Chapter 134
Chapter Title: Tension at the Table
Even so, the anger in Sebastian’s heart remained unrelenting. He was aware that Sasha had deliberately exaggerated the facts earlier that morning to tarnish Myra’s reputation. But after some reflection, he sensed something more was amiss. After all, Myra had gotten together with his grandson before her divorce was even finalized.
Myra stood quietly beside the elderly man. The fish Sebastian had brought was a crucian carp, notorious for its many bones. Seeing the old man struggle, she hesitated for a moment before going to fetch a clean plate and a set of cutlery.
Just as she was about to sit down, Sebastian shot her a fierce glare. “Why are you sitting down? Did I say you could?”
A bit embarrassed, Myra merely stood there, picking up a large piece of fish. As she carefully removed the bones, Sebastian glared at her again, but she continued to place the deboned fish onto his plate. Then, she picked up another piece and began the process again.
Sebastian glanced at the plate in front of him. Without realizing it, his expression softened. He picked up the fish and muttered, “Don’t think this will make me change my opinion of you. Hmph!”
Strangely, part of Myra’s earlier anxiety seemed to fade. Some people appeared kind but were cruel at heart, while others may seem harsh but had a softer side. Though Sebastian’s behavior was cold toward her, Myra had always sensed that he would never truly harm her. However, she couldn’t shake the worry about what he might do regarding her relationship with Tony.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Myra’s heart skipped a beat, and she couldn’t help but smile.
Sebastian, who had been watching her closely, recognized her excitement. With a heavy grunt, he muttered, “I know who that is.”
Myra, unsure how to proceed, tested the waters. “It seems there’s a visitor…”
Sebastian’s voice came, laced with sarcasm. “If you want to open the door, then do it. Don’t stand there acting all shy. Spoilsport.”
Accustomed to his criticisms, Myra put down the cutlery and quickly trotted down the hallway. As she passed the full-length mirror, she slowed and checked her reflection, smoothing her hair before she reached the security door and opened it.
As expected, it was Tony. He had a cigarette between his fingers, which he took one last drag from before extinguishing it and tossing it into the nearby trash can.
He wasn’t in a suit but wore a simple white shirt. His cuffs were slightly rolled up, revealing his strong forearms. His tie was loosened, and two buttons of his shirt were undone, exposing the sharp lines of his collarbone and the well-defined muscles beneath.
Seeing Myra blush as she opened the door, Tony raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a slight smirk. “Is the old man here?” he asked casually, stepping past her into the apartment.
This was his first time at Myra’s place, yet his movements were so natural it was as if he’d been here a thousand times. Myra, a little flustered, took out a pair of freshly bought men’s slippers and placed them near his feet. Without hesitation, Tony slipped them on, the action so seamless it looked as though they had done this many times before—like a couple who had been living together for years.
Meanwhile, from the dining room, Sebastian noticed the exchange and felt a tight knot in his chest. He looked at the masculine slippers on his grandson’s feet and then at the feminine pair he was wearing. The more he looked, the more he felt frustrated with Myra. Why didn’t she stop me when I took these slippers just now?
“Hmph!” Sebastian abruptly pushed his plate aside, suddenly finding the fish tasteless.
Hearing movement from the dining room, Myra paused, and Tony, sensing her hesitation, placed a hand on her waist and gently guided her forward. “You have me.”
His words were simple, but they brought her a strange sense of peace. However, in front of Sebastian, Myra didn’t want to appear too bold. She struggled a little, whispering, “Don’t. Your grandpa is inside.”
“He’ll need to know sooner or later,” Tony replied casually, pulling her into the dining room.
Their movements were fluid together—Tony’s tall, broad frame naturally complementing Myra’s smaller, delicate one. The sight of them walking together made the intimacy between them too glaring for Sebastian to ignore. The old man’s frustration grew, especially when Tony casually remarked, “He needs to know sooner or later.”
Seeing their closeness, Sebastian couldn’t contain his disapproval. “She just got divorced, and you two still don’t know how to avoid suspicion? Do you want everyone to know what kind of things you’ve been doing while she was still married?”
Myra’s face drained of color, her body stiffening in Tony’s grasp. She started to pull away from him, but as soon as her hand touched his chest, he held it, offering her a quiet strength.
Without a word, Tony gently pressed her down onto a chair beside him. Myra tried to stand, but he placed a hand on her shoulder, his tone light but firm. “Sit down.”
He sat next to her, his presence calming. When he turned his head to glance at the old man, his expression was serious, his eyes unwavering. “I’m just worried people won’t realize she’s my woman now.”
“Bastard!” Sebastian jumped up from his chair, his face red with fury.
Unbothered, Tony took the cutlery Myra had used earlier to serve Sebastian, skillfully placing the deboned fish into his mouth. His movements were smooth and controlled.
Sebastian saw how pale Myra looked and immediately regretted some of his harsh words. Yet, before his grandson, he couldn’t allow himself to back down. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to. Tony, remember—I still hold the final say in the Hart family. If you want her to be part of the family, this is your attitude? She won’t even be allowed through the door!”
Tony’s expression darkened in an instant. Myra, head bowed in silence, clenched her fists tightly by her sides. Despite the discomfort, she couldn’t help but feel deeply unsettled by Sebastian’s words, even though she knew he didn’t approve of her.