Chapter 229

“I heard Skyriver Travel, the company targeting the Hart Group, made Stephanie millions last year. What do you think that means?”

Catlin gasped. She already knew; Chad and Tyler had explained everything. But hearing Chris confirm it left her breathless. Finally, she understood why he’d come to Spring Mountain.

Chris's silhouette grew colder as they walked. Kevin's phone buzzed insistently. He answered, listened briefly, and simply said, “Mm, understood.” He hung up and quickened his pace.

“Sir, the Lucano heir is Sebastian Giovanni, known as Mr. Giovanni.”

Chris stopped, his gaze intense. “Sebastian Giovanni? Mr. Giovanni?” The legendary figure from Fiorenza. The man with Stephanie all this time… was Mr. Giovanni of Fiorenza, the Lucano heir. A chill ran down Chris's spine.

Kevin nodded. “Yes.” They’d finally uncovered his true identity. Chris’s body went icy; his hands clenched into fists as he growled, “Sebastian Giovanni! Mr. Giovanni!”

Chris breathed rapidly. “What’s his relationship with Stephanie?”

Kevin, startled, replied subconsciously, “Aren’t they lovers?”

The word “lovers” hit Chris like a thunderbolt, stealing his breath.

Sebastian hadn't realized the drink was wine until Stephanie told him. Seeing her flushed cheeks, she realized she was drunk.

“Ugh, I thought it was juice,” she muttered. The wine had tasted deceptively sweet, masking its alcoholic strength. “Is this wine strong?” she asked.

“It has a powerful aftereffect,” Sebastian replied.

Dizziness washed over Stephanie. “What red wine tastes like this?” she wondered. She couldn’t detect any alcohol.

Sebastian playfully tweaked her nose, his affectionate smile tinged with helplessness. He’d been right; the wine's aftereffect was potent. Soon, Stephanie felt lightheaded, her vision blurring.

“Ugh,” she groaned, collapsing into his arms. He gently lifted her onto his lap. “Do you feel unwell?”

Her breath warmed his neck as she clung to him, feeling as if she were dreaming. Reality and dreams blurred. She nuzzled against him, murmuring, “Sebastian.”

Worried she might catch cold, Sebastian had a blanket brought. Still concerned, he carried her upstairs. “I’ve asked someone to prepare black coffee for you,” he said indulgently.

Stephanie barely registered his words. Her head swam. As he carried her, she felt like she was floating, enveloped in a familiar scent. Her consciousness faded.

“Sebastian,” she called out. His expression softened, as if a hardened part of him crumbled. He'd never imagined hearing his name spoken so intimately.

His voice, a complex mix of emotions, replied, “I’m here.”

“Promise me you won’t have other women. Promise me you won’t marry them,” she slurred.

His breathing hitched. Looking down at her flushed face, his pupils dilated. For the first time, he felt the depth of her feelings.

His voice softened further as he asked, “Why?”