Chapter 586 Beauty by the Side, Unmoved
The violinist's music was melodious and enchanting, blending with the light drizzle outside, creating an air of intimacy.
Sebastian held a glass of red wine, swirling it slowly but not drinking, while Catherine sipped hers until the glass was empty.
"Sebastian, you came to Aqua Vista City for the MBK project, right?"
Finally, their conversation shifted to the inevitable topic.
Sebastian was straightforward, "Yeah, I came from Aucester for that."
He set down his wine glass and picked up his knife and fork, slowly cutting into his steak.
The aroma of the medium-rare steak filled the air as he sliced through it, the meat fibers parting cleanly.
Catherine also set down her wine glass, leaving a faint lipstick mark on the rim.
The sound of her silverware clinking against the porcelain plate was crisp. "You should know that Aqua Vista City has regulations on building heights for safety reasons, and your application..."
She trailed off, her bright eyes gazing at Sebastian with a hint of tenderness. Under the table, her high heel inched closer to his foot.
Sensing her move, Sebastian shifted his feet, crossing one leg over the other, making it impossible for her to reach.
"Ms. Cooper, you seem well-informed. Looks like Mr. Cooper shares his work with you." Sebastian took a small bite of steak, savoring it slowly.
Catherine smiled, "My father does share his work with me and values my opinions. Sometimes, my suggestions can even change his decisions."
Her eyes hinted at her confidence, suggesting that the project wasn't a lost cause, depending on his willingness.
Sebastian played along, "In that case, Ms. Cooper, I hope you'll put in a good word for me. To be honest, coming to Aqua Vista City to handle this project has been stressful. My father insists I complete this task."
Catherine laughed, "I see. But Sebastian, my father, holds a significant position and can't help just anyone. How badly do you want to achieve your goal? Everything has a price..."
Sebastian cut a small piece of steak and placed it on Catherine's plate. "Ms. Cooper, isn't it inappropriate to draw lines between us now?"
The gesture implied that what was his was hers, eliminating any need for formality.
Catherine's lips curved into a happy smile. "If I help my father complete the project, would you really..."
Sebastian raised a finger to his lips, signaling silence. "Ms. Cooper, we both understand each other. No need to spell it out."
Catherine laughed heartily, "When I met you last night, I felt you were destined for me. Now I see I was right. People say great minds think alike, and I believe that's us. I should thank your father; without this task, we wouldn't have met."
Sebastian poured her another half glass of wine. "Everything works out for the best, allowing us to achieve our desires."
Catherine, feeling triumphant, raised her glass. "After the project is done, I hope you'll keep your promise."
Sebastian smiled, his deep eyes reflecting the misty rain outside, making them even more inscrutable. "Of course, Ms. Cooper, cheers."
Their glasses clinked, the red liquid swirling. Catherine took a sip, while Sebastian merely touched the glass to his lips.
"Sebastian, since we're so clear with each other, you don't need to call me Ms. Cooper anymore. Just call me Catherine." She looked at him expectantly, eager to hear her name in his deep, charming voice.
Sebastian's lips curved, "Ms. Cooper, you're Mr. Cooper's daughter, a socialite in Aqua Vista City, always in the spotlight. Though I wish to, I can't. Do you understand?"
Catherine pouted, "It's so annoying! Those reporters follow me everywhere, even on dates. You're right, we should be cautious. But once this is over, you can divorce Brooklyn, and we can be together openly!"
Catherine grew more excited, as if Sebastian were already hers to control.
Sebastian remained calm, "Patience is key in achieving great things. Catherine, easy gains are easily lost, but hard-won gains are hard to lose. You're smart, you get that better than I do."
Catherine pondered, then nodded, "You're right. As the heir of the Kingsley family, a divorce is a big deal and can't be rushed. As long as your heart is with me, I'll help you all the way!"
Every time she looked at Sebastian, her heart raced. His elegance, his demeanor, his voice, and his every move exuded an irresistible charm.
She had waited for a man like him for years! Standing by his side, being his partner, proudly announcing herself as Sebastian's wife!
The thought alone made her blood boil with excitement.
"I've looked into Brooklyn. What's so special about her? She's just a doctor, too career-focused to care about family! You need a good wife to support you, and I'll be that woman, always ready for you."
Sebastian chuckled lightly. Catherine's intelligence was lacking; openly criticizing Brooklyn in front of him was a grave mistake.
Her confidence in being irreplaceable, where did it come from?
Looking into his deep eyes, Catherine continued, "Sebastian, a man like you has a magic that makes women lose their minds."
Sebastian smiled faintly.
He only had eyes for one person, and it wasn't her.
Catherine bit her lip, "I won't be moved by any other man. From now on, it's only you."
"To a successful partnership, Ms. Cooper."
"Of course! Working with you will be a pleasure!"
After dinner, Sebastian escorted Catherine downstairs.
Catherine reached to link arms with him, but he gently opened the Bentley door for her instead.
"Please, Ms. Cooper."
Catherine's hand fell short, and she pouted, "No need to be so cautious. No one's around."
Sebastian maintained his stance, "Better safe than sorry."
"You... but I like it."
Catherine got in the car, and Sebastian instructed Bill to take her home. He didn't get in.
"Sebastian, aren't you coming with me?" Catherine asked, looking at him longingly.
"I have another dinner meeting, already running late."
Bill chimed in, "Ms. Cooper, Mr. Kingsley postponed a meeting with partners to have dinner with you."
Catherine smiled, touched, "You should have told me. I could have waited or rescheduled."
Sebastian closed the door. "You're more important."
As the car drove away, Sebastian took out his phone. "Did you catch him?"
"Yes, we got him. The camera had photos of you and Ms. Cooper, all deleted."
"Did you find out who sent him?" Sebastian asked, walking down the tree-lined path.
"It was Yancy."
They really went to great lengths to thwart his plans.
"I see. Let him go, destroy the evidence, and don't reveal your identity."
"Don't worry, I posed as a robber. The guy had a very unlucky day."
Hanging up, Sebastian felt the need to clear his mind after the uncomfortable dinner with Catherine.
His phone rang again.
Quinn nervously held her phone. "Sebastian, can you talk? I need to tell you something."
"Go ahead."
Quinn made sure her door was closed, then whispered, "I saw Yancy and some men in Dad's study. I overheard them. Dad wants to keep you in Aqua Vista City. If he orders it, what will you do?"
Brian hadn't wasted a minute in his absence.
"Aqua Vista City is nice. Good scenery, good environment, perfect for living."
Quinn bit her lip. "Sebastian, don't you get it? If Dad keeps you here, he's pushing you out of MBK's core. You'll struggle to return to headquarters!"
"When is he planning to discuss this?" Sebastian asked.
"Soon. He's already contacted some board members... Sebastian, what is Dad up to? Should I talk to him?"
"No need. I'll leave MBK eventually."
"No! You're MBK's president, the future chairman. You can't leave! Sebastian, I won't let you. I'll talk to Dad. Even if you're not in Aucester, Brooklyn is. I'll have her attend the board meeting! I won't let Dad hurt you!"
"Quinn! Stay put. If you don't want trouble, stay in your position as president!"
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