<b>Chapter </b><b>256 </b>
From the corner of her eye, Caitlin noticed <b>a </b>tall figure stepping into the room. Turning to look, she was momentarily surprised when she saw Sebastian
“Sebastian! What are you doing here?”
was… passing by. Thought I’d stop in and say hello.”
Sebastian strode over, his gare naturallynding on James.
“So, this is your friend‘?”
“Yeah, this in James
Caitlin immediately saw through him. He had followed her.
Was he wored about her having dinner with another man?
“Pleasure to meet you,” <b>Sebastian </b>extended <b>his </b>hand first
James
stood up and shook it. “Mr. Vanderbilt, I’ve heard a lot about you
Anyone who knew Caitlin would naturally know about Sebastian.
And James wasn’t the type to miss an opportunity to befriend someone powerful.
<b>However</b>, Sebastian’s grip tightened noticeably, pressing down with force.
If James hadn’t been trained, his hand would have been crushed.
Both men smiled politely, but beneath the surface, they were testing each other.
Sebastian wanted to see if James <b>was </b>just another smooth talker–or someone with real strength.
“Just a handshake will do,” Catin cut
Sebastian let go, but <b>his </b>suspicion only deepened.
He had already looked into James–and found nothing.
People without a traceable past <b>were </b>the ones you had to be most careful with.
“You drink?” Sebastian asked casually.
“I do, but not often
“That’s funny,” Sebastian smirked. “I don’t usually drink either. But meeting you today! Feels like <b>a </b>special asion. We should have a drink.”
Then, without waiting for a reply, he waved at the server.
“Bring <b>out </b>your most expensiva bottle
Catlin shot him a look and leaned in “What are you trying to <b>do</b><b>?</b>”
“What? Just being a gracious host. Your friend is my end.”
His expression was mockingly pleasant, but Caitlin knew better
James observed their husband–and–wife–like interaction but didn’tment
Instead, he used it as an opportunity
“Excuse me,<b>” </b>James said, rising from his seat. “I be back in a moment.”
The moment James left, Sebastian turned serious.
“I don’t trust this guy
Caitlin raised an eyebrow. “Why?”
“He says he’s from here, but there’s no record of him anywhere. <b>He’s </b>lying about something”
Catlin sighed. “We haven’t even known each other long. He has no reason to tell me everything–just like I wouldn’t call him everything about myself“.
Truthfully, she agreed with Sebastian. Something about James feltoft
She wasn’t nning to get close to him–tonight was just dinner as a thank–<b>you</b>.
“You just don’t like him because <b>he’s </b>younger than you,” Caitlin teased.
Sebastian scoffed. “I don’t like him because he’s trying to impress you”
Sheughed. “Do look like a teenager? You think I’d fall for a <b>guy </b>just because he’s young <b>and </b>good–looking!”
think you might,” Sebastian said dramatically, resting his chin on his hand.
Caitlin smacked his arm. “<b>idiot</b>.”
They exchanged a look and suddenly, it felt like they were the ones on a date
“Stay here” Sebastian said, standing up. “ll go see what he’s up to
James exited the restroom, wiping his hands.
in the mirror, he saw Sebastian in behind him.
Sebastian’s eyes immediatelynded on his pants.
Histone was pure jealousy. “Nice pants.”
James turned, ncing at them.
He grinned knowingly. “Yeah, Caitlin bought them for me. Feels diferent when a woman picks your clothes, doesn’t it?”
Sebastian grabbed him by the cor, voice dropping dangerously.
“Tall How do you really know her?”
James didn’t flinch.
“I told you. It was fate. She just appeared <b>in </b>my life, out of nowhere.”
Sebastian shoved him against the wall
“Cut the crap. What’s your real motive??
09:30 Mon, 28 Jul GD
James sighed dramatically, raising his hands. “What motive could possibly have?”
Tana check on you. You don’t exis.”
Sebastian stepped back, crossing his arms.
“Guys like you–who conveniently appear without a brace? You don’t just meet people like Caitlin. You nned this.”
James adjusted his shirt with a smirk.
“Maybe you’re right. Maybe I do have a motive.”
He grinned devilishly.
“Maybe I think Caitlin is an amazing woman.”
Then, just to poke the bear, he added-
“Maybe I’m nning to pursue her.”
Sebastian’s temper snapped.
“What?”
James leaned against the wall. “What? She’s single. Anyone can pursue her.”
Sebastian punched the wall next to his face.
“She’s my woman.”
James chuckled. “Funny. I thought you two were divorced.”
Sebastian clenched his fists.
“You wanna get <b>punched</b>?”
James tilted his head mockingly.
“Go ahead. Hit me. <b>Maybe </b>Caitlin will feel bad for me. <b>Maybe </b>she think you’re too aggressive.”
Sebastian gritted his tooth.
He wanted to beat the guy up
But if Caitlin saw him do it, she might actually feel bad <b>for </b>James
Sebastian yanked his hands off him, furious
This damn <b>guy</b>.
He owed him <b>a </b>beating.
Both men returned to the <b>dining </b>room at the jame time.
The expensive battle of wine <b>had </b>arrived.
Caitlin nced up. Took you two long enough. What were you doing?”
<b>3/4 </b>
09:30 Mon, 28 Jul GI
James shed a grin. “Just chatting with Mr. Vanderbilt. We had a great conversation, didn’t we?”
Sebastian red at him.
That little sht
Caitlin narrowed her eyes but decided not to ask.
“Let’s eat,” she said instead.
Sebastian, still annoyed, poured a full ce
“Drink,” he ordered.
James hesitated. “I’m driving”
“Who cares? Don’t be a coward. Drink.”
James sighed. “Fine.”
s for James
He picked up the ss and downed it in one <b>go</b><b>. </b>
Sebastian smirked, refilling i
“Again.”
James realized what was happening
Sebastian was trying to get him drunk.
“Are wepeting!” James asked, amused.
“You only get to chase Caitlin if you can out–drink me,” Sebastian said smugly.
Caitlin groaned. “Seriously?”
<b>James </b>chuckled. “Wright, Mr. Vanderbilt. Let’s see who goes down first.”
And with that the drinking battle began.