Chapter 230

The word "why" hung in the air. Stephanie nuzzled against his chest, murmuring, "Because I like Sebastian..."

Her words echoed, each repetition a thunderclap in Sebastian's heart. His pupils constricted as emotion surged.

"Do you like your brother, or do you like Sebastian?"

His deep voice was unreadable, so neutral that even a sober person might struggle to discern his feelings. This time, however, Sebastian didn't hear her answer. A few seconds later, he saw her lips slightly parted, her breathing soft and even. Her fingers, which had clung to his shirt, had loosened their grip. She had fallen asleep.

Sebastian looked at her flushed face; a helpless smile touched his lips. He carried her upstairs and gently laid her on the bed. Just as he was tucking her in, she stirred, her drowsy eyes hazy.

"Sebastian," she mumbled.

"What is it?"

"Hold me," she whined, her voice laced with quiet grievance. "Hold me all the time."

"Alright," he murmured. Looking into her aggrieved eyes, he couldn't refuse. He sat on the bed's edge, pulling her into his arms. Concerned she might catch cold after drinking, he wrapped her in a blanket and kissed her forehead. "Be good, go to sleep."

For a moment, it felt like childhood. As a child, Stephanie had clung to him, refusing to sleep without him. If he had school, she would wait. Through junior high, high school, even college, Sebastian had come home every night for her. The distance to his school was considerable; Mrs. Lucano felt sorry for him and wanted him to live closer. As a result, he had taken Stephanie with him, hiring help to care for her in a house opposite the school. They only moved back together when Stephanie needed to attend school herself.

Now, gazing at her lips, his throat tightened, and his eyes darkened. He leaned down, his lips brushing hers—soft, cool, and intoxicating. The faint scent of alcohol, tinged with sweet grapes, captivated him.

Stephanie opened her hazy eyes. Recognizing the familiar warmth, she felt as if drifting in a dream. Her slender arms wrapped around his neck, surrendering completely. Sebastian stiffened momentarily before responding—his kiss deepening, passionate, and unwavering.

A buzzing sound woke Sebastian. It was Stephanie's phone. He glanced at her before noticing a stinging sensation on his lips. After covering her with the quilt, he touched his lips; blood appeared. He couldn't help but playfully pinch her cheek. "Little tiger," he murmured, "those teeth are quite sharp!"

The phone continued buzzing. Sebastian picked it up; an unknown number. Uninterested, he hung up. Chris, however, was on the other end, repeatedly calling. It turned out Sebastian was the heir to the Lucano family, and the cooperation between the Ashford and Lucano groups had failed. Chris suspected Stephanie's involvement. This Stephanie was truly impressive!

Hearing the hang-up sound, he angrily dialed her number again. This time, the call connected.

"Stephanie, I'm asking you outright—what exactly is your relationship with Sebastian?" Chris asked bluntly, barely containing his anger.

"What do you think our relationship is?" came Sebastian's deep voice.

Chris's grip on the phone tightened. This was a first for him. No wonder Stephanie had broken off their engagement so aggressively; she had the Lucano family's backing.