Chapter 220

Chris had met Sebastian several times and remembered his appearance. If he realized Sebastian was the Lucano family heir, Stephanie couldn't imagine the consequences. She glanced at Sebastian, her eyes sparkling. "Sebastian, are you going to meet Mr. Ashford?"

Sebastian smiled. "Do you want me to?"

Stephanie nodded. "He's a good man." To her, Fred was a man of integrity, whom she admired, especially after hearing of his youthful accomplishments. Two years earlier, when her engagement to Chris was announced, Fred had vehemently opposed it, criticizing Grace and the Harts for not consulting Stephanie. He was right to be angry.

Sebastian smiled warmly, ruffling her hair. "You go to Macro first."

Stephanie's heart fluttered. She knew what Macro would do. Hesitantly, she hooked her finger around Sebastian's. He chuckled softly. "Afraid?"

She shook her head. "No, not at all. You go first." Her words belied her fear. For years, she'd only taken medicine, refusing injections, a fear exceeding that of most children. Perhaps it stemmed from a sickly childhood, prone to colds, especially in winter. Sebastian recalled finding her feverish one day after school, rushing to get her a doctor's injection.

If not for the kidnapping, her legs wouldn't be in their current state. Sebastian's gaze softened. He clasped her hand reassuringly. "Go ahead. I'll be there soon."

"Okay," she replied, though she truly dreaded the acupuncture. She cast one last pleading look at Sebastian.

He carefully adjusted her nightgown before leaving. She watched until he disappeared, then retrieved her phone and went to find Macro.

He was already preparing. "Relax," he grinned. "I've perfected my skill over the years. It won't hurt a bit."

Stephanie didn't believe him. "Where's Sebastian?" Macro asked, surprised to see her alone. Stephanie's aversion to needles made Sebastian's absence unusual, especially considering his constant attention since arriving in Long Harbor.

"He went to meet Fred," she replied.

Macro froze. "Fred? He came in person?"

"Yes."

Macro considered this. It made sense; Sebastian rarely bent over backward for anyone. "What about Chris?"

"He's there, too," Stephanie said matter-of-factly. She'd been in the hot spring a long time, and Chris still hadn't found Sebastian. Fred must have become anxious.

Macro clicked his tongue. "So, Chris has met Sebastian before?"

"Yes, and he's been beaten up several times."

Macro's lip twitched. 'Beaten up several times? That must have been quite a story!' he thought. "This ought to be good," he said. Their past encounters ensured Chris would recognize Sebastian. What would Chris's expression be?

Stephanie remained uninterested. "Good or not, it's going to be agonizing."

Macro agreed. "You've got a point." The Ashford Group was frantic, their mines running dry. Knowing the Lucano heir was present, they'd been trying desperately to meet him, yet still hadn't succeeded.

If Chris discovered the man they'd been pursuing was Sebastian—the man who'd beaten him repeatedly—the expression on his face alone would be worth seeing.

Macro glanced at Stephanie. "Aren't you going to watch the show? You like to watch, don't you?"

"Nope," she replied flatly. She'd seen enough of the Ashford and Hart family's antics.