Sebastian was stunned. In his mind, Kathleen had always been gentle and kind. He never imagined she’d do something like this.
But the evidence in his hands was crystal clear. Even if he wanted to defend her, he had no idea what to say.
Maxine said, “If you’re here to plead her case, don’t bother. Kathleen is just as responsible for Ivanna’s death. Honestly, I wish she could go to jail with Gabriel right now. The trial’s next Monday. If you want to come watch, you’re welcome.”
With that, she didn’t wait for Sebastian to respond. She opened the car door and left. Sebastian didn’t try to stop her, just sat there and watched her walk away.
Before this, he’d already had a vague feeling that something was off about Kathleen. Looking back, all those little acts to win him over seemed a bit too deliberate. Sebastian pressed his lips together, started the car, and caught up to Maxine.
“Come on, I’ll drive you to pick up Jessica,” Sebastian said.
Maxine was a little surprised. She thought after what she said, Sebastian would be upset or even storm off, but instead, he still offered to take her to pick up Jessica.
Sebastian said with a smile, “Don’t worry, I won’t interfere with the trial. This is between you two.”
Maxine’s expression softened a bit. She got in the car, and the two of them went to pick up Jessica from school together. Sebastian seemed much more at ease with Jessica now. Wen she ran out, he took her backpack and bent down to scoop her up in his arms.
“Sir!” Jessica called out happily. She remembered that last time Sebastian and Brian had left together, so seeing Sebastian now probably meant she might finally get to see Brian again after several days apart.
She craned her neck, peeking behind them, but was disappointed not to spot that familiar figure.
Jessica thought, ‘Maybe Brian is waiting for me in the car.‘ Her mood instantly brightened again. “Are we all going home together today?” she asked eagerly.
Maxine smiled at her and gently patted her head. “Be good, Jessica. He still has things to do later, so he’ll just drop us off and then head out.”
Once everyone was in the car, Jessica buckled her seatbelt by herself. As Sebastian started the engine, she quietly asked, “Maxine, isn’t Brian coming to see me today?”
Maxine was caught off guard. She hadn’t expected Jessica to bring up Brian. But Sebastian reassured her, “He’s been busy with school lately and hasn’t had time to visit. Once his exams are over, I’ll bring him by to hang out with you.”
“Okay,” Jessica nodded, taking it in stride. She didn’t forget to add seriously, “Then make sure to tell Brian to study hard, okay?”
Just then, Sebastian’s phone, which was sitting beside him, started ringing. He glanced at the screen. It was Kathleen calling.
He instinctively glanced at Maxine in the passenger seat, but she just stared straight ahead, clearly not caring who was calling.
Sebastian didn’t bother picking up, but Kathleen seemed to be in a hurry. She kept calling back, one after another, even after the call went to voicemail.
“Aren’t you going to answer?” Maxine suddenly asked.
Sebastian fell uncharacteristically silent, a flicker of guilt passing through him. “I’m driving. Can you hang up for me?”
Maxine finally glanced at the phone. “It’s Kathleen. Want me to answer it for you?”
“Yeah, go ahead,” Sebastian said.
Maxine let out a short, mocking laugh. “Aren’t you worried I’ll say something mean to her?”
1/2
Chapter 136
I tha
Sebastian didn’t say a word, which was as good as agreeing. The moment the call connected, before Maxine could say anything, Kathlon, panicked
came through: “Sebastian, did you
talk to Maxine
voice
for me?”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
