Chapter 459

It wasn't an option to approach Alexander directly, but there were always alternative strategies to consider.

Sebastian Winslow had been swamped lately. He had his feet propped up on his desk, phone in hand, shamelessly flirting with his latest crush when Cassandra Winslow burst into his office. The sudden intrusion nearly made him drop his phone, his expression flickering between shock and forced composure before he managed to school his features.

"Wow, what a surprise!" Sebastian drawled, tilting his head with exaggerated amusement. "You never visit me. Did you finally remember you have a brother?"

His gaze flicked to the bag in her hand, and he smirked. "You brought food? Don’t tell me you came all this way just to feed me."

Cassandra laughed, breezing past his sarcasm as she set the cake box and coffee cup on his desk. "You guessed it. I bought these just for you. Happy?"

"Seriously?" Sebastian immediately swung his legs down and leaned forward, eyes lighting up. "No way—red velvet cake and a caramel macchiato? You actually remembered my favorites."

He cradled the cake box like it was treasure, grinning but making no move to open it. "If this is your way of buttering me up, you might as well just ask."

Cassandra pulled a chair opposite him and sat, resting her chin on her hands. "Who says I want anything? Can’t a sister spoil her brother for once?"

Sebastian snorted, shaking his head. "Nice try. You only bribe me when you need something."

The rich scent of cream cheese frosting and caramel wafted from the bag, making his stomach growl. Cassandra wrinkled her nose—she’d never liked the overpowering sweetness of caramel—but she kept her smile in place.

"Fine," she sighed dramatically. "But you’re overthinking it. Just eat the cake."

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. "Nope. Not falling for it. Spill."

Cassandra resisted the urge to smack him. Instead, she batted her lashes. "Aw, come on. Can’t I just be nice?"

Sebastian hesitated, his guard slipping slightly. "You swear?"

"Forget it." She reached for the bag. "If you don’t want it, I’ll give it to someone who’ll appreciate it."

"Hey!" He yanked the bag back, clutching it protectively. "You said it was mine. No take-backs."

He took a sip of the macchiato, then dug into the cake with a spoon, humming in delight. "Oh my god, this is heaven." Leaning back, he closed his eyes in bliss.

"Good, right?" Cassandra leaned in, propping her elbows on the desk. Her smile was all innocence.

Sebastian cracked one eye open, suspicious. "Too good. What’s the catch?"

Cassandra just grinned wider.