<b>Chapter </b><b>432 </b>


    Knock knocki


    Sebastian didn’t storm in like he might’ve in the past. He didn’t lose his temper of punch the young guy in the face, Instead, he simply


    knocked on the door.


    Inside, both Caitlin and Wade looked up. The moment Wade recognized the CEO of VEG, his face turned pale, and he shot to his feet.


    Caitlin saw Sebastian and turned to Wade. “Make the changes with this approach, then hand the revised concept to Garrett.”


    “Got it. Thanks, Caitlin


    Wade


    dn’t dare


    Wade didn’t dare linger. As he passed Sebastian, he greeted nervously, “Mr. Vanderbilt, sir.”


    Sebastian’s ice–cold presence made Wade shiver involuntarily. Even after walking past, he could still feel the piercing gaze on his back. It was like being stabbed by invisible thorns, and he quickened his <b>pace </b>in fear.


    Only after watching the “pretty boy” flee like his life depended on it did Sebastian turn his attention back to the room and walk in.


    He stepped up to Caitlin and handed her <b>a </b>bouquet of roses


    “These are for you<b>.</b>”


    Caitlin stood up, leaned in to sniff the petals, and smiled. “What’s the asion? It’s not a holiday.”


    “Do I need a holiday to give my wife flowers<b>? </b>I’m here to apologize forst night. I shouldn’t have gotten drunk or made you worry.”


    Hearing this, Caitlin knew he must’ve learned about what had happened the night before. He’de to apologize–probably after finding <b>out </b>the full story.


    Truthfully<b>, </b>she hadn’t taken it to heart. He hadn’t actually done anything wrong. <b>But </b>since he was here, taking the initiative to admit fault, she figured it was the perfect time to set a rule.


    “Alright, apology epted. But from now on, you’re not allowed to drink if I’m not there. Not even for business dinners–and definitely not to the point of getting drunk.”


    “Alright, I promise<b>.</b><b>” </b>


    They held each other’s <b>gaze </b>for a moment before Sebastian wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “Come on, babe. Our son’s gotpetition this ahernoon. Let’s go cheer him on.”


    “Whatpetition?”


    Caitlin hadn’t heard a word from the kids<b>. </b>


    “Howard made it to the finals of the National Youth Piano Competition.”


    “What?! No one told me! He’s in the finals already?”


    “We wanted it to be a surpri


    Caitlin quickly grabbed her things, holding the bouquet as she left TIG with Sebastian


    On the <b>way </b>to the venue, Caitlin’s phone rang. It was Felix


    “Caltlin, we searched Knox’s rural home like you said. Found a woman’s body inside the water tank Based on pri


    his wife. Once DNA confirms it, we’ll move forward with charges. We wouldn’t have cracked this without you, on behalf thank you<b>.</b>”


    “You’re too kind.”


    They kept it briel. Caitlin wasn’t looking for credit. If she could help the world just a little, that was more than enough


    At the hospital, Zekey in bed, still nursing his injuries–and a growing anticipation that Caitlin woulde visit


    He’d been counting the days. Surely she should’ve arrived by now. Why hadn’t she shown up? Was Sebastian keeping her away?


    As he brooded, there was a knock at the door followed by the click of high heels.


    Zeke’s heart leapt. He sat up excitedly. “Caitlin!”


    But the door opened–and it was Zinnia.


    “Zinnia?”


    Disappointment flickered in his eyes.


    Zinnia walked in carrying a food container. “Caitlin asked me to bring you something to eat.”


    Now that they were both out of Shadow Moon Pavilion, there was no need to call him “Young Master” Zeke stared at the contain


    heavily. “Why… didn’t shee?”


    “She’s busy,” Zinnia said inly.


    “No–she’s not it’s Sebastian. He won’t let here, right?”


    Zinnia paused, then said, “Why hold on to something that doesn’t belong to you? Caitlin and Mr. Vanderbilt are in love. Why force yourself into their story?”


    The words struck deep–and not in a good way.


    Zeke’s expression darkened. A chill spread across the room.


    Zinnia set the container down. “This was made especially for you. Please eat.”


    But just as she ced it within his reach, Zeke swatted it to the floor.


    Zinnia stared at him, stunned.


    He was furious. That much was <b>clear</b><b>. </b>And she realized her words <b>must’ve </b>hit <b>a </b>nerve.


    “I’m sorry if I said something harsh,” Zinniaald. “But I meant what I said. Think it through–I’m just looking out for you.”


    She knew Zeke well enough to understand he didn’t mean tosh out


    Zeke clenched his fists, but his anger eventually dimmed, giving way to pain.


    “I <b>know </b>you mean well… but do you really think emotions are something you can just turn off? You underestimate how much I love Caltiin. You don’t know what kind of world I grew up in Caillin, she showed me that the world isn’t all darkness.


    “She was the light that made me want to crawl out of that abyss, I built SY Capital Partners from the ground up, hoping that someday. could stand next to her.


    “She means everything to me. Zinnia, you’ve never had someone light up your life. You can’t possibly understand what she is to me


    Zinnia didn’t know much about love–but at this moment, she could feel his heartbreak,


    Zeke wasn’t just in love. Caitlin had be his reason to live.


    If she was his repe out of the pit, what would happen if he lost it? Would he fall again? Would he shatterpletely?


    Sigh.”


    Zinnia let out a soft sigh. <b>What </b>else could she say?


    There’s only one Caitlin in this world.


    After lunch, Sebastian and Caitlin arrived <b>at </b>the New <b>York </b>Arts & Culture Center<b>. </b>


    The National Youth Piano Competition was being held there. Talented young musicians from across the country had gathered topete


    Tour buses were parked outside the entrance. Contestants and their families filed in one by one.


    Inside, in a first–floor lounge, Caitlin and Sebastian found Quincy Faith, James, and the rest of T


    The Vanderbilt Family gathered with the kids.


    Raymond and Eliza were there <b>too</b><b>, </b>along with Vincent, Hazel, Molly, and Simon.


    “Everyone’s here!”


    Caitlin greeted them cheerfully. The four kids saw her and Sebastian walk in and ran over with excitement


    “Daddy! Mommy!”


    She ruffled their little heads, then turned to Howard.


    The boy was dressed in a tiny ck tuxedo for thepetition, looking sharp and polished.


    Caitlin knelt to straighten his bowtie. “Howard, you’re really in the piano finals? I didn’t even know! We’re all here to cheer for you <b>today- </b>good luck!”


    “Thanks, Mommy!”


    Howard grinned from ear to ear. He had specifically asked the teacher not to tell her he wanted to surprise his mom.


    rting soon. I’ll take him over now.”


    “Thepetition’s starting


    Faith came over to lead Howard away.


    he boy waved at Caitlin one more time, beaming.


    He was going to put on the best performance of his life–for her.