Chapter 291-300
“Bribe?” Sebastian sneered. “So, what did you guys do about it?”
He was met with silence once again,
Bam!
Sebastian slammed the table, and stood up. “Firing all of you
wouldn’t be able to compensate for the losses we’ve incurred this time!”
Rosalie and Yvonne stood a short distance from the office. They heard a loud sound from inside, accompanied by the shouts of a man.
They stopped in their tracks, and stood there in a daze.
“Ladies, Mr. Carter is occupied at the moment. Why don’t you two
take a seat? We’ll get you some coffee and snacks.”
“No,” Yvonne said with a wave of her hand. “Go ahead and be busy. Don’t worry about us.‘
The secretary smiled and bowed, not daring to offend Yvonne.” Alright, Ms. Carter. Please let me know if you need any help.”
After the secretary left, Yvonne held Rosalie’s arm and walked further
- in.
Rosalie heard the yelling in the office, and her heart raced. It was clearly Sebastian’s voice, though she had never heard him so angry. before.
Even when Sebastian fought with Theodore, he had never lost control of himself this way. As it turned out, he could be frightening if he
wanted to.
“Yvonne, what’s wrong with Sebastian? He’s so angry.‘
She knew everyone had a temper, and Sebastian was no exception to
that rule.
However, she never expected to see this side of him. It formed such a stark contrast with his usual good–mannered and gallant image.
Despite knowing that no one was perfect, she couldn’t help but feel shocked at hearing Sebastian shouting like this.
Seeing Rosalie furrowing her brows, Yvonne whispered into her ear, What’s the matter? Are you frightened by Seb?”
Rosalie shot her a smile. “I just think something must have made him furious. From the way he yells, he’s probably physically fine.”
As it turned out, his body wasn’t the one in a bad state. She had been worried over nothing!
How laughable of her to take her nightmare so seriously!
Since it was a work–related issue that Sebastian was facing, Rosalie was confident that he had what it took to settle it. There was nothing for her to be worried about.
“Yvonne, since your brother is fine, and I’m sure he’s more than
capable of dealing with work matters, I’ll be off first.”
She could now rest easy knowing that Sebastian was fine.
Rosalie turned to leave, but Yvonne held her back. “What’s the rush? Since you’re here, say hi to Sebastian before going.”
“Well… I’m sure there’s no need for that,” Rosalie said with a smile. He sounds very busy right now. Asking to meet him will just be a waste of his time. I should go.”
“Don’t,” Yvonne said in a panic. “If Seb found out that you just left like this, he’d definitely blame me for not stopping you. I’m sure he’ll want
to see you.”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Rosalie said, shaking her head.
Sebastian was blowing his top right now. He might get even angrier if she interrupted him.
Yvonne held Rosalie’s arm, and forcefully pulled her to the door of Sebastian’s office.
“I’m not going in, I’m not going in,” Rosalie repeated as she shook her head. “Yvonne, I’m not going in. Your brother will get angry, even more so than he already is right now!”
“It’ll be fine,” Yvonne said dismissively.
“But he’ll get furious once he sees me. I don’t want to get scolded by him.”
Rosalie looked like a student who forgot to do her homework, and was caught by a fellow student who was dragging her to see the
teacher.
However, Yvonne was a lot stronger than Rosalie. After a few seconds, they arrived in front of Sebastian’s office.
Yvonne raised her hand, and knocked on the door.
Before Yvonne received a response, she barged in with Rosalie in tow.
The moment Yvonne opened the door, an angry bellow sounded from inside the office. “Who let you in? Scram!”
Sebastian was like a provoked beast breaking out from the earth, hist deafening roar making the floor of the office shake.
Yvonne stood where she was, dazed. Her eyes widened in shock as she instinctively tightened her grip on Rosalie’s arm.
Rosalie was stunned too, her heart racing at the sound of Sebatian’s yelling.
Although she was forcefully dragged into the room by Yvonne against her will, the rage on Sebastian’s face shocked her thoroughly. His anger ripped through the crowd like an earthquake, and no one was spared.
