Chapter 86

Evelyn couldn't suppress her curiosity. She dug deeper into the rumors swirling around Sebastian and Isabelle.

Just then, another sound echoed from the doorway.

Sebastian and Seraphina sprang apart like they'd been electrocuted. Seraphina hastily wiped her lips, while Sebastian paled, as if he couldn’t believe what he’d just done.

"What are you two doing here? Sebastian, this is the ladies' restroom!"

The unmistakable voice of displeasure belonged to Isabelle, who had limped over. Dressed in a sharp business suit, her sleek bob framing her porcelain skin and pale lips, she exuded the aura of a powerful, striking woman. But as her gaze landed on the pair, her expression darkened into something unreadable.

Sebastian remained silent, his face stormy, as if explanations were beneath him.

"Oh my, what’s going on here?" Adrian’s surprised voice cut through the tension as he entered. Tall, golden-haired, and radiating charm, he looked every bit the college heartthrob—slightly broader than Sebastian, with a smile that could melt hearts.

Adrian’s voice softened with concern. "Seraphina, why are you crying?"

Now the stage was set. Evelyn watched with rapt attention.

Nathan thought, Are we seriously holding a meeting in a restroom?

"I—It’s nothing, just a misunderstanding," Seraphina stammered. "I tripped, and Mr. Hart heard the noise and came to help." She cast a furtive glance at Sebastian.

Meanwhile, Sebastian’s gaze burned as Adrian tenderly pulled Seraphina into his arms. He murmured reassurances before pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.

Sebastian’s eyes darkened with something lethal—until Isabelle tugged sharply on his sleeve, snapping him back to reality.

Wow. Spectacular.

"Let’s take this somewhere else," Isabelle said, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Right, we should discuss the performance proposal," Adrian agreed, guiding Seraphina toward the exit.

Sebastian’s voice dripped ice. "Shouldn’t you ask Ms. Delacroix first? She doesn’t seem thrilled."

Seraphina flinched.

Isabelle frowned, studying Sebastian. Did he already know how Seraphina would react?

Of course he did. They’d just kissed.

Adrian cupped Seraphina’s face. "Being the supporting actress is still an opportunity. And didn’t you say you’d marry me? I could propose on national television. Unless… you’ve changed your mind?" His tone was sweet, but his grip tightened.

Sebastian’s stare turned predatory, locked onto Seraphina.

She hung her head, radiating wounded innocence, lips trembling as if forcing back tears.

Adrian’s smile faltered. "Well, if you’re not—"

"I’ll do it." The words tumbled out, flat and resigned. Only then did she lift her gaze—directly at Sebastian, eyes brimming with accusation.

Then, without warning, Sebastian turned to Isabelle with startling tenderness.

Isabelle recoiled, but he caught her waist, pulling her flush against him.

"I’ve been planning to propose to Isabelle soon," he announced, voice dripping with devotion. "What better stage than one watched by millions?"

Isabelle’s face went rigid. She opened her mouth—then clenched her jaw.

She’s definitely cursing him out internally.

Nathan raised a brow. Wait, doesn’t Isabelle hate Sebastian?

Adrian’s smirk slipped. "So that’s why you two keep things so private. Always someone waiting in the shadows, huh?" He released Seraphina like she’d burned him.

Isabelle finally found her voice. "We haven’t actually discussed this. Maybe we should—"

Adrian cut her off, dragging Seraphina away to "give them space."

The door hadn’t even clicked shut before Isabelle shoved Sebastian back. "Have you lost your damn mind? What was that?"

A slow smirk curled his lips—

And Evelyn knew: the game was far from over.