“Mom, they all went over to Sebastian’s. Looks like it’s just us today,” Eliza exined casually.
Beatrice nodded with a knowing smile. “That just proves how good Caitlin’s cooking is. I want to try it too.”
“Next time, Mom. We’ll have Caitlin make something just for you. Today there’s a crowd over there,” Eliza reassured her.
Beatrice let out a yful sigh. “So I even have to wait in line to taste Caitlin’s food? Who knows when my turn wille!”
Her light–hearted grumble, paired with a mock–pout, made everyone around her chuckle.
Just then, the sound of children’s voices echoed from outside.
“Beatrice! Grandpa, Grandma!”
“Hmm? Are those my little darlings?”
Beatrice’s eyes lit up as the kids came running in.
Eliza stepped forward to greet them. “What are you all doing here? Haven’t you eaten yet?”
“Not yet, Grandma!” Arthur replied. “We’re here to eat with you!”
“Oh? You came just to eat with us?”
“Yeah! Otherwise, it’d be boring for you guys, right?” said one of the kids as they climbed up onto the dining chairs.
Patricia scooted next to Beatrice and beamed. “Beatrice, Patricia and my brothers are here to eat with you. You’re not lonely now,
right?”
“Right, right. I’m not lonely at all! Come on, everyone, dig in!”
Beatrice patted their little heads with a loving smile. Her mood lifted instantly, and suddenly, even the food tasted better
<b>Back </b>at the main house of Vanderbilt Manor, the atmosphere was just as lively.
While everyone was enjoying lunch, Hayden let something slip in conversation. He mentioned exploring New York yesterday with Jillian.
Caitlin grinned. “So you and Jillian toured a few famous spots? No wonder you turned down the staff offered to apany you.”
“Well, Jillian was a great guide Thad a fantastic time–much better than myst trip to the US,” Hayden said with a smile.
“Of course d was different You had a beautifuldy as your guide,” Sebastian teased knowingly “You two were chatting pretty closely during the designpetition weren’t you?”
Caitlin arched a brow “bounds like my dear uncle might be falling in love”
“That’s what I’m thinking too, Sebastian agreed
Hayden waved his hands,ughing “Come on, don’t jump to conclusions Nothing’s official we’re just hi bir mos
“That’s a good start, Caitlin mused. “Jillian’s a designer too, right? Maybe I ask if the d be interested in working with fragrancy &
17:55 Fri, 22 Aug
Dye Studio in Departure City.“.
She said it casually, but if Hayden truly liked Jillian, Caitlin wouldn’t mind ying matchmaker.
As the meal wound down, Sebastian cleared his throat. “Everyone, I’ve got something to show you.”
He reached into his inner suit pocket as though revealing a grand surprise.
“What is it?” All eyes were on him.
Only a few people knew about their marriage registration. Most were still in the dark.
Once he saw that he had everyone’s attention, Sebastian finally pulled out a small red booklet and shed it proudly.
“A marriage certificate? You two already got remarried?” Molly eximed, eyes wide.
She had assumed it would be a while before they tied the knot again.
“Let me see that!” Vincent snatched the booklet and passed it around.
“Congrattions!” Hayden said sincerely after he saw it. “It’s about time–you two finally made it.”
Everyone raised their sses for a toast to the newlyweds.
“You should do a wedding toast!” someone called out.
“Great idea! Toast! Toast!“
“Ugh, my eyes!” someone groaned as Sebastian wrapped an arm around Caitlin and gave her a joyful kiss. “That was blinding!”
“I’m drowning in this pile of couple cuteness,” someone else chimed in.
Hayden joked, “Wait, was this lunch for my farewell, or just a chance to rub your love in my face?”
The table burst intoughter. It was a perfect ending to a happy meal. Afterward, everyone dispersed, and Sebastian and Caitlin apanied <b>Hayden </b>to the airport to see him off.
Later that afternoon, Caitlin and Sebastian gathered with Zinnia, Tyler, James, and Quincy to finalize preparations for whaty ahead.
ording to intel from The Obsidian Order, a number of operatives from Shadow Moon Pavilion had already infiltrated US territory
through secret channels.
<b>Caitlin </b></divid out her analysis “Based on the current pattern, it looks like Zeke has convinced Zorro to shit the Shadow Moon Pavilion’s base of operations to the US if it weren’t for the standoff between Graystone and the royalminy i bet for would ve
“But since he didn’t, he sent Pierrick instead. That guy is no joke,” Zinnia added
“Right. If Pierrick’s the toughest opponent, then we need a strategy to iste and weaken him fest, Catan sand
Sebastian narrowed his eyes. “Isn’t he the <b>one </b>I shotst time?”
17:55 Fri, 22 Aug
“Yes, him,” Caitlin replied. “If Zeke hadn’t held him back, I might not be here right now.”
Zinnia nodded. “Exactly. Mr. Vanderbilt wounded him while protecting Caitlin. I’m sure he hasn’t forgotten that.”
A cold glint passed through Sebastian’s gaze. “Then this time, I’ll make sure he regrets showing up.”
“Alright. Here’s the n,” Caitlin said firmly.
James, Tyler, and Quincy would be in charge of taking down Pierrick.
Caitlin and Zinnia would lead the operation to rescue the hostages, while Sebastian and his team would engage Shadow Moon Pavilion’s main force.
They all understood that this wasn’t going to be a simple exchange–it was more likely a full–scale showdown between two factions.
15
Roles were clearly assigned. The exchange location was set at the foothills of Bear Mountain, the same ce where they’d watched the sunrise–a location ideal for setting up ambushes.
Every phase of the n had been simted and rehearsed, ensuring that nothing was left to chance.
Caitlin made sure both her phones were powered on and ready, waiting for word from Zeke.
But when her screen lit up with a text from an unknown number, what she read left her stunned.
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Sebastian and Caitlin intertwined arms and drank their toast, eliciting yful cheers from the crowd.