Chapter 9

For the briefest moment, Elena wondered whether Sebastian's concern was truly for her.

The thought disappeared almost as soon as it surfaced.

No.

He had come because the people who assaulted her were known supporters of Celeste. If the case escalated, the scandal would spread through every family in the underworld, dragging Celeste's name into it along with theirs.

Keeping her eyes on the city slipping past the window, she spoke in an even voice.

"If you're here to ask me to go easy on Celeste's supporters, don't waste your time. They knew exactly what they were doing, and they'll answer for it."

Her calmness unsettled him far more than anger would have.

After a moment, Sebastian said quietly, "I'm not here because of Celeste."

Elena merely gave a small nod, as though his answer made no difference.

The rest of the drive passed in silence.

**

They had barely stepped into the Vieri estate, Elena's suitcase still sitting beside the entrance, when hurried footsteps echoed through the foyer.

Celeste appeared in the doorway.

Her once waist-length hair had been cut to her shoulders after the explosion that had left burns along one side of her face. Thin bandages disappeared beneath the collar of her sweater, and her pale complexion made her look as though she hadn't fully recovered from weeks in the hospital.

Veronica supported her carefully as they walked inside.

The moment Sebastian noticed Celeste falter, instinct took over.

He crossed the room without thinking and caught her before she lost her balance.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his brows knitting together. "The doctors said you needed to stay in bed."

Celeste rested a hand lightly against his arm.

"I had to come."

Her voice was soft enough to stir sympathy in anyone who heard it.

"I heard what happened to Mrs. Vieri."

Her tear-filled eyes turned toward Elena.

"Those people acted because they support me. I should've done a better job making sure they understood where I stand. I never imagined they'd hurt someone."

She lowered her head.

"Mrs. Vieri... I'm truly sorry. Please let me apologize on their behalf."

Before Elena could answer, Sebastian spoke.

"This isn't your fault."

His tone carried quiet certainty.

"You didn't tell them to do it. Elena knows that."

Celeste slowly shook her head.

"Whether she forgives them is entirely her decision."

She looked back at Elena.

"But I still owe her an apology."

Only then did Elena raise her eyes.

Her gaze drifted over Celeste before settling on the hand Sebastian still held as he steadied her.

He seemed to notice it at the same moment.

His fingers stiffened slightly.

For the first time in years, Sebastian hesitated, uncertain whether he should let go or continue supporting her.

Elena spared him the decision by looking away.

"Miss Moreau," she said evenly, "you're responsible for your own actions, not theirs. I don't need an apology from you."

She paused.

"But I won't be dropping the charges. They assaulted me knowing exactly what they were doing, and they'll face the consequences."

Celeste bit her lip.

"They're still young," she pleaded softly. "People make mistakes when they're emotional. Please... show them some mercy."

Elena regarded her quietly.

Then she asked a single question.

"Why are you trying so hard to protect them?"

Silence settled over the room.

A moment later, Elena spoke again.

"Unless..."

Her eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.

"...they acted because someone encouraged them to."

The words struck Celeste speechless.

The last trace of color disappeared from her face.

Before she could respond, Veronica stepped forward.

"Mrs. Vieri," she said firmly, "you were the one who said their actions don't represent Miss Moreau. She came here to apologize, nothing more."

Her expression hardened.

"Please don't accuse her of something without evidence."

Sebastian frowned.

"Elena."

There was unmistakable disapproval in his voice.

"Celeste wouldn't do something like that."

Elena looked at him for only a second.

Then she quietly turned away.

Without another word, she walked upstairs, leaving the three of them standing together in the foyer.

Not long afterward, Sebastian personally escorted Celeste back to the neighboring estate.

**

Once the mansion fell silent again, Elena realized she hadn't eaten since morning.

The housekeeper prepared a bowl of slow-simmered beef stew, but even after finishing it, she could barely remember what it tasted like.

Sebastian still hadn't returned.

Remembering the property deeds she intended to take with her, she headed for his study.

Nothing inside had changed.

The same shelves.

The same leather chair.

The same scent of old books and cigar smoke lingering in the air.

As she searched one of the cabinets, the sleeve of her cardigan brushed against a small wooden bear sitting near the edge of the desk.

It tipped over.

The carving struck the hardwood floor and split neatly in two.

Elena frowned.

The bear was hollow.

Dozens of tightly folded notes spilled across the floor.

She knelt to gather them, and one unfolded beneath her fingertips.

The handwriting was unmistakably Sebastian's.

Day 101 since Celeste left.

One day, I'll probably marry whoever my father chooses for the family.

It won't matter.

She'll never be the woman I wanted.

Elena's breath caught in her throat.

Her trembling fingers reached for another note.

Today was Mark's wedding.

I caught the ribbon.

When I looked up, Elena was smiling at me.

On impulse, I asked her to marry me.

I already knew she wouldn't refuse.

She'd loved me for years, even if she tried to hide it.

Since the marriage would benefit the family anyway...

...all I had to do was play the role of a good husband.