Chapter 222

Chris's knuckles whitened as he clenched his fists, his teeth grinding as he stared at Sebastian. Leaping to his feet, his eyes blazed with resentment. "What are you doing here?"

The sudden realization that Stephanie was also present struck him. Had she already become inseparable from this man? The formidable pressure emanating from Sebastian was palpable—an extraordinary presence that made Chris wonder if he, too, was seeking cooperation with the Lucano family. If so, who was he? Contending with Jackson was already a significant challenge.

Chris's already dark expression turned thunderous. "Don't even dream of getting your hands on the Lucano family's mines," he snarled through clenched teeth. Dealing with Jackson had already stretched their resources. Now this audacious newcomer! He assumed Stephanie had gotten him into serious trouble—had she betrayed details of Ashford Group's collaboration with the Lucano family? If so, it was bad-faith competition. Doubt, once planted, spread its venomous tendrils through his mind, despite never mentioning the Hart family's mines or the substitution strategy to Stephanie.

Elliot, standing behind Sebastian, swept Chris with barely disguised disdain. "Mr. Ashford, it appears there are numerous matters beyond your comprehension." The look seemed to pity him. Mr. Giovanni had been operating Long Harbor for some time, yet Chris's reaction suggested profound ignorance. The Ashford Group heir was truly nothing. How could Old Mr. Ashford entrust the company to such hands?

Chris finally noticed Elliot. Astonishment crossed his features as his gaze darted between Elliot and Sebastian. He couldn't fathom why they were together; in their previous encounters, he'd concluded they both had relationships with Stephanie. His eyes flickered between them. Were these two allied? His mind scrambled, then went blank.

Noting Chris's speechless confusion, Elliot stepped forward. "Mr. Giovanni, it appears Old Mr. Ashford isn't present. Shall we take our leave?"

Chris froze. Observing Elliot's deferential demeanor toward Sebastian, a bad feeling washed over him. Sebastian merely gave him a cold glance.

Just then, Fred, who had stepped away to answer a call, returned and saw Sebastian and Elliot. Surprise flickered across his face. Recovering quickly, he approached with courtesy. "Hello, Mr. Lucano." He recognized Sebastian instantly—he had met the Lucano heir five years prior. The intervening years had stripped away Sebastian's youth, leaving only maturity and composure. Fred had wanted a personal meeting, but held back, believing Chris needed experience. Especially during this critical time for Ashford Group, he wanted to see how Chris would handle challenges independently. Yet his son had wasted his energies on romantic entanglements.

Fred extended his hand to Sebastian, his manner respectful despite his seniority. The typically casual Fred had even donned formal attire for this meeting, in stark contrast to Sebastian's bathrobe. Chris was shocked by his father's respectful attitude towards the man who had, at least in Chris's perception, wronged him—addressing him as "Mr. Lucano."

Chris's mind buzzed. He stood stunned, his pupils constricting. His gaze darted between Sebastian and his father.

"This way, Mr. Lucano," Fred said politely.

Sebastian strode past Chris without a glance. A faint, cold scent lingered, snapping Chris back to reality. He stared unblinkingly at Sebastian's back. He was the heir to the Lucano family? It couldn't be… Confusion overwhelmed him. He wasn't just stunned; his mind was completely blank.

Fred politely led Sebastian inside, chatting and laughing. Chris couldn't hear them; only the buzzing in his head.

Leaving the building, Chris stood outside for a long time, smoking. Kevin approached. "Sir, why are you here?"