Chapter 86
Valeria stepped outside to take the call.
Queenie’s voice came through the phone. “My cousin’s husband wants to know-did you accidentally offend someone important? Are they still bothering you?”
Valeria paused for a moment before she answered, “No. I blocked the number.”
Her life was simple-work, then straight home. She barely socialized, let alone had the opportunity to offend anyone powerful.
Queenie hesitated. “Then maybe it was just a wrong number… My cousin’s husband didn’t say much, just that the guy’s family background is serious stuff.”
But Queenie had worked with Valeria for four years. She knew her well enough-Valeria’s life was quiet and clean. Since blocking the number, Valeria hadn’t received any more messages. Maybe it really was a mistake.
“He also said the guy’s family is very influential. If it was just one inappropriate text and nothing physical, it’s probably not worth pursuing… But, I don’t know. Did you offend any rich young heir types lately?”
Valeria said, “Nope.”
Back in the shop, Leo had lost his appetite as soon as Valeria stepped outside. He kept craning
his neck to look toward the door.
Then a large hand clamped around the back of Leo’s neck. Sebastian shot him a look and said, Eat your food.”
Leo protested silently, reaching out to wipe his greasy fingers on Sebastian’s pants. Sebastian glanced down at the little oily hand smearing his slacks. His brow furrowed, and just as he was about to swat it away, a small pale hand reached out, offering him a glass of water.
Selena’s voice was sweet and clear. “Mr. Grant, are you thirsty?”
Sebastian looked at her. Selena’s big round eyes sparkled like two black gemstones, lighting up when she blinked. “Are you thirsty, Lenny? There’s orange juice and yogurt over there. Do you want me to go get some with you?”
He didn’t even realize it himself that his voice had softened, unusually gentle as he spoke to her. It was so gentle that it was almost out of character.
Off to the side, Mallory’s eyes widened like she’d seen something shocking.
Since when did Sebastian talk like that? Was this guy really Sebastian? She stared at him like
he was possessed.
Even Leo was frowning. He called out to Mallory, and Mallory turned, stunned, just in time to see Sebastian gently take Selena’s hand and walk with her toward the counter to get drinks.
Leo quickly ducked his head and took a big sip of soup, muttering under his breath, “Mommy and Uncle Sebastian are both acting super weird today.”
Meanwhile, Valeria finished her phone call and returned to the table. She frowned a little and Mallory noticed right away. She asked if something had happened.
Valeria replied quietly, “Oh, it’s nothing, really. I just got a weird message a few days ago… Some guy sent a creepy text.”
She didn’t want to go into too much detail. After all, she didn’t know Mallory well. They just happened to cross paths.
But even though Mallory was warm and outgoing, Valeria wasn’t the type to overshare. She still had her boundaries.
Mallory frowned. “Men these days, oh my goodness. Most of them think with the
head. wrong
You should be careful when you’re heading home from work. Carry a stun gun or some pepper spray, just in case.”
Sebastian glanced over, the corner of his lips twitching, then freezing ever so slightly.
Valeria thanked Mallory sincerely. Even if they barely knew each other, Valeria appreciated Mallory’s blunt honesty. She had met Wendy before, and compared to Wendy, Mallory felt like a whole different breed. She was open, straightforward, and surprisingly kind.
Leo, chewing on a piece of shrimp, looked between the two women. “Val, what’s a creepy message? Did someone try to bully you? I’ll protect you!”
Sebastian reached out, effortlessly pinched the back of Leo’s neck, and gently pushed him back into his seat. “Eat your food. I thought you were on a diet.”
Leo squirmed and shot a glare at Sebastian. Then, still chewing, he sneakily pinched Sebastian’s thigh under the table. Sebastian always had to ruin his moment of saving the
damsel in distress.
