Chapter 217
“Come on in, have a seat,” Adam quickly bounced back, smiling as he greeted Abigail and Sebastian.
Abigail stepped forward. “How’s your health been lately?”
“Fit as a fiddle, don’t you worry.” Adam chuckled.
Ralph stood off to the side, watching Abigail and Sebastian.
They’d entered one after the other without any touching, but there was an unspoken chemistry between them.
He felt a twinge of jealousy.
“First time at Fletcher Villa,” Sebastian said politely. “Hope I’m not crashing the party.”
Adam laughed, “Heard you’re usually too proud to greet anyone, but you’ve mellowed around Abby. Any friend of hers is welcome. My grandson’s lucky to have you both here.”
“Not at all,” Sebastian smiled. “We’re all peers. No such thing as ‘lucky’ when it comes to birthday parties.”
Adam thought, ‘Abigail and Sebastian have only known each other for a short time, yet he’s already acting differently. He even speaks politely by her side. No wonder she chose him!
Ralph had been too arrogant growing up. Adam knew his grandson had always held a grudge about Abigail’s orphanage upbringing.
The Fletchers were raised to expect partners from well-matched backgrounds—noble families, educated, or well-mannered.
Abigail didn’t fit any box.
That was why he’d ignored her as a kid, even when she trailed after him.
Now that he wanted her attention, she’d moved on.
The birthday party got underway quickly.
The Fletcher family had invited a crowd, with long tables set up outside the villa. Rows of custom electronic candles glowed in the blue hour, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Abigail sat beside Sebastian and whispered, “Let’s head out after dinner. No need to wait for the midnight cake.”
She already felt she’d done Ralph a favor by showing up.
“Not in the mood for cake?” Sebastian poured cola into her wine glass.
“Cake isn’t exactly hard to come by,” Abigail said.
“Since we’re here, might as well stay for the cake.” Sebastian leaned back in his chair, studying her profile in the dim light.
She’d specifically asked him to come, and he knew what she was after.
He’d been ticked off at first about her attending Ralph’s party, but her invitation had smoothed things over.
This was her way of sending a message to Ralph—back off.
Whether Sebastian could win her heart or not, Ralph didn’t stand a chance.
“It’s getting late. I’ve got projects piling up. I can’t stay till all hours,” Abigail murmured.
The two spoke in hushed tones, but their exchange didn’t go unnoticed by the other high-society guests.
Despite Sebastian’s sketchy reputation, his looks and wealth made him a desirable match for families aiming to climb the social ladder.
Let’s face it. How many rich heirs were actually faithful?
Money and status were the real currency.
And good-looking guys? They were bound to play the field.
Who would have thought Sebastian would fall for Abigail?
Chapter 217 (Continued)
“Mrs. Gibson, where’s Daniella? She and Mr. Ralph Fletcher used to be thick as thieves. Didn’t she throw a tantrum about missing his birthday party?” A society lady, Helen Yanis, chimed in, her voice carrying to Abigail’s table.
Bianca, seated beside Abigail, kept her tone even. “She’s not feeling well and had to sit this one out.”
“Is getting called out getting to her? Depression can spiral, you know. If you don’t take it seriously, things can get dangerous,” Helen continued.
She was decked out in oversized pearl earrings, a ruby-emerald necklace, and enough jewels to cover every inch of skin.
Before Bianca could reply, Helen turned to Abigail. “Daniella messed up, sure, but as her sister—especially with your link to Mr. Robinson—why shut her out completely? Blood is blood, right?”
Abigail sipped her cola without a word.
“Mrs. Yanis, today is Ralph’s day,” Bianca said, frowning. “Let’s not drag my family drama into this.”