Chapter 164

Sebastian stood at the doorway. Hearing Stephanie say she was tired, a subtle smile played on his lips. He glanced at his watch. "It's already nine o'clock," he said.

"I'm really exhausted. I want to sleep a little longer," Stephanie mumbled.

"I'm coming in."

Stephanie panicked. "I'm getting up right now!" she exclaimed.

The moment she heard Sebastian was about to enter, she was flustered. She hurriedly pulled up her shirt collar, wrapping it tightly around her neck.

Sebastian reminded her, "Hurry up. Breakfast has been reheated several times already."

"Got it," she replied.

Inside the room, Stephanie felt like crying. She rummaged through her wardrobe for a scarf, but it was too small to cover the marks. She grabbed a thick muffler instead and wrapped it tightly around her neck.

Downstairs, she found Sebastian seated on the sofa, working on his laptop. Hearing her footsteps, he turned, noticing the dark circles under her eyes.

"You really didn't sleep well?" he asked.

Stephanie hummed in response. With her racing heart, how could she have slept? Judging by his expression, she felt he'd forgotten everything that happened after he'd gotten drunk. This only increased her frustration. He hadn't gone too far, she thought, but if he had and then forgotten, how would I make him take responsibility?

Sebastian noticed the muffler. "Are you cold?" he asked.

"No, not at all," Stephanie blurted, instantly regretting her words.

Sure enough, Sebastian immediately questioned, "If you're not cold, why are you bundling up like that?" The room was climate-controlled; extra layers were unnecessary.

Stephanie was speechless. Hearing his words, she pursed her lips, unsure how to answer. It's all because of you! she thought.

The butler, upon seeing Stephanie, instructed the servants to bring out breakfast. Ignoring Sebastian's question, Stephanie went straight to the dining room. She sipped her oatmeal, glancing at him still seated in the living room.

"Aren't you heading out today?" she asked.

"Not until later."

"Oh." No wonder he was still here.

Sebastian closed his laptop and walked toward the dining room. His height—at least six feet—and long legs alone were enough to make hearts race. Stephanie knew how much women had adored him over the years, though his naturally cold aura kept most at bay. Of course, there were those who had attempted to drug him; their fates remained unknown, as they never reappeared.

He sat across from her, his gaze intense. Stephanie's heart skipped a beat. "Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked.

"Why are your lips swollen?" Sebastian asked.

Stephanie's mind blanked; blood rushed through her body. So, he really had forgotten everything?! How dare he ask why her lips were swollen? she thought, clutching her head in frustration. "Do you remember how you got back last night?" she demanded.

"Huh?"

The realization that he'd lost his memories from the previous night silenced her. The thought made her want to pull her hair out.

Before she could respond, Sebastian reached over and pulled off her muffler. The cool air hitting her neck made her heart skip a beat. She instinctively reached for the muffler, but in her haste, she fell into Sebastian's arms. Time seemed to stand still.