Chapter 226
After finishing the report on the Hodge Group, Elliot answered a call. Hanging up, he glanced at Stephanie. Macro was removing the needles; Stephanie, terrified, couldn't bear to watch. Sebastian, seeing her distress, covered her eyes. Even so, a soft whimper escaped her.
He whispered soothingly, "It's okay, it's all over now."
Cautiously, Stephanie asked, "This is the last time, right?"
"Don't even think about it," Macro said bluntly. "You need this continuously for a month—at least every three days, given your condition."
Stephanie's eyes widened in horror, tears welling. Sebastian shot Macro a cold look, silencing him.
"I'm just telling the truth so she can be mentally prepared," Macro retorted.
"She doesn't need to be," Sebastian replied indifferently.
Fine, just spoil her, Macro thought, judging Sebastian. He knew how difficult it was to coax Stephanie; this was a waste of time. He believed she should accept reality, but Sebastian clearly preferred to indulge her.
Macro pulled off the needles, gathering them in a huff. Elliot stepped forward. "Miss Giovanni, a Ms. Hart is here to see you."
Catlin. Why? What for? Stephanie narrowed her eyes. To find out why the Hart Group is in trouble? Not bad—much more efficient than Chris. Chris's investigation into Whispering Bay's owner had yielded nothing. The Harts, however, had quickly uncovered their problems.
Stephanie and Sebastian exchanged a glance. He gently stroked her hair. "Want to see her?"
Stephanie shook her head. "No." They'd signed a disownment agreement. Long Harbor knew she had nothing to do with the Hart family. She wanted a complete break. Sebastian signaled Elliot. He nodded and left.
Seeing Sebastian's tenderness towards Stephanie, Macro quickly gathered his belongings and departed.
With only Stephanie and Sebastian remaining, he squeezed her hand. "Have they been bullying you?" He meant Chris and the Hart family.
"Not really," Stephanie replied. It hadn't been one-sided suffering.
Sebastian's expression softened. He raised her hand to his lips, a gesture echoing their childhood. He'd always kissed her palm when he was gentle with her. The warmth sparked a familiar feeling.
She instinctively pulled away, but he released her first, flicking her nose. Her face flushed.
"I'm not a little kid anymore," she grumbled.
"Hmm, you've grown up. You've become a lady now," he said softly.
Stephanie sensed something unusual in his tone. "What do you feel like eating tonight?" he asked.
"The local specialty," she replied instantly, mentioning the Steamed Pork and Spicy Duck of Mount Spring.
Sebastian nodded. "Alright." He would indulge her. Catlin, seeing Sebastian—the man who'd injured Tyler—felt a surge of anger, though she usually wouldn't show it.