Everyone’s gaze landed on the two–one of them was Ms. Carter, but the other was a woman they had never seen before.
If Ms. Carter wasn’t spared from Sebastian’s scolding, the other woman was without a doubt doomed.
Sebastian’s face froze; the fire in his eyes died the moment he saw Rosalie.
Rosalie smiled awkwardly as she pulled her arm out of Yvonne’s grip. “I’m so sorry for interrupting.”
She turned to leave.
“Wait!” Sebastian called.
Rosalie stopped in her tracks, and turned to ask, “What’s the matter?”
Sebastian hastily walked past his desk and toward her. There was panic in his eyes, as if he had done something wrong.
“Rose, what are you doing here?”
He had no idea that Rosalie was outside his door, and never expected to see her here. What’s worse, she witnessed his behavior just now!
1..”
Rosalie was so anxious, she didn’t know how to reply to him at that moment. She glanced at the people standing in his office.
“You seem to be rather busy. I won’t bother you any further, goodbye.”
Her palms were sweating out of nervousness. She really shouldn’t have come today.
Rosalie was about to turn and leave, when Sebastian blocked her way. “Wait, don’t go. Rose, I’m not scolding you. I thought someone else had come in to interrupt me.”
He was explaining things to her in hopes that she wouldn’t be angry.
at him.
He had probably frightened her just now. The look on her face told him enough.
Rosalie shook her head. “It’s alright. I know that you’re busy right.
now.”
“No matter what, I apologize.”
Sebastian was exceptionally gentle and meek toward Rosalie.
He was very angry today. In fact, he was furious at her.
But now that he saw her in person, he realized he was panicking.
He was panicking at the thought of her witnessing him in his rage–of
his raw, ugly side being fully exposed to her.
He was scared.
He was scared that she might see him in a different light, and that he would no longer be the same Sebastian Carter as before.
Anyone desired to maintain a perfect image before someone hel cared for. No one would want his ugly side to be laid bare like this.
Yvonne folded her arms across her chest, and said with displeasure,” Seb, you apologized to her, but not me. I was the one you scolded!”
“Shut up!” Sebastian turned his head to glare at her.
Yvonne’s heart leapt. “Why are you so fierce to me?”
But she mumbled it under her breath, and dared not say it out loud for fear of being scolded again.
Although Sebastian was scolding Yvonne, it sent shivers down everyone else’s spines.
Yet, when he turned back to look at Rosalie, his attitude took a 180- degree turn. It was as if he had two completely different faces.
Chapter 293
His gaze turned warm and tender the moment it landed on Rosalie.
Even a car needed time to accelerate. Despite that, Sebastian’s attitude changed in an instant, with no buffer whatsoever in between.
Everyone gasped.
Who in the world was that lady? Why did Mr. Carter treat her so differently?
He wasn’t even that gentle with his own sister. What exactly was going on with this man, who was blowing his top just a minute ago?
When Sebastian told Yvonne to shut up, a tremor shook through. Rosalie’s body.
She was pregnant right now, and her body was naturally more. sensitive. When Sebastian was yelling just now, she even instinctively covered her stomach with her hands, as if to protect her baby from
shock.
Sebastian saw Rosalie in a state of fright, and anxiously tried to explain himself. “I…”
He was about to say further, when he belatedly realized that there were still many other people in the room. He turned around, and ordered coldly, “Get back to work.”
Everyone walked out of Sebastian’s office, their heads lowered, looking like students who had been fiercely reprimanded.
“Who is that lady? Impressive.”
“Exactly. Is she Mr. Carter’s girlfriend?”
“I think she’s more important than his girlfriend. She looks more like
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his wife.”
“Is Mr. Carter married?”
“Shh, keep your voice down! Do you want to be screamed at again?”
Now, only three of them were left in Sebastian’s office–him, Yvonne, and Rosalie.
Yvonne was still inside.
