Chapter 16: I Spoiled Her

 

"No! I refuse!" Liam clung to a heavy walnut cabinet like a koala. "I have never owed anyone money in my life! My honor is at stake!"

The restaurant owner was practically crying. "Take the cabinet! Just leave! Please!"

Sebastian rubbed his temples. He signaled the bodyguards. "Take him. And the cabinet if necessary."

Two massive bodyguards pried Liam off the furniture and carried him out, kicking and screaming "I MUST PAY!". Another two bodyguards actually picked up the cabinet and carried it out too.

The owner slumped against the wall, sweating profusely. "Finally. They're gone."

As they left, Harper turned back. "Don't worry, Boss! We'll come back to pay the bill!"

The owner immediately turned to his staff. "Ban them. If you see that cow-pajama man again, lock the doors."

---

[The Unwanted Guests]

The drive home was noisy. Liam complained about his lost honor for twenty minutes until Sebastian threatened to ban him from future dinners.

When the convoy pulled into the Sterling Estate, Liam suddenly sat up straight. "What are they doing here?"

Standing at the front gate were two people. A man in a sharp grey suit—Julian Vance. And a woman in a red dress, holding his arm—Elena, Sebastian's ex-fiancée.

Harper raised an eyebrow. "Wow. The traitor and the runaway bride. A perfect match."

"Stay here," Liam jumped out of the car, still barefoot. "I'll handle this trash."

"Get lost!" Liam shouted. "You are not welcome here!"

Julian smirked, looking at Liam’s pajamas. "Liam, maybe put on some shoes before you talk to adults. Your brother would be ashamed."

"My brother is proud of me!" Liam spat.

Elena laughed, flipping her hair. "Is he? Where is he? Hiding in his room like a hermit? We're here to give him good news."

"We are getting engaged," Julian announced, holding up a gold-embossed invitation. "We want Sebastian to come. After all, we're all childhood friends."

Liam turned red with rage. "Friends?! You stabbed him in the back! You—"

Whirrrr.

The back door of the limousine opened. The automated ramp extended. Sebastian glided out in his wheelchair.

The air temperature seemed to drop ten degrees. He wasn't the "Golden Cat" anymore. He was the King. His back was straight, his face cold as marble. He didn't look angry; he looked bored. Like a lion looking at a couple of annoying flies.

Julian and Elena froze. They hadn't expected him to be outside. Or to look so... powerful.

"Sebastian," Julian’s smile faltered. "You... you look good."

Sebastian didn't answer. He looked at Liam. "Why are you wasting breath on them?"

"Sorry, brother," Liam hung his head. "I shouldn't talk to idiots."

Julian’s face twitched. "We're here to invite you to our engagement party next month. The 'Golden Trio', remember? It wouldn't be right without you."

He held out the invitation.

"Sure," Sebastian said calmly. "I'll be there."

Harper stepped forward to take the invitation. Just as her fingers touched it, Julian let go. Flap. The invitation fell into the dirt.

"Oops," Julian sneered. "Sebastian, your caretaker is clumsy. You should fire her."

Harper didn't get angry. She smiled sweetly and bent down to pick it up. She dusted it off as if it were precious.

"Don't worry, Mr. Vance," Harper chirped. "I wouldn't miss this for the world. After all, a bitch and a dog getting married? That's a rare sight."

Silence. Dead silence.

Then, Pfft. Liam burst out laughing. He gave Harper a thumbs up.

Julian and Elena turned purple. "Sebastian!" Elena shrieked. "Are you going to let a servant talk to us like that? She's out of control!"

Sebastian looked at Harper. She was bouncing on her heels, looking innocent and happy. A small smirk played on his lips.

"So what?" Sebastian drawled lazily. "I spoiled her."

Elena gasped. "You...!"

Suddenly, Sebastian’s hand moved to his armrest. He pressed a Blue Button.

Julian and Elena flinched, remembering the rumors about the "Red Button SWAT Team." They backed away.

But this time, it wasn't cars. From the kennel behind the gate, a mechanical gate opened.

"Release the hounds," a bodyguard shouted.

Three massive Dobermans sprinted out, barking ferociously.

"AAHHH!" Julian and Elena screamed, dropping their designer bags and running for their car like Olympic sprinters.

Sebastian watched them flee, his expression impassive. "Let's go inside," he said to Harper. "I'm hungry."