Chapter 189
Sebastian’s pov
Zane let out a low chuckle, slow and tired, like he knew I’d caught him mid-spin.
“You’ve gotten sharper,” he said, slipping his hands into his coat pockets as we made our way toward the front door.
The house was quiet–too quiet.
The kind of quiet that made you listen harder, just in case the past decided to echo.
He continued, voice softer now.
“Cecilia’s grandmother worked for my family years ago. Her mom stayed with us for a while too–she was just a kid back then p>
“Funny thing is, I didn’t put it together until I ran into Cecilia at the grocery store last month. It felt like the past just reached out and grabbed me p>
I raised a brow.
“Esther Moore–that’s Cecilia’s mom, right? What, was she an old flame or something p>
Zane barked a laugh. “God, no. She was a child. I was… well, not someone you’d want around a child p>
“Then why the cross-country pilgrimage? You really expect me to believe this is just a nostalgic detour p>
He hesitated. That pause said more than he wanted it to.
Eventually, Zane sighed, shoulders sagging. “When I said Cecilia reminded me of my late wife, I didn’t realize I knew her family. But once I did… I don’t know. It felt like the universe was kicking me in the gut. Like some cosmic joke I wasn’t in on p>
I kept my voice level. “But you didn’t actually love your wife, did you p>
He froze, like I’d just pulled the rug out from under him.
“I did love Rebecca,” he said after a beat. “Or at least I thought I did. I was young, selfish, and stupid. And I broke her heart in ways I’ve regretted every day since. If I could go back p>
“That’s not what this is,” I cut in, voice like a blade. “This isn’t your chance to make up for past mistakes. This is about you dragging your unfinished business into someone else’s life p>
Zane looked away, jaw clenched, eyes flicking toward the front window like he was hoping for an escape hatch.
I didn’t let up.”Let me make this real simple,” I said, stepping closer. “Your wife–your current one–isn’t just some society wife. She’s dangerous. You think she won’t find out you’ve been sniffing around the Moore family? You think she won’t burn everything down the second she does p>
His throat bobbed. The message landed.
“I know Cassian said you’ve been trying to change,” I added, a little softer now. “And maybe that’s true. But if it is, then prove it. Start by showing up for Cassian. He’s been carrying the Locke name like a damn burden while you’ve been off hiding in your own guilt p>
Zane said nothing. He just stood there, staring at the hardwood floor like it had answers he’d never earned.
“Go back to Colorado Springs,” I said, stepping around him. “And stay there. Stop bothering people who’ve already had their share of trouble p>
I didn’t look back.Conversation over.
Author’s pov
Not far from the Moore house, a silver minivan sat quietly, engine off and windows tinted.
In the back seat, Maggie Locke sat in silence, dressed in black from head to toe.
Her eyes, sharp and calculating, were fixed on Zane, who stood frozen in place like he’d seen a ghost.
So this was it.
This was why he’d been acting like a teenager with a school crush.
Some little enchantress had stolen his soul.
Her assistant leaned in from the passenger seat.
“Ma’am, both Mr. Zane and Xavier were seen at Cecilia’s house. Xavier clearly still has feelings for her. When you tried to pair him with your daughter, Miss Xenia, he dropped her without hesitation. I doubt he’ll stick to your script p>
The assistant continued, flipping through notes on a tablet.
“Mr. Zane met Cecilia through Mr. Black. The other day, while shopping with Miss Xenia, he spotted Cecilia with her parents. He later arranged a ’chance’ meeting at the grocery store. His obsession with her is… strange p>
Maggie let out a soft, icy laugh.
“You don’t get it?” she said. “Let me spell it out. Cecilia reminds him of Rebecca. And Rebecca was the woman he only learned to love once she was dead p>
There was poison in her smile.
Her assistant blinked, speechless.How could one girl have this many powerful men wrapped around her finger?
“Miss Xenia asked for help dealing with her. Normally, Cecilia wouldn’t be a problem. But now that she has Sebastian in her corner… things have changed. He humiliated Miss Xenia in front of everyone.” the assistant added. “With Sebastian involved, she’s protected. Cecilia won’t be easy to touch p>
Maggie fell silent, eyes flicking to the passing city lights outside the tinted window.
She tapped a manicured nail against the armrest–once, twice, thoughtful.
“And the other arrangements I asked you to handle?” she said at last.
“Everything is set for Miss Xenia,” the assistant replied. “Also, Mrs. Dahlia sent word that she’s invited Mrs. Green and Mrs. Black as you instructed. They’ve confirmed they’ll attend Friday’s ball p>
Maggie gave a slow, satisfied nod.
A small, dangerous smile played on her lips.
“Excellent p>
At the Moore residence, Cecilia quietly set aside the gifts from Xavier and Zane–no questions asked, no eye contact made.
She didn’t mention Zane’s surprise visit, and her parents didn’t push it.
“I’m heading to work,” she said, grabbing her bag and making a quick escape before anyone could bring up the Sebastian Situation.
“Alright, sweetie. Drive safe,” Esther replied a little too fast.
The door clicked shut behind Cecilia.
Inside, Esther and VanDyck sat in silence for a beat, still and stiff as mannequins.
Then, in perfect sync, they exhaled–one of those deep, exhausted breaths that said, Thank God that’s over.
Outside, the morning was calm.
Cecilia crossed the courtyard, sunlight warming her shoulders.
That’s when she saw it.
A silver minivan, crawling past the complex with tinted windows and no plates in sight.
Her steps slowed.
Something about it set her nerves on edge.
A chill crept down her spine, like fingers trailing across her skin.
And for one fleeting moment, it felt like someone had walked over her grave–and lingered.