Chapter 178

Sebastian didn't get back until 2 a.m.

Isabella heard a car pull up, slipped on her shoes, and rushed downstairs.

The kitchen lights were on. By the door, there wea a pair of men's leather shoes and a pair of women's high heels.

Isabella's heart sank. She saw Sebastian leaning against the table with a glass of water, talking to Emily.

Emily noticed Isabella and stepped back. "Isabella, Sebastian drank too much. I drove him back."

Isabella stayed silent, noticing Emily's dress was the same one she'd seen at the hotel earlier.

"It's late. I should go," Emily said, grabbing her bag and leaving.

Sebastian didn't react, just kept drinking his water.

Once the door closed, Isabella walked into the kitchen.

Standing in front of Sebastian, she smelled the alcohol. "Why did you drink so much?"

She reached for the glass, but Sebastian grabbed her chin and kissed her.

His kiss was intense, pushing her back against the table. The edge dug into her waist, causing pain.

Isabella started crying, and Sebastian finally let go.

Seeing her tears, Sebastian was surprised. "Why are you crying?"

Isabella pushed him away and went upstairs.

Sebastian followed, throwing his jacket on the sofa. "Isabella, I'm really tired. Don't make a fuss."

She stood up, crying, "Am I making a fuss? I saw you both go into the hotel. Sebastian, what did you do?"

Sebastian's eyes flashed, and he smashed a vase.

The crash was loud.

Downstairs, Emily heard the noise and smirked before walking away.

The room was a mess.

Isabella stood there, stunned.

Sebastian checked the balcony, then closed the window and drew the curtains. He turned off the lights and gently pulled Isabella into his arms.

"Did I scare you?" His voice was gentle now.

Tears still hung at Isabella's eyes. She nodded, "Yes."

Sebastian wiped her tears. "Should I be gentler next time?"

Isabella shook her head. "No! If it doesn't look real, they won't believe it."

She glanced back. "Is she really gone?"

"She's gone, but others are still watching." Sebastian led her to the bathroom, wrung out a towel, and wiped her face. "Deborah's death is suspicious. Charlie was in a rush to cremate her, but we stopped him. The body is now set for an autopsy, so we should have answers soon. Don't worry about Nina; Zaire will help. The Jose family won't just stand by and let her be falsely accused and jailed. Zaire will also handle her divorce with Charlie."

"Okay."

"I'll be busy for a while and spending more time with Emily. No matter what Leo says, don't believe him. If he asks you out, let me know right away, okay?"

"Okay."

"In the second drawer of the study, there's an envelope. If Emma comes to you, give it to her."

Isabella's eyelashes fluttered. "What's in it?"

Sebastian paused. "It's evidence that could send me to prison."

Isabella was shocked. "What?"

"It's fake!" Sebastian gripped her shoulders. "But it looks real. They'll believe it. Just give it to Emma when she comes. Don't worry about anything else."

Isabella placed her hand on his. "You won't get in trouble, right?"

"No," Sebastian shook his head.

But Isabella was still doubtful. "Will Emma really come to me?"

"She will," Sebastian said confidently.

The next morning, Isabella saw Emily in the dining room.

Emily was dressed in a sharp professional suit.

Emily smiled. "Good morning, Ms. Miller."

Isabella ignored her and looked at Sebastian, who was eating. "Why is she here?"

Sebastian's expression was indifferent. "You're further along in your pregnancy. Starting today, you don't need to go to the company. Emily will take your place."

Isabella bit her lip. "I don't agree!"

With a loud clang, Sebastian slammed his utensils down. "Isabella, the Landon Group is not yours to control."

Isabella's eyes reddened, and her tone softened. "Sebastian, you promised me."

Sebastian interrupted impatiently, "I'll keep my promises to you. But stay out of my business with Emily."

He stood up and walked over.

When he reached Isabella's side, Sebastian paused. "Isabella, remember your place."

With that, he walked out of the dining room.

Emily followed a step behind. She said to Isabella, "Ms. Miller, don't misunderstand. There's nothing going on between Sebastian and me."

Tears welled up in Isabella's eyes, filled with jealousy. "I doubt there's anything innocent between you two either."

"Believe what you want." Emily smiled and left.

The car drove away.

Inside, Sebastian leaned against the back seat, supporting his temple with one hand. His mind was filled with the image of Isabella from earlier.

He was heartbroken.

He had to restrain himself from going back to hug her.

Since this act had started, they couldn't stop. They had to see it through.

But Sebastian couldn't stand seeing Isabella suffer. It was more painful than anything he had ever experienced.

Especially since he was the one causing her pain.

"Sebastian," Emily's voice sounded in his ear.

Sebastian opened his eyes, and Emily's face came into view.

Emily handed him a handkerchief. "There's something on the corner of your mouth."

Sebastian took it. "Thanks."

Seeing his troubled expression, Emily said, "Did Ms. Miller misunderstand what happened last night? She might not listen to me, but if you explain, I'm sure she'll believe you."

Sebastian sneered. "Why would I explain to a doormat?"

"Doormat?" Emily was puzzled.

Sebastian looked away, staring out the window, his voice cold. "I chose her because Matthew cares about her, and the Landon family values her. Do you think I'd be interested in a pregnant woman otherwise?"