Spoiled by the Silver Fox

"You know, if you treat this as your dream and pursue it, just like Stephanie, acting is her dream. She's working hard, studying, striving to make it happen. You can do it too. Give it a shot." "Can I make this my lifeline, my reason to keep going?"

"Of course. Just think that someday, you'll reunite your mom and dad, and the three of you will live happily ever after."

"Really? But I'm not sure I'll even make it to adulthood."

"Afraid of Rebecca?"

"My childhood nightmare. It's still with me."

"Come on, let's take care of that worry for you."

Emily blinked, a puzzled look on her face. "Huh? Seb, what are you up to?"

"Getting rid of your nightmare?"

"For real?"

"How will we know unless we try?"

"So we're heading out now?"

"Yeah."

"What about Stephanie? Are we just gonna leave her?"

"She'll probably sleep till noon. She didn't hit the sack until after midnight, and then all that tossing and turning."

She must be wiped out, crashed around two or three in the morning.

Just thinking about Stephanie softened Sebastian's expression considerably.

"Can we get this sorted before she wakes up?"

"If all goes well, maybe."

"But Seb, it's gonna be tough, right? Why are you willing to help me? Is it because of Stephanie?"

"Yeah, because she wants to look out for you."

"I knew it. Seb, you're so good to her. You'll protect her forever, won't you?"

"I will."

He thought, "There was a time I wasn't sure. But now, I am. Stephanie's bound to be a big part of my life."

"That's so sweet. Stephanie is really kind. She always looks out for everyone else when she's doing well. She deserves everyone's

"You're a good kid too."

"Am I?"

Suess."

"Yeah, Emily, someday you'll meet someone who will protect you for your whole life."

Just not Sullivan.

Emily felt a pang of regret.

Sebastian caught her suddenly crestfallen look and guessed her thoughts.

He couldn't help but smirk. "Forget it. Sullivan's too old for you. He's not the right fit."

Emily was blunt. "I'm not looking for a boyfriend."

"The one who protects you for life is bound to be your partner."

Emily looked at him, her face a mask of innocent confusion. "Why's that?"

"Because the one who stays by your side for a lifetime isn't your parents, or your elders, or your future kids. It's your life partner."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah."

"Then I want to find someone older,

someone

who'll pamper me like t

pamper Stephanie! Older

more caring!" Content beloare

Sebastian's mouth twitched, a reminder of just how 'old' he apparently seemed.

Rebecca was taken aback when Jaxon suddenly invited her over for tea.

When she arrived at the Ingram estate and saw the little girl perched on the old man's lap, everything clicked.

Emily looked smugly triumphant as she winked at Rebecca, who was nearly fuming with anger.

Rebecca thought, "Sebastian really would do anything for Stephanie!"

But now, Sebastian was nowhere to be seen.

In the Ingram family's living room, only Jaxon and this little bastard sat.

"The Snider girl is here. Have a seat," Jaxon said with a nod.