Chapter 482 Direct Retort
After dinner, Brooklyn and Diana were chatting in the living room while Sebastian and Leon headed to the study. Once the door closed, the atmosphere shifted.
Leon, a seasoned businessman, had met countless people over the years. Even though Sebastian was good at hiding his emotions and maintaining a calm demeanor, Leon could tell that their visit to Averlake wasn't just a casual one.
Sebastian didn't intend to hide anything either. They got straight to the point, both being very candid.
Leon pointed to a chair, "Take a seat. What you want to ask and say probably can't be covered in just a few words."
Sebastian nodded and sat down naturally. "I brought Brooklyn to Averlake for surgery."
Leon was genuinely surprised. "What's wrong with Scarlett? Why does she need surgery?"
Sebastian explained the situation clearly and logically, without exaggeration or deliberate concealment. He concluded, "I haven't told Brooklyn about this yet. I don't want her to worry. The surgery will be over soon, and I'll explain everything to her afterward."
"Do you think that's possible? Scarlett is a very smart girl. Do you think she hasn't noticed anything?"
"At least for now, she doesn't know. Brooklyn has been through a lot, and I don't want her to suffer anymore. I want to handle this for her."
Leon couldn't help but admire Sebastian even more. "Alright, have you contacted the doctors? If you need any help, just let me know. After all, I've been in Averlake for many years and have more connections than you."
Sebastian didn't directly refuse, but didn't really need any help. "Dad, the one you should be more worried about right now isn't Brooklyn, but Kevin."
Hearing Kevin's name, Leon took a deep breath. "Kevin, huh? I know his attitude towards the Taylor Group. He hasn't made any moves recently. Do you have any news?"
Sebastian nodded. "He's always had his eyes on the Taylor Group. It's wise to be cautious. But there's one thing you should note: Kevin is good at using his opponents' enemies. Try to avoid direct conflicts with the Taylor Group's main competitors. Wait until the Taylor Group regains its strength before striking back."
Leon nodded repeatedly. "You're speaking my mind. I didn't realize he had such intentions. I thought I knew people well, but I was wrong and almost harmed Scarlett."
Leon glanced at Sebastian, who remained silent. He hesitated before saying, "Back then, I used Brooklyn because I had no other choice. My wife had severe mental issues after losing our daughter, and Kevin and Scarlett..."
"I know. The past is the past. You don't need to bring it up again. I won't pursue it. Sometimes it's good to look back at the path we've walked, but we shouldn't let past mistakes affect our future."
Sebastian's words were a great comfort to Leon, who had been feeling guilty and regretful.
That night, Sebastian and Brooklyn stayed at the Taylor villa. After chatting with Diana, Brooklyn returned to the bedroom to find Sebastian taking off his suit jacket. His back was to the door, and his tall figure was imposing.
Brooklyn quietly walked up behind him, wrapped her arms around his waist, and pressed her face against his back, absorbing his scent through his vest and shirt.
Sebastian's movements paused for a moment before he asked, "What's wrong?"
Brooklyn tightened her grip on his waist and mumbled, "What did you talk about with Dad in the study?"
Sebastian held her hands, their rings intertwined and shining brightly. "Just some work stuff. If you want to hear it, I can tell you, but you can't fall asleep while listening."
"You're lying. Do you really think I don't know? You left your work in the country and came all the way to Averlake, planning to stay for half a month. Do you really think I can't guess why?"
Sebastian's grip tightened. Had his wife already figured it out?
He turned around and held her in his arms. "What did you guess?"
"I actually knew for a while. I overheard at the hospital that I have a blood clot in my brain that needs to be removed."
"Oh?"
Brooklyn continued, "I didn't want to expose your act because you were so convincing. But Sebastian, think about it. As a doctor, how could I not know my own condition? Even if I'm not a neurosurgeon, I'd still check if something was wrong with me."
Sebastian had underestimated Brooklyn's professional knowledge. This time, his attempt to hide the truth had failed completely.
"The surgery is scheduled for the day after tomorrow. I'll be with you the whole time. The surgery will be successful. Believe in yourself and the doctors."
He said this, but he wasn't entirely at ease. Nothing was certain, especially with brain surgery.
