Chapter 312 Danger I: Alaric Is in Trouble
"Back then, the condition Atticus and I set for Sebastian to leave Seraphina was that we would give him original shares of the Everhart Group or a large sum of money, and Dashiell's promise was that he wouldn't have a sexual relationship with Seraphina." Dashiell didn't hide anything from Cecilia.
Cecilia was taken aback. Suddenly, it all made sense.
"No wonder Sebastian didn't sleep with Seraphina last night. I couldn't figure out why he would do that. Could it really be to protect Seraphina? But that doesn't make sense. Any man who cares even a little wouldn't let another man touch Seraphina." Cecilia added.
"Yeah," Dashiell responded.
If it weren't for that condition back then, Seraphina and Sebastian had probably slept together many times already.
As long as Sebastian wanted to, Seraphina would never refuse.
"Sebastian is truly impressive," Cecilia couldn't help but sigh.
He could let the woman he loved be with someone else, something most people couldn't do.
Back then, even though Dominic didn't like her, he would never let another man defile her.
That was a man's pride and natural possessiveness.
But Sebastian could endure anything to achieve his goals.
"What do you plan to do next?" Cecilia asked.
Dashiell said, "Actually, even if I sleep with Seraphina, it won't change anything."
"But at least you can learn to be more proactive," Cecilia said. "A lot of things need to be fought for."
"That would only make Seraphina hate me more." Dashiell replied.
"Dashiell, you're too concerned about Seraphina's feelings, which is why you keep suppressing your emotions. If you don't express yourself, others cannot see your good. Like what happened last night, Seraphina has no right to blame you. From another perspective, you're the victim. Don't let Seraphina take the upper hand. You should be more assertive. Besides, you're married. Sleeping together is normal. You should not feel that you owe Seraphina. It's a basic marital duty."
Dashiell couldn't help but laugh, "I think you've convinced me."
"Not just think, you have to do as I say. From today on, be more proactive with Seraphina. Don't avoid her just to keep her from being unhappy. Last night, Seraphina even complained that she couldn't see you. Maybe deep down, she feels your marital life is abnormal." Cecilia spoke passionately, then paused and continued, "Didn't you say you wanted Seraphina to fall in love with you before telling her about Sebastian's intentions? If you have such a beautiful idea, why not take action? If you don't act, Seraphina will never fall in love with you."
"Okay, I'll be more proactive from now on," Dashiell agreed.
Dashiell found himself swayed by Cecilia's words. He was indeed overly concerned about Seraphina's feelings, to the point of avoiding her for fear of making things worse. He had almost forgotten that his avoidance might not worsen their strained relationship, but it certainly wouldn't improve it either.
"Also, I suggest you gather evidence against Sebastian, just in case you need to expose any schemes of his. I'm really worried that Seraphina, in her naivety, might get duped by him," Cecilia advised.
"Got it," Dashiell replied.
"I won't say much more. Just remember, happiness is something you have to fight for yourself. Good luck."
"Thanks," Dashiell said before ending the call.
Cecilia sighed with relief. For now, Seraphina's life seemed to be following the path Cecilia had hoped for, and she didn't need to worry too much. Besides, some things were better left to Dashiell to handle.
As she set her phone down, a breaking news alert popped up on the screen. Curious, she glanced at it.
The news reported an explosion at a fireworks factory in Lindwood, resulting in numerous casualties.
She thought, 'Lindwood?! Isn't that the remote town where Alaric went?!'
The thought struck Cecilia like a jolt. She thought, 'What if Alaric was at the scene of the explosion?'
Panicked, she quickly picked up her phone and dialed Alaric's number.
The call went straight to voicemail.
She thought, 'No… could his phone have been destroyed in the blast?'
She couldn't let herself get too anxious.
Lindwood was large; it wasn't certain that Alaric was there.
With trembling hands, Cecilia read the news update. The report stated that a fireworks manufacturing plant in Lindwood had experienced a catastrophic explosion. The factory, which employed nearly 100 workers, was almost completely leveled by the fire. There were 21 confirmed dead, 52 critically injured, and 23 with minor injuries. The police were investigating the cause of the explosion.
If proper safety measures weren't in place, it was a real possibility.
But Cecilia had a nagging feeling that this explosion was more than just a mishap.
She gritted her teeth and called Alaric again.
The call still went straight to voicemail.
She thought, 'Alaric has always claimed he'd never turn off his phone—unless...'
Cecilia forced herself to stay calm, convincing herself that Alaric couldn't be in trouble.
She thought, 'He's the sort who could outlive us all.'
She thought for a moment and then dialed Cassius.
"Cassius, did you hear about the explosion in Lindwood?" Cecilia asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Yeah, I just saw it on the news," Cassius replied.
"Do you know Alaric's schedule for today?"
There was a pause on the other end.
Cecilia's anxiety grew. "Alaric wouldn't be at the factory, would he?"
She was looking for confirmation, hoping for a reassuring answer.
"I don't know. Alaric didn't tell me," Cassius said.
"But Alaric's phone isn't reachable."
"I haven't been able to get through either," Cassius admitted.
"He never turns off his phone," Cecilia said, her worry evident.
"Maybe the battery's dead."
"That's not possible," Cecilia said sharply. "Alaric wouldn't be careless enough to let his phone die."
Cassius, seemingly uninterested in continuing the conversation, said, "I've got to take care of something. I'm hanging up now."
"Cassius..."
The line went dead.
Cecilia frowned, troubled by Cassius' cold demeanor towards Alaric.
Something felt off, and she couldn't shake the feeling.
She glanced at Augustus, who was watching her with a hint of unease. "Augustus, we're heading to Lindwood in half an hour."
Augustus looked taken aback.
Cecilia picked up the internal phone. "Rose, call a department heads meeting in two minutes. I have important instructions to give."
"Understood," Rose replied.
After organizing the remaining tasks, Cecilia left the Lockhart Group.
Once in the car, she finally called Theodore to inform him of her leave.
She didn't mention where she was going, worried it might cause unnecessary concern.
Theodore, though, took it in stride. Knowing Cecilia had been under stress lately, he readily approved her time off.
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