Chapter 32
Daphne had never paid much attention to Sebastian’s personal life. For someone in his position, having a few close female friends wasn't unusual. But wasn't that exactly how Wilson had ended up cheating?
The thought stirred a strange discomfort in her chest. Ignoring Sebastian, irritated and defiant, she walked straight into the elevator without greeting him.
However, noticing her damp hair, Sebastian frowned and grabbed her wrist. “Out in the cold with wet hair? Are you trying to catch a fever? Go dry it off before you leave.” He didn't question her sudden return, as if expecting it, and tugged her toward her apartment.
Daphne was still puzzled when the woman beside him perked up, sniffing the air. “You smell amazing! What perfume are you wearing? I swear I’ve smelled it somewhere before…”
Just like that, Daphne’s irritation melted away. Female friendships could be funny that way; sometimes, bonding over a favorite item was all it took. Her face lit up with a warm smile as she eagerly rummaged through her bag. “Right? I think so too! It’s from a brand I’m considering endorsing. You can have this bottle if you like.”
Daphne was thorough in her endorsements, using and testing every product daily. She only recommended products meeting her requirements. She pulled out the perfume and handed it to the young woman. “I’ve used it a few times. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all! Spray some on me!” The young woman happily offered her wrist.
Daphne gave a few gentle spritzes. As the young woman inhaled deeply, a thought struck her. “Wait—I know this scent! I smelled it in my dad’s car!”
Daphne jolted. “I swear, I’ve never been in your dad’s car! And I’m not some homewrecker chasing after sugar daddies. My personal life is clean!”
Sebastian chuckled at her flustered reply. “Relax. Serena’s family is in the perfume business. She’s just sensitive to scents. Let me look at that bottle.”
Daphne handed it over skeptically. Sebastian examined it. “Yep, this is from Serena’s family’s brand. You’re in talks to endorse it?”
“Huh? This is ours?” Serena Sinclair leaned closer, seemingly without recollection. “Sorry, I’ve never really cared about the family business. I always thought my dad sold air fresheners or something.”
Daphne burst into laughter, her mood lightening. Serena was unexpectedly adorable. But then it dawned on her that this was a top luxury brand in the domestic market. If it belonged to Serena’s family, then she wasn’t just some random woman; more likely, a potential arranged match—someone from a family of equal standing. If that were the case, Daphne had no right to cling to the idea of marrying Sebastian. She decided to confirm it, her tone shifting to a more formal one.
“Mr. Turner… May I ask who she is?”
Sebastian immediately noticed the change in her address. He took two slow, deliberate steps toward her.
“Mr. Turner? In your hometown, do women usually refer to their fiancé in such a formal way?” His tall, imposing figure loomed over her; his sharp features grim with displeasure.
Daphne looked up, instinctively swallowing, unsure how to retort. Beside them, Serena’s eyes bounced between them.
“Fiancé?”
Before Daphne could explain, Sebastian cut in, “Yes. Daph and I are getting married soon.”