Chapter 54

When the car stopped, Stephanie realized Sebastian had brought her to a banquet—and not just any banquet. She recognized the location as belonging to the Hodge family, one of Long Harbor's most influential. If she recalled correctly, this was Mr. Benjamin Hodge's 80th birthday, and the lavish setup confirmed they were celebrating in style.

"Mr. Giovanni, Mr. Hodge is waiting inside," Elliot said, opening the car door.

Sebastian nodded, then turned to Stephanie. "Hungry?"

Stephanie checked her phone. "A little." She was a creature of habit, and it was definitely mealtime.

"Alright," Sebastian said calmly. "Go in and grab something to eat. I'll be about half an hour meeting with Mr. Hodge."

So this wasn't just a social event; he was here on business? Stephanie raised an eyebrow. She eyed the crowd—men in tailored suits, women in dazzling gowns—then looked down at her own casual blazer and sneakers. "You sure I should just walk in like this?" she asked.

Sebastian shrugged. "Is there a problem?"

"Isn't there?" Stephanie hesitated.

Elliot replied deadpan, "No problem."

Stephanie sighed. If they said so, she would comply.

Sebastian turned to Macro, still engrossed in a game in the front seat. "Go with her," he commanded.

Macro barely glanced up. "You really that hungry?"

Stephanie nodded. "The Hodge family's chef is amazing."

Macro chuckled. "Seriously?" He knew Stephanie had sampled the best cuisine in Fiorenza; was she really impressed by the Hodge family's menu?

Sebastian shot Macro a look. Macro sighed, putting away his phone. "Alright, alright," he said to Sebastian. "Your sister is my sister. I won't let her go hungry. Now go handle your business."

Sebastian's expression hardened. "Stefi's my sister, not yours."

Macro's mouth twitched. "Fine, I won't let your sister go hungry. Happy?"

As Sebastian left, Macro turned to Stephanie. "Alright, let's go. I'll get you some food."

Stephanie followed him inside, feeling utterly out of place among the elegantly dressed guests. Macro, however, led her straight to the dessert table.

"You can eat here. I need to finish this match," he said, finding a nearby seat and pulling out his phone, confident the extensive dessert spread would keep Stephanie occupied.

Stephanie was genuinely hungry. She grabbed a small cake, took a bite—and a familiar voice called out.

"Stefi?"

It was Ella. Dressed in a shimmering black gown, Ella looked the picture of elegance, a stark contrast to Stephanie's casual attire.

"Who are you with? Did Chris bring you? And...why are you dressed like that?" Ella asked, her eyes scanning Stephanie's outfit. Ella suspected this was Chris's way of managing the media fallout from their broken engagement, a reasonable strategy given the Ashford family's current predicament and the pressure on Olivia.