Chapter 242

Sebastian's expression stiffened, and he pulled his hand back, his voice sounding rigid. "No."

He closed the ointment. "It's getting late. You should rest early."

With that, Sebastian got up and felt his way to the sofa, heading upstairs.

Isabella followed. "Let me help you up."

"No need!" Sebastian's reaction was intense. He brushed her hand away and said, "I have some things to take care of. I'll sleep in the study tonight. You don't have to wait for me."

"Sebastian!" Isabella called his name.

But Sebastian just quickened his pace and almost ran away.

Isabella sat downstairs for a moment, then took out her phone and dialed Zaire.

"Isabella, it's so late. What's up?" Zaire asked.

"Mr. Jose, has the Landon Group run into trouble?" Isabella said.

Zaire was silent for two seconds and then said, "Nothing major, what happened?"

Isabella glanced upstairs. Zaire's two-second pause had already explained everything. She thought 'If I guessed correctly, it must be Charles causing trouble again.'

"Sebastian went out for a social event tonight and drank too much. He's feeling really terrible now. Mr. Jose, I want to know what exactly happened." Isabella's tone was firm.

Zaire knew that even if he didn't tell Isabella, she would find out from Nina eventually.

"Charles poached a few of Sebastian's major clients again. Now, the media is now broadcasting that Sebastian's eyesight is beyond recovery. With Charles stirring things up, a few old shareholders sold their shares in the Landon Group behind Sebastian's back. Sebastian is worried that the other shareholders won't hold up, so he went there in a hurry."

"Sold shares?" Isabella gripped her phone tightly, her heart pounding. Although she wasn't versed in the intricacies of corporate management, she knew that if Charles went on a buying spree, it could spell disaster for the Landon Group.

She thought, 'Is Charles trying to completely sideline Sebastian, leaving him with nothing?'

"Charles is too much! This is pushing Sebastian to a dead end!" Isabella's eyes reddened with anger, and her nails dug into her palms.

Zaire said, "Don't worry. I'll keep a close eye on the Landon Group, and Richard will help too. Isabella, I know Sebastian. What he needs most right now is you. Just stay with him, and we'll handle the rest."

Isabella shook her head. "Mr. Jose, if any more shareholders secretly sell their shares, can you let me know?"

Zaire thought for a moment. They could only help for a while. If Sebastian really went blind, someone would have to manage the Landon Group in the future, and Isabella was the most suitable candidate.

"Okay." Zaire replied.

Isabella made another bowl of soup and brought it to Sebastian.

She didn't knock, just turned the doorknob and walked in. Sebastian was sitting in front of the computer, staring at the screen, lost in thought.

Isabella didn't call out to Sebastian. She walked over quietly and placed the soup on the table.

Throughout the process, she tried hard not to make any noise. Afraid of startling Sebastian, she left after putting down the soup.

Sebastian slightly turned his head. "Take it away!"

Isabella froze and turned back to look at him. "A hangover feels terrible. Drink some soup, and your head won't hurt as much tomorrow."

Sebastian pressed his lips together and said nothing more.

Isabella glanced at him and left.

As she closed the door behind her, Isabella stood outside, straining to hear any sounds from within.

Hearing the footsteps outside fade away, Sebastian finally moved. He reached out to the table, touched the bowl, and picked it up to drink the soup.

Back in her bedroom, Isabella tossed and turned all night.

When she finally fell asleep, she had a series of nightmares.

Suddenly, the mattress behind her sank slightly, and a familiar scent enveloped her. Isabella turned around and snuggled into Sebastian's arms. Sebastian stiffened slightly, then held her tightly.

In the latter half of the night, Isabella gradually slept soundly.

She slept until she woke up naturally. When Isabella opened her eyes, she reached out but grabbed nothing.

"Sebastian!" Isabella sat up in bed, only to realize she was alone. It was as if the warmth from last night had been merely a figment of her dreams.

Isabella slipped on her slippers, didn't wash up, and went straight to the study to find Sebastian.

The study was empty.

Isabella hurried downstairs, but the entire villa was deserted.

The doorbell suddenly rang.

Isabella ran to open the door."Sebastian."

Standing at the door, however, was Miley.

"What's going on?" Miley was startled by her reaction. She calmed down and said, "I saw Sebastian's car leaving when I came over."

"It's nothing." Isabella shook her head and let her in.

"I figured you hadn't eaten, so I brought you some breakfast." Miley opened the breakfast and placed it in front of her. "Have some?"

Isabella shook her head, pushing the breakfast aside. "I'm not hungry."

"You can't go on like this in the afternoon. You look dispirited." Miley sat down and held Isabella's hand. "Do you want to go out with me for a walk?"

Isabella couldn't muster any interest.

Just then, a car horn blared outside, briefly but unmistakably.

Isabella looked out the window.

Miley said, "Zaire said you wanted to learn business. He's waiting outside."

Isabella blinked. "What?"

It took a moment for the information to sink in. She shot up from the sofa. "I'll change and be right out."

Feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, Isabella hurried to the car. As they drove off, she asked Zaire, "Where are we going to learn about business?"

"We're heading to a bidding event," Zaire replied. "It's a good opportunity to see how things work."

Isabella nodded. "Got it."

Zaire shot her a reassuring glance. "No need to be so anxious. Just relax."

"Okay," Isabella said, though her nerves were still on edge.

Zaire added, "You'll likely run into a lot of familiar faces. The more tense you are, the less favorably you'll be seen."

"Right," Isabella said, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

Miley linked arms with her. "Isabella, don't worry. I'm here with you."

"Thanks."

The bidding event was held in a large arena. The car wove through the sprawling grounds for quite some time before finally stopping in front of a gleaming white building.

As Zaire had predicted, they immediately ran into Leo. Dressed in a sharp black suit, his hair neatly styled, and with a noticeably sharp gaze, Leo was surrounded by a crowd. From a distance, he caught sight of Isabella and the others, offering a polite nod and smile before moving on.

Miley remarked, "Leo's really making waves these days."

"Let's go," Zaire said.

They followed Zaire into the venue, where the crowd thickened as they went deeper. Isabella spotted many familiar faces among the bustling crowd.