Chapter 368

The moment the call connected, Sebastian’s cold voice cut through the air. “You can take Beenie as well.” Theodore nodded, his face pale. Bernie’s voice trembled. “Mr. Giovanni, what do you mean? That thing isn’t Richard’s. What does he mean by ‘they can take me’?” Bernie’s mind raced with the rumors about Parinara over the past few years. If it fell into Richard’s hands, it would spell disaster. Bernie couldn’t help but shiver at the thought.

Theodore nervously made the call. Thirty seconds later, he looked at Sebastian sheepishly. “He didn’t answer.” Sebastian’s face darkened instantly. “I’ll call again right away!” Theodore said quickly, his voice shaking. That look was terrifying. Remembering the bullet Sebastian had sent into his leg earlier, Theodore feared the next one might be aimed at his head.

Bernie’s heart skipped a beat. “Mr. Giovanni, I’ll get the item from my brother right away. I swear.” “Your brother?” Sebastian’s gaze sharpened. “Yes, the item is with my brother, Bert. I’ll get it from him. Please don’t give me to Richard,” Bernie pleaded. Richard was unpredictable. If Bernie ended up in his hands, there was no telling if he’d survive. With his people already dealt with by Sebastian’s men, Bernie didn’t dare cause more trouble.

Sebastian glanced at Elliot, who nodded and left the scene without a word. Bernie shifted nervously under Sebastian’s silence. “Mr. Giovanni,” he ventured, his voice tinged with desperation. Macro leaned forward, a sly grin playing on his lips. “You have any idea who you were trying to hit on?”

“Who?” Bernie’s forehead creased in confusion. He spent most of his time on Keris Isle and had no clue about Stephanie’s significance. To him, she was just another face in the crowd. Anyone close to Sebastian must be a mere plaything—what else could they be?

“That’s Sebastian’s pride and joy, the girl he raised from a child,” Macro continued, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “And you thought you could toy with her!” He shook his head, disbelief clear in his eyes. Bernie actually thinks Sebastian will reward him for such a reckless move. He must have been either incredibly naive or just plain foolish!

Bernie’s eyes widened in shock as the realization hit him. “So she’s the legendary girl?” Even in the most secluded corners of the world, news of Sebastian’s adopted daughter had spread. Everyone knew the story of the little girl he had raised. He wondered, Hasn’t she gone missing? Is this the same girl we’ve just seen? So she’s found?

Macro let out a derisive chuckle. “You might not know this, but she’s also Richard’s fiancée in name. Imagine the fun he’d have if he got his hands on you.” Sebastian’s cold gaze flicked toward Macro, a silent warning. Macro felt a pang of unease under Sebastian’s glare. “Did I say something wrong again?” he muttered, feeling a knot form in his chest.

Chapter 368

Theodore was stunned. Since Stephanie was taken in Pagar, he knew she and Sebastian were together. But Macro is still going on about her being Richard’s… he just can’t hold his tongue, and it seems like things are even worse than before.

“Hey, I didn’t say anything wrong, did I?” Macro asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty as he met Sebastian’s unyielding gaze. Sebastian, however, had no patience for Macro’s blandishments at the moment. Theodore kept dialing Richard’s number; the call went unanswered.

In the room, Richard turned on the TV and started playing games. He seemed unconcerned, thinking Sebastian wouldn’t show up so soon. Stephanie could feel the other phone in his pocket buzzing nonstop. “Your phone won’t stop ringing,” she remarked. “Shut up,” Richard snapped, his irritation clear.

Stephanie bit back a retort, feeling a mix of frustration and confusion. She desperately wanted to slip away to the bathroom to collect herself, but Richard was being unreasonably controlling. He even took her phone, as if to prevent her from escaping. She thought with anger, Is he really so relaxed, or just reckless? Doesn’t he care that Sebastian might burst in and tear him apart?

“I want to play games too,” she muttered. Richard scoffed, his tone dismissive. “Why would you want to play games? Maybe you should be learning how to cook or arrange flowers.” Stephanie’s eyes widened in disbelief and she almost laughed. Lottie had never pushed her or Softa into those traditional roles. While other girls from wealthy families were taught to be demure and graceful, Lottie had always encouraged them to be themselves.

She didn’t even bother responding to Richard’s outdated comments, instead turning her head to focus on the TV. But Richard wasn’t done. “So, after all these years in Long Harbor, can you cook?” “I can,” Stephanie replied, her tone flat. She could cook, sure, but whether it was edible was another story. “Good,” Richard said. “Make me something when you have time.” “Okay,” Stephanie agreed.