Chapter 218

Cecilia's pov I stood from the sofa. "You'd better get going," I said, voice even. "Time waits for no one--especially not your pilot." Sebastian's eyes flashed with something murky--a blend of frustration, regret, and the kind of silent math people do when trying to calculate how much damage they've done. "Yes, Ms. Secretary," he said, aiming for humor and landing somewhere near desperation. He gave me a shallow smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, then turned and walked toward his room, shoulders tight beneath his perfect shirt. The second he disappeared down the hall, I returned my attention to Muffin, dangling a feather toy just out of her reach. She batted at it with single-minded determination--loyal, predictable, and offering a softness people so often withheld.. Sawyer seized his moment, reaching over to scratch Muffin behind the ears. "Listen, Cecilia... the Alpha really didn't mean to abandon you last night," he said, lowering his voice like this was some kind of spy movie.