Tempting Mr. Cole

Chapter 4. I’m Going to Seduce Him Anyway

Sebastian’s eyes darkened. He stepped toward her, slow and simmering.“You’re just in it for the money, right? Tell me how much he gave you—I’ll double it.”

He pulled out his phone, about to transfer the cash.

Delilah let out a cold laugh.“You really think I’m doing this for money? That’s cute.”

She stood up, crossed the space between them, and looked him dead in the eye.

“Elliot’s the guy who took me out for late-night snacks, remember? We’ve known each other for six months. He’s young, sweet, full of energy. Not to mention romantic. Unlike you—what are you now,34? He makes me feel seen. He actually makes me happy.”

She leaned in slightly.“ So yeah,I want a sweet little relationship with a guy like that. Money’s got nothing to do with it. That kind of talk? It’s beneath me.”

“…”

Sebastian’s face twitched. His voice dropped.“Did you sleep with him?”

Delilah raised a brow and smirked.“Yeah. And guess what? He’s just as good as you in bed. Maybe better. At least we click. In six months, we’ve been together more times than you and I managed in a whole year—”

Smack!

His hand cracked across her face before she could finish.

“…”

She froze, eyes wide. The slap had left her dazed, the sting burning hot.

But only for a few seconds.

Smack!!

She struck back—harder.

Then, before he had time to react, she hauled off and kicked him in the thigh—full force.

She hadn’t aimed low enough to cause real damage, but it landed hard. His face twisted in pain, fury barely contained behind his clenched jaw.

And then—

A gasp from the doorway.

Neither of them had noticed Aubrey walk in.

Aubrey burst into the room, her eyes darting around anxiously.

“Are you okay?”

When she saw the blood at the corner of Sebastian Cole’s mouth—left by that slap—she quickly grabbed a tissue and dabbed it away. Then she spun around, glaring at Delilah Hayes.

“What the hell is wrong with you? Why did you come barging in here like a maniac? Have you lost it? That slap was way too much!”

Delilah shrugged, completely unfazed.

“Your fiancétried to force himself on me.I was just defending myself.”

Aubrey froze, then snapped.

“Watch your mouth, Delilah. Everyone knows your reputation—you don’t get to throw dirt on him just to cover your own mess.”

Delilah didn’t even blink. Arguing with this woman was a waste of breath.

But Aubrey wouldn’t let it go. She stepped closer, eyes narrowed with suspicion.

“How did you even get in here? And what the hell are you doing in his house?”

This was Sebastian’s most private residence. Aside from the Qu family—and herself as his fiancée—no outsiders were supposed to be allowed in.

Delilah smirked.

“Ask your man.I don’t owe you any explanations.”

She turned to grab her bag from the sofa, clearly done with the conversation.

Aubrey stepped in front of her, blocking her path. Her eyes were wild with anger.

“Say it clearly, Delilah Hayes.I don’t care how trashy you are, that’s not my problem. But if you think you can throw yourself at my fiancé, I’m not letting it slide—”

Delilah tilted her head and gave a mocking smile.

“Oh? What happened to the classy, composed heiress? Losing your cool already? You sure talk tough for someone who’s spent years pretending to be above it all. Careful, or that perfect image of yours might shatter.”

Aubrey’s face stiffened, rage caught mid-breath.

Delilah didn’t bother with her anymore. She slung her bag over her shoulder and headed for the door.

As she passed by Sebastian, she deliberately brushed her chest against his arm with a sly smirk.

The familiar softness made him flinch slightly.

He turned and shot her a disgusted look—but Delilah was already striding away, her smile smug and cold.

“Mr.Cole?” Aubrey called softly.

“You go ahead.I need some space,” he finally said, not even meeting her eyes.

“What? I thought we were going ring shopping this afternoon. And weren’t we having dinner tonight?” Her voice wavered, unsure.

“Handle the engagement details however you like. I’ll send you the money if you need it.”

He said it like he was delegating a task to an assistant—flat and indifferent, not even glancing at the woman he was supposed to marry.

Aubrey’s heart sank.

She replayed the slap scene between him and Delilah in her mind and was certain it was that woman’s fault. That b***h had clearly gotten under his skin.

She tried to sound gentle, wrapping her arms around his waist.

“I’m sorry you have to deal with someone as insane as her. She’s a complete mess . Please don’t let her get to you. My parents and I will take care of her. Privately.”

Sebastian pried her hands off, his voice cold.

“Go home. I’ve got work to do.”

Without another glance, he walked upstairs.

Aubrey stood frozen in place. Her chest ached, and her heart felt like it had dropped through the floor.

