Chapter 460

"This is divine! Did you get it from Prescott Patisserie? Their pastries are out of this world! No one comes close!" Sebastian's eyes sparkled with genuine delight. "I mean it! Would I lie about dessert? Here, try a bite!"

He scooped a generous portion onto his spoon and extended it toward Cassandra.

She recoiled with visible distaste. Sebastian sighed dramatically. "How could anyone refuse this masterpiece?"

As he devoured another mouthful, Cassandra watched calmly until half the cake disappeared. "Sebastian," she began casually, "have you seen Alexander lately?"

"Nope!" He spoke through a mouthful of red velvet, occasionally pausing to sip his macchiato. "No joint projects recently. He's swamped, I'm buried - you know how he is. Getting him out for drinks is like pulling teeth. You probably see him more than I do anyway." He paused mid-bite. "Wait... why do you ask?"

Under his suddenly suspicious gaze, Cassandra smiled sweetly. "Just a small favor I need your help with."

The innocent expression didn't fool him. Sebastian nearly choked on his cake - that harmless smile was always her deadliest weapon. He slammed the spoon down. "I knew it! There's always an agenda with you!"

"Don't be dramatic!" Cassandra tilted her head, golden curls bouncing. "It's nothing major. We haven't all caught up in ages! Just think of it as... facilitating a friendly reunion."

She clasped her hands excitedly. "And didn't you say there are no collaborations happening? Perfect timing to brainstorm new opportunities! Two birds, one stone - genius, right?"

Sebastian's appetite vanished. He tossed his napkin onto the half-eaten dessert. "Out with it. What's the real plan? You want me to take you to see him?"

Cassandra nodded eagerly.

"That's bribery!" He snorted, stirring his macchiato aggressively. "Since when do you need my help anyway? You've practically got a GPS tracker on the man. Did he finally get that restraining order?"

Safe in the knowledge this wasn't some world-ending crisis, Sebastian couldn't resist teasing.

She shot him a withering glare. "That's mean! I'm asking because it's... delicate."

"What's there to be delicate about?" He nearly spat out his drink laughing. "You already know all his most embarrassing childhood secrets - the bedwetting incident, that time he—" The words died in his throat under Cassandra's murderous stare. Clearing his throat, he muttered, "Fine. What exactly do you need?"

Cassandra's next words came out in a rush. "I need to know if his engagement is real."

The macchiato sprayed across Sebastian's shirt as he choked violently. "What?!" He jumped up, dabbing frantically at the stains. "Have you lost your mind? Where did you hear that insane rumor? Alexander? Engaged? You're joking, right?"