Chapter 282

At the breakfast table, Stephanie kept her head down, staring at her plate. Elliot was there, along with the butler. She still couldn’t wrap her head around how things had changed between her and Sebastian. But Sebastian had already made sure everyone knew. The dining room was so quiet that Stephanie could almost hear her own heartbeat.

After a while, Macro walked in. Seeing him, Stephanie ducked her head even lower. Macro plopped down next to her. “Stefi, you actually behave today. What’s the occasion?” He sounded amused. “Why are you wearing a scarf during breakfast? It’s so warm here. Let me help you with that,” he said, reaching for her scarf.

Stephanie jerked away, slapping his hand. She thought, ‘Is this guy for real? I really want to scream at him. Seriously, why did he have to bring that up?’

Macro laughed, glancing at Stephanie and then at Sebastian. “Sebastian, you gotta be gentler with her,” he said. Stephanie was lost for words. The moment Macro finished speaking, he yelped, grabbing his leg.

Marco was stunned, wondering what happened. Before he could say anything, Sebastian gave him a cold look. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to eat,” Macro said, rubbing his leg where he’d been kicked. He glanced at the butler, signaling he needed utensils. But Sebastian’s voice was like ice. “There’s nothing here you like.”

Macro looked at the spread of food. “Who says I don’t like it? I love it.” Sebastian glanced at him. “You don’t.”

Macro was confused, wondering, ‘What? I just said I did. What does he mean?’ He felt another chill run down his spine. “Did I say something wrong again?” Sebastian didn’t respond.

Macro tried to explain, “Come on. You guys are like this now, and I can’t even make a joke?” Before he could finish, his leg hurt again. Macro thought, ‘Alright, alright, no more jokes about Stefi. Sebastian is super protective of her. If she is spoiled like this, how will she survive without him?’

Seeing Macro still didn’t get it, Sebastian glared at him. “Are you leaving or not?” Macro’s mouth twitched. “Seriously, you won’t even let me eat? It’s freezing outside. I just want something warm.”

If it were any other day, he could grab a meal anywhere. But last night, it snowed all evening. The roads were bad, and his car would struggle to get out. Just as Sebastian was about to kick him again, Stephanie spoke up, “Sebastian, don’t be hard on Macro. Let him eat here.” It was freezing outside, and the road out of Shallow Bay was tough, especially with the snow.

Macro said, “Stefi, you are so nice…” Another kick to his leg. Marco couldn’t take it anymore, thinking, ‘How could someone so violent be so patient with a girl? I can’t believe Sebastian has raised Stephanie.’

Macro met Sebastian’s gaze, and the intensity in his eyes made Macro uncomfortable. “Fine, I’ll eat in the kitchen,” Macro said, feeling Stephanie’s tension beside him. Sebastian’s protectiveness was suffocating. Macro couldn’t understand why he made such a big deal out of it.

As soon as Macro mentioned the kitchen, Stephanie lowered her head even more. This time, Sebastian didn’t kick him. Macro quickly left.