Chapter 136

The first light of dawn painted the sky when Seraphina finally returned to her private villa.

Olivia had been waiting all night, her eyes red and puffy from crying. The sight of her sister's distress twisted Seraphina's heart.

"Olivia, stop blaming yourself. I'm perfectly fine." Seraphina sat beside her, pulling her into a tight embrace. "Don't you have an audition tomorrow? You need rest."

"Seraphina, am I just dead weight?" Olivia's voice trembled, tears welling up again. "You've always protected me since we were kids, and now that I'm grown, I still can't do anything for you."

"Don't talk nonsense." Seraphina tapped her forehead lightly. "You and Arabella bring warmth to this family. You're our precious little sister—our lucky charm. If you really want to help me, chase your dreams. When you make it big in Hollywood, you can endorse my brands. Think of the money I'll save. Deal?"

"Seraphina, I won't let you down! I will make it!" Olivia wiped her tears, nodding with fierce determination.

After a quick shower, Olivia collapsed into bed, asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.

Seraphina tucked her in before slipping out of the room.

In the study, Nathaniel was already waiting.

"Victoria was rushed to the hospital tonight. Any idea why?" Seraphina's voice turned icy as she settled onto the sofa.

"We found out. She slit her wrists. A suicide attempt, but she was saved in time." Nathaniel paused, his gaze sharpening. "And Adrian never left her side."

"Of course he didn't." Seraphina scoffed, unfazed. "She nearly died for him. Even if he were a corpse, he'd crawl to her bedside."

"Ms. Seraphina, what do you make of this?"

"Victoria trying to kill herself? That's the funniest joke I've heard all year." Seraphina leaned back, rubbing her temples. "She hasn't even become Mrs. Vanderbilt yet. She hasn't destroyed me. Why would she give up now? People who genuinely want to die don't get caught. Failing is just embarrassing."

"So you think she's manipulating Adrian?"

Nathaniel frowned. "But why? Isn't their wedding around the corner? Unless... he's having second thoughts?"

Seraphina's chest tightened. "Who knows? Maybe he's engaged to one woman but eyeing another. He already dumped me. Victoria could be next. Adrian's a playboy—nothing surprises me anymore."

"Logical. But I hope they marry and leave everyone else alone."

Nathaniel clenched his jaw before shifting topics. "Ms. Seraphina, who sent that man after you tonight? Could it be Eleanor? She's still detained by Mr. Vanderbilt. She wouldn't have the opportunity."

"He was foreign. A fighter—agile, like an underground brawler. No formal style, but brutally efficient." Seraphina's eyes darkened. "Eleanor doesn't have the connections, and Genevieve wouldn't know people like that. Only Victoria fits. She spent three years abroad, mingling in questionable circles. I wouldn't be surprised if she has a few brainless, muscle-bound lackeys at her disposal."

Nathaniel blinked, impressed by her deduction.

"As for why he had a grudge against me, speculation won't help. We'll interrogate him tomorrow."

Seraphina suddenly leaned forward. "Wait—you didn’t tell Sebastian anything, did you?"

Nathaniel sighed. "Ms. Seraphina, I wouldn’t dare disobey you. President Lockwood knows nothing."

"Good."

The moment she relaxed, her phone rang.

Sebastian.

Her pulse spiked. She grabbed the phone but hesitated.

Then Nathaniel's phone buzzed. He had no choice but to answer.

"President Lockwood, how can I assist you?"

"Put Seraphina on. Now."

Though not on speaker, Sebastian's voice was so deep it vibrated through the room, making Seraphina's heart hammer.

"Ms. Seraphina is asleep, President Lockwood."

"Nathaniel." Sebastian's tone turned lethal. "Since when do you lie to me? One more chance. Put her on, or by sunrise, you're no longer her secretary."

Seraphina snatched the phone, her voice soft. "Sebastian."

A heavy pause. Then, low and controlled: "Come outside. We need to talk."

Heart racing, Seraphina stepped past the villa gates.

Under the golden glow of streetlights, Sebastian stood beside a sleek black car, his tall frame immaculate in a gray suit.

A breathtaking sight—but Seraphina was too nervous to appreciate it.

"Sebastian." She tiptoed closer, whispering.

"It's cold. Get in."

Without hesitation, he shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her slender shoulders before guiding her into the car.

11:06 PM

In the backseat, Sebastian finally snapped. Gripping her shoulders, he demanded, "Where did that bastard hurt you?"

"My arm."

She couldn't lie anymore, hanging her head like a scolded child.

Sebastian paled. His fingers trembled as he rolled up her sleeve, revealing the white bandage beneath. His eyes glistened.

"It's shallow. Doesn't even hurt now," she rushed to explain.

Sebastian released her sleeve only to seize her hand, squeezing too tight.

She winced but stayed silent, guilt gnawing at her. "I'm sorry. I didn’t want you to worry. I thought I could handle it."

A long silence. Then, through gritted teeth: "Whoever touched my sister will pay."

Her breath hitched.

The man before her had once been ruthless—a shadowy kingpin. Though reformed, that darkness still lurked beneath the surface.

"Sebastian, you promised me." She pressed her cheek to his chest. "We left that life behind. That man is just a pawn. Punishing him won’t expose the mastermind. The Vanderbilts are cunning. If the enemy handed us leverage, we should use it wisely."

The murderous glint faded. He exhaled sharply, then grabbed a folder from the front seat.

"Look at this."

Seraphina opened it—and gasped. "What is this?"

"Nathaniel told me about your attacker. He’s desperate to find who sent him, so he came to me." Sebastian’s voice was steel. "But he didn’t mention your injury. Coward."

"I ordered him not to! Don’t blame him." Despite her irritation, she defended Nathaniel.

"If this happens again, I’m sending him back to the Sinclair estate."

She swallowed, wisely staying quiet.

Sebastian’s anger was rare but terrifying. Even Seraphina, who fearlessly defied Reginald, turned meek under his glare.

She focused on the documents—then froze.

"It’s him!"