Chapter 363: You Are My Woman

“Or is it because something is going on between you two?” Sebastian pressed, his gaze probing Madelyn’s eyes.

“No…” she stuttered, speechless. She cursed inwardly. Of all times for the damned Phantom to call, why now? This misunderstanding was all its fault!

Seeing her increasing distress, his expression darkened, his gaze icy. “That’s enough. If you can’t answer me, don’t bother. I’m not interested.”

He returned her phone, turned, and resumed eating, though his displeasure was evident.

“Sebastian…” Madelyn approached, tugging his sleeve. “I was wrong. Please don’t be upset.”

He ate in silence, ignoring her. She bit her lip. “Sebastian… Please don’t be mad. Why don’t I give you a shoulder massage?”

She moved behind him, massaging his shoulders. “You work so hard. Let me help you relax. Don’t be angry anymore, okay?”

Her plan failed. He impatiently removed her hands. “No need for that.”

His coldness hurt her. Overwhelmed, Madelyn sat opposite him, frustrated. Gazing at the untouched food and his sullen face, she couldn’t eat. Finally, she set down her fork. “I’m full.” She went upstairs, gloomy.

His expression darkened as she left. He sighed. Why didn’t she understand? He wasn’t bothered by her secrets; he feared for her safety. Her laughter made him happy; her distress, uneasy. He lost his appetite, retreating to his study to work.

Late that night, Sebastian still worked tirelessly. The clock chimed twelve. He finally looked up, realizing how late it was. He prepared for bed. Reaching his door, he heard labored breathing, someone gasping for air.

His heart lurched. He pushed open the door. Madelyn lay contorted on the bed, her face flushed, seemingly on the verge of collapse. Worry surged. He rushed to her. “What’s wrong? Are you unwell?”

She was in such pain she couldn’t speak, clutching her stomach. He asked, “Do you have gastritis?” She could only nod weakly.

She suffered from gastritis, and the untouched dinner had triggered it. He rushed downstairs. Bumping into Lydia, he said, “Quick, find some gastric medicine!”

“Got it!”

Lydia fetched the medicine; Sebastian got water. They hurried upstairs. He tried to feed Madelyn the medicine, but she refused. Lydia panicked. “Mr. Lockhart, she won’t take it! What should we do?”

His expression grew solemn. She was sulking. He needed a more assertive approach. He popped the medicine in his mouth, took a sip of water, then cradled her head and kissed her, forcing the medicine into her mouth as he kissed her. He did it all in one fluid motion.

Madelyn reacted too late; the medicine worked, easing her pain. Her face crimson, she glared, resentment and something unreadable in her eyes. “You… What’s wrong with you?”

Lydia chuckled, silently retreating. Sebastian snorted. “What’s wrong with me? You refused the medicine.”

“Even so, you shouldn’t use force,” she protested, frustrated. He’d been angry last night, and now this? What did he mean?

He smiled teasingly. “You’re my woman. In my world, there are only those who take initiative and those who are passive. There’s no such thing as force.”

He pulled her close, kissing her deeply. Madelyn was taken aback, then lost herself in the kiss, surrendering willingly. She clutched his shoulders, and they tumbled onto the bed together. It was a beautiful night.

The next day, Sherritt Group buzzed with activity: Rupert was holding a press conference.