People were constantly passing by the restroom, so it wasn't a good place to talk. Nancy Zane found a more secluded and quiet spot.
"What did you want to talk to me about?"
Nancy Zane looked at him. The light here was dim, casting a fine, golden sheen on his glasses. They sat perched on the bridge of his nose above a crisp, well-fitted white shirt, its sleeves rolled to his elbows, giving him an effortlessly stylish and casual air.
When their eyes met, she couldn't help but blush.
"Dr. Lockwood, I... actually…" Nancy Zane was so nervous she started to stutter.
"Hm?"
A few seconds later, she finally summoned her courage. "I just wanted to ask... do you really think we're not a good match?"
"We're not." Sebastian Lockwood's reply was direct, without a trace of hesitation.
He was, without a doubt, being cruel.
Nancy Zane already knew the answer. Though she was heartbroken and humiliated, she managed a smile. "Is it because you think I'm not good enough for you? I know about the Lockwood family... I admit, I'd be reaching far above my station…"
"That's not the reason," Sebastian Lockwood cut her off. "You have an excellent education and a good job. You're a fine young woman."
"Then why aren't we a good match?" Nancy Zane grew anxious hearing this.
"You're great. I just don't like you."
Nancy Zane's expression faltered. 'I just don't like you.' How gut-wrenching.
She gave a bitter smile. "Then you like her?"
She didn't specify who, but Sebastian Lockwood knew exactly who she meant. He hummed a low affirmation.
"Isn't she your niece?"
"Not by blood. It's just what the little lady likes to call me."
Sebastian Lockwood thought about her calling him "uncle" and found it somewhat amusing. Even the expression on his face softened.
Nancy Zane wouldn't give up. "I've known you for over two years. We were in the same department in Aethelgard. When a team was being sent to Keston and you signed up, I followed you here. My family didn't understand, and we fought about it several times."
"How long have you even known her? And you like her this much already?"
"I've given up so much for you! How can you not see any of it?"
Nancy Zane had been in love with him for years but had never said anything. The reason was simple.
Plenty of people pursued Sebastian Lockwood, but he ignored them all. Since they were colleagues in the same department who saw each other day in and day out, no one was closer to him than she was. Naturally, she thought she'd have more time to win him over.
But Sydney Sawyer's appearance had made her anxious. She couldn't just sit back and wait any longer.
"Sebastian Lockwood, I really, truly like you! I've liked you for two years!"
Even if she knew the outcome, she wanted to fight for herself just this once. It would be a way to find closure for her years of affection.
This was Nancy Zane's last-ditch effort. She stared at Sebastian Lockwood, her heart pounding with both apprehension and hope.
Sebastian Lockwood lowered his gaze. With just one sentence, he utterly shattered all of it.
He said:
"You came to Keston for me. But the reason I came here…"
"...was to find her."
No more words were needed. Nancy Zane's heart was torn to shreds.
"If feelings could be calculated by time, I've known her longer." Sebastian Lockwood reached up to unroll his sleeves, smoothing them down. "She's like a cat—timid. You have to take it slow."
Nancy Zane suddenly recalled Donovan Sheridan mentioning that Sebastian Lockwood had found a cat and named it Timmy...
Timid?
She lowered her head with a bitter smile as tears streamed uncontrollably down her face.
'So I had already lost from the very beginning.'
"I'm heading back to the private room."
With that, Sebastian Lockwood turned and walked away without offering a single word of comfort.
He didn't believe that offering consolation at a time like this was a form of kindness.
He left without looking back, and as he rounded a corner, he could hear the sound of a woman's soft sobs behind him.
Many people said he could be cruel at times, but he believed that giving them hope when he couldn't give them happiness—that was true cruelty.
***
On his way back to the private room, Sebastian Lockwood took a call from his family, which delayed him for a bit. When he finally returned and pushed the door open, the first thing he saw was Sydney Sawyer holding a glass of liquor, with Donovan Sheridan urging her to drink.
'How long was I even gone? Donovan Sheridan, you really outdid yourself!'
"Dr. Lockwood, you're back! Come on, let's have a drink." Someone sitting near the door noticed Sebastian Lockwood and pulled him inside.
Donovan Sheridan turned his head at the sound, and his gaze abruptly collided with Sebastian's. That look... it could kill!
A chill shot down his spine instantly. 'Oh, crap, I gotta bolt!'
'If I don't get out of here now, my life is forfeit.'
"Looks like everyone's had their fill. We've been so busy these past few days, my back is killing me. I'm going to head home and get some sleep. Mr. Chandler, I'll be taking my leave now."
Donovan Sheridan said his goodbyes and tried to make a run for it, but Sebastian Lockwood blocked his path at the door.
"It's not often we all get together like this. You're leaving before you've even had a drink with me?"
"Heh heh... I'm a little tired." Donovan Sheridan offered a tactical, goofy grin.
"You had plenty of energy when you were pressuring her to drink just now. Tired already?"
"A little."
Sebastian Lockwood raised an eyebrow. "How can a man say he's tired?"
'What the hell?'
Donovan Sheridan fought the urge to curse out loud and whispered, "I was just getting a little anxious seeing how things are progressing between you and your 'niece,' you know?"
"I may not have any practical experience, but I'm rich in theory. Let me tell you, when your little lady has too much to drink, she's especially endearing…"
"I've created the opportunity for you. You have to seize it. Take a risk, shoot your shot, and turn that bicycle into a motorcycle."
After saying his piece, a certain someone slipped away, leaving Sebastian Lockwood with a face as dark as thunder.
'The nerve of that guy, spouting such shameless nonsense about "taking a risk."'
When Sebastian Lockwood returned to his seat, the young woman was already slumped over the table, apparently having drunk herself to sleep.
"Syd?"
"Ngh?" Sydney Sawyer shook her head and looked up at him. "Mr. Shaw? Are we drinking more?"
'Mr. Shaw?'
'Donovan Sheridan, you really know how to give yourself a promotion in seniority!'
"Li-liquor... let's drink…" Sydney Sawyer was quite drunk. She fumbled for a random glass on the table and tried to pull Sebastian Lockwood in for another round.
"No more drinking. I'm taking you home." Sebastian Lockwood frowned. "Can you even stand up?"
"Stand... stand up? Of course I can." Sydney Sawyer drunkenly pushed herself to her feet.
She swayed and staggered, completely unsteady, and nearly toppled over backward.
Sebastian Lockwood quickly grabbed her arm to steady her.
But Sydney Sawyer instantly fell into his arms, her head resting against his chest. Through the thin layer of his shirt, her forehead was scorching hot from the alcohol. The heat felt as if it would brand itself onto his skin.
"S-sorry."
Sydney Sawyer grabbed his arm with one hand, trying to get up.
But she didn't manage to get up, and instead tumbled back into his embrace.
Her breathing was hot and ragged as her hands patted haphazardly against his chest, causing his entire body to stiffen.
Sydney Sawyer gripped him tightly, using his support to straighten up again. Just as she was able to stand on her own and her fingers loosened, her hand started to slide down his arm, only to be gently caught by his...
...and held in his palm.
Her hand was burning hot from the alcohol.
Soft, searing... so hot it made his palm tingle. All he could do was grip it tighter.
Sebastian Lockwood's throat felt a little dry. He held his breath, lowered his voice, and leaned in close to her.
"Syd, let's go home, hm?"
He drew out the last syllable, his tone soft and coaxing, full of affection.