Chapter 303

Author's pov Dinner dragged on with an undercurrent of tension that seemed to thicken with every passing minute. Sebastian noticed it right away. Cecilia's skin was flushed, and her hand trembled slightly as she reached for her water glass. Her gaze was distant, almost glassy. Something was off. This wasn't like her. He shifted in his seat, his thigh brushing lightly against hers beneath the table. "You okay?" he asked, his voice low, meant only for her. Cecilia gave a faint smile. "Just tired. I've been running around all day trying to get everything set up." But her smile didn't reach her eyes, and her fingers tightened slightly around the stem of her glass before she set it down. Across the table, Simon leaned forward, his voice slipping into something that sounded helpful, but felt rehearsed. "You look a little flushed. Could be the heat... Or maybe you've overdone it. Want to lie down for a bit?" The suggestion came too easily. Too ready. As if he'd been waiting for an excuse to