Chapter 7
391words
"Miss Ivy," she asked while scribbling notes, "I understand the approval process, but why was Mr. Weber's project rejected? The numbers looked solid."
"The numbers were fine, but the risk assessment was incomplete," I explained. "The association relies on legitimate business partnerships. We can't jeopardize that for quick profits."
Just before leaving work, I got a call from the butler—Sebastian had returned to the country.
My heart leapt. After weeks apart, I'd missed him more than I cared to admit.
Rushing out of the elevator, I spotted Sebastian waiting by the flower beds outside our building. He held a bouquet of white roses, his profile striking against the golden sunset.
"Sebastian!" I called, hurrying toward him.
My heels clicked rapidly on the pavement as I rushed forward. Just before reaching him, my ankle twisted sharply.
"Easy!" Sebastian caught me before I fell. "I'm not going anywhere."
"I missed you," I said, leaning into his embrace and breathing in his familiar cologne.
"And I you," he murmured, kissing my forehead and offering the roses. "For my beautiful wife."
We dined at an upscale restaurant downtown. Despite the flickering candles and romantic setting, Sebastian seemed distant, his mind elsewhere.
"How was Europe?" I asked, trying to draw him out.
"Fine," he replied curtly, then returned to cutting his steak with unusual focus.
"You seem exhausted," I said gently. "Was the mission that demanding?"
"Perhaps," he said, finally meeting my eyes. "Ivy, I want you to stay at the townhouse for now."
"Why?" I asked, surprised.
"I need some time... to readjust," he said, sending a chill down my spine. "There are family matters at the manor requiring my attention. I'll be quite busy."
"Then I'll help you at the manor."
"That won't be necessary," he said firmly. "Besides, you'll be closer to work in the city."
By the time I returned to the townhouse, my initial joy had curdled into disappointment. This wasn't the reunion I'd imagined. Sebastian had changed—I couldn't pinpoint exactly how, but something was definitely different.
Oro slithered to my side, nudging my hand gently with his head.
"You knew this would happen all along, didn't you?" I whispered.
He didn't answer, but his eyes held something that looked remarkably like compassion.
