Chapter 301

Author's pov The air hung with an icy silence. The atmosphere had frozen solid, like Cecilia and Simon had been discussing how to cover up a murder, not whether he should stay for roast chicken. The stakes felt impossibly high. Harper and Yvonne instinctively glanced at Sebastian, then at Tang beside him, as if trying to gauge whether this awkward dinner was about to escalate into a full-on standoff. Cecilia felt pressure building in her chest like she needed an oxygen tank. In this toxic atmosphere, Simon smiled brightly, his eyes lighting up. "Great! Thanks, Cecilia. I'd love to stay." His tone was cheerful, but there was a flicker of challenge in his eyes. Sebastian leaned back with his arms crossed, his eyes like Arctic ice, the pressure around him so threatening it felt like he might have a weapon concealed under his designer jacket. Everyone else barely dared to breathe. Cecilia finally recovered enough to force a smile. "Please, sit. You can chat with my friends... " Her gaze sw