Chapter 6

Lucy walked into the mall, her long, dark hair cascading down her shoulders, and her red lips vivid against her elegant white coat.

Sebastian and Christian glanced up, their faces flashing briefly with surprise and delight. Christian's excitement nearly made him shout her name, but Sebastian quickly covered his mouth.

All eyes turned to Lucy as she calmly approached Bianca.

"What a lovely locket," Lucy remarked with admiration, staring at the golden Celestis Heart locket in Bianca's hands.

The employees exchanged puzzled glances. After all, Sebastian had specifically reserved the entire mall and strictly forbidden entry to anyone who wasn't invited. And yet, Lucy not only showed up, but she even had the nerve to speak to Bianca with that smug attitude.

Everyone held their breath, unsure how to react.

"You're so lucky, Mrs. Lowe," Lucy said sweetly. "This locket is incredibly rare. I heard Mr. Lowe spent billions to get it for you. He must truly love you."

Her words sounded complimentary, but Bianca heard the thinly veiled sarcasm. She remained expressionless, refusing to engage.

Lucy turned gracefully, her voice now inquisitive. "I heard Mr. Lowe upset you. Is that why you're unhappy?"

Sebastian's face darkened, but before he could speak, Lucy cut him off. "Mrs. Lowe, please don't stay mad. I'm here to apologize for Mr. Lowe. Actually, the night before, he was with me..."

She paused deliberately, letting her words hang in the air.

Gasps of disbelief rippled through the crowd, eyes wide with shock.

"...and several colleagues, working on a new project," Lucy finished, causing everyone to breathe a sigh of relief.

Of course, Sebastian wouldn't betray his beloved wife.

Lucy laughed lightly. "Mrs. Lowe, don't be so petty. Give Mr. Lowe a bit of space."

All eyes shifted expectantly toward Bianca, awaiting her reaction.

In the corner, Sebastian's expression turned grim as Lucy quietly stepped closer to him while everyone's attention was on Bianca.

"What do you think you're doing here?" Sebastian hissed fiercely.

Lucy leaned seductively toward him, her voice low and enticing. "I was just worried that things might not be going well between you and Mrs. Lowe, so..."

As she spoke, Lucy discreetly slipped her hand into Sebastian's jacket.

Feeling his response, she smirked softly, boldly guiding his hand beneath her own coat, whispering provocatively, "...I came to cheer you up."

Sebastian's eyes darkened with desire. "You're playing with fire," he growled quietly.

He gripped her firmly, quickly glancing around before touching her more boldly. Lucy blushed, struggling to hold back the soft sounds escaping her lips.

Finally, Sebastian pulled his hand away and acted as if nothing had happened.

On stage, Bianca had seen every move. Her nails dug deep into her palm, unaware of the blood trickling down her fingers.

"Mr. Lowe, put the locket on Mrs. Lowe! We'd love to see how beautiful it looks on her," an employee called cheerfully, breaking the tension. Others echoed their approval.

Seizing the moment, Sebastian stepped forward, gently lifting the locket and gazing lovingly at Bianca. "Let me put this on you, honey."

Just as he moved to fasten the necklace, Bianca suddenly stepped back, visibly repulsed.

Confused whispers filled the audience. Never had they seen Bianca openly reject Sebastian like this. What exactly did Sebastian do to make her this angry?

In the awkward silence, Lucy's clear voice rang out again. "Mrs. Lowe, you're so difficult to please."

Sebastian froze.

With a soft laugh, Lucy continued, "Mrs. Lowe, if you don't want this beautiful locket, maybe you could pass it on to me. My fiance and I are getting married soon, and it would make such a lovely gift. Would you be willing to?"

Sebastian shot Lucy a dangerous look, warning her silently.

But Lucy ignored him, putting on a pitiful act. "My fiance can't openly show his love for certain reasons, but he gives me everything. So, Mr. and Mrs. Lowe, could you please give me this locket?"

Lucy suddenly took Bianca's hand, pleading dramatically. Bianca stared at her coldly, wary of whatever game Lucy was playing.

Sebastian finally snapped, his voice tense with anger, "Ms. Hart, this locket is my wife's birthday gift. Know your place and leave, now."

Lucy suddenly fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face. "Bianca, please! Let me have it!"

The crowd murmured, shocked and confused. Some condemned Lucy's audacity, others criticized Bianca's arrogance.

Meanwhile, Bianca clearly heard Christian's inner thoughts. "I feel so bad for Lucy. How could Mommy be so petty over a locket? Why did she have to make Lucy beg like that? I hate Mommy."

Bianca stared in disbelief at Christian. He hated her just because she wouldn't give Lucy the locket. Was this really the boy who once cherished her above everything?

Sebastian stepped protectively in front of Bianca and snapped, "Lucy, who do you think you are? How dare you ask for something that belongs to my wife? Get out of here now!"

Stunned by Sebastian's fierce reaction, Lucy trembled, her eyes welling with tears. "Sebastian..."

"Get out!" Sebastian roared, cutting her off harshly.

Lucy stared at Sebastian in disbelief. She scrambled to her feet, sobbing as she ran from the scene.

Sebastian watched silently as Lucy disappeared, then turned gently toward Bianca, placing the locket in her hand. His voice softened as he said, "Honey, this is yours. No one else has the right to take it away from you."

Bianca responded coldly, "Understood."

Cheers erupted around them, streamers filling the air as everyone celebrated the apparent reconciliation, wishing Bianca a happy birthday.

However, Sebastian stood quietly in the corner, distracted.

As the celebration ended and people dispersed, Sebastian's phone buzzed nonstop. He ignored it, but seemed restless.

Just before they reached their car, Sebastian hesitated, quickly glanced at his phone, and said apologetically, "Honey, something urgent came up at work. I have to go."

Hearing that, Bianca remained silent.

Interpreting her silence as agreement, Sebastian quickly turned and left without looking back.