Chapter 200

After a night of chaos between the Ashford and Hart families, Stephanie enjoyed a peaceful sleep. She awoke early, initially planning to go to her studio, but Sebastian instead took her to the hospital.

Confused, she asked, "Why does Mrs. Blackwood want to see me?" Mrs. Blackwood—the elderly woman who had previously helped Sebastian at the hospital—had called him last night, requesting a meeting with Stephanie.

Sebastian shrugged. "She probably likes you."

"Huh? We've only met twice. Don't tell me she's trying to set me up with her grandson?" she teased. "After all, that's usually why older ladies take a liking to a girl."

Sebastian chuckled, playfully pinching her cheek. "If that were the case, do you think I'd have brought you here?"

Stephanie fell silent. "Okay, fair point!" she conceded. The thought reminded her of her teenage years in Florence, when elite families had practically besieged the Giovanni estate, vying for her hand in marriage. They couldn't hope to marry into the main Giovanni line, so they targeted her instead. Sebastian had, of course, turned them all away, deeming her too young. Back then, she had been too young. But now?

She glanced at Sebastian, deep in thought. As the car arrived, he said, "Let Elliot accompany you."

"Got it," she replied, noting the presence of a driver, indicating Elliot had other plans; he was simply escorting her to see Mrs. Blackwood.

As Elliot opened the car door, Stephanie glanced at Sebastian. "Alright, I'm going."

"Wait," Sebastian's deep voice stopped her. A subtle, restrained tension laced his tone.

She turned back. "What is it?"

Before she could react, he pulled her back into the car. With her back against the door, he reached toward her chest. Stephanie froze, every muscle tensing. Her face burned as she stammered, "S-Sebastian…"

Chapter 290

Her heart pounded. Then, she felt a slight tug at her dress. Glancing down, she saw Sebastian's long fingers delicately adjusting something.

Stephanie froze. "Seriously?" she thought. He even inspected it afterward, frowning, "The weaving is loose. This dart is no good."

Her face flushed crimson. Sebastian then removed his scarf and wrapped it around her, the ends falling just far enough to conceal the problem. When he looked up, he saw Stephanie's completely flushed face. His expression stiffened. "Why are you blushing?"

"I… I just…" she stammered. "Damn it!" she thought. For a split second, she’d had a completely different idea of what was happening.

Amusement flickered in Sebastian's eyes as he realized her misconception. "What exactly did you think I was going to do, Stefi?"

Stephanie, already red, looked as if she might combust.

"Enough!" she exclaimed, spinning around to escape the car. But before she could, a firm grip caught her wrist. With a slight pull, she stumbled directly into Sebastian's chest.

"S-Sebastian, you—"

Above her, his low chuckle rumbled. "Well, well… My Stefi is all grown up. You actually get embarrassed now."

"Stop it!"

Sebastian pinched her cheek, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Tell me, what exactly did you think I was about to do?"

"I don't know! Don't ask me!" she insisted.