Chapter 254

Jace’s birthday party went on until 10 PM, when Sebastian had him cut the cake early. Abigail had a slice, and then they headed home. Once they got back to Sebastian’s place, Abigail showered and went right to bed.

As James was leaving, he gave Sebastian a pointed look. “Hey, Jace and the guys brought up those heiresses from Chesterwick tonight. You should find time to talk to Abby about it. If you don’t clear that up and it blows up later, you’ll be no different from her family, earning yourself a one-way ticket to ‘never be forgiven’ land.”

Warren nodded in agreement. “Whether you claim to be part of that family or you don’t, your dad doesn’t care. With that many people around tonight, someone’s bound to play nice to your face and run their mouth behind your back.”

Sebastian answered offhandedly, “Yeah, I’ll mention it to her in a day or two.” As far as he was concerned, the Robinson family from Chesterwick had nothing to do with him anymore.

Warren looked him in the eye and said, “We’re all happy for you that you’re with her. But Abby’s still finding her footing, and the Gibson family’s got enough messes for her to handle on her own. Don’t let your family pile more pressure on her.”

“Got it. You guys should go get some rest,” Sebastian said, knowing they meant well. He thought, ‘Only my true friends would say something like that to…’

Not long after they left, Sebastian had just stepped out of the shower when his phone rang.

It was someone from Chesterwick. As always, whenever he started seeing a new girl, they’d call to check in. He picked up the phone and asked, “Ida, why are you calling me at this hour?”

With a gentle voice, Ida said, “Sir asked me to check in on you. How have you been lately? Well now, he heard you’ve found yourself a new girlfriend.”

“Sigh. The girls you dated before at least had some redeeming qualities, but this time, it’s a bit hard to understand your choice. Is this one truly to your…”

Sebastian walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. His gaze was cold, but a casual smile played on his lips. “You guys sure have your ways of keeping tabs on me.”

“But really, when have I ever not been real with girls? Ida, don’t go doubting how serious I am with every girl I date.”

“So how long do you plan to keep this one? Ms. Prescott will be on winter break soon and wants to stay with you in Cobridge for her whole holiday. Your father’s already agreed to it. You’ll break up by then, won’t you?” Ida asked, smiling.

Sebastian’s expression went cold, but his tone stayed smooth, “Sure. But Cobridge has no heating in winter. You think she can handle that?”

“Oh dear, listen to yourself. Haven’t you installed a thermostat yet? If not, I’ll send someone over in the next few days to set it up for you," Ida laughed, her voice brimming with affection.

“Oh. It must’ve slipped my mind,” Sebastian said.

“You should be coming home soon. Don’t get too carried away playing around. If your father gets angry, it won’t end well for that girl. I hear her family’s corporation is already in serious trouble.

“If your father decides to step in, there’ll be no future for you two. Why not end things yourself now and part on good terms, hm?” Ida coaxed gently.

Sebastian didn’t reply. He was already seething with anger.

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but with that girl’s background, your father would never approve of her. She’s not exactly pretty, her family situation is a mess, and both her parents are going to prison. It’s just… too much," Ida explained with concern.

“It’s late, and I want to rest. I’m hanging up," Sebastian said curtly, making it clear he didn’t want to continue the conversation.

He ended the call without waiting for a response, irritation flickering across his face. The distaste in his expression said it all—he didn't want to hear another word about it. He had no interest in entertaining this conversation with Ida.

The lights in his room went out soon after.

Meanwhile, in Abigail’s room, Ida’s voice rang out from the phone. “You and him come from completely different worlds. Maybe you were framed when you went to prison–but what about your parents? Your brother?”

“Well,” Abigail said calmly, “he claims it doesn’t matter to him. He says he’ll just make enough money to ensure our family lives prosperously for the next three generations.”

Ida scoffed. “I don’t take you for a naive girl. Otherwise, how could an orphanage kid like you end up as the heiress of Gibson Group?”

Abigail didn’t flinch. She’d heard worse. By now, words like these could barely leave a dent.

Abigail said, “You must really be underestimating Seb’s charm. If he had been so ‘serious’ with every woman he’s dated, why is Ms. Prescott still clinging to that engagement?”

Ida paused briefly, then said with a faint smile, “I do hope we’ll have the chance to meet formally someday. I’ve called every one of his girlfriends, but the funny thing is he’s never brought a single one home to Chesterwick.”

“Would having dinner with you actually help my digestion?” Abigail asked, feigning sincerity.

“It’s getting late. You should rest now,” Ida said, clearly wanting to end the conversation. But in her heart, she thought, ‘A girl who could get Sebastian’s attention must have something going for her after all.’