Chapter 458: Playing With Fire

“All right, all right, the boy’s got his own plans. You don’t need to meddle,” Steven said, interjecting. Even though he was eager to hold a grandchild, he knew the couple wasn’t quite settled yet, and that made him hesitate.

Agnes sat quietly for a moment, clearly conflicted. Even with her frustration, she had to admit Steven had a point. The young couple hadn’t established their careers. A baby now wouldn't be practical; neither would have the time or energy to care for a child.

So, Agnes relented. “All right. When it comes to having kids, I’ll respect your decision. I won’t push anymore.”

Hearing this, Madelyn and Sebastian breathed a sigh of relief.

“So, can the two of you at least start planning the wedding now?” Agnes asked unexpectedly.

Just as the couple relaxed, her words startled them. Madelyn’s expression turned awkward; she didn’t know how to respond. She could deflect questions about children, but marriage was different. She had no ready answer.

She looked at Sebastian, signaling it was his turn.

Sebastian hadn’t expected a family dinner to become a grandmotherly interrogation. He couldn’t upset her, so he cleared his throat. “Don’t worry, Grandma. We’ll take care of it as soon as we can.”

“As soon as you can?” Agnes repeated, clearly disappointed. Her demeanor sagged. She sighed dramatically. “Ah, yet another hopeless situation. If I’d known this would happen, I would’ve told Marsha to have more sons. Maybe by now, I’d be cuddling a grandbaby.”

Her exaggerated sorrow was oddly charming, like a little girl selling matches in a snowstorm—helpless, yet endearing.

Everyone laughed.

Dinner ended. Madelyn and Sebastian lingered, chatting with Steven and Agnes before leaving, hand in hand.

Half an hour later, at Lockhart Villa, Madelyn finally arrived home and exhaled deeply. Reflecting on Agnes’s intense questioning, she felt drained. She understood the pressure many women felt about marriage and children—it was real and terrifying.

Afterward, they freshened up.

Madelyn finally let out a weary breath. “I don’t think I can just casually visit Grandma anymore. If she brings that up again, I won’t know what to say.”

Sebastian chuckled quietly. “Don’t stress so much.”

“We’ll just have one kid,” he added casually.

Immediately, he reached out, wrapped his hand around her waist, and pulled her into his arms. He rolled over and pinned her beneath him.

Before Madelyn could react, she was beneath him, completely surprised. “W-What are you doing?” Her voice trembled.

She knew what was coming—it wasn’t their first time—but she was still nervous.

Sebastian laughed softly. “What do you think I’m doing?”

His voice was low and rough, warm and magnetic, sending a chill down her spine.

“I… I don’t know—”

Before she could finish, he kissed her. His kisses were firm, slow, deliberate—gentle, yet intensely passionate.

Soon, Madelyn couldn’t resist; his touch ignited her. Her cheeks flushed.

Does she even realize how irresistible she is? With her delicate face, she seemed to be waiting to be claimed.

Eventually, Sebastian’s restraint broke. He undressed her and claimed her with intensity. Madelyn gasped, her body responding instinctively despite slight pain. A rush of warmth filled her heart.

In the past, she usually initiated, teasing him until he yielded—sometimes getting burned. This night was different. He wanted her, her closeness, her.

Despite the discomfort, deep happiness welled up inside her.

And just like that, the night passed.

The next morning, golden winter sunlight filtered through the windows. Madelyn woke slowly, feeling the lingering warmth. The empty space beside her showed Sebastian had already left for work.

She smiled.

After getting up, she freshened up, ate breakfast, and went to the office. “Madelyn, you’re in a good mood today,” Jillian grinned.

“What? How’d you know?” Jillian’s face turned beet red, giving herself away.

Madelyn laughed. “I didn’t say I knew anything. You’re the one who spilled it.”

Jillian blinked, realizing she’d been tricked. “You tricked me! Madelyn, you’re the worst!” she huffed, even redder.

Madelyn laughed harder.

They got to work. Madelyn had an eye for talent. Since hiring Jillian, their work efficiency had doubled. Tasks that took hours now took minutes.

Jillian had been an academic powerhouse in school, and that brilliance continued in the workplace. With Madelyn’s instincts and Jillian’s brainpower, it was like a turbo boost. A half-day project was finished in under two hours.

They finished up and Madelyn glanced at the clock. “We’ve got a little time. Want to grab a coffee?” she asked.

“Sure,” Jillian nodded.

They began packing up, ready to leave. Then, Madelyn’s phone rang; it was Septimus. She hesitated, then answered. “Hey. Any updates?” she asked directly.