Chapter 30

Cecilia The yacht set sail, and Beta Sawyer and I returned to the deck. Inside the cabin, Sebastian was the center of attention, handling the flattery with effortless grace. He responded with occasional slight smiles, seemingly unbothered by Amara's presence. Keith was quite skilled at creating opportunities for his granddaughter. And Vivian... was nothing if not persistent. She moved with practiced charm, always just within arm's reach of Sebastian, always finding something to comment on—his drink, his cufflinks, the view. It was a performance dressed as casual interest, but the intent shimmered just beneath the surface. You didn't need to read her mind to know what she wanted. You only had to watch the way her eyes lingered on him. Too long. Too often. Sebastian maintained a polite demeanor toward her—neither cold nor overly friendly. Amara stood beside him, and though she appeared composed, there was something about her... a forced smile that couldn't quite hide her pain. It hurt to