Spoiled by the Silver Fox

"Totally! I only started to chill out because Seb made so much sense," she exclaimed.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Oh? And what did I say?"

"You said I'm just a kid, and that I should just kick back and not try to act all grown-up."

"Yeah, sounds like something I'd say."

"Did you hear that, Steph? And then you tattle to Seb, hmph."

Stephanie couldn't get enough of her little antics, pinching her chubby cheeks and tickling her until she squealed, "What a glib tongue!"

"HAHAHA, Seb, save me, Stephanie's being mean again!"

Sebastian felt like he had made the right call in stepping back today. Why get into a huff with the kid when you could just join in the fun? At least since the moment he saw her, his good mood hadn't waned. Later in the evening, after bathing, Stephanie and Emily lay sprawled on the bed, scrolling through their phones.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

"OMG, Steph, look at this."

"What's up?"

"Just look. I overheard you on the phone with Seb, going on about some scandal, and it stuck with me. Decided to dig around when I got back, and voila, found something juicy."

Stephanie's eyes widened as she saw a photo of herself in the underground parking lot, grabbing Hank by the arm. Someone had snapped a picture and put it online.

The caption read that she was spending President Ingram's money, driving the sports car he gave her, to go flirt with some young stud.

What the hell!

Are these reporters out of their minds?

They really dare to write anything!

No wonder Silver Fox sounded angry on the phone. But in the end, he didn't scold her.

Somehow, Stephanie felt a twinge of guilt. Silver Fox had been incredibly patient with her.

All along, it had been her who was ungrateful.

She couldn't fathom where she got the nerve to lash out at Silver Fox like that.

Emily teased her, "Feeling guilty now, huh, Steph?"

"Yeah, a little."

"Then tonight, you should make it up to Seb. Don't worry, I'll make myself scarce."

With that, Emily began rummaging through her suitcase for clothes.

"What are you up to?" Stephanie asked, bewildered.

"I texted Sullivan to come pick me up and take me to my mom's place."

"Pfft. You're just a kid, running around at night like this! I don't need you to leave to make it up to him. I can cook Seb a late-night snack or something."

"But you guys hardly get any alone time as it

6. I'd be in the way. Don

think I'm being too sensible, okay? Sullivan said he's on his way Look, here's the text."

She flashed her pink phone in front of Stephanie.

Stephanie couldn't help but laugh. "The studio's so far from downtown. Sullivan must really care about you, coming all the way here at night. Tell me, Emily, why are you suddenly so close with Sullivan?"

Emily winked at her. "It's a secret. Anyway, I trust him now, that's all that matters."

She swiftly changed into her clothes, ready to step out any moment.

Stephanie looked on helplessly.

Sebastian was still tied up with work in his study.

After hanging out with Emily for a bit longer, Sullivan arrived, personally driving over.

Emily slung her backpack over her shoulders and hopped into the passenger seat, fastening her seatbelt.

"Emily, text me when you get there, okay?" Stephanie said, a touch of concern in her voice.