out.
58 An Unexpected Invitation
The evening progressed pleasantly as Sebastian and I finished our desserts–a delicate panna cotta for me and dark chocolate souffle for him. The restaurants ambiance wrapped around us like a cocoon of luxury and privacy. Despite the high–profile chentele scattered throughout the dining room, no one approached our secluded
Comer
“So, I said, setting my spoon down, “you really removed all those news stories just to protect me from unwanted attention?”
Sebastian’s expression remained composed, but something flickered in his eyes. “Your brand is building momentum. Evening Gala doesn’t need tabloid speculation interfering with its trajectory
“That’s… surprisingly thoughtful. I studied him across the table. “Most businessmen would consider the publicity beneficial, regardless of context.”
“I’m not most businessmen.”
I couldn’t argue with that. Sebastian Sinclair operated on a different level entirely-
three hundred million dollars for a bracelet kind of different.
“Still, I appreciate it.” I said softly. “The last thing I need is more drama connecting me to Alistair or stirring up more family issues:
Sebastian nodded once. “Consider it handled.”
Before I could respond, a tall man in pristine chef whites approached our table. The Testaurant’s head chef himself, carrying two small plates with what looked like
miniature works of art.
Mr. Sinclair he said with a respectful bow, a special palate cleanser. My newest
creation
I glanced at Sebastian, surprised by this personal attention from the renowned chef. Sebastian thanked him with casual familiarity
You must be a regular commented after the chef departed.
peter’s lips quirked slightly. Not exactly Chef Tanaka trained under the Sinetair
family’s
ily’s private cook for several years. There’s a certain professional courtesy
My eyebrows rose. “Your family has a chet so talented that restaurateurs train under
“Master Lin has been with the family for three generations. His dumplings are
particularly exceptional.
Haughed, then realized he wasn’t joking. “Wow”
“You should try them sometime,” he said casually. “My mother mentioned she’d like to thank you personally for the clothing designs. Perhaps you could join us for dinner at
the estate.
The invitation caught me off guard. Dinner at the Sinclair Estate? The famously private compound that featured in business magazines and society pages but rarely welcomed
outsiders?
“That’s very kind.” I said carefully, “but I wouldn’t want to impose.”
Sebastian’s dark eyes held mine. “It’s not an imposition if you’re invited, Hazel.”
My name on his lips sent an unexpected shiver down my spine. I took a sip of water to
regain my composure.
“Would that be… appropriate?” I asked, immediately regretting how prudish it
sounded
One corner of his mouth lifted slightly. “I assure you, my mother would be present the Entire time. Your reputation would remain intact.
Heat rushed to my cheeks. “That’s not what I meant.”
“No? His eyes glinted with amusement.
Rust.. I fumbled for words. “We have a business relationship. I wouldn’t want to complicate things.”
Sebastian regarded me thoughtfully. “Is that all we have? A business relationship?”
The question hung in the air between us, loaded with implications. Before Froud
formuture a response. Sebastian continued smoothly
My mother can be quite persistent. She’s taken a particular interest in your work?
I seized the change of topic gratefully. “Well, I’m flattered. Her outfit for the charity gala was one of my favorite designs.”
“She’s worn little else since. Sebastian said: “Which has been interesting. She’s
determined to fill her closet with your creations exclusively
“That’s incredible to hear. My mind immediately started calculating what that could mean for Evening Gala’s reputation and bottom line.
Sebastian sighed slightly. “Though her enthusiasm can become rather exhausting”
“Exhausting?” Lechoed.
“My mother has strong opinions. Very strong opinions.” Something in his tone made me lean forward with interest. “Once she decides on a course of action, she’s
relentless.
It was the first time I’d heard him speak about anyone with something approaching exasperation. The stern, controlled billionaire was showing a glimpse of ordinary family dynamics.
“She drives you crazy sometimes?” I asked, unable to hide my smile.
Sebastian’s expression softened fractionally. “There are moments when I consider
relocating to a remote island without phone service.”
Haughed outright at that. “I can’t imagine anyone making the great Sebastian Sinclair consider running away!
“You haven’t met my mother” he replied dryly
The conversation had shifted into unexpectedly personal territory. I found myself curious about this different side of him–the son rather than the tycoon.
Does she constantly tell you how to run your business? Criticize your decisions?” asked teasingly.
Sebastian took a thoughtful sip of his wine. “Surprisingly, no. She trusts my business
Paramen entirety
Then what makes her so exhausting?”
She has other concerns about my life choices
feculdn’t resist “Let me guess. Does she ask when you’re going to settle down? Find a nice girl? Give her grandchildren?”
The Dicker of resignation in his eyes told me I’d hit the mark exactly: 1 bit back a smile.
“No way Even Sebastian Sinclair gets the marriage talk from his mother?”
“Incessantly he confirmed. “According to her, I’m almost thirty and have
accomplished nothing”
I nearly choked on my water. “Nothing? You run a global corporate empire!”
“Apparently that counts for very little in the grand scheme of maternal satisfaction.” His tone was dry but there was genuine frustration underneath. “Business achievements are expected. Family legacy is paramount
I stared at him, thoroughly blindsided by this revelation. The untouchable, all–powerful Sebastian Sinclair–reduced to an exasperated son by his mother’s nagging about marriage prospects.
The realization transformed him before my eyes. Not just the intimidating billionaire who bought multi–million dollar bracelets on a whim, but a man with family obligations and maternal pressure.
A man who, despite all his power and influence, still couldn’t escape the universal experience of parental expectations.
Sebastian must have read my expression because his own softened slightly. “Does that
surprise you so much?”
It’s just.. I searched for the right words. “I guess I never thought of you dealing with something so… ordinary”
“Contrary to popular belief i am human” The corner of his mouth lifted in a half–smile that made my heart skip strangely
20card Jive fooled me i mured, then reprend die gild
Sebastian’s eyes darkened fractiomally as they held ostre
as well as you think, Hael Sham
The way he saad my name deliberate alineat etishate
Perhaps you do the He
sem another unexplained
shrver through me. Suddenly. The prospect of dining at the Sinclair Fatate sermed both
terrifying and oddly tempting
Maybe I don’t, I admitted softly
