Its content were impossible to discern, but she knew exactly who that person was.


    She never really cared for those harmless nces. After all, she barely knew Sebastian, and they had crossed paths only a handful of times.


    So she had no idea why he was looking at her like that.


    "Seb."


    Sebastian frowned slightly, turning to find Arabe standing beside him, seemingly out of nowhere. With a shy demeanor and a sweet smile, Arabe asked, "Seb, could I get your contact info? I, uh, I''ve been wanting to ask for ages but was too embarrassed."


    She had practiced this smile countless times at home, preparing for the next chance encounter with Sebastian. Her n to win him over had been set long before Theo broke off their engagement.


    That spineless fool had blindsided her, canceling the engagement first. Regardless of whether Sebastian


    knew about it, she was determined to win him over. As long as she could be with Sebastian, she wouldn''t have to fear the Hawke family anymore, nor would she have to worry about being thrown out. Sebastian''s eyes flickered with a hint of coldness. "Drop the act - I don''t like it."


    His words, though calm, sent a shiver down Arabe''s spine.


    "I..." she stammered instinctively. "I wasn''t, I just..."


    Sebastian didn''t bother listening further and walked off without a backward nce. Arabe tried to follow,


    but one of Sebastian''s ever-present assistants stepped in her path.


    "Apologies," he said in a formal tone.


    Arabe bit her lip, feeling hurt, eyes reddened as she stared at Sebastian''s retreating figure.


    Celeste''s mocking voice interrupted. "You really think Sebastian would be interested in you? Dream on. A guy like him."


    She raised an eyebrow. "Well, he probably isn''t interested in anyone."


    Celeste thought of something as her e gaze drifted to where Miranda stood, sparking a fresh wave of irritation. What had Miranda done to earn Eli and Sebastian''s attention?


    Arabe''s face reddened further with embarrassment and anger. Teeth gritted, she red at Celeste when thetter wasn''t looking.


    What was there to be smug about? Just because she was born into a better family? How would she dare speaking to Arabe like this even taking a jab at her?


    So Arabe remarked purposely, "If my four brothers knew about this, they wouldn''t let me suffer such humiliation."


    "Four brothers?" Celeste''s interest was piqued.


    Arabe couldn''t help but boast, "Yes, my four brothers. Dorian, the CEO of NeuraCore, Alistair."


    Celeste shrugged dismissively. "NeuraCore, huh? Sounds like there''s not enough wealth to go around." Arabe was taken aback, her face growing more and more sullen. Her four brothers were her pride, her trump card. How could Celeste dismiss them so easily?


    "Oh, and aren''t you the impostor? An adopted daughter, those poor guys," Celeste added disdainfully before turning away.


    Someone of her stature wouldn''t associate with the likes of Arabe.


    After all, who she hung out with 1.10


    defines her status, and she wasn''t about to lower hers.


    Arabe seethed silently, fists clenched, her manicured nails nearly digging deep into her palms.