Chapter 96

Trailing behind, Elliot noted the softening in Sebastian's voice and felt a wave of relief. If they hadn't found Stephanie, he was sure Sebastian would have been distraught. Thankfully, she was safe.

It wasn't until they were in the living room that Sebastian released her. "You're not going to the studio this afternoon, are you?"

"I want to go," Stephanie grumbled, pouting.

Now that he was back, he wouldn't allow it. Earlier, he'd refused to take her; now he was acting concerned. What a joke.

Sebastian smirked at her displeasure and touched her forehead. "Go take a nap. Elliot and I will be in the study."

"Okay." Stephanie happily ran upstairs.

Watching her go, the fondness in Sebastian's eyes deepened before he followed Elliot into the study.

Elliot glanced at him. "Miss Giovanni has grown much stronger."

Elliot's most vivid memory of Stephanie was from her kidnapping—sobbing, helpless, and fragile.

Sebastian exhaled slowly. "She's toughened up. She isn't as soft-hearted as she used to be."

Elliot meant no criticism. Having worked with Sebastian for years, he knew a soft heart was a fatal flaw in families like the Giovannis and Lucanos.

Sebastian lit a cigarette. "It doesn't matter what kind of person she is, as long as she can protect herself."

People might call Stephanie cruel, even heartless, regarding Olivia. But Sebastian thought she'd handled it perfectly. If Stephanie had intervened, Olivia wouldn't have stood a chance. Olivia's death from her illness would have been less troublesome.

Elliot was slightly surprised, but not entirely. He nodded. "Understood."

Sebastian had always indulged Stephanie. Back in Fiorenza, he'd even hoped she'd become more domineering, so people would fear her. But you can't simply change someone's nature. Stephanie had been pure, oblivious to danger, and overprotected.

After she ran away, upon their reunion years later, Sebastian saw a coldness in her gaze—a coldness instilled by the Casalini family. Her time in Long Harbor, and her encounters with the Harts and Chris, further eroded her natural kindness. To Sebastian, this was a positive change.

Chapter 96

"How's the investigation going?" Sebastian asked.

At the mention of business, Elliot straightened. "It's been investigated. Jackson is uninvolved."

"Oh?" Sebastian's eyes narrowed.

"On the contrary, the Hanks family may be involved," Elliot said, his eyes flashing dangerously.

Sebastian's gaze darkened. "The Hanks family?"

Elliot nodded. "Yes."

A dangerous aura emanated from Sebastian. "Then keep an eye on Philip."

"Understood." Elliot hesitated. "And the Hart family and Chris? Aren't you intervening on Miss Giovanni's behalf?"

"Right now, the Hart family needs Marco and Allison, and she's the one who approves. Let her have her fun," Sebastian said indulgently.

Elliot blinked, surprised. Sebastian was letting Stephanie handle things her way; his overprotectiveness remained unchanged. Before arriving in Long Harbor, no one could touch Stephanie. Now, under Sebastian's watchful eye, nothing would happen to her. Elliot knew better than to question it further.