<h4>Chapter 84: Chapter 84 Dangerous Words</h4>


    Cecilia’s pov


    I pulled out my phone and added Marcus to my contacts.


    I couldn’t help but smile politely as we exchanged information.


    There’s something about my smile that tends to disarm people.


    My looks might be striking - even intimidating to some - but my demeanor softens the impact, making me seem more approachable than I actually am.


    It’s quite deceptive.


    Only those who truly know me understand the ice that lies beneath.


    "Your profile picture is just as beautiful as you are in person," Marcus gushed,pletely forgetting Alpha Sebastian was still standing right there.


    His eyes were fixed on me with undisguised admiration.


    "Thank you," I replied graciously, epting thepliment without making a big deal of it.


    Marcus seemed eager to continue our conversation when a bone-chilling voice cut through the air, "Manager Marcus Reid, you seem to have an abundance of free time on your hands."


    I saw Marcus visibly flinch.


    Only a fool would miss the displeasure in Alpha Sebastian’s tone.


    He hastily pocketed his phone and stammered, "I should get back to work."


    The poor man practically sprinted away, moving faster than an Olympic speed walker.


    I slipped my phone back into my pocket, noticing Alpha Sebastian’s darkened expression.


    Clearly, Remy ’s antics had put him in a foul mood, and Marcus had just walked into the line of fire.


    "Alpha Sebastian, I’ll take our luggage upstairs," I offered, reaching for both suitcases and heading toward the staircase.


    After a few steps, the distinctive scent of sandalwood mixed with morning dew swept over me. Simultaneously, the weight in my hand diminished.


    I turned to find Alpha Sebastian beside me, my suitcase now in his grasp.


    I was genuinely shocked.


    An Alpha carrying luggage for his human secretary was about as bizarre as an Alpha chauffeuring his employees around.


    Itpletely turned the natural order on its head.


    Alpha Sebastian seemed to read my thoughts.


    With a cool, detached tone, he remarked, "I believe I mentioned that I don’t enjoy abusing my employees."


    With that, he carried the suitcases up the stairs.


    I stared after him, puzzled. Does carrying luggage count as abuse now? Is this level of consideration normal for an Alpha toward a human employee?


    Though I found it strange, I didn’t dwell on it and followed him upstairs.


    The second floor had a master bedroom, two guest bedrooms, and a study.


    The master was naturally for Alpha Sebastian.


    I chose one of the guest rooms, dropped my suitcase inside, then went to the master bedroom to unpack Alpha Sebastian’s clothes.


    Over the past few days, I’d memorized all the preferences Beta Sawyer had sent me - everything from Alpha Sebastian’s favorite foods and beverages to his clothing preferences.


    It gave me the bizarre impression that Beta Sawyer was essentially acting like Alpha Sebastian’s not-yet-official mate, preparing his future Luna for her duties.


    "Cecilia, do you have some personal vendetta against my clothing?"


    The cool voice floated from beside me.


    Only then did I realize I’d been lost in thought while handling his clothes, and had somehow wandered down a mental rabbit hole.


    In my agitation, I’d gripped his shirt too tightly, wrinkling the fabric.


    When had he entered the room? His observation skills were unnervingly sharp.


    "Sorry, I’ll iron it for you," I said, releasing his shirt and smoothing it out with my hands.


    "Thinking about something unpleasant?" Alpha Sebastian asked conversationally as he removed his jacket and handed it to me.


    "I-it’s nothing important," I said, quickly taking his jacket and holding his shirt over my arm.


    I grabbed a hanger and put the jacket in the closet, trying to look calm.


    My body said, "Please don’t ask," loud and clear.


    But Alpha Sebastian didn’t move.


    He was still standing there, watching me.


    Trying to act normal, I turned to face him.


    And then my mouth betrayed me.


    "Would you like me to remove anything else, Alpha Sebastian?"


    Silence.


    My face went cold.


    Wait—what did I just say?!


    Did I really just ask if I should remove something else?!


    He was literally standing there in only his shirt and pants!


    I wanted to disappear. Or crawl under the desk. Forever.


    What I meant to say was: "Do you need anything else?"


    But my brain was still thinking about him taking off his jacket, and somehow... it all got mixed up.


    Just as I was silently screaming inside, he finally spoke.


    "I think I’ll keep the rest on," he said seriously. "If I take off more, I might catch a cold."


    I blinked. He gave me a strange look and walked out.


    I stood there, frozen.


    What was that look?


    Was he thinking:


    My secretary wants me to strip?


    I can’t give her such wild dreams.


    Oh no. My face was burning.


    I clutched the closet door for support, wishing the floor would open up and swallow me whole.


    Trying to pretend nothing happened, I quickly finished unpacking, ironed his clothes, and practically ran out of the bedroom—avoiding eye contact with everything (and everyone) on the way out.


    Back in my room, I took some time to calm my racing heart before organizing my own belongings.


    About an hourter, my phone buzzed with a message from Marcus:


    [Cecilia, Remy is awake now. He suggests postponing the tour until tomorrow since it’s gettingte. He also invites Alpha Sebastian for drinks at his vi tonight.]


    I inwardly scoffed. So that’s what the ten young women were for—to create an ATMOSPHERE for their little drinking party.


    I replied: [Noted. I’ll inform Alpha Sebastian.]


    I went to the master bedroom and knocked twice.


    No response.


    Taking a nap, perhaps?


    Possibly, but what if he wasn’t? What if he was showering or changing clothes or on a video call?


    Better not barge in.


    Since the tour had been postponed anyway, the message wasn’t urgent, so I decided to leave it forter and returned to my room.


    Another hour passed before Marcus messaged again:[Remy’s asking if Alpha Sebastian ising tonight. He says if Alpha Sebastian doesn’t want toe to his ce, he’s happy to bring his entire entourage over to you. That sly old fox!]


    I couldn’t help butugh at thatstment.


    I replied: [Alpha Sebastian is still resting. I don’t know his ns yet. Tell Remy to be patient, and I’ll check with Alpha Sebastian soon.]


    Marcus responded with a crying emoji.


    I understood his predicament perfectly and sent back a sympathetic smile emoji.


    Putting my phone away, I went to knock on the master bedroom door again.


    This time, a voice answered, "Come in."


    Only after receiving permission did I open the door.


    Alpha Sebastian stood by the window with his back to me, seemingly admiring the mountain view.


    The bed was immactely made, and he’d changed into casual attire—a light gray outfit thatplemented his athletic frame perfectly.


    So he hadn’t been napping earlier? He really had been changing clothes?


    "What is it?" Alpha Sebastian asked, turning to face me.


    "I’ve received two messages from Remy. The first came about an hour ago—he suggested postponing the tour until tomorrow and invited you for drinks at his vi tonight. The second message just arrived—he says if you don’t want to go to his ce, he’s willing to bring his party here instead," I reported honestly.


    I added, "When I knocked the first time and got no answer, I took the liberty of letting him wait a while."


    Alpha Sebastian gave a slight, amused smile. "That’s fine. Let him wait."


    He nced at his watch. "Tell Manager Marcus to inform Remy that I’ll be there promptly at seven."