Chapter 146

The air crackled with tension as Nathaniel and Dominic stood inches apart, their gazes locked in a silent battle.

"Isn't this unexpected, Mr. Dominic? Or should I say, unfortunate?" Nathaniel's voice dripped with venom.

"Is Arabella here?" Dominic's brow furrowed, his tone sharp.

At the mention of her name, Seraphina's pulse quickened.

"What? Is she forbidden from being here?"

Nathaniel smirked, his words laced with mockery. "Mr. Dominic, you don’t own this place."

"Wow, Dominic was just asking. No need to be so defensive, Nathaniel!" Preston snapped.

"Just asking? Since when do you have the right?" Nathaniel's expression twisted with contempt.

"What did you just say?"

"Enough, Preston." Dominic silenced him, then pressed, "Why is Arabella here?"

Nathaniel shot Seraphina a cold glance before answering with a sneer, "Mr. Dominic, Ms. Arabella’s reason for being here is the same as yours."

Dominic’s expression darkened further.

He had suspected Arabella was interested in the rose field, but this time, he wouldn’t let her win.

Meanwhile, Arabella had already hiked up her skirt and stepped into the rose bushes, moving with effortless grace.

She knelt on the damp earth without hesitation, her delicate fingers sifting through the soil. She examined the rose stems and petals, snapping photos and jotting meticulous notes on her phone.

Other women came for the scenery and photos.

Not Arabella. She was here for business.

Who would’ve guessed such a stunning woman could be so pragmatic? All she cared about was profit.

Ambitious women had a way of drawing people in.

Sebastian stood nearby, watching her with quiet patience.

A faint smile touched his lips, his affection unmistakable. "You haven’t changed since we were kids. I like that."

His phone buzzed, snapping him out of his thoughts.

Sebastian frowned as he answered. "What is it?"

"Mr. Lockwood, Dominic is here."

His secretary lowered her voice. "Earlier, the Vanderbilt Group reached out about collaborating on the Rose Manor project. I didn’t give them a definitive answer, as you instructed. But they’ve already brought a survey team. They’re serious about this."

Sebastian glanced at Arabella, who was still absorbed in her work. "Who else is with them?"

"Dominic’s rumored fiancée. Bringing her to something like this—they must be close." His secretary’s tone was laced with disdain.

And Arabella had no idea.

Was this the man she had once loved?

The man she had sacrificed everything for, staying by his side for three years?

Arabella was a fool.

Sebastian’s chest burned with anger. "Did you prepare what I asked for?"

"Everything’s ready, Mr. Lockwood!"

"Bring it. And send someone to guide the Vanderbilt Group here." Sebastian adjusted his glasses, a cold glint in his eyes.

Arabella had been crouching for too long, and her back ached. She rose slowly from the roses, brushing dirt from her hands as she caught her breath.

That was just like her—completely absorbed in her work, oblivious to time.

She suddenly remembered Sebastian was still waiting.

When she turned, he was standing exactly where she’d left him, holding a basket of exquisite pink roses.

"Ms. Arabella," he called, stepping toward her.

"Don’t come closer! You’ll ruin your clothes!" She gestured for him to stop, eyeing his pristine attire.

But he ignored her, striding through the thorns without hesitation.

Arabella bit her lip, embarrassed.

"These are for you." Sebastian’s deep eyes softened as he offered the basket.

"Sebastian, I can’t accept these." She smiled but shook her head.

Flowers, especially roses, carried implications. It wouldn’t be appropriate.

Anticipating her refusal, he quickly added, "Flowers suit you. But more importantly, I noticed your interest in these roses. Take them home, study them. The soil from this field is at the bottom—transplant them, and they’ll bloom year-round."

She hesitated, then finally took the basket. "Thank you."

Suddenly, Sebastian leaned in, his face inches from hers.

Arabella blinked in surprise. "Is there something on my face?"

He nodded seriously.

"Where?" She rubbed her cheek, only smearing more dirt.

Now her face was a mess.

Sebastian chuckled, pulling out a handkerchief. Gently, he wiped the dirt from her cheek and forehead.

By the time she realized what was happening, he was already done. "I could’ve done that myself."

"Too late. You’re clean now." He stepped back, his gaze lingering before he looked away.

He always did this—retreating just as things felt too intimate.

For a moment, Arabella wondered if he was being too kind.

But she dismissed the thought. Maybe he was just naturally considerate. Or maybe it was because they’d known each other since childhood.

Then, footsteps approached.

Arabella turned—and froze.

Dominic stood just steps away, his expression unreadable. His eyes, calm as still water, watched them.

But beneath that calm was a storm.

Dominic had seen everything—the roses, her smile, Sebastian’s touch.

Their ease with each other was infuriating.

His fists clenched, veins throbbing at his temples.

He’d rather she came to fight him. He’d rather give her everything.

But watching her give what was once his to another man?

That, he couldn’t bear.