The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 186

186 A Calculated Gesture

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186 A Calculated Gesture

On the fourth ring, just as I was preparing to hang up, the line connected.

As Elliot walked away, I exhaled slowly, suddenly aware I’d been holding my breath. Quentin gave me a questioning look but was tactful enough not to pry.

The question brought me up short. Why should I care who Sebastian dined with? We weren’t officially together. He had no claim on me, nor I on him.

I took another deep breath, my fingers tightening around the phone. “About seeing me having dinner with Quentin Young, my new general manager.”

Snow had begun falling outside the restaurant windows, painting the city in a soft white blanket. The warm glow of the restaurant contrasted with the wintry scene beyond the glass. It felt cozy, almost intimate.

Quentin looked surprised. “That was… generous of him.”

He nodded, stepping back. “Goodnight, Hazel.”

I cleared my throat. “Elliot Thorne, this is Quentin Young, the new general manager for Evening Gala. Quentin, Elliot is…”

There was a brief pause before Sebastian spoke again, his voice careful but curious. “What would Elliot be calling me about?”

“The food was impressive,” I agreed, setting down my chopsticks. “Good

recommendation.”

“Thank you for a productive weekend,” he said as we reached my vehicle. “I look forward to implementing our plans tomorrow.”

The snow was piling up on my windshield now, blurring the world outside. Just like my emotions were blurring my usually clear judgment.

I turned to find Elliot Thorne standing beside our table, his tailored coat dusted with snowflakes. His eyes held unmistakable curiosity as they darted between Quentin and

I watched him walk to his own car before sliding into mine. The heater struggled against the chill as I sat there, not yet starting the engine. My mind was racing,

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calculating the implications of Elliot’s little maneuver.

Pride told me to ignore the situation. Self-preservation warned me not to appear too eager. But something else-something that felt uncomfortably like vulnerability— pushed me toward honesty.

“By whom?” I asked, though I already knew the answer.

“Hazel?” Sebastian’s voice came through, warm and surprised. “Is everything okay?”

“We should probably get going before the roads get worse,” Quentin suggested, glancing at the intensifying snowfall.

With Alistair, things had been different. Six years of history had established clear expectations. But with Sebastian, everything felt new and uncertain. The rules weren’t defined.

The last option was tempting but risky. Elliot would almost certainly mention seeing me. If Sebastian heard about my dinner with Quentin from someone else, it would look like I was hiding something.

Sebastian had been nothing but straightforward with me. He deserved the same in

return.

“Snowy evening to be out,” he remarked casually. “I’m surprised you’re not spending it

with Sebastian.”

“Same here,” I replied, shivering slightly in the cold. “Drive safely, Quentin.”

“You have no idea,” I muttered, gathering my things.

“Sebastian,” I began, my voice steadier than I expected. “I just ran into Elliot Thorne and thought I should call you before he does.”

Our server approached with the check. “Excuse me, Ms. Shaw, but your bill has already been settled.”

But saying nothing felt worse.

Sebastian wasn’t the jealous type-at least, I didn’t think he was. But we were still navigating the undefined waters of whatever was developing between us. Elliot had just thrown a stone into those waters, creating ripples I couldn’t ignore.

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186 A Calculated Gesture

“Well, isn’t this a pleasant surprise?”

“Elliot,” I said, maintaining my composure despite the unexpected encounter. “What brings you here?”

“That was an excellent meal,” Quentin said as we finished the last of our hot pot dinner. “Thank you for joining me.”

This was exactly what he wanted-to force my hand, to test my intentions toward his friend. It was manipulative but effective. Sebastian had powerful allies who clearly

looked out for his interests.

“Absolutely not,” Quentin protested. “Let me split it at least.”

“The gentleman who just stopped by your table,” she replied. “Mr. Thorne left his card and took care of everything.”

I drummed my fingers on the steering wheel. Should I call Sebastian? Text him? Pretend nothing happened?

But calling felt like admitting I’d done something wrong-which I hadn’t. Quentin was my employee. We’d had a professional dinner after working all weekend.

## Hazel’s POV

Before I could change my mind, I picked up the phone again. Three deep breaths later, I pressed call.

I pulled out my phone, staring at Sebastian’s contact information. My thumb hovered over the call button.

“A friend of Sebastian’s,” Elliot finished for me, extending his hand to Quentin. “A

pleasure.”

I started the car, the engine’s purr filling the silence. Still, I didn’t put it in drive. The phone sat heavy in my lap, a decision waiting to be made.

Quentin shook his hand firmly. “Likewise.”

I dropped the phone into my lap with a frustrated sigh. I’d never been in this position before-caring what someone thought about my actions, feeling accountable to someone who wasn’t even officially in my life.

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186 A Calculated Gesture

I nodded, reaching for my purse. “Let me take care of the bill.”

Before either of us could flag down our server, a familiar voice interrupted our debate.

“Ah, yes. The Sinclair Sunday dinners.” Elliot nodded knowingly. “Well, don’t let me interrupt your evening. Just wanted to say hello.”

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