The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 149

149 The Revealing Phone Call

Hazel’s POV D

Our celebration dinner continued as the waiter cleared our appetizer plates. The weight of my decision to sell my Shaw Enterprises shares had lifted, leaving me feeling lighter than I had in months.

“So what will you do with all that money?” Vera asked, dabbing her lips with a napkin. “Sixty million dollars is life-changing.”

I shrugged, taking a sip of water. “Most of it goes to Sebastian to clear my debt. The rest gets reinvested in Evening Gala.”

“No tropical island getaway? No shopping spree?” Vera teased.

“I have a business to run,” I replied, though the thought of a vacation did sound tempting.

Cora leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with interest. “Speaking of Sebastian, is he still being weirdly intense and protective?”

“He’s… Sebastian,” I answered vaguely, not sure how to describe our evolving relationship.

Our main courses arrived, momentarily distracting us. The rich aroma of perfectly cooked steak filled the air as the waiter set our plates down.

“This looks amazing,” I said, grateful for the change of subject.

Vera eyed her rack of lamb with appreciation but wasn’t ready to drop the previous conversation. “You know, you never really explained what happened between you two at the gala.”

I felt heat creeping up my neck. “Nothing happened.”

“That’s not what the gossip columns suggest,” Cora chimed in, her voice playful. “I heard he barely left your side all evening.”

“We danced. We talked. That’s it,” I insisted, cutting into my steak with more force than necessary.

Vera raised an eyebrow. “And the fact that he’s suddenly involved in every aspect of your life means nothing?”

“He’s a business associate.”

“Who looks at you like you hung the moon,” Cora added.

I focused intently on my food, hoping they’d drop the subject. “Can we talk about something else? Like why Cora isn’t drinking tonight?”

Cora shifted in her seat, looking uncomfortable. “That’s… complicated.”

“Complicated like my relationship with Sebastian, or actually complicated?” I countered.

“Touché,” she laughed, raising her water glass in a mock toast.

Vera suddenly brightened, remembering something. “Oh! I almost forgot. I brought something special.” She signaled to the waiter, who approached with a wooden box.

“What’s this?” I asked as Vera opened it to reveal a bottle of wine.

“Château Margaux 1982,” she announced proudly. “Dad’s been saving it for a special

occasion.”

Cora’s eyes widened. “Isn’t that the wine Sebastian mentioned at dinner last month? The one from his family’s collection?”

“The very same,” Vera confirmed. “Dad was impressed by Sebastian’s taste and bought one for his collection.”

I stared at the bottle, recognizing the label from Sebastian’s wine cellar. “That’s incredibly rare.”

“And incredibly expensive,” Vera added. “But you’re worth it. This is a celebration, after

all.”

The waiter carefully opened the bottle and poured a small amount into Vera’s glass for tasting. She swirled it, inhaled deeply, and took a small sip before nodding her approval.

“It’s perfect,” she declared.

As the waiter filled Vera’s glass and mine, Cora bit her lip, looking regretful. “I wish I

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could join you.”

“Just a small taste won’t hurt,” Vera suggested, pushing a glass toward her.

Cora hesitated, glancing at her phone. “Sebastian would kill me.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Since when does Sebastian control what you drink?”

“He doesn’t. It’s just…” Cora trailed off, looking torn.

“Just call him,” Vera suggested impulsively. “Ask his permission. I’m curious to see if the great Sebastian Sinclair is as intimidating on the phone as he is in person.”

“That’s ridiculous,” I protested. “She doesn’t need his permission.”

Cora laughed nervously. “You clearly don’t understand how protective he is.”

“Now I really want to hear this conversation,” Vera insisted, her eyes gleaming with

mischief.

Cora pulled out her phone. “Fine. But only because this wine does look amazing.” She dialed Sebastian’s number and put the phone on speaker before I could object.

“Cora,” Sebastian’s deep voice filled our private dining room after just two rings. “Is everything alright?”

My stomach flipped at the sound of his voice. I hadn’t expected to hear from him tonight.

“Everything’s fine, big brother,” Cora replied cheerfully. “I’m having dinner with Hazel

and Vera.”

“So I’ve been informed,” he replied, and I wondered how he knew. Did he have people watching us?

“Vera brought a bottle of Château Margaux 1982,” Cora continued. “Can I have a glass?”

There was a pause, and I could almost see Sebastian’s thoughtful expression. “You know the rules, Cora.”

“Please?” she wheedled. “It’s just one glass, and it’s a special occasion. We’re celebrating Hazel’s decision to sell her Shaw Enterprises shares.”

Another pause. “Is Hazel there?”

Cora grinned at me. “She’s right here. You’re on speaker.”

I wanted to sink through the floor. “Hi, Sebastian,” I managed, my voice embarrassingly breathy.

“Hazel,” he said, my name sounding different in his voice. Warmer. “Congratulations on your decision.”

“Thank you,” I replied, acutely aware of Vera and Cora watching me closely.

“Since you’re there,” Sebastian continued, “I’ll allow Cora one glass. But only because I trust you’ll make sure she gets home safely.”

Cora’s triumphant smile made me blush harder. “Actually, I can pick her up,” Sebastian added. “I have business nearby in about an hour.”

“Perfect!” Cora exclaimed before I could say anything. “Thanks, big brother!”

“Enjoy your evening, ladies,” Sebastian said smoothly. “Hazel, I’ll see you soon.”

The call ended, leaving me staring at Cora’s phone in mortification.

“Well, well, well,” Cora said, looking absolutely delighted. “Isn’t that interesting? He never lets me drink when I’m not home. Not even one glass.”

“It doesn’t mean anything,” I mumbled, taking a large gulp of wine.

“It means everything,” Vera countered, studying me with new interest. “He specifically said he trusts you. Sebastian Sinclair doesn’t trust anyone.”

“And he’s coming to pick me up personally,” Cora added, accepting the small pour of wine from the waiter. “Usually, he sends a driver.”

“He said he has business nearby,” I protested weakly.

Vera and Cora exchanged knowing looks.

“What business could he possibly have at nine on a Friday night near our restaurant?” Vera asked innocently.

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