Chapter 107
Elora said softly, "Don't be so hostile, Ms. Whitaker. We really came to check on you and talk about—"
"There's nothing to discuss with people like you."
Before Elora could finish, Leopold pulled her away, leaving with one casual remark. "See you in court."
Lisbeth gave a soft laugh, feeling the check in her pocket. Apparently, she had nothing left to consider.
---
At the York Manor, Sebastian was in the study with his father David, who seemed unusually talkative today, covering everything from company matters to Sebastian's personal life.
Sebastian had always been respectful toward his parents and listened attentively, though he ultimately made his own decisions.
David, growing parched from talking, glanced at his watch. The timing should be about right.
"Seb, give me a report on the company's cash flow and profits this year."
Sebastian's brow twitched. "Dad, that's what the finance department handles."
But he saw no harm in showing his father. "I'll call finance right now and have them prepare the reports. They can deliver them today."
He reached for his phone, ready to step out.
David suddenly panicked. "No need! It's not that important."
He pulled his son back, smoothly taking his phone in the process.
"I've always trusted your management of the company. Today I just wanted some father-son time. You're so busy with work, rarely home. After years of acting, you've finally returned to the company, and I worry about your adjustment..."
David was scrambling for words. He wasn't good at these emotional scenes, but he had a mission to complete.
Feeling the phone vibrate, he quickly silenced it.
Sebastian didn't notice. "Thank you, Dad."
David placed Sebastian's phone face-down on the table and cleared his throat. "Your mother's birthday is coming up. The three of us should celebrate properly."
"I'll order a cake for Mother."
Sebastian reached for his phone, but David covered it with his hand.
He looked up slowly. "Dad?"
"When you're talking with me, don't keep checking your phone," David said calmly. "You can order the cake after you leave."
Sebastian stared at his father. Somehow, an uneasy feeling grew inside him, becoming increasingly intense.
He grabbed his phone and turned to leave.
David stood up, taking a few steps after him. "It's too late now."
Sebastian looked back. "You know what's happening?"
"Seb, don't blame your mother."
Hearing this, Sebastian left the study, walking faster until he was practically running downstairs. Hazel was in the living room watering plants, humming happily.
Seeing Sebastian, she looked surprised. "Why are you down so quickly? You rarely visit—why not chat longer with your father?"
"Where's Lisbeth?"
Sebastian had figured it out while running down the stairs.
Hazel avoided the question. "I had the kitchen prepare your favorite dishes tonight. Stay for dinner. You could play chess with your father afterward... You're always busy filming, never coming home. You should move back, and I've also arranged—"
Sebastian turned to leave.
"Stop right there," Hazel commanded.
Sebastian paused.
"Everything I do is for your own good. The plane took off half an hour ago. No one knows where she went. Even if you go now, it's too late." Hazel walked behind him, placing her hand on his rigid shoulder.
"I only want what's best for you."
Sebastian took a deep breath and gently removed her hand. "Mom, do you know what phrase I hate most?"
Hazel shook her head.
"'It's for your own good.'" He enunciated each word. "Don't do things in the name of my best interest. What you think is good for me isn't what I want."
He smiled slightly. "No matter where she's gone, I'll find her."
With that, Sebastian walked out.
David came downstairs, sighing. "I told you not to interfere with the children's relationships."
"I understand he can't let go of Lisbeth right now."
Hazel believed in true love but not in forever. Of course he'd miss her right after the breakup.
He would forget Lisbeth eventually. It was just a matter of time.
"Someday, he'll thank me for this."
---
Sebastian floored the gas pedal, racing to the airport to intercept Lisbeth. But today, even God seemed to be working against him.
Every intersection had a red light. Traffic jams everywhere.
After a frantic drive, he finally reached the airport and sprinted inside. He grabbed a flight attendant. "Help me find a Lisbeth Whitaker."
The results were disappointing. Someone named Lisbeth Whitaker had indeed purchased a ticket, but she never boarded the plane.
Sebastian headed back outside, repeatedly calling Brooke.
Brooke was busy but managed to answer.
"Where's Lisbeth?"
"I don't know. She should have boarded her flight."
"I checked. She didn't."
Brooke was confused. "That's impossible. I drove her to the airport myself. I even booked the ticket for her."
The person on the other end didn't respond, just hung up.
Brooke tried calling back, but no one answered.
She suddenly realized Sebastian wasn't as gentle and mild-mannered as he appeared. He was, after all, a York—pride ran in his blood.
---
Three months later, Sebastian sat in a private club room, downing a glass of red wine.
Simon stopped him from pouring another. "You've been searching for three months straight. It's weird—how could Lisbeth just vanish?"
Not a single trace of her for three months.
Sebastian exhaled, his breath heavy with alcohol, reaching for the wine bottle again.
Simon blocked him. "Stop drinking. Even if you drink yourself into alcohol poisoning, you won't find Lisbeth. I hear your mother's planning your engagement. She's even brought the girl home."
Sebastian pulled his hand back, coldly responding, "If she wants an engagement, let her have one."
"Actually, I think you should get engaged."
Sebastian stared at him. "Are you drunk?"
Simon's mouth twitched. "Who's drunk? I'm trying to help. Your mother is relentless. Are you sure you can resist her?"
Sebastian smirked. "Stop talking nonsense."
He raised his glass—the message clear: either drink or get out.
"...You're really showing your true colors."
Poor guy, acting all gentle and refined for the woman he loved, like a perfect gentleman. In reality, calling him a wolf that devours without spitting out bones wouldn't be an exaggeration.
Halfway through their drinks, Monica entered, escorted by a server.
Sebastian's expression remained indifferent. He didn't even bother speaking.
Since Lisbeth left, he'd grown colder by the day.
Simon awkwardly tried to make conversation. "What brings you here?"
Monica completely ignored him, walking straight to Sebastian. "Let's get engaged."