My mouth fell open in stunned disbelief, as if I couldn’t trust my own ears.
’But once I cald down, I knew Sebastian Forrest had to be joking.’
He was Theodore Grant’s childhood friend. They’d practically grown up together, and their bond was as deep as any between brothers, if not deeper.
’Was he just trying to sound out for Theodore?’
But even if he wasn’t, I held no real hope that he would actually help .
Besides, you shouldn’t air your dirty laundry in public.
I buried my emotions and let out a small laugh. "You’re joking, Master Forrest. Theodore Grant and I are on good terms. What we said during our argunt was just... things said in the heat of the mont."
"Oh?" Sebastian Forrest turned to look at , his dark eyes unreadable. His voice was low. "Is that so? It seems I’ve overstepped, then."
I gave a dry laugh and said nothing more.
Fortunately, Sebastian Forrest didn’t press the issue and tactfully changed the subject.
He was witty and humorous, with refreshingly unique perspectives. Gradually, my attention began to drift, and I stopped dwelling on the whole sordid ss between Theodore Grant and Clara Langley.
However, from the bits and pieces of our conversation, I learned that he had actually resigned from his position at the research institute.
I recalled Theodore Grant ntioning him before.
Apparently, Sebastian Forrest had been promoted to departnt head just six months ago. With the Forrest Family’s influence in military and political circles, not to ntion his own talent, his career in research should have been a teoric rise toward a limitless future.
’His resignation was probably just a case of soone who’s already conquered the ga looking for a new one to play...’
Just like Theodore Grant.
n like them—the cream of the crop, practically born royalty—spend their lives being admired from afar by ordinary people like .
"It’s been over two years in a flash. You’re as dashing as ever, Senior Forrest."
Perhaps it was our casual chat during the drive that had eased the distance between us, giving enough courage to tease him. My address for him naturally shifted from the formal ’Master Forrest’ to the more familiar ’Senior Forrest’.
"We just saw each other at the end of last month, Junior," Sebastian Forrest said, turning to give a aningful glance.
"Huh?" I froze for a second, confused. "The end of last month?"
’There was a banquet at the end of last month. A shocking... and wildly romantic accident happened then, too...’
’But I don’t rember seeing him there.’
’Could it have been sowhere else?’
"Where was it that we t?"
But Sebastian Forrest only smiled without answering, letting the subject drop.
...
Soon, the car pulled into the Kington University Hospital grounds.
I had assud Sebastian Forrest would leave, but to my surprise, he got out of the car with . As we passed the hospital entrance, he even picked up a fruit basket from a vendor.
I gave him a questioning look.
"What? Do you normally visit your elders empty-handed?" Sebastian Forrest let out a low chuckle.
"..."
My cheeks flushed. Without a word, I lowered my head and hurried into the hospital, my steps quickening.
When we reached the room, I pushed open the door. My mother, who had been lying in bed, imdiately propped herself up.
"Chelsea and Theodore are he—"
Her words cut off when she saw the man behind wasn’t Theodore Grant. My mother froze for a mont, her pale lips parting. "Chelsea, where’s Theodore?"
I forced a perfect smile. "The wedding’s right around the corner, so he’s busy with company matters..."
"Oh, I see..." A flash of disappointnt crossed her face, but she quickly replaced it with an understanding smile. "It’s true, there’s always so much to do before a wedding..."
As she said that, her eyes landed on Sebastian Forrest, who was standing behind . "Chelsea, and this is...?"
"He’s—"
Before I could finish, Sebastian Forrest stepped forward with a smile, placing the fruit basket on the table. "Hello, Ma’am. I’m Sebastian Forrest, a senior of Chelsea’s from university."
"Forrest..." My mother was clearly sensitive to the na.
After all, the number one family in Kington was the Forrest Family.
Sebastian Forrest smiled. "Chelsea told about your condition. I happen to have a friend who’s a doctor here at Kington University Hospital. I can ask him to co take a look at you..."
"Oh, no, there’s no need. I wouldn’t want to trouble you..."
A faint smile touched Sebastian Forrest’s eyes. "It’s no trouble at all, Ma’am."
I knew Sebastian Forrest ant well, and since this was about my mother’s health, I couldn’t refuse. I could only thank him with imnse gratitude.
But my eyes widened in shock when Director Jude Miller himself pushed the door open. I imdiately whipped my head around to stare at Sebastian Forrest.
’He... the doctor friend he ntioned was *Director Miller*?’
My mother was clearly starstruck. She was well aware of Director Miller’s reputation, especially here at Kington University Hospital. He wasn’t soone an ordinary person could get an appointnt with.
Soon, Dr. Miller began his examination, leaving Sebastian Forrest and to wait in the room.
"Senior Forrest, thank you so much," I said with genuine sincerity.
’It might have been a small favor for him, but to , it ant the world.’
Sebastian Forrest’s lips curved into a slight smile. "Don’t ntion it."
I subconsciously parted my lips to say sothing more, but my eyes were suddenly drawn to the television screen across the way.
Clara Langley’s face was on display. The hospital TVs were always on mute, so I couldn’t hear the audio, but a bold, sensational headline crawled across the bottom of the screen: FAMOUS ACTRESS CLARA LANGLEY’S NEW ROMANCE REVEALED AFTER HIGH-PROFILE DIVORCE!
The image then cut to a photo of Clara Langley wrapped in a man’s embrace!
Even with his face blurred out, I recognized him instantly—it was Theodore Grant!
I shot to my feet, the color draining from my face.
’I know one photo doesn’t prove anything. Besides, I was there. It was probably just a misleading cara angle from the paparazzi...’
’But even as I thought that, my eyes started to burn uncontrollably, a film of moisture welling up.’
"Don’t look."
At that mont, a large hand moved to cover my eyes. I instinctively grabbed his wrist to push it away, but Sebastian Forrest simply stepped in front of , his nearly six-foot-three fra completely blocking the screen.
I bowed my head, fighting back tears.
’I kept telling myself to trust Theodore—that no matter what, I had to hear his explanation. But I couldn’t stop the bitter ache from spreading in my heart.’
As my gaze dropped, it landed on Sebastian Forrest’s arm. I realized I was still gripping his wrist.
"I’m sorry..." I released his arm at once.
Sebastian Forrest didn’t seem to notice. His long, thick lashes were cast downward, obscuring his thoughts. His prominent Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed.
Before I could think any more about it, the door to my mother’s room was flung open, and a young nurse cried out in a panic, "It’s terrible, Miss Joyce! Your mother was fine a second ago, but she saw sothing on the television and collapsed!"
"What?!"
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