chapter 186
Elena's POV:
"I'm not retiring," Sebastian clarified with a wry smile. "But I've been considering a more... advisory role. Major decisions only."
His hands settled on my hips. "If we're both consumed by work, what happens to our family? I have more money than we could spend in ten lifetimes. Maybe it's time to focus on what actually matters."
The Sebastian who'd once lived for hostile takeovers and market dominance seemed like a stranger compared to the man before me now. "You've changed," I said softly.
"You changed me." He said it simply, like it was an immutable fact. "That terrifies me sometimes."
"Why?"
"Because I don't know who I'd become if I lost you now." His grip tightened infinitesimally. "Before, I was complete in my ambition. Now..."
"Now you're complete in different ways," I finished. "That's not weakness, Sebastian. That's growth."
He studied me for a long moment, then pressed his lips to mine in a kiss that started gentle but quickly deepened. When we broke apart, I was breathless.
"We should get home," I managed. "Evander will be waking from his nap."
"In a moment." He held me close, his eyes distant. "I have a board meeting tomorrow. They need to know about the restructuring."
"Will there be resistance?"
His smile was sharp enough to cut. "They can try."
---
The next morning, Sebastian dressed with particular care, his movements precise as he knotted his tie. I watched from the bed, Evander drowsing in my arms after his morning feed.
"Nervous?" I asked.
He shook his head, adjusting his cufflinks. "Actually, I feel... lighter. Like I'm finally breaking free from something that's been caging me." He turned from the mirror, his expression thoughtful. "Maybe it's time I found what my life really means."
I studied him, feeling a wave of emotion at this unexpected vulnerability. My husband, the financial predator, searching for meaning beyond power.
"So I'll be the breadwinner now?" I teased, trying to lighten the moment.
"Looks like it." He crossed to the bed, his expression shifting to playful. "You'll have to keep me in the style to which I've become accustomed."
"Then you'd better earn your keep," I shot back without missing a beat.
He leaned down, his breath warm against my ear. "Tonight I'll show you exactly what I'm capable of. We'll see who's begging for mercy."
Before I could form a retort, he straightened, pressed a kiss to my forehead, and strode from the room, leaving me flushed and indignant.
"Sebastian Vane!" I called after him, but his only response was low laughter from the hallway.
After he left, I settled Evander back in his crib and showered, my mind already spinning with plans for the workshop.
The ventilation was nearly complete, which meant I could start moving in equipment soon. I'd already sourced vintage perfume organs from estate sales, their wooden drawers perfect for organizing my growing collection of essences.
By the time Marcus drove me to the workshop, excitement had built to an almost painful degree. This was mine.
"Mrs. Vane," Marcus said as we pulled up. "Mr. Vane asked me to remind you about eating lunch."
I rolled my eyes but smiled. "Noted. I'll try to remember I'm human and require sustenance."
The workshop was a hive of activity.
Workers installed shelving while electricians ran additional outlets for my equipment. I spent the morning directing placement, occasionally fielding texts from Sebastian about the board meeting.
They're foaming at the mouth. Uncle looks ready to stage a coup.
I smiled at my phone. Should I be worried?
Only for them.
---
At home, I found Sebastian in the living room, jacket discarded and sleeves rolled up, Evander sleeping against his chest. The sight never failed to make my heart contract—this dangerous man rendered gentle by our son.
"How's the workshop?" he asked quietly, not wanting to wake the baby.
"Coming together beautifully." I sat beside him, automatically checking Evander's breathing.
"Coming together beautifully." I sat beside him, automatically checking Evander's breathing. "Tomorrow's the official first day of operations. I'll finally meet the staff I recruited online—I'm so excited I can barely contain myself."
Sebastian's expression shifted, like he wanted to say something but was holding back.
"What is it?" I prompted.
He cleared his throat. "Did you hire any men?"
I rolled my eyes. "Sebastian, it's about equal opportunity. I hired both, though I did prioritize female candidates for most positions." I fixed him with a pointed look. "Trust me."
He had the grace to look slightly sheepish, adjusting Evander against his chest. "I do trust you. It's everyone else I don't trust."
"Mmm-hmm." I leaned against his shoulder. "Just remember, jealousy isn't attractive on you."
"Everything's attractive on me," he countered automatically, making me laugh despite myself.
---
The next day flew by in a whirlwind of introductions and orientation.
My new team was wonderful—professional, enthusiastic, and refreshingly passionate about fragrance. Still, as the afternoon wore on, I noticed some of them seemed a bit... overly friendly.
"Elena, do you need help organizing the essence cabinet?" Mark from procurement offered for the third time.
"I've got it, thank you," I said, trying to maintain professional boundaries while staying approachable.
Sarah from marketing lingered by my office door. "That's a beautiful dress. Vintage Chanel?"
"Just something comfortable," I deflected, glancing at my phone. Sebastian should be here soon to pick me up.
"Oh, we noticed you arrived in a Bentley this morning," Sarah continued, her tone casual but eyes sharp with curiosity. "Must be nice having a driver."
I held up my left hand, letting my wedding ring catch the light. "My husband dropped me off. He's picking me up today too, actually."
But Sarah had already rushed off, whispering urgently to Mark, her face a mix of embarrassment and growing panic.
Through my office window, I caught glimpses of frantic activity in the main workshop—people arranging something, hanging what looked like... pink balloons?
A sinking feeling settled in my stomach.
Before I could escape, Henri, one of my new colleagues who'd recently arrived from France, appeared at my door holding a bouquet of lilies.
"Elena," he said with a nervous smile, his accent thick. "I know it's only our first day working together, but I must ask—would you perhaps consider allowing me to court you? You are so talented, so beautiful..."
I stood there, mortified, his words flowing past me in an incomprehensible stream. Why hadn't I mentioned I was married and had a child during introductions? It would have prevented this entire embarrassing situation.
Sarah, apparently sensing my distress, hurried over and tugged gently on Henri's sleeve. "Henri, I think there's been a misunderstanding..."