Sebastian furrowed his brows. Irritated, he said to her, “What are your still doing here? Get out.”
Yvonne pouted; she had the urge to yell at him. She went to great. lengths to bring his future wife here, and instead of being thankful, he was still so fierce to her.
What a thankless job she had just done!
She grabbed Rosalie’s arm, and said, “Rose, let’s go. Seb is clearly very busy.”
Her voice was laced with agitation as she glared hard at Sebastian,
Sure, she could leave–but she would bring his future wife along with.
her.
“Sure.” Rosalie wanted to leave too, and agreed readily.
“Rose,” Sebastian said, grabbing her wrist. “I have something to tell you. Don’t leave just yet.”
Rosalie looked at his hand.
Upon realizing that his actions were inappropriate, Sebastian
immediately released her wrist. “I’m sorry. I just want to talk to you. Can you please stay?”
“Seb, you’re in a bad mood. You were so fierce just now that you frightened Rose.” Yvonne’s brows were furrowed as she went on
20
solemnly, “She’s a pregnant lady. What if something happened to her due to shock?”
“You…”
Sebastian was about to scold his sister, but she stuck her chin up and
hid behind Rosalie, proudly using Rosalie as her shield.
“Sebastian,” Rosalie said, “since you’re busy, we can always talk another time. I’ll head off with Yvonne first.”
She didn’t want to see Sebastian scolding Yvonne non–stop, either.
She could clearly sense the difference in his treatment of her–how he treated her so gently moments after tearing into the rest.
Of course Yvonne wouldn’t feel good about that.
Rosalie cared very much for other people’s feelings, and always treaded carefully.
“Yeah, Seb. We’ll head off first, or you’ll keep yelling at us,” Yvonne said with a pout.
“Wait.” Sebastian pulled out a card and handed it to Yvonne. “Take this gift as an apology. I need to talk to Rose. Go shopping, and come back for her after you’re done.”
Even his tone toward Yvonne had softened. He had no choice if he wanted his way.
Yvonne’s eyes lit up the moment she saw Sebasti
She knew Sebastian was bribing her. But since it was his credit card,
she would succumb this time.
“Rose,” Yvonne said meekly, “why don’t you stay here and chat with Seb? I’ll take a stroll downstairs. I’ll come back for you in a while.”
“But I…”
“Rose,” Yvonne whispered into her ear, “he looks quite anxious, and is probably worried that you’re angry at him. Just stay and chat with him, all right?”
With that, Yvonne released Rosalie’s hand and grabbed Sebastian’s card before making a run for the door. She slammed the door shut, not giving Rosalie a chance to reject her.
“You…”
Rosalie was rendered speechless at the “bribe” that just took place
under her nose.
Sebastian strode forward, and stopped right in front of her.
Left with no way out, Rosalie stood where she was and flashed him
an awkward smile.
“Rose, I’m sorry you had to see what happened earlier. They
committed a huge mistake at work, and I had to tell them off. It
wasn’t without reason.”
He didn’t want Rosalie to think of him as a volatile and bad–tempered person. All the more he didn’t want her thinking of him as a bully, just because he was rich and powerful.
Rosalie nodded calmly. “I know.”
Still, she never imagined that Sebastjan was capable of being so frightening, especially given his usual genteel and mild–mannered demeanor.
He was even more frightening than people who usually looked more scary than he did.
“But…” Rosalie paused.
“But what?” Sebastian asked anxiously. “Do you think I shouldn’t have been so fierce to them? How about this? I’ll call them back and apologize to them. Or is there something else you want me to do?”
He was beginning to ramble on in a bid to please her.
Rosalie’s mind was in a blur. She didn’t know why Sebastian was so
anxious.
Those men were his subordinates, and this was his company. What right did she, an insignificant nobody, have to criticize what he did- regardless of whether it was right or wrong?
She would never be able to attain the success that Sebastian had, even if she slogged it out over ten lifetimes.
