The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 68

68 An Herpected Eriduster

68 An Unexpected Encounter

Toouldnt help checking my watch again as Mrs. Sinclair and I finished our dessert Sebastian had promised to join us, but there was still no sign of tim

He sends his apologies Mrs Sinclair said, noticing my glance. “Business emergencies are unfortunate but common in our farmily.

smijed politely, “Of course, I completely understand.”

But a small part of me felt disappointed. I’d been looking forward to seeing Sebastian more than Leared to admit. The sketches in my portfolio seemed to mock me now, prepared specifically with his tastes in mind.

“Sebastian works too hard.” Mrs. Sinclair sighed, setting down her teacup. “His father was the same way. The Sinclair men have always carried the weight of responsibility

on their shoulders.”

“What exactly does your family do?” I asked, realizing I knew surprisingly little about

Sebastian’s business despite our growing connection.

Mrs. Sinclair’s eyes twinkled. “A bit of everything, my dear. Technology, investments, security systems. Sebastian oversees our most challenging ventures.”

She shared stories of Sebastian’s childhood as we finished our tea. I found myself feading forward, absorbing every detail about the man who had become such an

enigmatic presence in my life

*e was always serious” she said fondly. “Even as a little boy. Always protecting others.

ways thinking three steps ahead”

The afterlop stretched on pleasantly, but eventually I glanced at my watch agam and

realized I needed to leave

3 should get gang” said reluctantly have a client meeting in two hours

Mrs. Sakit added. “Sebastian will be disappointed to have missed you. Perhaps Canocter tone?

* Dripped Encounter

#i’d like that? I replied, surprised by how much I meant it.

As we said our goodbyes, Mrs. Sinclair embraced me warmly. “You’ve brightened my day, Hazel Our family is better for knowing you

The sincerity in her voice made my throat tighten. I’d never experienced such

Immediate acceptance before

My driver waited at the bottom of the stone steps leading from the garden. As the car pulled away from the mansion. I found myself looking back, half-hoping to see Sebastian’s car approaching. The winding road remained empty.

“Ridiculous” I muttered to myself, Why was I acting like a lovesick teenager? Sebastian Sinclair was a client-an unusually attentive, devastatingly handsome client-but a

business connection nonetheless.

Yet as we descended the mountain. I couldn’t shake the hollow feeling in my chest

Something about Sebastian pulled at me in ways I couldn’t explain. The mysterious

connection Mrs. Sinclair had hinted at seemed to vibrate between us, even in his

absence

“Ms. Shaw, my driver suddenly called, slowing the car. I believe that’s Mr. Sinclair’s

vehicle coming up the road.

My pulse quickened as I spotted the sleek black car approaching around the bend. Without thinking, I sat up straighter and smoothed my hair.

Both cars slowed to a stop alongside each other on the narrow mountain road. I watched through the tinted window as Sebastian emerged from his vehicle, tall and commanding in a perfectly tailored suit. He didn’t hesitate or look around-he walked directly toward my car as if he’d known exactly where to find me

Mr. Sinclair wishes to speak with you, my driver announced unnecessarily

My hands trembled slightly as I opened my door and stepped out into the cool mountain air. Sebastian stopped a few feet away, his intense gaze locking with mine

Hazell he sid

Just my first name Not Me Shaw Not the usual forinal address. The intimacy of it int jent

shner down my spine

“Sebastian” Freplied my voice steadier than I expected.

Tin sorry I missed our lunch,” he said, dosing the distance between us with two long strides. A security matter needed my immediate attention

The fact that he’d rushed to intercept me just to apologize made my stomach flutter

“Your mother was wonderful company, I assured him, unable to look away from his

face. I didn’t mind.

“I did.” His voice dropped lower. “I was looking forward to seeing you today?

A gust of wind blew a strand of hair across my face. Before I could reach for it Sebastian’s hand was there, gently tucking it behind my ear. The brief contact of his fingers against my skin sent electricity coursing through me.

“I brought some new sketches,” I said quickly, desperate to regain my professional composure. “For the charity gala next month.”

Sebastian glanced at his watch, then back at me. “Do you have time to come back up to

the house? I’d love to see them now.

Thesitated, thinking about my upcoming client meeting. I should decline. I should maintain boundaries. I should remember what happened the last time I let my guard

down with a man.

“Yes” Lheard myself say instead. “I have some time.”

Sebastian’s smile was subtle but transformed his usually serious face. “Good, Follow me back up?

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