Decided
895 Words
Chapter 6POV: Celeste Sebastian“The moment they said ‘Mr. Enzo,’ everyone froze—everyone but me.”Connor’s usual arrogance drained away the second that name crossed the room. I had seen the man crumble beneath pressure before, but this was something new—a rare glimpse behind his confident mask.“M-Mr. Enzo… how did he even get here?” Connor stammered, his face pale as if the ground might swallow him whole.Xavier, ever calm, shrugged and said, “Don’t sweat it, Mr. Sebastian. Probably my parents sending their elders after me since they heard I’m calling off the engagement today. They’re out of town, so someone had to keep an eye on things.”That made sense. The Jasons’ rise to power in Silverton wasn’t just luck. Thanks to Evelyn—Xavier’s mother, a distant Cole cousin—the Jasons had protection no one dared challenge.Connor took a shaky breath, then forced a smile and patted Xavier’s shoulder. “Alright. Let’s welcome Mr. Enzo together.”I raised an eyebrow. Whoever could reduce Connor to this state must be formidable. And judging by the atmosphere, this Mr. Enzo wasn’t here to make friends.Still, I wasn’t afraid.The four of us moved toward the entrance. I kept my face calm, but the cold smile tugging at my lips was a promise: I was ready.Standing there was a man who looked like he stepped out of a different world—black tailored suit, white shirt unbuttoned just enough to hint at strength beneath restraint.His eyes were deep pools of intensity, his face carved with sharp lines that held a dangerous calm. There was something hypnotic about him, a quiet power.Clara gasped, visibly stunned. I caught the flicker of awe in her eyes as Xavier quietly called, “Mr. Cole.”Clara blinked, clearly caught off-guard. “Mr. Cole?” she whispered, confusion mingling with disbelief.Viv nudged her, whispering a reminder, and alongside Connor, they greeted the newcomer with practiced smiles, calling him “Mr. Enzo” like he was royalty.Enzo gave a cool “Hmm,” lifted his foot to enter, and passed by me without so much as a glance. He settled on the sofa, his presence swallowing the room.The sofa was large enough for three, but Xavier and Connor stood like attendants, avoiding even the empty spaces near Enzo.I couldn’t help but grin.The bullies had turned into mice. Yet the man everyone feared looked remarkably young—and handsome in a way that unsettled me. I was sure I had seen him before, but where?Silence lingered until the housemaid approached with tea, hands trembling. “Mr. Enzo, please, some tea.”Enzo glanced at the cups, resting his hand casually on his thigh. “Xandy,” he said softly to Xavier, “I’m here to watch. Carry on.”His voice held a maturity and calm that belied his youth. Even Connor, older and more experienced, seemed like a boy compared to Enzo.Xavier took a breath and turned to me, “Celeste, our families’ childhood engagement was just a verbal agreement—a token exchange at best. Why would I owe you anything now?”I met his gaze steadily.“Because,” I said, “my mother saved your mother’s life. That kind of debt isn’t just a handshake—it’s a promise. If marriage can’t repay it, then compensation must.”His face tightened. “My mother didn’t want anything in return. The engagement was her idea, out of guilt. If she were alive, she’d never demand anything now.”He was implying I was scheming.I chuckled, cold and sharp. “If my mother were here, she’d regret saving your mother—seeing how ungrateful and deceptive you’ve become.”I leaned forward, voice dropping.“Four years ago, you stopped me after school. You offered me coffee—I drank it. Next thing I knew, I woke up in a hotel bed. You and the Sebastians set me up. Shouldn’t you compensate me for that?”The room stiffened. Eyes darted. Xavier, Connor, even Viv—all involved, none daring to speak.Enzo’s brow furrowed. He had seen the footage from that night but hadn’t pieced the whole story together. Now it was clear: betrayal, lies, manipulation.He looked at Xavier. “Xandy, is this true?”Xavier’s face shifted through a storm of colors, words caught in his throat. He couldn’t deny it.Enzo nodded slowly. “Then it’s true.”He lifted his teacup, blowing gently over the leaves, and fixed his gaze on me.“How much do you want in compensation?”I met his eyes, voice steady.“Ten percent of Jason Group’s shares.”Xavier nearly exploded. “Ten percent? Celeste, are you trying to rob us?”Enzo’s look silenced him instantly.Xavier shrank, unable to utter another word.Enzo set the cup down, nodding. “Agreed.”Xavier’s eyes widened. He owned only eight percent—Enzo’s agreement threw everything off balance. Even if Xavier escaped family wrath, his father would make sure he regretted it.Connor tugged at Xavier’s sleeve, winking slyly.“Didn’t you say Mr. Enzo was on your side?”Xavier’s jaw clenched in frustration.The consequences of breaking off the engagement—and losing control—were becoming terrifyingly real.Suddenly, Xavier blurted, “Then I’m not breaking the engagement. I’m marrying her.”
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