<h4>Chapter 177: Chapter 177 Unexpected Rivals</h4>


    Cecilia’s pov


    The second chime still rang in my ears as Mom crossed the room, muttering, "That must be Peggy."


    Peggy?


    My stomach did a small, suspicious somersault.


    Peggy Foster--my mother’s longtime coworker and our neighbor. Sweet woman.


    The door swung open, and Peggy walked in with her warm smile, but it wasn’t her presence that made my heart skip a beat.


    It was the tall figure behind her.


    Simon Foster.


    Tall, lean, impably dressed in a white button-down with sleeves casually rolled to reveal tanned forearms.


    Wire-rimmed sses framed intelligent eyes that held both gentleness and intensity.


    He looked like he’d walked straight out of an indie film -- the brooding academics type-- more mature than I remembered, with an understated confidence thatmanded attention.


    The moment he stepped inside, those eyes found mine, and his lips curved into a familiar smile.


    "Cecilia," he said, his voice washing over me like an old melody. "It’s been a while."


    I stood automatically, my face arranging itself into a polite smile. "Indeed, it has."


    Beside me, Harper leaned in, her breath tickling my ear. "Wait... isn’t this your genius neighbor from middle school ? The one who permanently lived at the top of the honor roll?"


    I gritted my teeth. "Your memory is inconveniently perfect."


    "I told you back then," Harper whispered gleefully. "Those quiet, intellectual neighbor types are the most dangerous when they grow up."


    Before I could formte a retort, a smooth voice cut through the room like a silver de.


    "Quite the lively gathering tonight."


    Sebastian’s voice was soft, almost gentle--and cold enough to freeze blood.


    My boss was still seated at the dining table,zily swirling his wine ss, but his eyes were locked on the scene with predatory focus.


    I turned to face him. "Sebastian..."


    He smiled, all teeth and no warmth. "You’re full of surprises tonight, aren’t you? Should I be expecting anyone else to show up? Maybe an ex from college? A secret fiancé?"


    The sarcasm was thick enough to drown in.


    I opened my mouth, but whatever I meant to say got lost somewhere between my brain and my lungs.


    Then, just as suddenly, he straightened.


    The icy smile vanished, reced by the polished calm of the man who could charm CEOs and senators alike.


    In one smooth motion, Sebastian stood.


    The shift was so seamless, it was as if that bitterment had never happened.


    "Mr. Moore," he said politely, "thank you for your hospitality. Please do let me know when that orchid blooms."


    "Y-yes, of course," Dad replied with an awkwardugh that did nothing to dissolve the tension.


    Sebastian crossed the living room, nodding politely to Mom and Peggy as he passed, his gaze slicing right past Simon like he didn’t exist.


    Harper watched him approach with wide eyes, her mouth slightly open like she’d just witnessed a live episode of a drama series.


    I couldn’t deal with this. Not now.


    I turned to my father. "Dad, Harper and I need to step out for a bit."


    "Go, sweetheart," Dad said quickly, already half-rising from his chair, like he couldn’t wait to get me out of the st zone.


    I turned to Sebastian, keeping my voice unnaturally steady. "Mr. ck, please enjoy the rest of your evening."


    Sebastian didn’t respond verbally, just took another sip of his wine -- slow, deliberate -- before following us toward the door.


    Simon stood awkwardly in the entryway, clutching a box of desserts.


    "I--I didn’t realize it was a bad time. We can catch upter, if that’s better."


    I nodded quickly, grateful for the out.


    "Yes. That would be better."


    Harper was already rushing toward the door. I started to follow her when a warm hand slid around my waist, anchoring me in ce with a grip that was both gentle and upromising.


    My entire body froze.


    Sebastian.


    He spoke softly, his tone casual, but every word sharpened like a knife.


    His eyes never left mine, but the message was clearly meant for Simon.


    "She’s been doing well, by the way. Sleeping through the night. Eating properly. Even the nightmares have stopped."


    The atmosphere crystallized into ice.


    Simon blinked, visibly thrown.


    "That’s... I’m d," he replied, his smile not quite reaching his eyes.


    My face burned hot enough to melt steel. I couldn’t look at either of them.


    "We really need to go," I blurted out. "We’ll talk another time."


    I grabbed Harper’s arm and practically dragged her out the door.


    Author’s pov


    Simon stood at the doorway, watching their retreating figures.


    Only then did he sigh softly before returning to the living room to ce the dessert box on the table.


    In the living room, Peggy leaned closer to Esther, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Was that her boyfriend? The one in the suit?"


    Esther hesitated.


    She actually admired Sebastian quite a bit--he wasposed, intelligent, protective, and most tellingly, he knew intimate details about Cecilia’s life that only someone very close to her would know.


    But there was something about him that gave her pause.


    He was too sharp-edged. Too dominant.


    She wasn’t certain this was the right match.


    "She’ll make her own decision," she finally replied softly.


    Cecilia’s pov


    The door clicked shut behind me.


    I kept moving forward, gripping Harper’s wrist, my pace quicker than usual.


    "Walk faster," I whispered. "Don’t look back."


    Harper stumbled alongside me while muttering, "This isn’t walking--it’s fleeing for your life."


    We descended the side stairs, cut through the garden path, and finally reached the garage.


    Harper pressed her key fob, and the car lights shed twice.


    "Seriously, what did you do to attract all this?" she asked, pulling open the passenger door. "Your childhood crush shows up, and your boss goes full territorial Alpha on us. What’s the secret? Do you emit some kind of drama pheromone?"


    "Harper." My voice was a warning growl.


    "Fine, fine, I’ll shut up." She raised both hands in surrender.


    I was about to get into the car when footsteps approached from behind.


    Not fast, not heavy, but each step seemed tond directly in my heart.


    Harper slid into the passenger seat with impressive speed, gently pulling the door closed behind her like she was avoiding crossfire.


    I was about to call after her when a hand reached from behind, once again securing itself around my waist.


    My heart skipped a beat.


    Here it came.


    Sebastian was about to speak.