The more he tried to appear calm, the more anxious he felt.
Brooklyn had long come to terms with surgeries. She had been through so much that she was no longer worried. "I'm not worried at all. Fate won't keep striking the same person. I've suffered enough before. Now it's time for fate to take care of me. I believe I'll come out stronger."
"You will." He held her, closing his eyes as if answering on behalf of fate.
"But the biggest problem with this surgery is... I'll have to cut my hair." Brooklyn's biggest concern was cutting her hair, which required a lot of courage for a woman.
Sebastian ran his fingers through her hair, which was as smooth as silk. Losing such beautiful hair was heartbreaking for both of them.
"It's okay. Hair will grow back. We can buy wigs in any style you like. If you don't want to wear a wig, even with a shaved head, you'll still be the most beautiful."
"Forget it. I'll buy a wig. I don't want to scare anyone."
"Alright, whatever you want."
The next day, Sebastian and Brooklyn went wig shopping. Since it wasn't the weekend, the mall wasn't crowded. They walked hand in hand, not worried about being photographed by reporters, enjoying their time together.
They chose three wigs: one identical to her current hairstyle and two slightly shorter ones. Sebastian said they all looked good, so Brooklyn bought them without much thought.
Later, she realized something was off. "Mr. Kingsley, the point of wearing a wig is not to be noticed. If I keep changing hairstyles, won't people figure it out?"
Sebastian laughed, his deep voice pleasant. "Mrs. Kingsley, your brain is slowing down. We need to speed up the surgery."
Brooklyn playfully hit him with her bag. "You're making fun of me! Mr. Kingsley, I'm a patient now, and you're bullying me."
Sebastian caught her hand, intertwining their fingers. "As a patient, Mrs. Kingsley is the boss now. You can use my card as much as you want today."
"Great, I want to buy this mall."
Sebastian thought for a moment. "No."
Brooklyn smirked. "Backing out already? Didn't you say I could use it as much as I want?"
"Considering the distance and time cost, even if you buy this mall, you won't have time to visit often. If it's an investment, I think the purchasing power in our country is stronger. So, whether for personal use or profit, it's not a good choice."
"Mr. Kingsley, you're a true businessman, a master!"
"Mrs. Kingsley, you're too kind. I only showed one percent of my wisdom."
As they joked, an unwelcome voice came from behind.
It was unexpected but understandable. It was Kevin.
"Scarlett, what are you doing here?"
Kevin was surprised to see Brooklyn. He clearly wasn't prepared for this encounter.
Brooklyn and Sebastian turned around to see Kevin with a tall, stylish woman beside him.
They weren't overly intimate, but it was clear they were a couple.
"Mr. King, what a coincidence." Brooklyn smiled graciously. "And who is this lovely lady?"
The woman smiled. "Hello, so you're Scarlett. I've only seen you on TV and in reports. You're even more beautiful in person. No wonder Kevin can't forget you."
Brooklyn smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Kevin has good taste, choosing a sharp-tongued girlfriend. You two look great together."
Kevin wasn't enthusiastic about the conversation. "Why did you suddenly come back to Averlake?"
Brooklyn answered simply, "To visit my parents."
Sebastian stood tall and protective, his presence strong without saying a word.
The woman beside Kevin couldn't help but glance at him. Sebastian, known as a business prodigy, was indeed impressive. Though he and Kevin were of similar height, Sebastian's natural arrogance was unmatched.
His status was hard to compare, but his aura was superior.
"In that case, I haven't seen Mr. and Mrs. Taylor in a while. I'd like to visit them in a few days. Since you're here, let's have a meal together."
Kevin's invitation seemed friendly, like a long-lost friend.
But Sebastian wasn't giving him an easy opportunity. "Mr. King, there's no need for a meal. They prefer peace and quiet and don't want to be disturbed."
Their eyes met, clashing in the air.
Kevin frowned. "They say guests are welcome. Are you turning me away, Mr. Kingsley?"
"If the guest has ulterior motives, then yes."
"Mr. Kingsley, that's quite an accusation." Kevin's tone was tense.
Sebastian remained calm. "Mr. King, you know exactly what I mean."