chapter 173
Elena's POV:
I woke to find Sebastian's side of the bed empty, the sheets cool to the touch.
My hand instinctively moved to my swollen belly as I struggled to sit up, worry already gnawing at me. Where was he at this hour?
I pulled on my robe and padded out of the bedroom, only to nearly collide with Marcus in the hallway.
"Marcus?" I blinked in surprise. "What are you doing here so late?"
His expression was carefully neutral—too neutral. "Ma'am."
"Where is Sebastian?" When he hesitated, my worry sharpened into real concern. "Marcus, where is he?"
"Mr. Vane had to step out—"
"At this hour? Where?" I crossed my arms, using the tone I'd learned from Lady Margaret. "Don't make me ask again."
Marcus's shoulders sagged slightly in defeat. "Lady Victoria left for St. Mary's Hospital about an hour ago. Mr. Vane went after her."
My blood ran cold. "Scarlett. They went to see Scarlett."
My hands clenched into fists, worry and frustration warring in my chest.
"Ma'am, you should go back to bed and rest," Marcus said gently. "Mr. Vane wouldn't want you wearing yourself out waiting—"
"I'm not going anywhere until they're back safely," I cut him off, moving toward the stairs.
Marcus followed me down to the living room, hovering uncertainly as I settled onto the sofa. Thankfully, I didn't have to wait long. Within twenty minutes, I heard the front door open.
I was on my feet immediately, my heart stopping at the sight of them. Sebastian's white shirt was splattered with blood, his knuckles split. But it was the angry red line across Victoria's throat that made me gasp.
They both froze, clearly surprised to find me waiting.
"Elena," Sebastian started, but I was already moving toward them.
"You're hurt. Both of you." My hands shook as I reached for Victoria first, gently examining the wound on her neck.
Victoria looked embarrassed, wincing slightly at my touch. "I'm sorry for the trouble. I was impulsive—I'm used to having security everywhere in New York. I forgot that St. Valen isn't... I shouldn't have gone alone."
"Come sit," I said, guiding her to the sofa while gesturing for Marcus to bring the first aid kit. "Let me clean this properly."
As I carefully tended to the cut on her throat, I could feel her discomfort at being fussed over. But I couldn't help myself—seeing her hurt because of me made my chest tight with guilt and worry.
"This might sting," I warned softly, dabbing antiseptic on the wound.
"I'm hurt too," Sebastian said suddenly, his voice taking on an almost pitiful quality that immediately made me suspicious.
"What? Where?" I quickly finished with Victoria and rushed to him, searching for injuries.
He held up his hand dramatically. "Here. It's quite painful."
I examined his hand carefully, turning it over, only to find... his fingers were slightly red. That was it. I looked up to find him watching me with barely concealed amusement.
"Sebastian Vane," I said, exasperated. "You scared me for this?"
Before I could say more, he pulled me against him, careful of my belly. "I'm sorry," he murmured against my hair, though he didn't sound sorry at all. "But I did take care of the Smith situation for you. Both father and son have been... educated. They're leaving the city and won't be bothering you again."
"Young love," Victoria said softly from the sofa, a gentle smile playing at her lips despite her injury. "It's wonderful to see how much you care for each other. "
I felt heat rise to my cheeks at her gentle teasing, acutely aware of being observed in such an intimate moment.
At least the blood on his shirt wasn't his—that was a relief.
"Go shower and change," I told Sebastian, trying to regain some composure. "You can't walk around looking like that."
He looked like he might protest, but eventually obeyed, pressing a kiss to my temple before heading upstairs.
Once we were alone, Victoria patted the sofa beside her. As I sat down, she gently touched my hair in an almost maternal gesture.
"I'm sorry, dear. I meant to help but only made things worse." She sighed. "Theodore and I have to return to New York tomorrow—the business can't run itself. I wanted to handle this threat quickly, eliminate any danger to you. I thought Scarlett was just another greedy woman who could be bought off with money. I didn't realize..."
"It's not your fault," I said quickly. "We didn't explain the full situation with the Smiths. How could you have known?"
Victoria looked at me with warm appreciation. "You're so understanding, just like your grandmother—my mother. But I still hope that while you remain kind and gentle, you'll also learn to show your claws when needed to protect yourself."
I nodded, then asked curiously, "My grandmother... why didn't she come?"
A shadow crossed Victoria's face, and she sighed deeply. "She passed away just a few years after Robert went missing. The loss... it broke her heart. "
My chest tightened with a familiar ache.
"It's all in the past now," Victoria said gently, seeing my expression.
"Robert may be gone, but you'll always have us as your backing. I want you to have enough confidence to stand your ground with anyone—even Sebastian, when necessary."
I looked down at my hands, then met her eyes directly. "From the moment I realized I cared for Sebastian, I accepted everything that came with it. No regrets, no matter what happens."
Victoria smiled warmly. "Of course, I hope you'll always be happy together. But I want you to know that if that day ever comes, don't be afraid. We'll be there to catch you, steady and sure."
"Elena." Sebastian's voice came from the top of the stairs, making us both turn. He'd changed into fresh clothes, his hair still damp from the shower. "It's getting late. You should rest."