Chapter 253

Isabella could sense Sebastian was holding something back, but when she waited for him to speak, he remained silent. As she looked up at him, he gently ran his hand through her hair and said, "I'm a bit tired. I'd like to go upstairs and rest."

"I'll take you up," Isabella offered.

She helped him up the stairs, and once they reached the bed, Sebastian practically collapsed onto it, pulling Isabella down with him.

His arms wrapped around her waist, and with a gentle lift, Isabella found herself pressed firmly against him.

"Sebastian?" Isabella murmured, noticing his deep, tired breathing.

"Hmm?" Sebastian's eyes remained closed, exhaustion evident in his voice.

Isabella shifted in his arms, gazing at his face. Seeing him so drained, she felt a pang of sympathy. "Sebastian, are you really that tired?"

Sebastian's eyelashes fluttered, but he didn't open his eyes. In a sleepy murmur, he responded, "Yeah."

"Then go ahead and sleep. I'll make us breakfast." Isabella propped herself up and placed a soft kiss on the bridge of his nose.

As she tried to get up, Sebastian tightened his grip, pulling her back into his embrace.

Sebastian opened his eyes slightly, leaning over her with a hoarse voice. "Bella, don't go."

"But" Isabella began to protest, only to be silenced by his kiss.

Something seemed off about Sebastian's mood.

Though he didn't say anything, Isabella could sense that something was troubling him.

After their intimate moment, Sebastian fell into a deep sleep, still holding Isabella close.

Isabella felt tired but couldn't shake the wakefulness from her mind. Sleep seemed elusive.

Through the door, Miley's voice called out, "Bella, I'm leaving now."

Isabella wanted to respond, but the sound of footsteps fading away indicated Miley had already left.

Once the villa fell silent again, Isabella felt drowsy and soon drifted into a restless sleep.

As Miley stepped outside, a familiar car pulled up.

She paid it no mind and didn't break stride, her eyes briefly scanning the vehicle as she walked in her high heels.

The car stopped right in front of her, and Zaire stepped out. "Did you spend the night here?"

Miley smirked. Without makeup, she appeared less sharp and more vulnerably feminine than usual. "Yes, is there a problem with that?"

Zaire's gaze turned icy as he scrutinized her for a moment before striding over and grabbing her arm, pulling her towards the car.

Miley didn't resist but remarked coolly, "Mr. Jose, did you just come from Miss Anderson's place?"

Zaire halted abruptly, turning to face her.

Miley met his eyes with a bright, almost mocking smile. "From the look on your face, it seems you wasn't quite satisfied. Did Miss Anderson fall short of your expectations?"

Zaire's frustration boiled over. He glared at her for a long moment before slamming the car door shut with a thud.

Then, gripping Miley's neck, he pressed her against the car and covered her lips with a fierce kiss.

Miley didn't resist; instead, she played along enthusiastically, her fingers slipping expertly under his shirt, teasing him.

Zaire let out a low groan before pulling away, irritated. "You're a girl, for heaven's sake. It's broad daylight-don't you have any decency?"

Miley laughed softly. "Mr. Jose, you're so predictable. You're the one who started this mess. Am I not allowed to fight back?"

As she spoke, her grip tightened.

Zaire yanked open the car door and pushed Miley inside, then drove off towards the hotel.

The drive was a blur of speed, and as they entered the hotel and got into the elevator, Zaire's lips were on hers again.

Their passionate kisses and entangled bodies continued as they made their way to their usual suite.

"Zaire?" A soft, hesitant voice suddenly cut through the moment.

Zaire's ardor immediately cooled.

He turned around, and Miley followed his gaze. Both of their eyes landed on Susan, who was standing by the suite's door.

Susan was dressed to the nines, her diamond-encrusted bag sparkling. Despite her glamorous appearance, she looked awkward and out of place, seeing them locked in an embrace.

She took a step forward, looking at Zaire. "You told me to come here today."

Zaire's eyes narrowed. He thought, 'When did I ever say that?'

A soft laugh tickled his ear, and he glanced back to see Miley's grin. His brow furrowed in irritation.

Miley's arm still draped over his shoulder, and she rubbed her long leg against his pants, her voice sultry. "Mr. Jose, are you trying to juggle two of us?"

Zaire pressed his lips together, his displeasure evident.

He thought, 'When did I ever say I wanted to play this way?'

"I don't mind at all," Miley purred. "It's just a matter of whether Miss Anderson is okay with it?"

Susan remained silent, her lips tightly pressed. Her gaze was fixed on Zaire.

Since the beginning, Zaire had barely acknowledged Susan, his attention almost entirely on Miley. Now, with Miley's crude comments, Susan couldn't believe Zaire could tolerate this.

Susan had always thought of Zaire as a man of romantic ideals. Once upon a time, a mere hint from her would have had him trailing after her eagerly. Even though things had changed and there were now many barriers between them, she still believed her allure was unmatched.

She didn't see Miley as a serious contender.

Susan expected Zaire to push Miley away.

But Zaire chuckled lightly, pulling Miley closer as he kissed her again right in front of Susan.

Miley didn't hold back, seizing the moment to respond to Zaire with equal fervor.

Their kiss was intense, oblivious to anyone around them, filled with unrestrained passion.

The sounds of their lips and mingled saliva were anything but discreet.

Susan stood frozen, watching this spectacle with her face gradually twisting into an expression of hurt.

As the door to the suite started to close, Susan's blood boiled. She dashed forward, slamming her hand against the door. "Zaire!"

Zaire paused, turning to look at her with a lewd grin. "What's up? Want to join the fun?"

Susan stood there, stunned.

Having lived abroad, she was quite open-minded and had even engaged in threesomes and group activities in the past. But once she came back home, things were different.

Especially in front of Zaire, she had a reputation to uphold.

Susan cast a glance at Miley, who was nestled in Zaire's arms, breathing heavily. A flicker of distaste crossed her face. "Zaire, I really do have something important to discuss with you."

"Sorry, I'm pretty tied up at the moment," Zaire replied, his gaze fixed on her, "You can wait out here or come in and wait. Your call."

Susan felt a numbness in her fingers. After a moment's hesitation, she finally let go of the door.

Watching it close before her, Susan bit down hard on her lip, the sting quickly filling her mouth with the taste of blood.