The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 67

67 A Destiny Foretold

I couldn’t believe my eyes as I stared at the elaborate feast laid out before me. The

garden pavilion had been transformed into a private dining sanctuary with delicate flower arrangements surrounding a table set with crystal and fine china &

“Mrs. Sinclair. I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “this is too much

Chef Lin personally approached the table, bowing slightly. I’ve prepared a special menu today, Ms. Shaw. Mr. Sinclair mentioned your preferences for subtle spices and seafood.

My heart skipped a beat. Sebastian remembered such specific details about me?

“Please enjoy the chef continued. “I’ll be serving each course personally

As he retreated to his portable kitchen station, I reached for my phone under the table. My fingers trembled slightly as I texted Vera.

*You won’t believe this. Sebastian hired CHEF LIN just for lunch with his mother. Because I mentioned ONCE that I liked his food.*

Her reply came instantly: *OMG!! He’s obsessed with you! This is WAY beyond professional interest.*

I glanced up at Mrs. Sinclair, who was watching me with a knowing smile.

Is everything alright, dear?” she asked.

slipped my phone back into my purse. “Yes. I’m just… overwhelmed. I’ve never had someone arrange something like this for me before.

Mrs. Sinclair’s expression softened. “Sebastian has always been thoughtful, but I must admin, he’s gone to extraordinary lengths for you

Chef in returned with our first course-delicate sea scallops with a citrus glaze that made my taste buds dance

This is incredible I said after my first bite.

Mrs. Sinclair nodded in agreement. “Sebastian mentioned you had excellent taste”

I took a sip of water trying to process the situatione Idon understand why your family is being so kind to me in just your dressmaker

Oh. Hazel: Mrs. Sinclair reached across the table to pat my hand. “You’re far more than that. Surely you must sense it by now.

The genuine warmth in her eyes made my chest tighten. Growing up with coldness from my father and cruelty from my stepmother, this maternal affection felt allen-and desperately welcome

“My own family. I started, then stopped, embarrassed by the sudden surge of emotion. “My own family has never treated me with half the kindness you’ve shown

Mrs. Sinclair’s face darkened momentarily. “Yes, we’re aware of your circumstances It’s disgraceful how they’ve treated you.”

A chill ran down my spine. “You know about my family?”

She waved her hand dismissively. “The Sinclairs make it a point to know everything about those who matter to us.”

Chef Lin arrived with our second course, sparing me from having to respond immediately. The perfectly prepared dish gave me a moment to collect my thoughts.

“I’m not used to being valued,” I finally admitted after he left. “My father always made me feel like a burden. My stepmother treated me like competition. And Alistair…” } swallowed hard. “Well, we know how that ended.”

“Men like Alistair Everett lack vision and backbone, Mrs. Sinclair stated flatly. “He’ll Tegret losing you every day for the rest of his life

Her fierce defense caught me off guard. I’d never had someone speak so protectively,

about me.

used to think something was wrong with me, I confessed. “That I was sorel Conworthy of real love or respect

Mrs. Sinclair’s eyes fissties with anger. “That is precisely what toxic people want you

to breve. They diminish you to maintain control

She reached for my hand again, her grip surprisingly strong for her age. “Hazel, you deserve every kindness this world has to offer Never doubt that

Tears pricked the corners of my eyes. “Thank you for saying that.

Tin not just saying it. I mean it. She released my hand but kept her gaze locked on mine if you’ll allow me, I’d be honored to be the maternal figure you’ve been denied for too long

A fump formed in my throat. Td like that very much.

She smiled, satisfied. “Good. Now, tell me more about your aunt’s situation. Sebastian

mentioned you were helping her with some business troubles.

I was startled that Sebastian knew about that too, but I found myself sharing the whole story-Aunt Liana’s struggle with her husband, this morning’s successful meeting, and

the investors Vera had found.

Mrs. Sinclair listened intently, occasionally nodding with approval.

“You have excellent strategic instincts,” she commented when I finished. “Taking the

initiative rather than waiting for your aunt’s situation to deteriorate-that’s exactly

how Sebastian operates.”

just couldn’t stand by and watch another good woman get pushed aside by an entitled man. I explained.

*Indeed.” Mrs. Sinclair’s eyes twinkled. “Perhaps that’s why you and Sebastian

understand each other so well. You share the same sense of justice

Chef Lin served our dessert, an elegant confection of dark chocolate and berries, As ve

savored the exquisite flavors. I felt a strange sense of belonging washing over me.

“Mrs, Sinulau, I ventured. “may ask you something rather personal?

Of course, dear

“Why have you and Sebastian taken such an interest in me? fi can’t just be because of

my designe

87 A Destry Farmi

She set down her spoon and gazed at the thoughtfulls Doucheheve in late, Hazel?”

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