Chapter 612 Dione Suffers a Brutal Beating
His sweet words wrapped around her heart, his gentle voice lingering in her ears. With his strong arms holding her close, the cold outside seemed to melt away.
"The gifts you gave tonight were really thoughtful. Susie and Dione's reactions were pretty telling. I get why Susie reacted the way she did, but why'd you give Dione that particular gift?" Brooklyn asked.
Sebastian loosened his grip on her waist and took her hand as they walked towards the parking lot. "Dione and Jesse have a secret they're hiding. The gift was a warning."
They walked side by side, their elegant figures casting long shadows in the night.
"So, the gift you gave Dione wasn't just a simple gesture? Are you trying to help Peregrine get custody of Sofia by pressuring Dione to back off?" Brooklyn speculated.
Sebastian gently placed a finger on her lips, stopping her from saying more. He smiled, "Sweetheart, some things are better left unsaid."
Brooklyn brushed his hand away. "I didn't know you had such tricks up your sleeve!"
Sebastian opened the car door. "It's not a threat. It's just using their own tactics against them. Dione isn't exactly a saint. Why bother with legalities when there's a simpler way?"
Brooklyn pouted, her red lips catching the light from the luxurious street lamps, casting a delicate shadow on her face. Her long lashes curled perfectly.
Sebastian leaned against the car door, his other hand wrapping around her waist again. "Brooklyn, you look stunning tonight."
His compliment, laced with the scent of tequila, made her knees weak. She almost fell into his chest. "Honey, if you keep this up, we might end up spending the night in the Jordan Villa's yard."
Sebastian chuckled, "Alright, let's head back to our place."
Brooklyn suddenly remembered, "I can't ride with you. I drove myself here."
"What? You just got to Aqua Vista City. How do you have a car?"
Brooklyn jingled her car keys. "Of course, I have a car. And it's a luxury model, limited edition."
The logo on the keys was unmistakable, indicating a high-end sports car.
"Alright, we'll take your car."
As they made their decision, guests began to leave the party, politely greeting Sebastian and Brooklyn. Some even-handed Sebastian their business cards, clearly favoring him over Marc.
Sebastian casually accepted a few cards, then lazily wrapped an arm around Brooklyn as they walked to her Maybach.
The guests watched the couple drive away, whispering among themselves. "I think I've seen Cameron Simmons driving that car before."
"Yeah, it's a limited edition. There's only one in Aqua Vista City. Sebastian and Cameron must be close for him to lend his prized car."
"If Sebastian decides to establish himself here, we need to be smart about it. Miguel is getting old, and with Marc in jail, their family doesn't have anyone strong enough to lead."
As the Maybach drove down a remote road, Sebastian glanced at Brooklyn's profile. "When did you get here?"
Brooklyn rested her chin on her hand. "Guess."
"It doesn't matter when you arrived. What matters is why you didn't tell me so I could pick you up."
Thinking back, he realized she had asked for his hotel address the day before. He should have suspected something then.
"I checked your schedule. You were busy all day. You didn't have time to pick me up."
"Other things can be rescheduled, but picking you up is a must. Don't do this again."
Brooklyn leaned back in her seat, her eyelids drooping. "Again? Honey, do you expect the next time? I don't plan on coming back. You're surrounded by beautiful women here. I wouldn't want to intrude. What if Catherine... What are you doing?"
Miguel's cane struck Dione's back with a force that sent her crashing to the carpet, crying out in pain.
"Darling, I swear, there's nothing between Marc and me! Please believe me!" Dione struggled to get up, her tears smudging her carefully applied makeup, making her look like a ghostly figure.
She grabbed Miguel's cane, trying to stop him from hitting her again. Her sobs made her chest heave, looking utterly pitiful.
Miguel's face twisted with rage and humiliation, deep wrinkles crisscrossing his features. The light from above cast his face into sharp relief, making him look like a demon.
"Believe you? You whore! Do you think I'm blind? I know about you and Marc! I'll beat you to death today!" He swung the cane again, hitting her with all his might. Each blow was followed by a scream of agony.
"Please, stop! I never approached him. He came after me. Ask your son! I've been loyal to you, taking care of everything. What did I do wrong?"
Her desperate pleas and screams filled the room, the sound of the cane hitting her flesh echoing. Dione curled up on the floor, bruised and battered.
"Please, I won't do it again. I promise."
Miguel finally stopped, exhausted. He sat on the sofa, glaring at Dione. "If I find out you've done anything else behind my back, I'll skin you alive!"
"I swear, I won't. I'll only serve you!"
Susie stood outside, listening to the cries inside. "Serves you right! You and your son should both die. Then my son will have one less rival for the inheritance!"
Dione struggled to stand, trembling. She didn't dare make a sound.
"What did Sebastian give you?" Miguel's anger hadn't subsided. He pointed to the redwood box.
Dione's face turned pale. Sebastian's gift to Jesse was a warning. He must know about her and Jesse. The box must contain something related to that.
"It's just some women's items, a bottle of perfume..." Dione's voice trembled with fear.
"Open it!"
Dione froze, unable to move.
"Open it! Now!"
Miguel's cane struck the floor, the sound making her jump.
At that moment, there was a knock on the door.
"Who is it?" Miguel demanded.
Susie smiled sweetly. "Dad, Mom, it's me."
Dione sighed in relief, her tension easing slightly.
"What is it?"
"Dad, I need to talk to you. Can I come in?"
Miguel glared at Dione. "Clean yourself up. Don't embarrass me!"
Dione was beautiful, but after seeing Brooklyn tonight, Miguel found all other women lacking. Brooklyn was a rare flower, pure and untainted.
Susie's arrival diverted Miguel's attention from Dione. She found a reason to distract him, and he didn't mention the gift again.
After Miguel left, Susie crossed her arms and looked at the bruised Dione. "I just saved your life. How will you thank me?"
Dione was still shaken from the beating. "What do you want?"
Susie eyed the box on the table and grabbed it. "Is there a secret in here?"
"Give it back!" Dione panicked. If Susie found out, her situation would be just as bad.
Susie pouted innocently. "Why are you so scared? It's just a bottle of perfume, right? Did Sebastian add something else?"
Dione's face grew paler. "Susie, give it back. I'll give you anything you want."
Susie shook her head. "I'm not that easily satisfied."
"Mom, I'm curious about Jesse's sculpture. What's your relationship with him?"
Dione's hands clenched into fists. "Nothing! I don't know him!"
"Really? I just want to see what's in the box. What did Sebastian give you?"
"No!" She screamed and lunged for the box, but it was too late. The lid flew open, and the contents spilled onto the floor.
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