“Sebastian, what I wanted to say was that getting so angry isn’t good. for your health. What’s done is done, the only thing that is left to do is to find a solution. Of course, it’s completely reasonable for you to get furious when something goes wrong,” she said.
Rosalie wasn’t keen on preaching and sitting on her high horse.Text content © NôvelDrama.Org.
No one is perfect. Everyone knows that. If perfection were possible, there wouldn’t be so many tragedies and accidents in this world.
Rosalie’s concern for his health made a faint smile appear on Sebastian’s face.
She went on, “We’re friends, so it’s only right for friends to show
concern for each other.”
“Thank you.”
Her concern was capable of lifting his mood, even more so than any
other person.
“Oh yes, Rose, what brought you here today? Did Yvonne drag you here? That brat, she always disregards other people’s feelings!”
“It’s not her,” Rosalie clarified. “This has nothing to do with her. I was the one who asked her about you.”
She decided to tell him the truth, lest he started blaming Yvonne.
“You asked her about me?” Sebastian asked doubtfully. “Why?”
Rosalie smiled awkwardly. “I had a bad dream last night, and dreamt that something bad happened to you. It felt so real…”
She continued explaining herself, worried that he might find her laughable.
“I thought it was reality, and I broke out in a cold sweat. That was why I texted you, but you never replied to me. I called you, but you didn’t pick up the phone, so I got even more worried. Then I called Yvonne to ask about you, and eventually came here.”
Chapter 295
Sebastian stared at the woman before him, feeling his heart
softening.
He was still a little angry at her this morning and, if he were being honest, he had flared up at his subordinates because of his bad
mood.
But now, he realized that all the anger in him had dissipated. He wasn’t even angry at the lost project.
Conversely, he felt content.
There were a few levels to that feeling of content.
Each level was like an empty bag that, once filled, would move on to the next level. The next level was a larger bag.
He felt like the first bag was already full, and that he had progressed to the next level.
With regard to Rosalie, he didn’t ask for much. His bar was very low to start with, and he would feel content with just a smile or a tender word from her.
The knowledge that she was concerned for him instantly filled the empty bag on the first level to the brim.
The bag on the second level was opened, and it was empty. Strangely, at the same instant when the bag on the first level was filled, a greater sense of emptiness rushed in.
He was suddenly no longer content, and wanted more.
The bag on the first level was filled with her concern, and that alone made him content. The bag on the second level could only be filled
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with greater intimacy and closeness
The third level was something almost unattainable, and it was what he dreamt of this morning. That was the only way that bag on the third level could ever be filled.
But he knew the logic behind more haste, less speed. That was the reason for the three distinct levels, and he would take his time to
slowly work his way up.
And now, the first level was filled so effortlessly..
Upon seeing Sebastian in a daze, Rosalie, slightly anxious, said, “Am I being ridiculous? I’m not cursing you, so please don’t take it that way. It was just a dream, and I’m glad to see that you’re fine.”
Rosalie’s pure and innocent face was right before him, and she looked perfect no matter which angle he looked at her from.
Her sweet, tender voice rang in his ears, each word a beautiful melody tickling his ear and making its way into his heart.
Everything around him felt so surreal.
He blurted out, “Rose, I love you.”
Rosalie snarled furiously, “What right do you have to love me? You know that I’ve just gotten a divorce, and I’m still recovering from the trauma, but you’re confessing to me? You’re clearly taking advantage. of me! I don’t ever want to see you again!”
“Sebastian? What’s wrong?” Rosalie waved her hands in front of his eyes. “Are you sick?”
Sebastian was in a daze, as if his soul had left his body.
That was when he finally snapped back to reality, and realized that the exchange was merely a figment of his imagination.
No, he reminded himself. He couldn’t confess to her. He almost did
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just now.
Had he confessed to Rosalie, even if she didn’t tell him off like she did in his imagination, she would avoid him like the plague.
“Rose, thank you for your concern. No one has ever shown such. concern for me over a dream. You’re the first, and most probably the last. I’m so glad to know you and be friends with you.”
