Chapter 7 Trouble Lunch

• The dining room was as elegant as Rose had expected polished marble floors, a long mahogany table, and a breathtaking view of the garden through the large windows. Sunlight streamed in , casting a warm glow over the room, but the atmosphere remained cool, no doubt due to the man sitting at the head of the table.
• Christian was the embodiment of poise, his sharp features unreadable as he poured himself a glass of water. Seated across from him, Sean looked far too comfortable in contrast, his sleeves rolled up as he idly swirled his drink.
• Rose had planned to leave them to their lunch, to avoid getting tangled in whatever dynamic these two had. But, of course Sean had other ideas.
• “You’re eating with us, Rosie.”
• Rose blinked. “I..”
• “She’s working,” Christian interjected, barely glancing up from his plate.
• Sean smirked. “She’s eating.” He pulled out a chair beside him and patted the seat. “Sit.”
• Ella, who had been swinging her legs under the table, clapped her hands in delight. “Yay! Rosie’s staying!”
• With Ella’s hopeful eyes and Sean grinning like a devil, Rose sighed recently sliding into the seat beside Sean.
• “Good choice.” Sean winked, handing her a plate.
• She wasn’t sure if it was a good choice, but it was too late to back out now.
• Lunch started peacefully. The food was exquisite pan-seared steak, roasted vegetables, and a side of creamy mashed potatoes. For a while, the conversation remained light, mostly revolving around Ella’s morning activities. The little girl chattered excitedly, speaking about her drawings and the butterfly she had seen in the garden.
• Then, Sean turned his full attention to Rose.
• "So, Rosie," he began, casually spearing a piece of steak with his fork. “How did you end up working for our beloved Ice King here?”
• Rose hesitated, glancing briefly at Christian, but his expression remained unreadable.
• "I applied for the job," she answered simply.
• Sean chuckled. “And he hired you? Just like that?”
• Christian exhaled sharply. "Sean"
• “Because Christian is picky,” Sean continued as if Christian hadn’t spoken. “Like painfully picky. I’m honestly shocked you made it past the first interview.”
• Rose raised an eyebrow. “Should i be flattered or offended?”
• Sean smirked. “Oh, definitely flattered. He usually sends people running within five minutes.”
• Christian shot him a glare. “Stop talking.”
• Sean ignored him, grinning as he leaned toward Rose. “Be honest, did he make you want to quit on the first day?”
• Rose hesitated. “I mean…”
• Sean burst out laughing. “That’s a yes.”
• Ella giggled, clearly enjoying the banter, while Christian let out a slow breath as if summoning patience.
• Rose couldn’t help but notice how different the two men were. Christian was all sharp edges and controlling, while Sean was effortless charm and mischief. And yet, somehow, they balanced each other.
• As the meal continued, the mood lightened, and Rose found herself enjoying the conversation more than she expected. But just as she was relaxing, Sean leaned back in his chair, his expression turning more serious.
• “I heard about Amy showing up.”
• The atmosphere in the room changed instantly.
• Christian’s jaw tightened, his grip on his fork turning white-knuckled. His previously calm demeanor became rigid, a storm brewing beneath the surface.
• Ella went quiet, suddenly poking at her food without eating it.
• Rose felt an uncomfortable twist in her stomach.
• Sean exhaled slowly, watching Christian carefully. “What does she want?”
• Christian’s voice was clipped. “I don’t know yet.”
• Rose hesitated before speaking. “She didn’t seem… friendly.”
• Sean snorted. “Of course not. She’s a snake in designer heels.”
• Christian shot him a warning look, but Sean didn’t back down.
• “You should have seen her, man. She was all over the news last year, dating some European billionaire. And now, suddenly, she’s back in New York? That’s not a coincidence.”
• Christian’s grip on his fork tightened even further.
• Ella fidgeted in her seat, clearly sensing the tension. Without thinking, Rose reached under the table and gently took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
• The little girl looked up at her, then gave a small, grateful smile.
• Sean noticed the interaction, his sharp eyes softening for a brief moment. Then, in a lighter tone, he said, “Don’t worry, princess. Uncle Sean will keep the bad guys away.”
• Ella let out a small giggle, though her grip on Rose’s hand didn’t loosen.
• Rose realized that Sean wasn’t just Christian’s best friend. He was also one of the few people who genuinely cared about Ella.
• After lunch, Christian stayed inside to help Ella with something, leaving Rose and Sean to step out onto the patio. The sun had softened, casting warm golden hues over the garden.
• Sean, hands in his pockets, turned to her with a look that was far more serious than before.
• "Listen," he said, his usual playful tone gone. “Amy’s dangerous, Watch your back.”
• Rose frowned. “Why would she come after me?”
• Sean sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Because Christian keeps his distance from people. If she sees him even remotely trusting you, she’ll see you as a threat.”
• Rose swallowed. “That’s ridiculous.”
• Sean gave her a knowing look. “You don’t know Amy.”
• A cold wind passed through, sending a shiver down Rose’s spine. She didn’t like this, not one bit.
• Sean patted her shoulder. “But don’t worry, Rosie. I’ve got your back.”
• She shot him a skeptical look. “Should I be worried about that?”
• Sean grinned. “Absolutely.”
• And just like that, his playful mask was back in place.
• As he walked off, Rose exhaled.
• Amy was a problem.
• And somehow, she was already in the middle of it.