The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 98

98 The Selection Gala and a Ghost from the Past

Hazel’s PON

The mirror reflected a woman I was starting to recognize again. Elegant Composed.

Ready

My Trouser will was a statement piece from my latest collection-deep emerald with

tean lines that commanded attention without screaming for it. I smoothed the tapels second-guessing my choice to forgo a dress. Most women would wear gowns to Mrs Sinclair & Nifthday celebration

Bat I wasn’t most women. Not anymore

My phone buzzed on the vanity. Sebastian’s name flashed across the screen.

“Hello?” answered, trying to sound casual

“The driver will be there in ten minutes: Sebastian’s voice was warm, steady “Are you

Almost I replied, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear “Thank you for arranging Transportation

Ofcourse. I wouldn’t have you arrive any other way

Jaws comaderstku still caught me off guard After Alistair’s betrayal and this mornings cxnfrontation with hun and Tanya. Sebastian s kindness felt almost aben

see you soon, he said before hanging up.

sloped the phone into ray clutch my stomach fluttering with anticipation. Was this a Ines Peterking opportunity? Both The Sinclair funity remamed a

mystery wipped in power dad weath

Pepper watched hood his bed as applied a final touch of lipstick

“Deus Jook at me like that old hins caly hung his pidgmental state us the mirror Tim wist being practiced The Sirulars could be raduable allies

Pepper had his head sheptically

Fine Sebastian is handsome and attentive Happy now I sighed, kneeling to scratch behind his ears. But this is still primarily about business

The doorbell rang exactly ten minutes later. The driver – tall silent, wearing a dark sun -nodded respectfully and escorted me to a gleaning black car with tinted windows.

As the city lights blurred past. I pushed away lingering thoughts of Tanya on her knees begging for lvy’s life. I wouldn’t let guilt cloud what could be a pivotal evening for my

career

The Sinclair estate emerged from the darkness like something from a fairy tale sprawling grounds leading to a mansion illuminated by strategic lighting that highlighted its architectural perfection

Sebastian stood at the base of the grand entrance steps, hands clasped behind his back. The sight of him-tall, powerful, devastatingly handsome in his tuxedo-made my breath catch.

The driver opened my door. Sebastian’s eyes found mine immediately as I stepped out His gaze traveled slowly from my face down to my emerald suit, then back up again. The corner of his mouth lifted.

“You look…” he paused, seemingly searching for the right word, “unique”

I froze. Unique? Not beautiful or elegant or stunning? Just

unique?

Sebastian must have noticed my expression because he quickly added, “In the best possible way. Everyone else will be wearing predictable gowns. You stand out

“That was the idea,” I replied, relaxing slightly.

He offered his arm. “Shall we?”

s we walked toward the entrance. I scanned the impressive lineup of luxury vehicles Rolls-Royces Bentleys Ferraris-a display of wealth that made me suddenly conscious of my position as an outsider

Then I saw it 4 sleek black Bentley with a distinctive license plate

My steps faltered

That car. That exact car had been parked across from the restaurant the night Id Confronted Alistair the night Id caused a scene, thrown champagne and stormed ou

in leats

Hazel Sebastian’s voice seemed distant Is everything alright

I pointed to the Bentley, my hand slightly trembling. “That car, whose is it?”

Sebastian followed my gaze “Oh, that’s Elliot Thorne’s. Dad’s business partner. Why do

You ask?

The ground seemed to shift beneath my feet. Elliot Thorne. One of Sebastian’s family connections. He had witnessed my humiliating meltdown with Alistair

“Hazel? Sebastian stepped closer, concern etching his features, “What’s wrong? Do you know Elhot? Did he bully you?

My mind raced frantically. What should I tell him? That someone in his inner circle had seen me at my absolute lowest? That my carefully constructed image might crumble before the evening even began?

Sebastian’s eyes darkened. “What did he do to you?”

The protective edge in his voice pulled me back to reality. I needed to answer-now- before his imagination took him somewhere worse than the truth.

“He didn’t do anything.” I managed, my voice steadier than I expected. “I just… I’ve seen that car before.

Sebastian studied me intently, not buying my half-answer.

“The night I broke things off with Alistair publicly. I admitted, lowering my voice That car was parked across the street. Your friend Elliot witnessed the whole humiliating

Scene

Understanding dawned on Sebastian’s face. Then, surprisingly, he chuckled

“Is that all?” He squeezed my arm gently. “I thought someone had harmed you.

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