Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 186

Lillian drank the milk and lay down, her mind still trying to piece things together.

Sebastian's last message had accused her of being an unfit mother. Why the sudden change of heart? What had convinced him to agree to this experimental treatment abroad?

As she pondered, her eyelids grew heavy.

Leonard must have put something in the milk to help her sleep. Though she hadn't felt tired before, she now drifted off with ease.

Sebastian and his group checked into a hotel near the lab for convenience.

Noah, having slept the entire flight, was now wide awake.

Sebastian had anticipated this and had arranged for a nanny to arrive ahead of them.

Bella had worked for a while on the plane and was now feeling tired. After checking in, she announced she was going to shower and sleep, telling Sebastian not to wake her for dinner.

For convenience, Sebastian had booked a presidential suite with several bedrooms, so Bella stayed there instead of getting a separate room.

Having not seen Lillian at the airport, Bella assumed she had either taken an earlier or a later flight, likely to avoid them.

Which was just as well.

It was always awkward when they met, so keeping their distance was for the best.

Although, Bella didn't really see Lillian as a threat to her happiness anymore.

Still, that beautiful face of hers was infuriating to look at.

Perhaps Sebastian had initially been captivated by her looks. Bella wanted to prevent him from seeing her too often.

As Bella showered, her fatigue began to fade. Bringing her along on this trip was a clear sign of Sebastian's sincerity; he was treating her like family.

They had been in a flirty, ambiguous relationship for years, but nothing physical had ever happened.

Now that Sebastian had promised her marriage, she thought, perhaps they could finally take that next step.

They hadn't yet experienced that aspect of a relationship.

As she bathed, her mind filled with seductive thoughts.

Was Sebastian planning the same thing on this trip?

Even though he wasn't officially divorced from Lillian, they hadn't been together for over two years.

Sebastian had been celibate for two years. As a normal, healthy man, he must have needs.

And she was certainly willing. After all, who wouldn't be tempted by the sight of Sebastian's broad shoulders, narrow waist, and long legs every day?

His incredible physique and handsome face, combined with the unique aura of authority he had developed over time, were irresistible.

For a woman, it was the ultimate aphrodisiac.

The lighting, the atmosphere, the way her curves were faintly visible through the fabric, full and enticing, and that captivating perfume... how could he possibly remain indifferent?

She leaned back slightly, accentuating her figure even more.

"I'm in a new place, I guess I'm having a little trouble falling asleep. Sebastian, maybe we could..."

Before she could finish, Sebastian draped his suit jacket over her shoulders.

"You've always been good at adapting to new environments. Maybe you're just not wearing enough. Are you catching a cold? You should get back to your room and rest. I'm heading to my room too. We have to be at the lab tomorrow..."

When he placed the jacket on her, his hand had brushed against her skin.

But he had remained completely unfazed, telling her to go back to her room and sleep.

And he was going back to *his* own room?

He was a married man, a father. How could he not understand?

Was he really that clueless? How could he tell her to sleep alone?

He had already promised her marriage. Even if the divorce wasn't finalized yet, it was a done deal. Sooner or later, they would cross this line.

What difference did a few days make?

Steeling herself, Bella grabbed Sebastian's hand.