Sebastian’s grip rested lightly on the steering wheel, but he didn’t start the car. The hum of the rain filled the silence between them, soft and steady against the windows.
Lilith watched him quietly, her sharp gaze drifting over his face, searching for the slightest shift in his expression.
Suddenly, the faint buzzing of a phone vibrating broke the quiet.
Her eyes flickered toward the source—it was Sebastian’s phone, resting on the center console. The screen lit up, flashing the caller ID.
She glanced at Sebastian, expecting him to reach for it.
But he didn’t.
Instead, without sparing the phone a glance, Sebastian unbuckled his seatbelt and smoothly opened the driver’s side door.
"Where are you going?" Lilith asked, raising a brow.
Sebastian leaned back slightly, flashing her a calm look. "I’ll be right back," he said as he stepped out, his tall frame disappearing into the rain.
Lilith watched curiously as he opened the back door of the car, reaching inside for something. A moment later, he returned with a soft towel and a small bag.
Sliding back into the driver’s seat, he gently unfolded the towel and handed it to her.
Her brow arched higher.
"Someone named Maria has been calling you," Lilith remarked, nodding toward the still-vibrating phone.
Sebastian glanced at the screen briefly but didn’t seem fazed.
"Don’t worry," he said casually, adjusting his grip around the steering wheel without starting the engine. "She’s Rose’s nanny."
As the phone continued to ring, he gestured toward it.
"Pick up. Put it on speaker."
Lilith shot him a glance but obeyed, swiping to answer and placing the phone between them.
"Mr. Sebastian!" Maria’s frantic voice burst through the speakers, her tone filled with panic. "You need to come home—right now!"
Sebastian’s relaxed demeanor shifted instantly, his jaw tightening.
"What happened?" he asked sharply, his voice cold and cutting.
Lilith’s gaze flickered to him, sensing the sudden tension in the air.
"It’s Grandma Bria," Maria’s voice trembled. "She came by the house... and she—she took Rose! I tried to stop her, but she..."
Sebastian’s hand tightened around the steering wheel, his knuckles whitening as suppressed anger flickered in his eyes.
"Where did she take her?" he asked, his tone dangerously calm.
"I—I think back to the old estate," Maria stammered.
Sebastian’s eyes darkened.
Without a word, he pressed the start button, the car roaring to life as he shifted gears and pulled out onto the road with smooth urgency.
Sebastian’s hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, his jaw set in cold silence as the car sliced through the rain-slicked streets.
Lilith sat quietly beside him, the towel draped over her lap, but the playful spark in her eyes had faded. Her expression darkened.
The tension in the car was thick. Suddenly, the phone vibrated again.
Lilith glanced at the screen and picked up immediately, putting it on speaker.
"Sir..." Maria’s voice came through, calmer this time. "Miss Rose is fine now. Sir Brett caught Bria before she could leave the estate. Rose is back in her room sleeping."
Sebastian exhaled slowly, his grip on the wheel loosening just slightly.
"Take care of her," he said, his voice low but firm.
"I will," Maria assured gently.
Lilith leaned back into the seat, but her eyes didn’t soften.
Sebastian’s gaze flicked briefly toward her, sensing the shift in her mood.
"You’re quiet," he noted.
Lilith’s fingers traced the edge of the towel absentmindedly. "I don’t like it when people mess with things that are mine," she said softly, her tone filled with dangerous calm.
Sebastian’s eyes darkened at her words, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
"Yours, huh?"
Lilith met his gaze with a sharp look, her piercing blue eyes reflecting the dim city lights.
"Don’t get ahead of yourself," she teased lightly, though the warning in her voice lingered.
Sebastian chuckled under his breath, his focus returning to the road.
Sebastian’s car pulled smoothly into the driveway of Rose Manor, the sleek black tires splashing lightly against the wet pavement.
Lilith’s eyes flickered with mild surprise as she glanced around.
It’s this close to my apartment?
She hadn’t realized how near Sebastian’s place was—almost too convenient.
The soft drizzle continued, her clothes still damp from the rain. Sebastian had draped his suit jacket over her shoulders during the drive, the warmth of the fabric lingering against her skin.
Without a word, Sebastian stepped out and came around to open her door, holding out his hand. Lilith took it, letting him guide her toward the entrance as he rang the doorbell.
The door creaked open to reveal Maria, whose eyes immediately flickered with confusion as she took in Lilith’s presence.
Maria’s gaze shifted between the unfamiliar woman wrapped in Sebastian’s jacket and Sebastian himself, her brows knitting slightly.
"Sir... who is this?" Maria asked carefully, her tone polite but curious.
Sebastian didn’t bother explaining, his hand still gently holding Lilith’s as he stepped inside.
"She’s with me," he said simply, brushing past Maria as he led Lilith upstairs.
By the time they reached the guest room, Lilith raised a brow at his silence.
"You rest here," Sebastian said smoothly, opening the door for her. "I’ll arrange some clothes for you. It won’t take long."
Lilith, feeling the weight of the damp fabric clinging to her skin, nodded and stepped inside.
The room was spacious and warmly lit, but she didn’t bother to look around, sitting quietly on the edge of the bed.
Five minutes passed.
Lilith glanced at the clock, about to call for him, when Sebastian returned.
He carried a fresh towel and a black shirt draped over his arm.
Sebastian stepped inside, offering the items with a calm but unreadable expression.
"I don’t have any women’s clothes in the house," he admitted, his gaze meeting hers. "Rose’s clothes won’t fit you, so I asked someone to bring new ones. Until then, you can wear mine."
Lilith crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly. "Why buy new ones? I’ll just grab something from my place," she said, stepping forward as if to leave.