The idea of being friends was good. It was right for them to maintain their current relationship as friends first.
He reminded himself not to be too anxious. One of his greatest traits was patience.
Rosalie looked into Sebastian’s eyes and her heart leaped, as if it was hit by something. Anxiety flashed past her eyes, but it was gone in an instant.
That anxiety came forth from an inexplicable sense of fear. She couldn’t help but recall the emoji he sent her last night after their chat, which had the words “Love you” written in it.
They way his eyes looked right now.
“Sebastian,” Rosalie said, looking at him with crystal clear eyes. “ We’re good friends. You helped me when I was at my lowest, and I’m just returning the favor. I don’t mean anything else, so please don’t overthink things.”
Sebastian felt as though someone splashed an entire bucket of cold water over his head. He didn’t know if Rosalie was deliberately
reminding him not to overthink things, or if it was just a casual
remark on her part.
Whatever it was, Rosalie had only one objective in mind–which was to stop him from overthinking. They were just friends, and she was just showing concern for a friend.
A friend…
Sebastian’s mind was in a mess.
At the same time, a sharp knife was slicing through his heart.
He knew they were just friends–he knew that all along. That was why he had been so cautious. However, it didn’t stop his heart from breaking when Rosalie pointed it out so incisively and matter–of–factly.
Rosalie was still feeling uneasy, and was about to tell Sebastian that she was leaving when he said, “Of course.
Sebastian shot her a charming smile.
“We are friends, I didn’t think you meant anything else. I’m just very glad to have you as a friend.”
Rosalie thought his smile looked very forced.
wething things now
what made them tick. After all, she
sired as think that Thandhing invaithar And yet, he demanded for
She annived at the colon char
actions, discisions and the way
a man pazed at you may be starkly different from what he was truly feeling inside
tesalle smiled. “Yes, I’m very glad about that too
To lighten the mood, she changed the subject. She surveyed Sebastian from head to toe, and said. “You’re dressed very
comfortably for work today.
Sebastian looked down at his outfit, and gave her an awkward smile. These clothes were what he usually wore at home, and not in the
office. Circumstances were special today.
“Sometimes, I find wearing a suit too solemn. I thought a change in style would be good.”
“Your outfit today looks great, too. With such a good figure, you look good wearing anything.”
“Is that so? is my figure really that good?”
Rosalie’s praises made fireworks light up in Sebastian’s heart.
Everyone was vain to a certain extent. That was true even for dignified and classy people.
“Yeah,” she said, nodding. “I’m sure you work out. You have the height, the figure, the looks, the character, the status…the works. You’re living proof that the heavens play favorites.”
“Rose, you really know how to crack a joke.”
“I’m not joking, I’m being serious. I’m sure many women fancy you. To be honest, I didn’t believe that you didn’t have a girlfriend.”
“I really don’t,” Sebastian explained anxiously, for fear that she might get the wrong idea. “I’m still single right now.”
“That’s not too bad. Being single can make you carefree.”
Not having a love interest was certainly better than loving someone whom you can’t be with. The pain of unrequited love was too much.
It felt so suffocating that sometimes, even breathing hurt. Every second and every minute felt like impending death by drowning. The entire world feel gray and depressing.
Tears were her only companion.
…. Up until she had no more to shed.
The bone–piercing pain seemed endless, incapacitating her so much that she didn’t even have the energy to wish the pain away and simply let herself wallow in the misery.
hapter 297
“I do have someone I fancy,” Sebastian said as he looked at her.
Rosalie asked doubtfully, “Is that so? Do you really have someone you fancy? Who is she?”
“She…is very close to me…”
Rosalie instinctively wanted to take a step back, but her body froze on the spot as the corners of her lips twitched.
Sebastian suddenly took a step closer to her. Rosalie instinctively stepped back.
“Rose, can you do me a favor?” he asked.
“What is it?” Rosalie asked.
“Can you teach me how to court a lady?”
