Chapter 190 Sebastian's Suspicion
"Joyce's voice was raspy. ""If I tell him the truth, will he let me go?""
Sophia replied, ""Even if he does, he'll come looking for you. Once your belly shows, you can't hide it.""
Joyce said, ""I've got someone to cover my tracks. No one will find me, and I won't contact any of you until the baby is born.""
Sophia was stunned. She looked at Joyce with teary eyes. ""So, I won't be able to reach you? Joyce, don't be so harsh. What if I miss you?""
Tears welled up in Joyce's eyes too. She bit her lip. ""This is the only way to keep the baby safe. If Sebastian can find me, so can Cordelia and Isabella. They'll follow you and find clues about me, so I have no choice.""
That's why she had to leave with Benjamin. He was in poor health, and she couldn't leave him alone. For the child's sake, she had to say goodbye to everything here for now.
Sophia looked at Joyce with heartache. She could see how reluctant Joyce was, but also her unwavering determination.
Sophia knew how important this child was to Joyce. She held back her tears and hugged Joyce. ""Just go. Don't worry. I'll keep an eye on Sebastian. If he cheats, I'll make sure his son calls another man 'Dad.'""
Joyce gave a bitter smile. Just then, she saw Sebastian approaching. She quickly hid her emotions and whispered to Sophia.
Sebastian walked up and glanced at the downcast Sophia. He said, ""If your child's father doesn't want him, Alexander said he's willing to be the dad. You might as well give him a chance.""
Sophia didn't get it at first, but then she understood. She bit her teeth in anger. ""Tell him to go to hell. I'd rather beg with my son than give him that chance!""
She pulled Maxwell away. Watching her angry back, Sebastian smiled.
He leaned down to Joyce's ear and whispered, ""Did you know Sophia is the eldest daughter of the Sinclair Family from City C?""
Joyce nodded. ""Yes, why?""
""Did you know she has a fiancé?""
""Yes.""
""Do you know who he is?""
Joyce shook her head, confused. Sebastian usually didn't care about anyone, so why was he suddenly interested in Sophia?
Sebastian chuckled and texted Alexander. [ur fiancée from Sinclair Fam in City C? What's her grandpa's name?]
Alexander replied: [Dean Sinclair. Why, do you know him?]
Sebastian typed: [Met his granddaughter. She's hot. Reconsider?]
Alexander replied: [Even if she were a fairy, I wouldn't like her. Don't cause trouble.]
Sebastian smiled mischievously, thinking, 'This idiot still wants to be Sophia's husband. Dream on. He doesn't even recognize his own wife. No wonder he's still single.'
Sebastian put away his phone and took Joyce's hand. ""There's a horse ranch outside. Haven't you always wanted to learn to ride? Let me take you.""
Joyce pulled her hand away and stepped back. ""I don't want to learn now. You go ahead. I'll find something to eat.""
Just as she was about to leave, Sebastian pulled her into his arms. His eyes were deep, and his voice was hoarse. ""What do you want to eat? I'll get it for you, okay?""
His voice was gentle, almost pleading, afraid she'd push him away.
Joyce couldn't bear it. She closed her eyes and said softly, ""No need.""
""How about crab? The seafood here is the best. Let's try some tonight.""
Joyce shook her head. ""I don't want to eat.""
She's in the early stages of pregnancy and can't eat that stuff. If Sebastian found out, he'd get suspicious.
Sebastian looked surprised. ""How come your taste has changed? You used to love this stuff. Are you feeling unwell? Let me take you to a doctor.""
He touched her forehead with one hand and his own with the other.
Feeling their temperatures were the same, he sighed in relief. ""No fever. Why don't you want to eat? Is your stomach acting up? Let me get an expert.""
""No, I've just gained weight and want to lose it by skipping dinner.""
""Where have you gained weight? You look thinner. Joyce, are you hiding something from me?"" Sebastian's suspicion grew.
His eyes scanned Joyce, trying to find something amiss. Just then, Aurora walked over, easing Joyce's crisis.
She pulled Joyce to sit down and had someone bring a light, nutritious meal for pregnant women. ""Joyce, I heard you haven't had much of an appetite, so I had this made for you. Eat up.""
Sebastian looked surprised. ""How did you know she wasn't feeling well? She usually likes strong flavors. She won't eat bland food.""
Aurora glared at him. ""Your Granduncle has been looking for you. They're all waiting for you to drink. Go quickly, I'll stay with Joyce.""
""No, I don't feel comfortable with you staying. I'll take her with me.""
""Why take her to a place with drinking and smoking? Joyce won't go.""
Sebastian still felt something was off and looked at Joyce with concern. ""Stay with Grandma. I'll be back soon.""
He glanced at the food, then at Joyce, and turned to leave.
Watching him go, Aurora sighed. ""Have you decided on the date to leave?""
Joyce nodded. ""February 6th.""
Aurora realized there were only seven days left. Her eyes turned red. She stared at Joyce's belly and murmured, ""Joyce, it's our Winters Family that has wronged you. Making you hide while pregnant. Trust Seb to sort everything out and bring you and the baby back soon.""
""Grandma,"" Joyce softly called out, ""Don't tell him. I'm afraid I won't be able to leave.""
""I know. I just feel for you two, not being able to see each other. You must miss each other terribly.""
At the end of the banquet, the butler reported, ""Mrs. Winters, Mr. Sebastian Winters is drunk. He keeps calling out Ms. Blackwood's name and won't let anyone touch him.""
Joyce immediately stood up. ""Take me to him.""
She found Sebastian in a corner, sitting alone on the sofa, looking forlornly out the window.
Seeing Joyce approach, his eyes were filled with vulnerability, and his voice was hoarse from the alcohol. ""Joyce, please don't leave me, okay?"""
