Chapter 600 Tell the Truth, What Happened to Him
Brooklyn swallowed her bite and said, "You know, there are other ways to invest too. Sebastian, you probably know I aced my IQ test and graduated in the top 10% of my class, so investing in smarts is no biggie for me. You've got a knack for spotting talent!"
Brooklyn knew Sebastian was teasing her, but she wasn't about to let him have his fun. She shut him down with a single sentence, curious to see how he'd react.
Sebastian savored their brief dinner, chewing slowly. "Honey, you're spot on. I not only have an eye for talent, but I also like to play the long game. That's why..."
He leaned in closer, closing the gap between them, "I married you."
Brooklyn, unfazed, stuffed a big piece of meat into his mouth. "A reward for you. How's it taste?"
Sebastian sat back, grinning. "Anything you feed me, darling, is delicious."
Just then, Brooklyn's phone rang.
She pulled it out of her bag, glanced at the number, and said, "It's Peregrine."
Sebastian nodded, signaling her to take the call.
"Peregrine, what's up?" Brooklyn asked, her eyes never leaving Sebastian.
Peregrine, still at the office, nervously gripped his phone. "Sorry to bother you, Dr. Mitchell. Am I interrupting your work?"
"No, go ahead. What's going on?" Brooklyn guessed it was about the custody case, the only thing that could make Peregrine so anxious.
Sure enough, Peregrine said, "The court date is coming up, but I still haven't reached Dione. I'm worried she won't show."
Brooklyn switched the phone to her left hand, reassuring him, "The court summons has been sent to her. Even if she doesn't show, her lawyer will. Don't worry, Sofia's custody lawyer will see this through."
Sebastian frowned slightly. Hadn't he already reassured Peregrine? Why was he still worried?
Was it a lack of trust, or was Peregrine just insecure?
Sebastian put down his fork and reached across the table, taking the phone from Brooklyn's hand. She let him take it without protest.
"Mr. Holloway, you don't need to worry about the case with your ex-wife. I promised to help you, and I will make sure you get what you want."
Peregrine was startled. Why was Sebastian answering? Wasn't he supposed to be in Aqua Vista City?
Peregrine tensed up, taking a deep breath. "Mr. Kingsley, I remember what you said, but I still can't reach Dione, and I'm nervous..."
"You're worried because you care. I get it. She'll contact you within three days. When's the court date?"
Brooklyn raised an eyebrow. Was Sebastian really helping Peregrine?
When did Sebastian start doing good deeds?
"The hearing is on the 20th, four days from now. I just can't shake this feeling, Mr. Kingsley. Sofia is my only family, my precious daughter. I can't let her go back to her mom. But with the evidence I have... I'm worried about losing."
Today was the 16th. Sebastian thought for a moment, then reached across the table to hold Brooklyn's hand, intertwining their fingers as if drawing strength.
"You won't lose. I'll make sure you get custody of your daughter without breaking a sweat."
"Really? Mr. Kingsley, I know you're capable..."
"If you know I'm capable, stop overthinking. Brooklyn and I are having dinner, Mr. Holloway. Go home early and spend time with your daughter."
With that, Sebastian hung up the phone.
Brooklyn raised an eyebrow. "How are you going to help him? The lawyer said Dione has more evidence. Without proof of child abuse, Sofia's testimony is hard to use."
Thinking about it, Brooklyn felt it was a long shot, but she wanted to help Peregrine fight for custody.
Sebastian smiled mysteriously, wrapping Brooklyn's hand in his. "Sweetheart, achieving something doesn't always require a straight path. Sometimes, a detour is quicker."
"So, you have a plan?"
Sebastian nodded. "Yep, Dione's dug herself a hole, and I'll help her fall right into it."
Brooklyn pursed her lips. "Sebastian, you're really something."
"So do you like?" Sebastian said, enjoying her teasing.
After dinner, Brooklyn and Sebastian left the restaurant together. She was still wearing the high heels from her earlier show.
Sitting hadn't been a problem, but now walking made the sore spot on her foot hurt.
She couldn't let him notice. If he knew, he'd worry even more.
She forced a smile. "Text me when you get to Aqua Vista City, no matter how late."
Sebastian leaned down, kissing her forehead. "I will."
Their warm dinner ended, and Brooklyn watched Sebastian board his flight. Only when the plane was out of sight did she turn away.
