He Never Loved Me Until the Day I Finally Left Him novel Chapter 581

Inside the car,

"Let's grab dinner before heading back," Sebastian Hayes said. "It's a local Riverton specialty. Since you're here, I should do my part as the host."

Helena Wallace looked at him.

Before she could refuse, he spoke again.

"No ulterior motives, I just want to treat you to a meal. Don't overthink it. We're business partners, so this is perfectly normal."

Refusing now would make her seem unreasonable.

Helena knew that.

Besides, Sebastian hadn't exactly hidden from the press at the airport.

The reporters already knew he was here.

It was better to just eat with him openly.

"Then I'll leave it to you, Mr. Hayes," she replied coolly.

"Mhm," he acknowledged.

She didn't ask where they were going; she just looked down and texted her assistant to give some instructions.

Just as she finished typing, her phone buzzed.

Julian Campbell's name flashed on the screen.

Sebastian saw it.

He kept his face blank, but his grip on the steering wheel tightened.

Helena answered it right in front of him.

Julian's voice came through the speaker. "Did you arrive?"

"Yeah," she said. "Just landed. I'm with Mr. Hayes right now, heading to dinner."

Julian went quiet.

Her assistant had already given him a detailed rundown of the situation.

"I'll head back to the hotel right after we eat," she offered.

Soon, Helena heard background noise on his end. It sounded like an airport terminal.

"Are you at the airport?" she asked.

"Something came up last minute. I'm flying to Tokyo. But I'll be there for the press conference. I'll bring you a gift when I get back." His tone was casual.

"Okay," Helena smiled.

It sounded like a normal, everyday chat between a married couple, completely ignoring Sebastian's presence.

Sebastian's gaze grew darker, though he hid it well.

"Mr. Hayes?" she prompted evenly.

He just stared at her.

They were mere inches apart.

Her brow slowly furrowed.

Then he finally spoke. "Does Julian know we slept together?"

The question was laced with provocation, though whether it was aimed at her or Julian remained unclear.

Her expression didn't change; instead, she gave him a half-smile.

"Would you prefer he knew, or didn't know?" she volleyed the question right back at him.

He continued to study her face.

It wasn't until the car ahead finally moved that he leaned back into his seat.

The vehicle rolled forward smoothly.

His voice drifted over, slow and measured. "Helena, you are a very interesting woman."

She wasn't sure if that was a compliment or an insult.

But just like that, the tension quietly fizzled out.