Delilah had interfered with them again—again—and this time, Aubrey had seen it with her own eyes.

She took a deep breath. It was time to take action.

Meanwhile, on Delilah’s side.

Driving down the highway, her mind was still buzzing, her cheek still faintly stinging from earlier.

The day with Elliot had been great—carefree, fun, the most relaxed she’d felt in a long time . But somehow, that bastard Sebastian had shown up again and turned everything to chaos.

She wasn’t usually the type to dwell on things.

But how could she not, when he kept showing up, threatening her one second and trying to sleep with her the next? Even if her hormones weren’t out of balance, her emotions were a wreck.

By the time she got home, she was wiped out.

She flopped onto the sofa, just as her phone buzzed.

It was a voice message from Elliot.

“　Delilah, where are you now? Sorry I left so suddenly—my uncle called and said my grandma fell and was rushed to the hospital. I had to leave right away. Didn’t even get to say goodbye.”

Delilah forced herself to perk up and replied,

“It’s okay. How’s your grandma doing now?”

“She just sprained her back. Nothing major. My uncle totally overreacted.”

“Take care of her. And thanks for hanging out with me today.”

A moment later, another message came through.

“Are you free tonight? I’d love to see you again.”

Delilah stared at the screen for a few seconds before typing:

“I’ve got other plans tonight. We already spent the whole afternoon together. Let’s talk later.”

Before he could reply, she powered off her phone, laid back on the couch, and closed her eyes, trying to breathe through the headache pounding behind her temples.

Now that she knew Elliot was Sebastian Cole’s nephew, she wasn’t sure she wanted to stay tangled in this mess.

Some trouble just wasn’t worth it.

Two more days passed without any drama.

Delilah Hayes had pulled herself together and was still buried in the renovation work for the pet clinic, putting in long hours and insisting on handling most of the details herself.

That morning, just as she was discussing medical equipment options with a staff member, the door opened—and in walked two uninvited guests.

It was Vivian and her daughter, Aubrey.

Delilah barely looked up.“What do you want?”

Vivian, swinging a hundred-thousand-dollar Hermès bag like it was a weapon, strutted toward Delilah with her usual air of false grace.“You little tramp, you should know exactly why I’m here.”

“Sorry, but I don’t give a damn about your family drama. If you’ve got something to say, spit it out—I’ve got things to do.”

Vivian forced a tight smile, clearly holding back her temper.“Aubrey told me you showed up at her fiancé’s private villa. Care to explain what you were doing there?”

“Isn’t it obvious?I was seducing him. I mean, he’s rich, good-looking, and at the top of the food chain. What woman wouldn’t be interested?”

“…”

Vivian took a shaky breath, her jaw clenched. “You little b***h. You’ve been provoking me for years.I used to think you were just a troubled kid.I even felt bad for you after your mom passed. That’s why I never stooped to your level, but—”

“But now you’re coming after my daughter’s future? That’s a line you’re gonna regret crossing.”

At the mention of her mother, a sharp pain shot through Delilah’s chest—but she didn’t flinch.

“Oh really?”

She shot back with an icy smirk.“Look who’s talking. Twenty years ago, you seduced your own sister’s husband to climb the ladder. Now I’m just following in your footsteps—seducing my ‘sister’s’ fiancé. Seems fair to me.”

“You—” Vivian went pale, too furious to speak.

Aubrey quickly jumped in. “Delilah, we’re not here to argue. We came to warn you.”

“Maybe your little stunts fly in your small-time world, but if you mess with the Cole family, you're going to regret it. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.”

Delilah gave a dry laugh.

“Wow, Aubrey. I batted my lashes at him once and now you’re here threatening me? Sounds like you’re not so confident in your relationship after all.”

Aubrey’s expression stiffened.

“Enough with the attitude. Sebastian and I are getting engaged on the 18th. If the Cole family finds out you’re trying to stir up trouble, they won’t just stand by and watch.”

Delilah rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.

“Here’s a tip: instead of threatening me, maybe keep a better leash on your man. If you’re that scared of losing him , maybe carry it around in your purse. As for me? I’ve got nothing to lose, so I’m not scared of people like you.”

“What the hell does that mean?” Vivian snapped and stepped forward, hand raised to slap her.

But before she could land the blow, Delilah’s German Shepherd lunged forward, snarling and clawing at her expensive dress.

“Ahhh!”

Vivian screamed, swatting at the dog in panic. Aubrey shrieked too, frozen in place, unsure whether to run or jump in.

Just as the dog lunged again, Delilah shouted,

“Blaze! Down!”