Chapter 171

Now he had to explain himself to Sebastian, leaving no time to deal with Stephanie. Jackson left. Soon after, Jennifer entered. “Stephanie, did Mr. Hodge lose something? Doesn’t it seem like he’s trying to cheat you?” Jennifer looked at everyone as if they were all trying to defraud Stephanie.

Stephanie replied, “Do you think everyone’s like Catlin?” Jennifer was silent, worried only about her boss. Their studio had been open for almost two years, and they’d never had so many visitors. Catlin had been dismissed yesterday, and today Jackson claimed something valuable was missing from Stephanie’s office. Jennifer suspected someone was targeting her boss.

Stephanie continued, “He lost a ring—judging by its quality, it’s worth nearly three million.” Jennifer was astonished. Could someone really be trying to scam Stephanie? Losing a million-dollar ring in the office? Jennifer would have assumed a scam if it weren’t so blatant.

“I have a feeling he’s trying to swindle you, Stephanie. Don’t be too naive.”

Stephanie retorted, “Don’t be so cynical, or you’ll never get a boyfriend.” Jennifer froze. Was that too cynical? she wondered. Who in their right mind would visit and lose something worth millions? It had to be intentional.

“Enough about that, get me a cup of coffee,” Stephanie commanded. Whether or not she was actually swindled, no one could easily deceive her. As long as she didn’t try to scam anyone herself, that was all that mattered. Sebastian had gotten her drunk last night and given her a hard time; she was still slightly woozy. Jennifer nodded and left.

When Stephanie was alone, her phone buzzed incessantly. It was Sebastian. She answered, “Sebastian.”

“Has Jackson left?” his deep, somewhat intimidating voice asked.

“Yes, he left,” Stephanie replied. If he didn’t leave soon, would he come and peel his skin off? she wondered.

Sebastian asked, “What about the bracelet?”

“I returned it to him,” Stephanie replied immediately. Thank goodness; judging by his tone, she’d be in serious trouble otherwise.

“Now, what did I tell you?” Sebastian pressed.

“Never accept a man’s gift. I didn’t accept it,” Stephanie replied quietly, a hint of sadness in her voice. Sensing Sebastian’s seriousness, she quickly added, “I really didn’t accept it.”

“Good girl,” Sebastian said. Stephanie rolled her eyes. Is ‘good girl’ still an appropriate term for me? she wondered.

“Does that mean I’ll never accept a man’s gift? I’m all grown up now.” Her tone was testing. Even though Sebastian had no other woman, she had matured. And after last night… Just the thought made her cheeks flush. Although Sebastian claimed to remember nothing from last night, Stephanie wanted to test his intentions.

After she finished speaking, silence fell, and Stephanie’s heart tightened. About five seconds later, Sebastian said, “Tell me, Stefi, how does it feel to keep a man’s gift?”

“Huh? I’ve never kept one!” For heaven’s sake—in all her years in Long Harbor, she’d never accepted a gift from a man.

“Didn’t I buy it for you?” Sebastian pressed.

“Um…” She was confused.

“What does it feel like?” he demanded.

Stephanie was speechless. The question was so abrupt she couldn’t process it.