Chapter 44

Stephanie was close to sneaking away. She thought she’d explained everything about Chris to Sebastian earlier, but now, sensing the cold tension radiating from him, she realized she hadn't. She stepped toward Chris, glaring. "What do you want? Get lost."

Chris didn't move, only sneered. "If I hadn't come, I'd never know you're this kind of person." His voice rose with each word. "You made my affair with Olivia public to cover your own mess, right? You're disgusting."

Before he could continue, a loud thud echoed—Sebastian's fist connected with his face, sending him reeling. The air crackled with tension. Chris, convinced Sebastian was an unrefined nobody, raged even further. Before Stephanie could react, the two men were grappling on the floor.

Chris, despite any workouts, was no match for Sebastian, a man who lived on the edge. In moments, Sebastian had him pinned on the couch. Chris looked a mess, his clothes askew, but Sebastian's towel remained perfectly in place. Stephanie couldn't help but notice—honestly, she was more concerned about his towel than the fight.

"Stephanie!" Chris shouted, furious. He couldn't believe she was alone at home with a man, and worse, had done nothing while he was being beaten. His anger exploded. Unable to strike Sebastian, he turned on her. "How dare you—"

"Hold on," Stephanie interrupted. She grabbed a jacket and tossed it to Sebastian. "Sebastian, put this on."

Sebastian didn't flinch as he released Chris, slipped on the jacket, and fixed his cold gaze on him. The tension remained thick, a volatile calm.

"Chris, you need to leave. Now. I mean it," Stephanie said, addressing Chris directly. "We don't want this to escalate."

But Chris remained defiant. His fury burned. How dare she tell me to leave? he thought, his anger boiling. "Who do you think you are?" he stammered. "You're just—"

"Say another word, and I swear you won't leave here in one piece," Sebastian's low, dangerous voice cut through the tension. To emphasize his point, he produced a sleek black pistol from his jacket, the cold barrel aimed at Chris.

"What the...?" Chris could barely speak. The sight of the pistol froze him. He'd never imagined anyone carrying a gun in Long Harbor, let alone pointing it at someone. His breath hitched, his eyes widening in shock. What kind of dangerous man has she gotten involved with? he thought.

Sebastian, still holding the gun, didn't blink. "Want to test me?" The message was clear.

Sebastian, remembering his upbringing in Fiorenza, scoffed. These people were a joke. He narrowed his eyes, ready to shoot if Chris made another move.

Chris, unnerved by this unprecedented situation, tried to meet Sebastian's gaze, but uncertainty clouded his eyes. "What if I say yes?" he asked. "You really going to shoot me?"

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "Want to find out?"

Before Chris could answer, Stephanie interrupted. "Are you serious, Chris? This isn't funny." Stephanie, at her breaking point, didn't want him dead; they didn't have any deep-seated hatred. "Just get out, will you?" she snapped. "Stay any longer, and you might not see the sun tomorrow."