Chapter 29
Lisette stared straight at Tobias, eyes burning. Wait, what did he mean by that?
Was he flaunting his billionaire charisma? Or just bored of playing capitalist tycoon and now dabbling in the joys of saving souls? Seriously, isn’t Tobias a bit too free lately?
Watching the sunrise with her? Trying to be her emotional support family?
Lisette tilted her head, looking back into his eyes, finally landing on a conclusion – clearly, the night was too pretty, and the billionaire had gotten a little drunk on it.
Lisette didn’t take his words too seriously.
All in all, after having died once already, she knew better – her problems were hers to handle. Her mess, her responsibility. And let’s be real, what she had to deal with at home wasn’t just a bit of family drama.
The real challenge wasn’t taking Maverick out, but exposing his real face – making her parents and brothers see through the mask to the cold manipulation beneath.
Plus, she had to be on guard – he’d definitely try to stir the pot. She couldn’t let her guard down for a second.
Lisette rubbed between her eyebrows, yawning.
Tobias picked up pace, walking her back to the room. Just as they stepped in, his phone buzzed.
He set her down and walked out to take the call.
Lisette curled up on the big comfy bed, still wrapped in his coat. The clean, woodsy scent lingered on the fabric – it was kind of comforting. She tucked her legs under her, waiting for him to come back.
Tobias wasn’t one to waste time – his phone call took, what, twenty seconds?
He came back in fast strides, his tall frame cutting through the light.
“Everything okay p>
His perfectly crisp shirt was now wrinkled from carrying her, sleeves casually rolled up, arms looking strong and dependable.
Lisette glanced his way then asked, “I went ahead with that press thing without talking to you first. Are you gonna catch flak for it p>
Tobias was practically a ghost in high society – never posed for photos, skipped media events, avoided interviews like the plague. Back then, all she could think about was taking Amber down and reclaiming what belonged to her. But now that she thought about it, maybe she’d blindsided him a bit.
“It’s fine,” he said bluntly.
His calm just made her feel even more guilty.
Still wrapped in his coat, Lisette quietly said, “Thanks… for everything today p>
“Don’t mention it. Really.” His tone was light, without a trace of pressure. He glanced at the time. “Dinner will be up in half an hour. Take a shower and rest first. I’ll be next door – just holler if you need anything p>
“Okay.” Her reply was barely louder than a whisper.
Then came the soft click of the door closing and his footsteps fading into the hallway.
“He’s not as icy as the rumors made him out to be,” Lisette murmured, her mind going to that moment when he carried her in his arms. Two lifetimes in, and she’d never been that close to a guy before.
Ahhhh – why was her face getting hot?
Lisette rubbed her burning cheeks, got out of bed, rummaged through the wardrobe for pajamas, and headed into the bathroom.
Maybe it was from napping too long in the hot springs yesterday, but the next morning, Lisette surprisingly woke up early.
She glanced at the time-5:20 a. m.
“This early?” It felt weird not to be sleeping in.
She yanked the blanket over her head, trying to catch a few more Zs – but no matter how hard she tried, sleep wouldn’t come.
Tobias’ voice kept bouncing around in her head.
’I’ll watch the sunrise with you p>
’I’ll watch the sunrise with you p>
’I’ll watch the sunrise with you p>
She remembered posting it around 4:40 p. m., right? And at that time, shouldn’t he still be at work? Did Tobias seriously ditch work for this?
“Ugh p>
The more Lisette thought about it, the more flustered she became.
The most hardcore workaholic on Earth gave up a workday to see the sunrise with her… and all she did was blow him off with a “I’m sleeping in” text. Brutal.
Feeling a mix of guilt and regret, she flung off the covers, threw on a coat, and headed out.
On the terrace.
Tobias was holding up his phone, snapping shots of the sunrise.
Even though winter at Phoenix Crest Estate wasn’t unbearable, the morning chill still lingered. A gust of wind blew past, making Lisette pull her coat tighter, burying her hands deep in the sleeves.
Tobias heard the noise behind him and turned around.
Lisette had tucked her chin and mouth into her collar, only her big, curious eyes peeking out like some wide-eyed kitten.
When she spotted him, she poked her head out a little and softly mumbled, “Morning,” before quickly ducking back into her coat.
That look? Way too precious.
Tobias pocketed his phone, shrugged off his coat, and draped it over her shoulders. With a warm hand, he brushed some wayward strands from her cheek behind her ear. His early-morning voice was still a bit raspy, low like a bassline. “What made you crawl out of bed p>
He said it casually, but Lisette picked up something else in his tone, just a tiny hint of teasing.
Hmph! Mr. Perfection was definitely mocking her.
She widened her eyes dramatically. “What, I come out to watch the sunrise and you’re not even happy about it p>
She had her pride, alright. With that, she spun around, ready to stomp back inside.
Before she could take a step, Tobias grabbed her wrist and gently pulled her back. He adjusted the coat around her shoulders like it was the most natural thing, his voice softer now. “It’s an honor p>
Damn it, this guy. Cold face, warm heart. Even when she was grumpy from waking up too early, he knew exactly how to defuse her. She let it go and nestled beside him to watch the sunrise.
Lisette had always been a heavy sleeper. If it was before eight in the morning, forget it – no one could drag her out of bed. She had talked about wanting to see a sunrise before, sure, but the second she remembered she’d have to be up before five? Poof – the idea vanished.
So yeah, this was her first-ever sunrise.
The sky over the eastern horizon slowly cracked open with a blush-pink streak. The pale mist hanging in the air soaked up the color-light red, then a deeper pink, slowly turning redder by the second. It looked just like a girl’s cheeks when she’s shy.
The higher the sun climbed, the more vibrant the sky became.
All of a sudden, a bold streak of gold peeked through the clouds, as if trying to break free. It wriggled, leapt, shimmered… flaming with life.
Finally, it burst through, flooding the sky with dazzling light.
It didn’t take long before the whole eastern sky was coated in gold.
The whole scene was breathtaking – way more stunning than any video she’d ever seen online. It wasn’t even close.
Lisette had awe written all over her face.
When the sun had fully risen, Tobias turned his head – just in time to catch her expression. Her cheeks were tinted pink from the light, and her eyes… those cat-like eyes of hers sparkled like someone just tossed pebbles into two clear springs.
He couldn’t look away.
Everything was so still. Lisette felt that gaze almost instantly. She turned her head – and locked eyes with him.
His light-colored eyes were tinted red by the dawn, and he was staring like he’d forgotten how to blink.
Lisette’s cheeks heated under his gaze. She rubbed them awkwardly, then smiled to break the silence. “Mr. Hastings, wanna hear a secret p>