicy food," finding it disappointingly bland. Sebastian sat beside her, ruffling her hair. "What's wrong?" "How can this be called spicy food?" she protested, seeing no chili peppers. She felt he'd lied. Sebastian hummed, "It's healthier this way." Stephanie pouted, "It wouldn't hurt to eat it once in a while." "You used to eat it every week. Isn't that frequent enough?" Sebastian asked. Stephanie gave him a resentful look.
A servant presented Sebastian with a hot towel. He wiped his hands before preparing food for Stephanie. Seeing her sulky expression, he chuckled. "Don't you want to eat?"