Chapter 13 1/2 When the first woman who'd spoken noticed Noelle approaching , her gaze turned cold . Frowning , she said , " I don't recall there being attendants today . How did you get in ? Who are you looking for ? " As Noelle held the gift , she awkwardly stood and said , " I'm here for Sebastian Cole . " " For Sebastian ? " The woman's voice rose sharply . Moments ago , she hadn't bothered to spare Noelle a single glance , but now , her eyes swept across Noelle from head to toe . Noelle might've been pretty , but she had a modest , unremarkable air about her . She was most probably not the type Sebastian would take a fancy to . When the woman finished sizing Noelle up , a mocking smile tugged at her lips . " Where did you get his address and details ? You know , we could call the cops for something like this … " But before the woman could finish speaking , Noelle felt a sudden warmth at the back of her hand , as if a warm hand had gripped hers . When she looked up , she was met with a perfect face straight out of a sculpture . Everything from his perfect facial features to his sharp jawline and sexy Adam's apple carried a quiet , attractive pull . As she glanced down at their hands , Noelle caught the faint contour of his carpal bones peeking out from beneath the man's folded shirt cuff . " Call the cops ? I think you're mistaken , Ms. Sanchez . " Sebastian Cole narrowed his eyes slightly at the woman . Yvette Sanchez hadn't noticed the way Sebastian was holding Noelle's hands . For a moment , she was pleased that he'd cleared time to entertain her when he was so caught up in the middle of his rounds . She lightly placed her hand on his arm . " Why are you here , Sebastian ? Have you finally settled those businessmen ? " You were worried I'd be bored alone , weren't you ? I'm fine , really- " Suddenly , she stopped mid - sentence . It was only then that she noticed Sebastian's other hand was firmly linked with the woman who'd been seeking him out . Her friend beside her noticed this too , and the both of them looked equally confused . Noelle looked at the man who'd taken her hand and belatedly realized that he was Sebastian Cole . His hand gripped hers with such intensity that veins bulged beneath her skin , and for a fleeting moment , Noelle was caught in a trance . They'd met once as kids in the presence of both families . Even then , Sebastian had been a composed , watchful boy . His hair was always neatly combed , and he'd used to wear dark - rimmed glasses . Chapter 13 2/2 Now , though he still carried that air of austerity and distance , there was an intriguing contrast to him she couldn't quite put a finger on . Yvette's expression fell as she hesitantly asked , " Sebastian , do you know her ? " Sebastian's brows lifted slightly , and to Noelle's surprise , there was a trace of pride in his voice when he said , " Oh , more than that . " Since we're already here , let me introduce you to my fiancée , Noelle Spencer . " Hearing the way Sebastian uttered her name with such certainty sent a jolt through Noelle's chest . She could almost feel her heart skipping a beat as the warmth of Sebastian's palm spread across her skin . " Fiancée ? You're joking , right ? " Yvette was utterly stunned as her gaze toward Noelle sharpened with disdain . Her friend muttered under her breath , " What ? Is this the infertile divorcee ? " Sebastian's brows drew into a frown after hearing those words . The warmth in his eyes instantly vanished and was replaced by a cold , cutting edge as he fixed them on the speaker . " I believe you're not on the guest list today . " Yvette darted a guilty glance at her friend , Sadie Locke . " I was just afraid I'd be bored alone , so I had Sadie keep me company . " But Sebastian's frown didn't ease . If anything , his gaze turned even colder as it turned to Sadie . Faltering under the weight of his stare , Sadie lacked the courage to even meet his eyes . All she could do was cast a helpless look at Yvette , silently begging for help . Yvette was at a loss too . According to the Sebastian she knew , he might be polite and gentlemanly , but if he was crossed , all that courtesy would vanish . Now , she knew better than to defend Sadie . Sebastian dangerously narrowed his eyes and announced in a deep voice , " You weren't invited , Ms. Locke . Chapter 14 1/2 Chapter 14