“Me, teach you?” Rosalie said in disbelief. “I think Yvonne would be a better person to ask. I’m such a dull person, and I don’t understand men very well. I don’t understand women, either.”
“I’m sure vo
- do. The woman I fancy is quite similar to you in character. I’m afraid Yvonne wouldn’t understand. She’s so
rambunctious, she wouldn’t know a thing about quieter and more reserved ladies.”
“Is that so?” Rosalie asked. “Who is this lady you fancy?”
“She… I met her at a banquet. She’s very reserved, but I could feel my heart racing the moment I saw her.”
Rosalie heaved a sigh of relief. So it was a lady he met at a banquet.
That’s good. As long as it wasn’t her
Since Rosalle had made herself clear, Sebastian naturally didn’t let his imagination run any wilder. Even his tone became more relaxed.
“If you like her, go pursue her. I believe given how outstanding you are, as long as you treat her right, she’ll realize how amazing you are.”
In fact, a man like Sebastian was rare to come by.
He was handsome, rich, young, mild–mannered, and not one to fool around with other women. He was the cream of the crop, and hordes of women would flock to him like bees to honey if he let them.
Why in the world would Sebastian ever suffer from an inferiority complex?
For comparison, it was like a genius with an 10 of 180 thinking that he’s not smart enough. How would that make other ordinary people feel?
“The problem is…” Sebastian hesitated,
“What is the problem?”
“Rose, I think Yvonne will take a while before she returns. Let’s sit down and talk,”
He felt as though she might turn around and leave anytime if they remained standing there.
“…”
Rosalie wanted to say that she didn’t want to stick around for too long. Yvonne would definitely spend a long time on her impromptu shopping trip, and she couldn’t possibly wait for the girl to come back before leaving. She could leave anytime she wanted.
“Rose, I need your opinion on this. It’s been troubling me. We’re friends, aren’t we? Please help me out here.”
Sebastian looked like a student asking for help for his homework.
Rosalie had no reason whatsoever to reject him. He had helped her so much; plus, she had offered her help to him whenever he needed it. “Alright, then,” Rosalie said.
Under Sebastian’s lead, she sat down on the couch. Sebastian told his secretary to bring in some fresh fruit juice and snacks.
“Some freshly squeezed fruit juice is good for pregnant ladies. It’s tangy and refreshing, and packed with vitamins.”
Rosalie thanked him before taking a sip of the fruit juice.
“Sebastian, let’s talk about the lady you fancy. What’s her name?”
Sebastian made up a name on the spot. “Lily Yancey.”
“Lily Yancey?”
Chapter 298
“Yeah,” Sebastian nodded. “That’s her name.”
“Do you have a photo of her?”
Rosalie was curious as to how the girl who caught Sebastian’s fancy looked. Her curiosity was further piqued by the fact that Sebastian said that she was similar to her in character.
“A photo of her…” Sebastian looked as though he suddenly remembered something. “It’s in my phone, but I left it at home and didn’t bring it with me. That’s also why I didn’t see your text and answer your calls.”
What a perfect excuse! It didn’t seem at all suspicious. He was telling
the truth, too.
He had left the house in a hurry this morning and, in his ire, forgot to bring his phone. He would never not answer Rosalie’s calls.
“I see.”
As it turned out, Sebastian had already left his house when she texted
him.
“I’ll check out her photo next time, then. But have you tried courting her? Or did you try and fail?”
“The problem is…” Sebastian lamented helplessly, “she has a boyfriend.”
“Oh, so she’s not single.”
Rosalie suddenly didn’t know what to say to Sebastian. Should she comfort him, or encourage him to pursue love regardless?
Then again, it didn’t seem like a good idea to encourage Sebastian to
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ruin another couple’s relationship.
“Sebastian, I can understand how you feel. I know you like her, but she doesn’t belong with you.”
Just like her and Theodore.
Sebastian said, “She’s broken up with her boyfriend.”
“Broken up?” Rosalie was glad for Sebastian from the bottom of her heart. “Then you certainly stand a chance now! Go and court her!”
