Here's the cleaned-up passage:

Chapter 203

Abigail’s ears turned hot as she mumbled, "Mhm, I didn’t really see anything."

"Like I’d buy that. The traitor embarrassed me," Sebastian said, already climbing out of bed.

Fabric rustled as he moved.

Standing there got more awkward by the second. "Maybe I should head downstairs. Next time I’ll call first, so we don’t…"

"Hmm?" His voice sounded right by her ear.

Abigail flinched, whipping around.

'How did he walk without a sound?' she wondered.

Sebastian stood behind her, leaning in to eye her flushed face. "So you did get a good look."

She waved her hands to protest, then felt sweat on her scalp and gave up. "Fine, I saw plenty."

"Perfect. That means I can take you to a hot spring this winter. You won’t be so shy then." He straightened with a laugh.

When she turned, he’d already pulled on a bathrobe. She exhaled in relief. "Sorry for barging in like that. Not cool."

"I wouldn’t mind being ogled by you." He shrugged nonchalantly.

Abigail looked away. She had zero interest in checking out guys’ bodies.

"Eat yet?" he asked, dropping the teasing.

Watching Code rub against her ankles, she shook her head. "Came straight here after work. Figured we could grab a bite together."

He smiled, "Good call. Any cravings? I can cook, or we can hit a place."

"Let’s go out. That restaurant we went to before was solid. Maybe there?" She paused, switching gears. "Wait, let’s do the Hearth Table instead."

"The Hearth Table? Is that joint any good?"

"Meh, but you might not dig it. My stomach’s acting up. I need pasta." The truth was, she wanted to take him to meet someone important.

"Works for me. But I need to grab a quick shower. Give me 30 minutes," Sebastian agreed.

"Got it," she replied softly.

After he turned to close the bedroom door, Abigail crouched down and booped Code’s paw. "You almost landed me in hot water. Good thing he’s chill. What if he thought I had an agenda?"

For such a big, imposing cat, Code had a high–pitched meow.

It let out a couple of “mews” before strutting off haughtily.

Abigail followed it downstairs with a sigh.

'Cats could get away with any mistakes. Who could stay mad at that fluff?' she thought.

She was playing a game in the living room when Sebastian came down, running a towel through his damp hair.

He wore a black shirt with the top two buttons undone, black straight–leg pants, and slippers—ridiculously attractive.

Abigail’s mind flashed to his smooth…

She shook her head. 'Nope, not going there,' she thought.

Sebastian saw her face and knew she was having inappropriate thoughts, but he didn’t tease her. Instead, he walked over and tapped her shoulder. "Let’s roll. I’m starving."

"Wait, didn’t you fly overseas for a business trip?" Abigail blurted, suddenly remembering.

She’d stopped by unannounced because she thought he was out of the country.

"Trip got canned. The client went to the market, got caught in a robbery, and ended up in the hospital. Foreign cities are wild. Doing business there is a headache," he explained.

Abigail had seen the news and nodded. "I thought it was too far to affect us."

"Nothing’s too far these days," Sebastian said.

Chatting as they walked to the car, Abigail naturally slipped into the passenger seat.

Sebastian smiled as he settled behind the wheel. "Feeling like learning to drive?"

"Would you be my instructor?" she asked.

"Who else? You want your clueless brother giving lessons?" he teased with a grin.

Abigail shook her head wildly. "Don’t even go there."

Sebastian chuckled, "Alright, I’ll teach you. But fair warning, if you mix up the gas and brake and total the car…"

"Stop talking rubbish. I’m out!" Abigail huffed.

She hated any talk of death or accidents. All she wanted was for everyone around her to stay healthy and live long.

Noticing her scowl, Sebastian quickly apologized, "My bad, I crossed a line. Don’t be mad. How about I grab you a passion fruit juice? The sweet one they have."

Abigail looked at him seriously. "It’s not about superstition. I just think those words bring bad luck. Promise you’ll cut it out?"

"Anything for you." He cupped her face, voice growing tender. "Still up for that passion fruit juice?"