Chapter 333

Isabella was like, "What's the big deal with me rockin' pajamas? I even threw on a coat. Quentin's not some rando, right? He's a big shot in your company now, and Aunt Esme's kid. We've had dinner together. That makes him, like, a half-friend, right?"

Sebastian's face scrunched up. "Even if he's kinda your buddy, it's still a no-go."

Sebastian could be such a pain about stuff like this, but Isabella knew it was his way of showing he cared.

Thinking about it, Isabella wrapped her arms around Sebastian's neck and gave him a quick kiss. "Okay, okay. I'll be more careful next time."

Just like that, Sebastian's face softened, but he still tried to look tough. "So, what did he want?"

Isabella said, "Just returning the first aid kit."

Sebastian pressed, "And what else?"

Isabella was stumped.

She remembered Quentin's weird request earlier and still thought it was odd.

It felt like Quentin had more to say, and asking to come in was just step one. But Sebastian showed up before he could spill.

Sebastian's hand on her waist sent shivers down her spine, making it hard to sit still.

"What's got you so spaced out?" Sebastian asked.

Isabella leaned on his shoulder, catching her breath. "I was thinking about your question. Mr. Black really just came to return the first aid kit. And why do I feel like you're not a fan of his?"

Sebastian smirked. "Why should I be? He's not family. Bella, I only care about my wife and my daughter. So, what does Quentin count as?"

Isabella was left speechless by his logic.

Sebastian's hand slid under her clothes, his touch getting hotter, making his breath heavier. They kissed from the door to the sofa, tangled up for a long time. Sebastian almost took things further right there.

But suddenly, Isabella felt a chill, like someone was watching. She grabbed Sebastian's collar. "Let's go to the bedroom. I don't wanna do it here."

Sebastian's hand ran through her hair, cradling her head as he leaned in to kiss her. "Alright."

With that, Sebastian scooped her up and carried her upstairs.

The next morning, Sebastian had an emergency meeting and headed straight to the study without even changing.

After he got up, Isabella couldn't sleep either. She was starving.

Sweetie was already awake, quietly sucking her fingers.

Isabella washed up and carried Sweetie downstairs.

She put Sweetie in the cradle and pushed it to the kitchen door. Bending down, Isabella gently patted Sweetie's chubby little face. "Sweetie, be good. Mommy's making breakfast."

Sweetie waved her hands and feet, laughing, making Isabella smile.

Isabella went into the kitchen, tied on an apron, and was about to open the fridge when she noticed crumbs on the floor. Her slippers felt super uncomfortable stepping on them.

Isabella squatted down, poked at the crumbs, and brought them closer to her face. "What the heck is this?"

After a bit, she figured it out. "Breadcrumbs?"

She thought, 'Okay, breadcrumbs, but why are they all over the place near the fridge?'

Standing up, she opened the fridge and pulled out a sealed bag of bread. The bag was tied up tight, and the bread inside looked untouched.

'Maybe Sebastian made a mess while snacking?' she wondered.

Isabella shrugged it off and grabbed some bacon and veggies too.

For breakfast, she whipped up some killer sandwiches and paired them with hot milk. Simple but oh-so-good.

By the time she was done, Sebastian had wrapped up his meeting and came downstairs.

Sebastian bent down, scooped Sweetie out of the cradle, and played with her. The house was filled with their laughter.

Isabella came out with a plate, saw them, and smiled. "Wash up and let's eat."

During breakfast, Sebastian said, "How about we get a nanny?"

Isabella paused and shook her head. "Not feeling it right now." After what happened with Siena, she just couldn't trust anyone with Sweetie.

'There's been enough horror stories about nannies mistreating kids,' she thought.

She'd already made one mistake and wasn't about to make another.

"Margaret's cool with helping out during the day, and I can hit up the Jose family for dinner. It's all good." Isabella tried to sound chill, not mentioning how tired she really was.

Sebastian knew her too well and didn't push it.

The Jose family had always been good to both of them. Sebastian's bond with Zaire was strong, and with Nina in the mix, the Jose family treated Isabella like one of their own.

Margaret was happy to help, and it was nice for Sweetie to feel that family vibe.

But just as they were about to head out, a call came from the Jose family saying Margaret was sick.

So, no dropping Sweetie off there.

Isabella said, "But I gotta help Nina check on the company's progress today. The place just got renovated, and it still reeks of chemicals. I can't take Sweetie there."

Sebastian silently picked up Sweetie. "I'll take care of her today."

Isabella was shocked. "How are you gonna handle that?"

Sebastian said, "No meetings today. I'll be at the office mostly. Sweetie's chill; she's easy to handle."

Isabella thought it over and realized it was the best option. "I'll check on the company first, then come find you and Sweetie when I'm done."

"Cool." Sebastian squeezed her hand. "No rush. Just do your thing."

"Okay." Isabella kissed Sweetie's cheek and nuzzled her little nose. "Sweetie, be good. I'll come get you soon. Don't bug Daddy too much."

Sebastian looked at Isabella, his eyes soft and full of love.

Isabella and Sebastian quickly got into the car and took off.

A few minutes later, the quiet villa was suddenly filled with the sound of breaking porcelain.