“But she still loves her ex–boyfriend.
Sebastian sighed.
“Given how things are right now, she definitely isn’t ready for a new relationship. Think about it. You’ve just gotten a divorce from
Theodore. If someone confessed to you and try to pursue you, will you accept him?”
“I…” Rosalie shook her head. “I won’t, but I don’t speak for everyone else in the world. Some women find it easier to get over their heartbreak and sorrow with someone else’s comfort.”
“She’s similar to you in character,” Sebastian explained. “She gives her all in her relationships, and ends up getting deeply hurt.”
Rosalie fell silent.
“Rose,” Sebastian said morosely, “is there no way out? If I can’t pursue her, it seems I’m going to die sad and alone.”
“Please don’t say that,” Rosalie said anxiously. She tried to comfort. him. “You’re such an outstanding man! How could that possibly happen to you? As long as you’re willing, there are plenty of women willing to be with you and love you.”
“But Rose, you have to admit. For someone like me, even if I do have many women who are willing to be with me, do you really think they
did it because of love? Many wanted to be with me for a different reason. I want a love that’s pure, and a woman who loves me for who 1 am. But in today’s world, where people can be so cruel and cold- hearted, is that even possible?”
Sebastian sighed.
He didn’t look like he was faking it.
“You’re selling yourself short. Even if you have nothing, I’m sure there will be someone who loves you for who you are. There are so many men in this world with nothing to their name. They have neither your looks nor your talent, but they have people who love them. All the more a man like you! You just haven’t looked seriously enough.”
Rosalie comforted Sebastian like a big sister would.
“I found one,” Sebastian said with his head bowed. “It’s just a pity that the woman I love… I mean, Lily… What should I do now?”
Chapter 299
Rosalie found it difficult to accept the fact that the furious Sebastian, who was flaring up earlier, was the sorrowful, vulnerable, and helpless man before her now.
Yet, they were undeniably the same man.
Even a man like Sebastian had moments where he couldn’t control his anger and rage. There were also moments where he felt sorrow and disappointment.
Sebastian lifted his head, and looked seriously at her. “Rose, help me think through this, will you?”
Rosalie nodded and said anxiously, “I’ll help you. Give me a moment and let me think it through.”
She was taking it very seriously.
Sebastian had helped her so much. Now that she finally had a chance to help him, she would do all she could. If she could help him with his relationship, it would make her feel better and not feel so indebted to
him.
“Why don’t you start off as friends with her first? Don’t think about pursuing her, and just treat her sincerely. Show her concern, and hang out with her casually. I trust she’ll slowly get to know how good a man you are.”
That was the best way Rosalie could think of.
“You think so?” Disbelief flashed past Sebastian’s eyes. “Do you really think that approach is the best?”
Rosalie nodded.
“Yes, give it a try. Since you said she’s still trapped in her previous relationship, don’t force your way in. Give her some time to process. things. Meanwhile, you can stay by her side as her friend. But don’t get too close! Show her concern to an appropriate degrée, and I’m sure something good will come out of it.”
Sebastian’s eyes brightened. “Thanks so much, Rose! If we really end up together, I’ll make sure to thank you.”
“Don’t mention it. Just invite me to your wedding. But if I haven’t given birth yet, I won’t be able to raise a toast for you.”
She looked down and caressed her tummy. Her eyes were filled with joy each time she looked at her growing belly.
Sebastian’s gaze landed on her belly as well. He almost forgot that she was pregnant with that man’s child.
But if the child made Rose happy, it was good enough for him. As long as she was happy, nothing else mattered.
Sebastian’s documents were all scattered on the floor.
There was a piece of paper right below Rosalie’s feet, and she bent down to pick it up.
Sebastian said awkwardly, “I’m sorry. I’ll get someone in here to clear up the mess.”
Rosalie accidentally saw the content of the document. “So you lost the Tegoli project in the waterfront district. There are many residents there, and it’s also prime industrial land.”
“You know about the project!” Sebastian exclaimed.
