It was just about dinner time when Crystal finally descended the stairs. Without a word, she took a seat right next to Miranda, casting a cool nce at Elian and Sebastian before picking up her fork to dig into her meal.


    Lavinia, who was fond of Crystal and well-acquainted with her quirks, found her behavior endearing rather than odd.


    She smiled warmly at the two men seated at the table. "It''s rare to have both of you here for dinner. I can hardly believe it! I hope the food suits your taste. If there''s anything you don''t like, just let me know, and I''ll have them prepare something else."


    As she spoke, she nced at Miranda, who was eating with as much dedication as Crystal. "I''m genuinely happy Miranda has friends like you two. It gives me peace of mind knowing you look out for her."


    Technically, the vi belonged to Miranda, not Lavinia. She was just asionally visiting. Sebastian came to Miranda''s ce under the pretense of catching up with Lavinia, which was evident craft he''d showed.


    Miranda paused mid-bite, her brows furrowing slightly. Looking out for her? Where did thate from?


    Sebastian''s eyes was imbued with gentleness. "It''s been a while since I visited you, Ms. Lavinia Lancaster, so I thought I''d drop by and maintain our family ties," he said, ncing at Miranda. "Miranda is delightful, and as her elder, it''s only right I look after her."


    Elian''s eyes were cool, but his lips curled into a slight smile. "Aunt Lavinia, don''t forget, I''m your actual nephew. Why such formalities? It''s not like Miranda and I are just friends."


    Sebastian''s brows furrowed slightly at this.


    "Not just friends? Then what are you?" Lavinia''s voice was tinged with gossip.


    Crystal, who had been quietly eating, now looked up, her eyes fixed on Elian with interest.


    Elian shifted his gaze to Miranda, who was sipping her soup. Suddenly, everyone was looking at Miranda, seemingly waiting for her response, including Sebastian, whose steady eyes seemed to demand an answer.


    Miranda finished her soup and looked up to find herself under scrutiny. "Huh?" she blinked,


    remembering the conversatiel


    hadn''t fully registered.


    "Oh, it''s a father-son rtionship," she dered.


    Crystal frowned as she gazed at Elian. "You have a kid?"


    Elian was momentarily speechless.


    ret


    If only, he thought. Sebastianto a


    though his lips curled


    Ssmile.


    Lavinia cleared her throat softly. "Let''s not delve into you young folks'' yful banter during dinner."


    Such flirtatious, spicy remarks would probably hurt Sebastian, Lavinia presumed. Elian curled his lips upward. "Got it."


    He then turned to Miranda and uttered with a yful, indulgent tone, "My dear parent."


    Sebastian''s smile had long vanished, a cool, detached gaze hidden behind his sses.


    Miranda was exasperated. This cheeky rascal. He must be doing it on purpose. And why did it feel like their conversation had taken on apletely different meaning from what she intended? What yful banter?


    Crystal gave Miranda a curious look, one that seemed to say, "I didn''t know you


    had it in you."


    Miranda was baffled. Had she missed something?