Chapter 69
Valeria’s fingers clenched, causing the pages to crumple. She turned around as Sebastian handed her a bag, tilting his chin purposefully.
Taking it from him, Valeria opened it to see a new set of clothes and a new bra.
Sebastian was silent. He still seemed vaguely confused. After working through the night, he returned home and got less than three hours of rest before his home was colonized by a bunch of children. He couldn’t sleep.
After Sebastian left, Valeria immediately put on the clothes. The bra fit perfectly, which made
her blush.
She couldn’t even get the perfect size for herself when shopping. It was always a process of trial and error. Yet, Sebastian had taken one look at her and knew her size.
The sweater was pink, with a smart little collar. Valeria checked the label. It was from the closest mall to them. Sebastian had made this journey in 25 minutes, which was quite the feat.
However, the price made Valeria cringe. She transferred 4,000 dollars to Sebastian. It was the price of the two garments he’d bought her. That alone was half of her monthly income.
After folding her old clothes, she walked out of the study, only to be spooked by the man outside the study.
Sebastian hadn’t left. He leaned on the wall. Scanning her from head to toe, he asked, “Do they
fit well?”
Valeria nodded, her fingers crinkling the plastic bag. Softly, she added, “The sweater’s a great
fit.”
Sebastian smiled and said nothing.
“Uncle Sebastian, here you are,” exclaimed Leo.
A few other children ran over with him.
Grabbing Sebastian’s arm, Leo asked, “Uncle Sebastian, where’s my gift?”
“I don’t have anything for you. I’m exhausted.” His eyelids were drooping from tiredness. Patting Leo’s head, Sebastian promised, “I’ll hand it to you later.”
Leo screamed, “You’re messing my hair up!”
He’d just gotten it styled that morning, even asking for some hairspray.
Sebastian smiled before heading toward his bedroom.
Turning to Valeria, he said, “Val, the hoodie you’ve given me is so cute. I’m going to wear it every day.”
Leo was already wearing the hoodie.
Valeria knelt down and praised him, “It looks great.”
“But it won’t fit me next year.”
“Then, I’ll buy you a new one next year.”
Leo was overjoyed. He hoped every day was his birthday, as he was able to wear clothes gifted to him by his crush. Perhaps then Valeria would give him presents every day.
Leo held her hand and said, “Val, you must stay at my home for a while longer. We’ll be having a barbecue party in the afternoon and there will be fireworks.”
“Alright.”
Sebastian only headed downstairs in the afternoon when they were cutting the cake.
There hadn’t been this many people in the Grant residence for a while. Ever since the kidnapping 20 years ago, Nicholas and Martha had been flying under the radar. For their birthdays, they only invited their closest friends and relatives.
However, for their grandson’s birthday, they allowed the rare celebration.
Their place was in the heritage area of the city. It was prime real estate, a spot of peace within the bustling cityscape. The three-storey mansion had cream colored walls, and was shrouded in the shade of an old pine tree.
The helpers had been preparing for today’s party for the past week. They set up a hall for 30
people.
The way they arranged the seating was a form of art in itself. Other than the seats in the center, the guests were led to their places by the helpers.
“Val.” Leo waved at Valeria to come over.
While Valeria was a little shy, she still went forward to sit with him. Leo was over the moon. Mallory could tell that her son had a crush, but she thought Leo was crushing over Selena.
After heading downstairs, Sebastian sat beside Valeria. When she realized what was
happening, she could already see his long legs in her peripheral vision.
Perhaps Valeria was being overly sensitive, but when she looked down as she ate, Sebastian’s arm was thrown over the back of her chair, brushing against her back. Valeria stiffened.
