Chapter 303

Chapter 303

That night, Lisbeth worked late.

She only had time to call the kids briefly during dinner, telling them she wouldn't be coming home. The children were understanding and didn't ask questions.

Anne even reminded her, "Mommy, remember to eat dinner. Work is important, but your health is more important."

"I know. Thank you, sweetheart."

Sebastian had been listening nearby as Anne talked to Lisbeth. He'd planned to say a few words after the children finished, but the call ended abruptly.

He looked at Anne helplessly. "Didn't you know Daddy was waiting to talk too?"

Anne scratched her head, looking innocent. "Mommy said she had things to do..."

Sebastian frowned and checked the time. He gave each child a hug. "Daddy's worried about Mommy working alone at the office. I'm going to keep her company. You two sleep with Grandma tonight, and be good for her, okay?"

Both children nodded obediently.

They were always like this—never causing trouble when things got difficult. Sweet and well-behaved.

Sebastian watched them go upstairs before putting on his coat and heading out.

On the drive to Citrus Shine, he passed a dessert shop.

He went inside. Moments later, he emerged carrying an elegant paper bag. This place made excellent chestnut cakes—Lisbeth's favorite.

He walked into the company with the dessert. The employees all recognized him and greeted him warmly.

"Ms. Whitaker is in a meeting. Mr. York, you can wait in the guest lounge."

"He's not a client. Why would he go to the guest lounge?" A female colleague rolled her eyes. "Mr. York, come with me. I'll take you to Ms. Whitaker's office."

The woman led Sebastian to the office and left, thoughtfully closing the door behind her.

Sebastian set the dessert on the coffee table, only to find it cluttered with materials. He crouched on the carpet and began organizing them neatly.

But then he noticed the text on the documents.

Strategies for Dealing with Customs Seizures, Appeal Procedures, Relevant Legal Provisions.

The materials were comprehensive. Nearly every actionable point was documented.

Sebastian smiled faintly. He wasn't surprised.

Lisbeth had always been meticulous. She'd probably prepared these materials long ago. No wonder she didn't need his help.

She was perfectly capable of handling this herself.

After organizing the documents and setting them aside, Sebastian waited about half an hour before the office door opened.

Lisbeth returned, exhausted. The meeting must have been intense—her eyes were slightly glazed. She froze when she saw him.

"When did you get here?"

Sebastian took her hand and guided her to the sofa, naturally massaging her shoulders. "You didn't eat dinner, did you?"

Lisbeth had been busy all day. Her shoulders were indeed sore. She relaxed against his chest. "There was no time. From the moment I got here until now, it's been meeting after meeting. My head's spinning."

Her mind had completely stopped working.

Sebastian placed the dessert in front of her. "Then eat this."

Lisbeth opened the box and saw her favorite chestnut cake. She immediately brightened, tilting her head back to look at him. "Thank you!"

Sebastian pressed a bit harder on her shoulders. "Being polite with me now?"

Lisbeth laughed. "Okay, okay. Not being polite."

She was truly starving. She dove into the cake, devouring half of it in moments. With food in her stomach, she seemed to come back to life.

Sebastian sat beside her and poured her a glass of water. "I underestimated you."

"Hm?"

Sebastian glanced at the materials on the coffee table, amusement in his eyes. "You prepared so thoroughly. Did you predict this project might have problems?"

Lisbeth froze, realizing he'd misunderstood. She immediately wanted to explain, but then thought better of it. If she told him the materials came from Leopold, that would cause a misunderstanding.

Things were already chaotic enough. Better to let sleeping dogs lie. She changed the subject. "It's so late. You came all the way here—are you driving back tonight?"

"I'm not going back. I'm staying here with you tonight."

"There's nowhere to sleep. Look at this sofa—it's too small. You won't be comfortable."

Sebastian rested his palm on her head and ruffled her hair gently. "I came to keep you company while you work, not to sleep."

"Really, you don't have to. I can handle—"

Lisbeth tried to protest again. She was increasingly regretting accepting those materials. Now she was constantly on edge, terrified of being found out.

"Relax. I won't disturb your work." Sebastian spoke reassuringly as he cleaned up the cake plate and fork with surprising efficiency.

What could Lisbeth say? She could hardly insist he leave—that would be like throwing him out.

She watched Sebastian bustle around, then suddenly wrapped her arms around his waist from behind.

Sebastian asked softly, "Are you tired?"

Lisbeth shook her head lightly. Her hair brushed against his back, tickling slightly.

Sebastian chuckled. "Don't try to shoulder everything alone. When you need help, ask for it. Don't forget—we're married. Couples support each other. Do I really need to teach you that?"

His hand rested on hers, patting gently.

Lisbeth hummed in agreement, eyes closed. Right now, she didn't want to talk about anything else. She just wanted to feel his presence.

She had to admit—the moment she saw Sebastian in her office, warmth and security flooded through her. Her nearly depleted courage began to gather again.

That night, none of the company's employees could rest. Everyone worked overtime.

The PR department was the busiest.

The online backlash couldn't be allowed to spread further. They could only do everything in their power to suppress it.

Sebastian sat on the sofa messaging Noah when he heard a soft sound. A pen rolled from the desk and stopped at his feet.

He bent to pick it up and looked toward Lisbeth.

She was slumped over the desk, body twisted awkwardly. One hand dangled off the edge—the pen had fallen from her fingers. Her other hand was pressed beneath her cheek.

Sebastian sighed softly. He took the blanket from the sofa and draped it over her, moving carefully to avoid waking her. After covering her, he hesitated, wondering whether to carry her to the sofa.

That position couldn't be comfortable. But if he moved her, he might wake her.

Just then, a light caught his eye.

Lisbeth's phone, lying on the desk.

A message appeared on the screen.

Leopold: [I have a friend who might have information about Sophia.]