Serena faltered-perhaps she really was being too anxious.
“No, that’s not what I meant.” Serena didn’t know how to explain the situation involving Eugene and Chris.
“Uncle Sebastian, don’t get it the wrong way…”
Sebastian lazily lifted his eyes and stared at her lips, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly.
“Have you eaten?”
“What?” Serena was stunned by his words.
Sebastian withdrew his gaze and said calmly, “Did you eat enough at dinner? If not, come eat with me.”
At his question, Serena realized she really hadn’t eaten much at dinner and was indeed kind of hungry.
“Alright. I’ll treat you to dinner then.”
“Okay.” Sebastian smiled faintly at her words.
Then, their cars disappeared into the night and stopped outside Vermillion Restaurant.
Serena’s eyes dimmed slightly when she saw the restaurant. She remembered the last time she had been here was when she first brought up breaking off the engagement with Trevor.
Sebastian walked ahead with Serena following half a step behind, and the duo entered the private room.
As Kyana watched the two walking away, she fell into deep thoughts.
“Kyana, what are you looking at?”
Hearing her friends’ voices, Kyana quickly turned back. She wondered why she seemed to have seen Serena here.
“Kyana, your burn is healing really slowly. It’s still red even now.”
“That’s all because of her. She has gone completely crazy,” Kyana said through gritted teeth.
The girls laughed.
“Kyana, is your half-sister really going to marry into the Levine family? If she really did that, you’ll be doomed.”
Kyana’s eyes darkened when she heard their words. She knew what they said was true. After all, Serena was already this arrogant when she wasn’t even married into the family yet. If the wedding really went through, she felt that Serena would walk all over everyone.
Thinking about it, Kyana huffed and said, “It’s still unsure as to whether she can actually marry Trevor or not!”
Every time Serena was alone with Sebastian, she still felt a little awkward.
“Why don’t you order, Uncle Sebastian?”
Sebastian raised an eyebrow subtly and called over the waiter.
“One serving of fish porridge, pear soup, and grilled beef ribs.” He ordered with ease, and each dish happened to be something Serena liked.
“It’s better to eat something light in the evening since it’s easier to digest. These are all specialties here. Try them.”
Serena found it a little surprising and asked, “How can you still remember their signature dishes when you’ve been away for so long?”
She used to love coming here too. It was one of her favorites.
Sebastian smiled faintly and replied, “You’ll remember it as long as you eat it often enough.”
Waiting for the food was torturous. Serena glanced at her fingers and then stared at the tablecloth. Bored, she eventually took out her phone.
“How long have you been working at this law firm?” Sebastian suddenly asked.
Serena reacted like a student caught playing with her phone in class as she immediately straightened up and replied, “I joined Beaumont Legal as an intern right after graduating from university.”
She had started school early and skipped grades. Even after finishing her master’s degree, she was only twenty-two. This year marked her fourth year at Beaumont Legal. After her fifth year, she would be eligible to compete for mid-level attorney certification.
Hearing her words, Sebastian nodded slightly and said, “There may have been some nepotism within the group in the past, but the first thing I did after returning was eliminate that bad habit. Don’t worry, I’ll give you the fair competition you want.”
With his clear assurance, Serena felt a surge of joy.
“Thank you, Uncle Sebastian!” She trusted his words completely. Since he had promised, there was no reason for him to deceive her. As long as the business belonged to Beaumont Legal, the one to win it would definitely be her boss!
“Now that we’re done talking business, how about we talk about something personal?”
Serena’s heart skipped a beat, and a sudden unease rose within her. She laughed awkwardly and asked, “What do you want to talk about, Uncle Sebastian?”
Sebastian’s eyes gradually deepened as he said, “You said today that you want to break off the engagement with Trevor. Is that true?”
“You heard that?” Serena asked instinctively.
Sebastian simply hummed in response and said, “I overheard it while passing by on the way to the restroom.”
Since he had already heard it, Serena spoke frankly, “Yes, I don’t plan to marry him anymore. I’ve already told Mrs. Levine about this. She said Grandpa’s health isn’t very good, so he might need some time to accept this fact.”
“There are only a few days left before your wedding.”
“Yes. Only a few days left.” Serena nodded. Her five years of persistence were finally defeated by these few short days.
“Did you think this through already?” he asked.
A trace of determination flashed through Serena’s eyes as she replied, “Yes.”
“That’s good,” Sebastian said calmly.
Hearing his words, Serena asked curiously, “Aren’t you going to try to persuade me?” She wondered why Sebastian wasn’t stopping her decision since he was also a part of the Levine family.
Sebastian curved his lips into a faint smile. “I respect your decision.” Then, his tone shifted slightly. “However, since you and Trevor are breaking off the engagement, it wouldn’t be appropriate for you to address me as an uncle.”
Serena’s pupils shrank, and her heart sank abruptly.
Although his words were sharp, they were true.
Sebastian lowered his gaze with a light smile. “Why don’t you call me by my name? I’m not that much older than you anyway.”
Hearing his words, Serena was stunned. The words “Mr. Levine” hovered on her lips and were swallowed back down.
She wondered if he was joking or not, since Sebastian was from the same generation as her father. Hence, she felt that calling him by his name would be kind of disrespectful.
After some time, Serena smiled stiffly and met his gaze. His eyes were so dark that it was as if they could pierce straight through her heart.
Just as the invisible pressure seemed to tighten around her throat, she suddenly heard him say, “It’s no rush. You can slowly get used to it first.”
At that moment, Serena let out a small sigh of relief. At the same time, she decided that she shouldn’t be alone with him unless necessary.
“I’m going to the restroom.”
Sebastian watched her retreating figure with amusement.
There was a restroom inside the private room, yet she insisted on going outside. He had been a bit too eager just now and almost scared her away.
I should do it slowly and steadily, he thought.
…
Serena didn’t even know why she ran away, but the atmosphere earlier had simply made it hard for her to breathe.
Fate seemed to have a cruel sense of humor. As soon as Kyana walked in, the first person she saw was Serena.
“So it really was you just now.” Kyana huffed angrily.
At that moment, Serena regained her usual composure and sneered coldly. “Do you want to get splashed again?”
Hearing her words, Kyana felt a sharp pain flare up in her neck and instinctively took a step back.
Seeing her skittish reaction, Serena didn’t bother to hide the mockery on her face. She wanted Kyana to understand that she wasn’t someone to mess with, and it was best if she stayed far away from her in the future.
Kyana’s face was flushed with embarrassment. She stiffened her neck and said in a low voice, “Don’t be too smug. Don’t think your position as Trevor’s wife is secure! It’s still uncertain whether you can actually marry him or not. Also, do you know where Dad went yesterday?”
Hearing her words, Serena narrowed her eyes and said, “If you have something to say, say it. Stop beating around the bush.”
Kyana looked at her smugly and said, “Dad went to the nursing home yesterday and brought Grandma back home, so you better think before you act from now on. With Grandma at home, you should show us a bit more respect!”
“What?” Serena’s eyes widened in shock. She couldn’t believe that Donald actually went and brought Judith back!
In that split second, anger rose in her, and she asked, “Did Grandma come back willingly?”
“Of course! Elderly people always want to come home.” Kyana smiled. “Serena, do you think you’re the only one who treated Grandma well? From now on, my mom and I will take good care of her!” It was a half-threat and half-mockery.
Serena shot her a vicious glare and turned to leave.
She had clearly changed the nursing home’s emergency contact to herself, yet her so-called father still refused to let her go.
…
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