<h4>Chapter 274: Chapter 274 Protecting Identity</h4>


    Cecilia’s pov


    I nearly jumped when Sebastian’s voice cut through our conversation.


    Liam and I both jerked our heads around.


    Muffin leapt from myp, bounding toward Sebastian with his tail held high, clearly abandoning me for his favorite.


    "I overheard something earlier," I said with a shrug. "His name came up, and I was curious."


    Liam cleared his throat. "It’s my fault, Alpha. I brought up some family stuff earlier, including Mr. York. I may have overshared."


    Sebastian scooped up Muffin, who had been pawing at his legs, then walked over and gently deposited the cat back onto myp.


    "If you want to know about my family, just ask me," he said. "I tell better stories than Liam. No strings attached."


    I forced a smile that felt stiff on my face. "Right. Of course."


    I stroked Muffin’s fur, pretending calm as my heart thudded against my ribs.


    "Well, would you look at the time," Liam said smoothly, already rising to his feet. "Cecilia, would you mind putting Muffin in his bedter? I think I’ll turn in."


    "Goodnight, Liam," I said.


    Sebastian dragged a chair closer and ced it directly beside mine.


    Too close.


    The sudden proximity made every muscle in my body tense. It felt like an interrogation wasing.


    "Seriously? The entire balcony and you pick this seat?" I muttered, shifting in my chair.


    Sebastian reached over to pet Muffin."Warm? Must be this chubby little guy radiating heat. Let me help,"


    He picked up a magazine from the table and waved itzily in my direction. "There. Instant breeze. Happy now?"


    I gave him a look that said, ’Really?’ but dropped my gaze back to the cat, trying to mentally piece together a believable reason for asking about his family.


    "Both York and Zaria are staying at the family home these days," he said.


    His tone was pleasant, but there was an edge to it."If you’re interested, Cece, I could introduce you."


    I closed my eyes briefly, then looked up.


    "Please, have mercy. I swear I’m done being nosy."


    "Cece," he said, his voice suddenly serious, "I genuinely want you to meet my family."


    "I..." I faltered. "I haven’t really thought about that. Can we just... table this for now?"


    I clutched Muffin a little tighter and started to rise from the chair.


    I couldn’t let this go further.


    Running into that woman at the jewelry store earlier had shaken me more than I wanted to admit. She had the same eyes. The same voice.


    And if she really was Luna Regina, then walking into the ck family estate now would be like putting myself under a microscope.


    The timing was too perfect. Too suspicious.


    His mother had been looking for her "savior." If I showed up now, it would look like I was trying to force my way into their world. Like I was ying some long con.


    Sebastian’s handnded gently on my arm, stopping me.


    Just as he opened his mouth, his phone rang. He pulled it out, and I couldn’t help stealing a nce at the screen.


    He caught me, but instead of stepping away like I expected, he answered it right there in front of me.


    "Speak," he said curtly.


    "Sebastian!" a woman’s voice rang out, loud and clear. "Mom went shopping with York today and swears she saw someone from behind who looks exactly like her so-called ’guardian angel.’ She practically dragged York around the entire mall trying to find her."


    My arms instinctively tightened around Muffin, who let out a strangled ’Mrrrrow!’


    Sebastian absently patted the cat’s head as he tried to wriggle free. "And?"


    "York said Mom was being ridiculous. She only saw the woman’s back!He tried to talk her down, but she got upset and insisted on going home. He had to promise he’d help her find this mystery woman just to calm her down."


    My stomach dropped.


    Sebastian’s voice turned sharp. "Did you find her?"


    Zaria hesitated. "We... tried. But if we don’t help, Mom will just find someone else who will. I figured I should give you a heads-up. What should I do?"


    My eyes widened as panic tightened in my chest. The mall. The cameras.


    So the real VIP... is Luna Regina.


    "Send me the address," Sebastian said smoothly. "Then tell Mother it’s toote today.The staff’s gone home. Say you’ll pick it up again tomorrow. I’ll handle the rest."


    Zaria caught on quickly. "Are you nning to wipe the security footage?"


    "You don’t need to worry about that," he said. "Just y along tomorrow. The oue isn’t your concern."


    "Got it."


    He ended the call and turned to find me staring at him.


    "Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked, one brow raised.


    I ced the squished Muffin onto hisp and straightened.


    "I heard everything," I said. "Let me take care of it."


    He arched an eyebrow. "That won’t be necessary. I can send Tang."


    "I’m your secretary," I said, my tone sharper than I intended. "And this situation... kind of affects both of us. I want to handle it."


    "Cece, your level of enthusiasm is... a little intense."


    "I’m pissed," I snapped. "Your mom is chasing a ghost, and it could blow up in everyone’s face. I need to make sure that footage is gone. Don’t stop me."


    I pulled out my phone and called Tang.


    I couldn’t risk it.


    Tang remembered everything and saw through everyone. He’d recognize me the second heid eyes on me.


    Sebastian said nothing, just watched me with narrowed eyes.


    Was I overdoing it? Did he already suspect something?


    Once I finished with Tang, I slipped the phone back into my pocket and looked up at Sebastian.


    Of course I knew where the mall was.


    But if I said that, he’d start asking why.


    I kept my tone casual. "Give me the address. Tang will meet me there."


    I was already halfway to the door when his voice stopped me.


    "I’ming with you," he said.