Rosalie said, “I heard about it from research I did for my studies. No wonder you’re so angry! This is a huge project.”
Sebastian sighed. “So be it. Although we spent a lot of time and effort
5 BONUS
preparing for it, we ended up making a blunder. Our competitor had insider info, which I’m sure they spent a lot of money on. This happens often enough. We were too careless about it.”
He had been negligent at work recently. His subordinates might be the ones responsible for the mistake, but he wasn’t exactly faultless either.
His father’s rebuke was waiting for him back at home.
Rosalie mused, “Which company snatched the Tegoli project away? Skycrest is a powerful enterprise with many years of experience. It’s certainly a good candidate for managing the entire project.”
Sebastian said, “Regent Co. has been doing very well in recent years,
too.”
“So it was them?” Rosalie said.
A thought came to her mind.
Chapter 300
“What’s the matter?” Sebastian asked.
Rosalie recalled something, but she wasn’t too sure about it. It didn’t seem appropriate for her to abruptly bring it up too, so she shook her head.
“Nothing. Let me help you clear up the mess. These documents are important. Don’t just throw them around like this next time.”
Rosalie bent down to pick up the documents, piece by piece.
“No need, Rose. Let me.
Sebastian rushed over to pick up the documents with her.
Their hands touched when they tried picking up the same document.
Rosalie pulled her hand back, as if she felt a jolt of electricity. Her lips curled in an awkward smile as she handed the document to
Sebastian.
“I’ll be going now. I still have things to do.”
Sebastian asked, “Aren’t you going to wait for Yvonne? I’ll call her now
and tell her to come back.”
“No need. I have something to do, and I won’t be able to have lunch. with her anyway. Perhaps next time.”
“Where are you going? I can give you a lift.”
“No need. I can just hail a cab.”
“No way. I’ll have the driver fetch you there. I’ll feel more at ease that way,” Sebastian insisted.
“I…” Rosalie wanted to reject him, but the thought that Sebastian
might worry about her made her nod instead. “Alright, then.”
When Rosalie reached home, the first thing she did was to call
Theodore.
When he answered the call, she said coldly, “Mr. Spencer, I can forgive you for answering the call on my phone this morning, but why didn’t you tell me about it? You made me miss out on the call.”
Theodore remained silent for a few seconds before saying, “I forgot.”
Rosalie was speechless. He was clearly making an excuse for himself! Other people might forget, but she knew how good Theodore’s memory was.
“Fine. Even if you had forgotten, what did you tell my friend when you answered the call? Did you claim to be my husband?”
Rosalie was certain that was what Theodore claimed. Otherwise, why would Yvonne refer to him as her husband? Theodore must have
made her think that way.
“Isn’t it easier to say that? Should I have said that it was your ex- husband who answered the call instead?” he asked her back.
“You should have just told her the truth. You’re my ex–husband, and that’s that.”
“Fine. But I’ve already taken the call, and I forgot to tell you about it. What do you want me to do now to make you happy?”
“I…” Rosalie didn’t know what was the point of calling him. She just wasn’t comfortable with the autocratic way he did things.
“Forget it. This won’t happen again anyway,” Rosalie said, “Have a good rest. I’m hanging up.”
“Wait,” Theodore called out to her.
“What else do you want?”
“Are you angry at me?”
Rosalie found his question amusing. She had been so furious with him before, that now, she was all out of anger.
“There’s nothing to get angry about. It’s not that important, anyway.”
Her statement was a knife piercing through Theodore’s heart.
After they ended the call, Rosalie flung her phone aside and plopped on the couch.
She put her hands over her belly and caressed it gently, and mumbled under her breath.
“Isn’t your daddy strange? I don’t know if he’ll be a good daddy, but don’t worry. No matter what happens, Mommy will take good care of you.
“Maybe Mommy will tell him about it when a good opportunity comes along.
“But the situation is rather complex right now. He’s going to marry another woman. If I told him right now that he has a child, it feels like I’m destroying his happiness.”