After having lunch, they went on with the day. Nothing happened during the remaining classes, and Sebastian was satisfied with that.
He'd made significant progress already. No need to push too hard and make everything backfire.
At the end of the day, Sebastian waited near the school gate, leaning casually against the brick wall. His limousine was parked nearby, the driver standing at attention.
After a few minutes, he spotted Isabelle walking out of the main building.
His eyes narrowed immediately.
Ethan Cole was beside her, talking about something. Isabelle was smiling, even laughing slightly at whatever he was saying.
Sebastian pushed off the wall and walked toward them calmly.
"Isabelle," Sebastian called out as he approached.
Both of them looked at him, with Ethan's expression immediately souring when he saw Sebastian.
"Sebastian," Isabelle greeted, her smile becoming more neutral.
"Do you want to go home together?" Sebastian asked smoothly, completely ignoring Ethan's presence. "My car is right there. I can drop you off."
Ethan stepped forward before Isabelle could answer. "Actually, I was just about to offer to walk her home. We live in the same direction."
"Walk?" Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "Why would she walk when she can ride in comfort?"
"Because maybe she actually enjoys my company," Ethan shot back, his tone sharp.
"Do you, Isabelle?" Sebastian turned to her with a slight smile.
Isabelle opened her mouth, clearly uncomfortable being put on the spot again.
But before she could answer, her phone rang.
"Wait."
She frowned and pulled it out. "Hello?"
Her expression changed instantly.
All the colour drained from her face. Her hand started trembling as she held the phone to her ear.
On the other end, a woman's voice, panicked and filled with tears, came through loud enough for both Sebastian and Ethan to hear fragments.
"Isabelle! Your father has been hit by a car! He's in the hospital right now, please come quickly…"
Isabelle's legs started to tremble. "What?! Where?!"
"Mary's Hospital! Please hurry!" her mother sobbed.
Ethan's face immediately filled with concern. "Isabelle, what happened?"
"My dad, he's been in an accident. I need to get to the hospital."
Without hesitation, Ethan said, "I have my bike! Let's go quickly!"
Isabelle nodded, grateful tears forming in her eyes. "Thank you, Ethan…I"
She was already moving toward where Ethan's bicycle was parked when Sebastian's voice cut through.
"What are you talking about, fool?"
Both of them stopped and turned.
Sebastian was staring at Ethan like he was an idiot. "You're seriously going to take her to see her father on a bicycle? You're going to arrive next day!"
He turned to Isabelle, his expression serious. "Hurry up and get in my car."
He gestured to the black limousine parked at the curb, its engine already running, the driver standing by the open door.
Isabelle froze, looking between the bicycle and the limousine.
Mary's Hospital was across the city. On a bicycle, it would take over an hour—maybe more in traffic.
In Sebastian's car...
"Isabelle," Ethan said quickly. "I can—"
But Isabelle was already moving toward the limousine.
She stopped briefly in front of Ethan, her eyes apologetic. "Ethan, I need to go see my dad. I'm really worried. I'm sorry."
Ethan's jaw clenched as his hands balled into fists at his sides.
He wanted to argue. He wanted to insist.
But what could he say?
That his bicycle was better than a luxury car with a professional driver?
"It's... It's fine," he managed to say, though his voice was strained. "Go. I hope your father is okay."
"Thank you," Isabelle said softly, then turned and hurried to the limousine.
Sebastian followed at a more measured pace, but not before glancing back at Ethan.
Their eyes met for a brief moment.
Sebastian's expression was calm, almost pitying.
Ethan looked like he wanted to punch something.
Sebastian slid into the car beside Isabelle. The driver closed the door and moved to the front seat.
"Mary's Hospital," Sebastian instructed. "We need to be there, ASAP."
"Yes, young master," the driver responded immediately, and the limousine pulled away smoothly.
Through the tinted windows, Sebastian caught one last glimpse of Ethan standing alone on the sidewalk, watching them leave.
[Ding!]
[You have demonstrated the vast gap in resources between yourself and the protagonist in a moment of crisis, plundering an opportunity from him.]
[Reward: 250 Villain Points, +10 Villain Halo]
[Bonus Reward: 250-Year-Old Ginseng Root]
[Item Description: A rare 250-year-old ginseng root that boosts physical strength and heals most basic body injuries almost immediately. Can be consumed directly or diluted in a drink for gradual effects.]
Sebastian felt something materialize in his jacket pocket—a small, wrapped package.
===Status===
Host: Sebastian Fairfax
Combat Power: 67 (Average human: 100)
Villain Points: 750
Villain Halo: 110
Luck: E
Charm: E+
→ Skills: None
→ Inventory: 250-Year-Old Ginseng Root (x1)
Sebastian leaned back in his seat, a satisfied smile on his face.
Beside him, Isabelle was staring out the window, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, clearly worried about her father.
Sebastian's expression softened slightly.
"He'll be fine," he said quietly.
Isabelle turned to look at him, surprise in her eyes.
"Thank you," she whispered. "For... for this. I know you and Ethan don't get along, but—"
"Don't worry about it," Sebastian interrupted gently. "Right now, just focus on your father."
Isabelle nodded, blinking back tears.
The limousine sped smoothly through the city streets, leaving Ethan Cole and his bicycle far, far behind.