Chapter 221
It was just about dinner time when Crystal finally descended the stairs. Without a word, she took a seat right next to Miranda, casting a cool glance at Elian and Sebastian before picking up her fork to dig into her meal. Lavinia, who was fond of Crystal and well–acquainted with her quirks, found her behavior endearing rather than
odd.
She smiled warmly at the two men seated at the table. “It’s rare to have both of you here for dinner. I can hardly believe it! I hope the food suits your taste. If there’s anything you don’t like, just let me know, and I’ll have them prepare something else.”
As she spoke, she glanced at Miranda, who was eating with as much dedication as Crystal. “I’m genuinely happy Miranda has friends like you two. It gives me peace of mind knowing you look out for her.”
Technically, the villa belonged to Miranda, not Lavinia. She was just occasionally visiting. Sebastian came to Miranda’s place under the pretense of catching up with Lavinia, which was evident craft he’d showed.
Miranda paused mid–bite, her brows furrowing slightly. Looking out for her? Where did that come from?
Sebastian’s eyes was imbued with gentleness. “It’s been a while since I visited you, Ms. Lavinia Lancaster, so I thought I’d drop by and maintain our family ties,” he said, glancing at Miranda. “Miranda is delightful, and as her elder, it’s only right I look after her.”
Elian’s eyes were cool, but his lips curled into a slight smile. “Aunt Lavinia, don’t forget, I’m your actual nephew. Why such formalities? It’s not like Miranda and I are just friends.”
Sebastian’s brows furrowed slightly at this.
“Not just friends? Then what are you?” Lavinia’s voice was tinged with gossip.
Crystal, who had been quietly eating, now looked up, her eyes fixed on Elian with interest.
Elian shifted his gaze to Miranda, who was sipping her soup. Suddenly, everyone was looking at Miranda, seemingly waiting for her response, including Sebastian, whose steady eyes seemed to demand an answer.
Miranda finished her soup and looked up to find herself under scrutiny. “Huh?” she blinked, remembering the conversation she hadn’t fully registered.
“Oh, it’s a father–son relationship,” she declared.
Crystal frowned as she gazed at Elian. “You have a kid?”
Elian was momentarily speechless. If only, he thought. Sebastian said nothing, though his lips curled into a sardonic smile.
Lavinia cleared her throat softly. “Let’s not delve into you young folks‘ playful banter during dinner.”
Such flirtatious, spicy remarks would probably hurt Sebastian, Lavinia presumed.
Elian curled his lips upward. “Got it.”
He then turned to Miranda and uttered with a playful, indulgent tone, “My dear parent.”
Sebastian’s smile had long vanished, a cool, detached gaze hidden behind his glasses.
Miranda was exasperated. This cheeky rascal. He must be doing it on purpose. And why did it feel like their conversation had taken on a completely different meaning from what she intended? What playful banter?
Crystal gave Miranda a curious look, one that seemed to say, “I didn’t know you had it in you.”
Miranda was baffled. Had she missed something?
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