Chapter 360

The man’s assistant spotted Sebastian and hurried over, whispering urgently into his boss’s ear. The man’s face lit up with a broad, ingratiating smile as he handed off his golf club and strode over, extending his hand.

“Mr. Giovanni, I didn’t expect you to actually show up,” he said, his tone dripping with feigned surprise.

Sebastian could see Stephanie’s discomfort, so he glanced at the outstretched hand but made no move to take it. Instead, he got straight to the point, his voice flat and unyielding. “Bernie, you know why I’m here. Lancelot left something here. I want it.”

Bernie’s bushy eyebrows shot up, and his smile widened even further, as if he was savoring the moment. His beard twitched with the effort of holding back a laugh.

“Ah, Lancelot,” he drawled, the name rolling off his tongue like a joke. “Mr. Giovanni, let’s discuss this calmly, shall we?”

The word “discuss” hung in the air, a clear signal to Sebastian that this wouldn’t be a simple handover.

Bernie gestured to a nearby sofa, and as they settled in, a statuesque woman with long legs slid gracefully into Bernie’s lap. Her presence seemed almost rehearsed. Bernie’s tanned hand immediately found its way to her waist, his fingers tracing lazy circles.

The assistant, ever the dutiful lackey, handed Bernie a lit cigar. Bernie took a long, slow drag, and then blew a perfect smoke ring in the woman’s direction.

Stephanie, watching the scene unfold, felt a pang of regret. She should have stayed on the plane for a nap.

Sebastian’s eyes narrowed, his gaze hardening. “Alright, what are your terms?” he asked.

Bernie took another drag of his cigar, exhaling slowly. “So, that thing is really important to you, Mr. Giovanni?”

Sebastian remained silent, his expression unreadable. But at this moment, silence spoke volumes, and Bernie took it as confirmation.

Bernie’s smile widened, his gaze shifting to Stephanie. He’d noticed her the moment he turned around. She was small, almost delicate, with a youthful look that hadn’t fully matured yet.

Feeling his eyes on her, Stephanie instinctively edged closer to Sebastian.

Bernie grinned, revealing a set of stained, yellowed teeth. “The rumors always said you hated being surrounded by women. Turns out you like this type – hard to find, indeed.”

He paused, wondering. There are plenty of petite girls around, but finding one who really catches your eye isn’t easy. Especially with that baby face… she just looks so soft and petite.

Bernie’s tone turned flippant, as if he were evaluating a rare collectible. “Where did you get this little thing, Mr. Giovanni?” Clearly, he had no idea that Stephanie had been raised by Sebastian, assuming she was just another plaything brought along for the occasion.

The moment Bernie’s words hung in the air, a cold, dangerous glint flickered in Sebastian’s eyes. But Bernie, too engrossed in his leering appraisal of Stephanie, failed to notice.

Macro showed a weird smile as he glanced at Bernie. He wondered, “He’s done for this time.”

Elliot, who had been quietly observing, glanced at Macro. He hadn’t expected to find anyone more reckless than Macro himself.

Sebastian glanced at his watch, his impatience seeping into his voice. “Get to the point. What do you want?”

Bernie’s gaze snapped back to him, and with a flick of his cigar, he pointed at Stephanie. “How about you let me have her for a day? You can have whatever you’re after. It’s a fair deal, isn’t it?”

Stephanie’s mind raced. “Damn it! I wish I could kill him right away!”

But she knew why Sebastian had come. He was negotiating because whatever Bernie had was crucial. She clenched her fists under the table, forcing herself to stay calm and seated.

Sebastian, however, didn’t seem as restrained. He casually pulled a gun from his waist and placed it next to his wine glass. The cold, dark muzzle was pointed straight at Bernie. The room seemed to freeze, the tension palpable.

Bernie’s bodyguard instinctively reached for his weapon, but Bernie stopped him with a sharp gesture.

Stephanie’s body tensed, but Sebastian’s hand was there, resting on her knee – a reassuring weight. His voice, however, was anything but reassuring. “I’m not here to negotiate,” he said, his words dripping with danger.

Bernie’s face darkened.