Chapter 328: You'll Be More Devious Than Me

Sebastian sneered. "You like to meddle," he said. "I wonder how Maggie would feel if she knew you forced me to leave. Do you think she'll hold a grudge?"

Nathael's gaze darkened; his sharp eyes locked onto Sebastian. A hint of malice tinged his tone. "I don't mind," he said, "as long as Mr. Moore isn't afraid of Maggie finding out."

Sebastian's expression darkened further. He casually put his hand in his pocket. "How are we any different?" he responded sarcastically.

"You're just more devious and shameless than I am!"

Nathael remained stoic, only his eyes revealing the deepening intensity of his thoughts, mirroring the darkness of the sky. "Thanks for the compliment," he said softly.

"Are you guys done talking?" Maggie felt uneasy. After waiting a while, she poked her head out the window and looked at them.

Nathael broke eye contact with Sebastian, turning toward Maggie. Ignoring Sebastian, he walked back to the car.

Sebastian watched him go, a flicker of irritation in his eyes despite his usual laid-back demeanor.

Once in the car, Maggie poked her head out again. "See you later!" she called, waving.

"Sure," Sebastian replied, waving back with a smile.

Maggie withdrew her gaze. The car started moving.

The atmosphere inside the car grew heavy. Maggie glanced at Nathael, who stared out the window with a cold expression, his jaw clenched as if grinding his teeth. It was unclear what was wrong. She reached out and gently scratched his palm. "What's got you so grumpy?" she asked.

Nathael turned to her. His cold, distant eyes sent a shiver down her spine.

Maggie gulped nervously. Raising a finger as if taking an oath, she declared, "I wasn't flirting with any man, I swear. Sebastian is Mr. Dunphy's son; we've known each other for over a decade. He knows Leo, too."

Nathael let out a cold laugh. "You seemed pretty happy to see him," he said in a low voice.

Maggie leaned closer, grasping his arm. "Do you smell something sour in the car?" she asked softly.

Nathael's lips tightened. He remained silent, but his hand gripped hers, their fingers interlacing.

"I haven't seen him in years; of course I'll be happy to see him, but it's just happiness, nothing more," Nathael said, lowering his gaze, feeling a sense of discomfort.

Years ago, when Master Harris sent him to the army for special training, Nathael managed to get a day off with great difficulty. He hoped to see Maggie, only to find himself on the verge of losing control because of unfolding events.

After learning piano from Kevin and Leo, Maggie became close with Sebastian. The three often caused mischief together.

That day, it was someone's birthday, and the trio were celebrating at a bar. Perhaps someone had malicious intentions, or there was pent-up frustration, but by the time Nathael found Maggie, she was already drunk. Sebastian and Leo planned to take her home, but Maggie refused, fearing she might upset Ronald and Olivia.

As an adopted child, she felt she had to be perfect, allowing no room for mistakes or indulgence.

Sebastian booked a private room at the bar, intending to let her rest while Leo fetched warm water and medicine for her stomach ache and hangover. When Nathael saw Sebastian lead Maggie into the private room, he frowned. Although the door had a glass panel, only the two of them were inside.

She was sixteen; Sebastian was nineteen.

Nathael stood at the door, peering through the glass. He saw Maggie curled up asleep in a corner of the couch.

Sebastian sat about a meter away, keeping watch over her and making no inappropriate moves.

Nathael stayed outside, leaning against the wall, smoking a cigarette and watching her.

Time passed slowly. The bar was noisy. Sebastian quickly got up and poured Maggie a glass of water. She drank a few sips to ease her thirst.

Her head still felt heavy, and her stomach burned, preventing her from fully waking up.

"Feeling a bit better?" Sebastian said, a hint of reprimand in his expression. "I told you not to mix drinks, but you wouldn't listen."

Maggie furrowed her brows, not really hearing him, just feeling someone buzzing in her ear. Soon, her head tilted, and she fell asleep again.

Sebastian sighed softly. He draped his jacket over her, his gaze softening as he looked at her pale face.

She seemed uncomfortable; her brow was slightly furrowed. Her normally fair and bright skin was flushed. Despite her stunning beauty, her expression held a touch of coldness. Her long eyelashes cast delicate shadows over her cheeks; her nose was small but sharp; and her lips were slightly chapped.

Sebastian swallowed, his gaze becoming gentle.

He didn't know when he'd developed a crush on her. Maybe it was when she obediently sat at the piano for hours without complaint.

Or maybe it was when he blamed her for his mischief, and she glared at him but couldn't fight back.

Or perhaps it was each time she passed by that he found himself tripping her or tugging on her braid. He couldn't help but want to see her break free from her well-behaved facade and laugh, go wild, and let loose.

"What does Joseph have that I don't?" Sebastian wondered. He knew she always saw him as a brother.

He wished he had met her sooner, before Joseph became so important to her.

Joseph was always around, charming and protective. The Camerons had given her so much. Sebastian didn't know how he could compete. Despite this, he was unwilling to give up. He wanted to win her over, to show her that she might not know what true love was. She was still young, and he feared scaring her away.

Sebastian's gaze softened as he looked at her peaceful face. Maggie shifted uncomfortably on the couch. Her position was awkward.

Sebastian got up to lift her, but as he leaned in, he couldn't help but suppress his breath.

She was only inches away, her innocent face stripped of its usual reserve, appearing sweet and harmless.

Sebastian's throat tightened. Without thinking, he gently kissed her forehead.