In the car, Brooklyn got straight to the point. "Dario, be honest with me. Was Sebastian sent to Aqua Vista City because of some issue? Is he getting pushed around at work?"
"Mrs. Kingsley, you're overthinking it. Mr. Kingsley's position at the company is solid. No one can push him around. There are just some matters in Aqua Vista City that need his personal attention."
Brooklyn wasn't convinced. She feared that even if something happened, Sebastian wouldn't want her to know.
Suddenly, Brooklyn's expression changed, her voice sharp. "Dario, how dare you lie to me!"
Her sudden outburst startled Dario, making him grip the steering wheel tightly. "Mrs. Kingsley, I... I'm not lying. I'm telling the truth."
Brooklyn maintained her stern demeanor. "Sebastian already told me the truth during dinner. How dare you try to hide it from me? We're married, and there are no secrets between us."
Dario's grip on the wheel tightened, his knuckles turning pale.
Could it be that Sebastian, despite his warnings, had spilled the beans himself?
Brooklyn didn't wait for Dario to respond. "Dario, I know about the personnel changes, financial issues, and project allocations. Tell me, what did he encounter in Aqua Vista City?"
Dario was at a loss. Did Brooklyn know? Or not? How much did she know?
Sebastian's words—truth or lies—how much of each?
Faced with Brooklyn's intelligence, Dario found himself in a tough spot.
After some thought, Dario found a middle ground. "Mrs. Kingsley, you probably know Mr. Kingsley went to Aqua Vista City to secure a building permit, right?"
Brooklyn nodded. "Of course, I know. What else?"
Dario bit his lip. "The permit is tricky, but fortunately, you inadvertently helped Mr. Gutierrez's family, which has been a great help in opening doors for Mr. Kingsley..." Dario spoke cautiously, afraid of saying the wrong thing.
"I know all that. I'm asking about Aqua Vista City."
Dario wanted to wipe his brow. Could he pretend not to hear?
"Well... the building permit, the key person is Mr. Cooper. Mr. Kingsley is trying to get Mr. Cooper to agree..."
Dario explained what he knew about Sebastian's dealings with the Cooper family.
Brooklyn chuckled. "That's it? You think I'm a child who can be easily fooled?"
Dario swallowed hard. "Well... Mr. Kingsley and Mr. Cooper's daughter..."
Under Brooklyn's pressure, Dario reluctantly shared some less critical details. After hearing his explanation, Brooklyn laughed.
What he said, and what he didn't, Brooklyn could piece together.
Brooklyn's smile widened. So that was it!
No wonder Bruce agreed to Sebastian's request, even using his influence to help Sebastian in Aqua Vista City. It turned out that he wanted Sebastian as his son-in-law!
'Catherine.' Brooklyn mused over the name, chuckling softly. How naive!
Meanwhile, in Aqua Vista City, Catherine got herself ready, wearing a sleek, floor-length gown with a deep V-neck that accentuated her curves. She hummed a love song as she slipped on her heels.
Her good mood was infectious, making her parents happy too. "Catherine, a girl should be a bit more reserved. Too forward isn't ladylike."
"Dad, Mom, it's a new era. If I like someone, I have to go for it, or someone else will. Love doesn't wait. I'm going to a concert with Sebastian tonight. Wish me luck!"
"She's like a bee in honey when she's in love, always smiling."
"Of course, I love Sebastian. Oh, Dad, is everything set with Sebastian's permit? I can talk to him about it tonight."
"No problem at all. Everything's been cleared, even the mayor's on board. What do you think?" Bruce said proudly. "Don't forget about me when you have a boyfriend. I'm quite capable, you know."
"Thanks, Dad! You're the best! But Sebastian's even better."
"Ha, don't let him sweep you off your feet."
Catherine thought about it and realized she was.
Catherine gracefully descended the villa steps. Outside, a black Bentley awaited, and Bill respectfully opened the door. "Ms. Cooper, Mr. Kingsley sent me to pick you up."
Catherine looked around, not seeing Sebastian. "Where's Sebastian? Why didn't he come?"
"I'm just here to pick you up. As for Mr. Kingsley, I'm not sure if he has other plans. Please, Ms. Cooper, the concert starts at eight."
Catherine bit her lip in excitement. "Is Sebastian planning a surprise for me?"
"Uh... I really don't know."
Catherine shrugged. "You don't seem to get romance. Alright, let's go."
"Yes, Ms. Cooper."
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