Bye-bye Trash! Hello Queen! novel Chapter 163

"That's it," she murmured. "Sebastian loves that hearty pork rib stew."

She remembered visiting Sebastian's home and seeing Natalie make it for him all the time. Joanna immediately dialed Sean's number.

Sean was in the middle of meticulously checking hotel security footage for clues. He was surprised to see Joanna's name pop up on his screen.

"Ms. Scott," he answered with a polite smile.

"Sean, I have a quick question. Does Sebastian like pork rib stew?" Joanna's voice was as sweet as ever.

Sean scoffed internally. "Ms. Scott, you're the boss's childhood sweetheart—at least, that's what everyone thinks. How could you not know his favorite food? That's not very dedicated of you."

"Sean, you..." Joanna was speechless, caught off guard by his jab. "I... I don't really know what he likes. You know how reserved he is. He was always the one taking care of me, remembering my favorite things..."

"So, our boss gives and gives, and in the end, you can't even remember his favorite dish?" Sean teased, twisting the knife.

Meanwhile, Sebastian was in his study, buried in work. He reached for his cup out of habit, only to find the spot on his desk empty. He paused, a wave of fatigue washing over him. When Natalie was here, there was always a pot of tea waiting for him while he worked. It soothed him, helped him sleep soundly without the usual restless dreams and insomnia. Since she'd left, his sleepless nights had returned. Natalie understood herbal remedies; she had nursed him back to health.

His expression darkened as he thought about what had happened at the mall that evening. A pang of annoyance hit him. He had forgotten to give Natalie money for her living expenses. She was so unassuming, never asking for anything. The only times she ever argued were about him and Joanna. Otherwise, she was the perfect, devoted wife who kept their home running flawlessly. But after Joanna returned, everything had changed. Natalie cared, so she fought. He was her breaking point, but his constant proximity to Joanna had finally driven her away.

Earlier that day, while scrolling through his phone, he'd seen a recommended story online with a plot strikingly similar to his own situation. Just as the thought crossed his mind, his phone buzzed. It was a recording from Sean.

After he listened to it, another message from Sean came through, timed perfectly.