100 Days to Seduce Mr. Grande

"Sorry, I'm late," Sebastian apologized as he took his seat, and added, "Welcome back, Father," his eyes meeting Edmund's.

Aurora subtly nudged him, whispering, "You're late," while Edmund stared at him, his expression neutral.

"Hmm," Edmund grunted, staring at his watch.

Meanwhile, Daniel and Elena shared glances, and Daniel urged her to speak with a silent nod.

"Sebastian, aren't you going to greet me?" Elena scolded, and then added, "Or is it because I'm your stepmother?"

Her tone turned cold, and her words continued, each one a carefully crafted barb, "You came late, despite my clear instructions to be early," she pointed out, and emphasized, "That's awfully disrespectful to your father and me."

Sebastian scoffed, his eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "How could I have known about the dinner?" he muttered under his breath, clearly baffled by Elena's words.

Elena's gaze snapped to his, her eyes flashing with irritation.

But before she could respond, Edmund slammed his hands on the table.

"Quiet, everyone!" he boomed.

"Let's eat," he declared, his tone brooking no argument.

Once they finished eating, the silence swooped back in, as the maids took the dishes.

As the last plate was taken away, Daniel broke the silence, "Father, the mayor promised us a subsidy last month." His face lit up with excitement, but his eyes darted nervously to Edmund.

Elena chimed in, her voice filled with pride. "We had dinner with his wife, actually."

She exchanged a tentative smile with Daniel as their eyes locked briefly.

The room fell silent once more, as the duo waited for his reaction.

"Your hair," Edmund's deep voice shattered the silence as he stared at Sebastian.

Sebastian's eyes met his father's, a flicker of unease crossing his face.

"You've changed your hair color," Edmund observed, his expression neutral.

"Brown suits you better," he added, a subtle nod of disapproval.

"That's your natural hair color."

Sebastian smiled faintly, his eyes darting downward.

"Yeah," he muttered, instinctively raking his fingers through his hair.

Elena's frustration boiled over. "For goodness' sake, listen to your son!" she exclaimed, her finger jabbing toward Daniel. "He's trying to discuss something important, and you're fixated on hairstyles?"

Her eyes flashed to Sebastian, voice dripping with disapproval. "And you, young man, are acting out. This isn't about hair; it's defiance. The hair, the attitude... it's all a cry for attention, a challenge to authority and–"

Edmund's voice cut through the air, interrupting her, "Woman, be quiet." His sharp glare sliced toward her, silencing her instantly.

Aurora, sensing the room's rising tension, rose from her seat. "Uncle, since we've finished dining, may I excuse myself?"

Edmund's expression softened, his eyes warming as he gazed at Aurora. "Yes, dear. Go attend to your studies."

Aurora's fingers brushed against Sebastian's shoulder, as she whispered. "Good luck." She turned, her skirt swishing softly as she hastened out of the room.

Sebastian's lips parted, his eyes meeting with his father's "Father—"

Edmund's raised hand cut off Sebastian's words. He turned to Daniel. "Daniel, what's Elite Group's current business scale in the city?"

"Wh– what, Father?" Daniel stuttered, his eyes darting toward his mom for rescue.

Elena's rapid nod urged him on.

"Uhm... We are currently the biggest in Meadow Brooke," Daniel managed, his voice trembling.

His face flushed, and his palms grew sweaty as Edmund's piercing gaze lingered.

"That's vague, Daniel. I want specifics." Edmund's eyebrows arched, his gaze sharpening.

Daniel swallowed hard. "I-I mean, sir... 70% market share?"

Edmund exhaled heavily, disdain on his face. "Collecting grants from the Mayor? Is that what we've been reduced to? Begging for scraps?" Annoyance filled his tone, and Daniel shrank under his gaze.

Edmund's attention shifted, his eyes boring into Sebastian. "Were you aware of this?"

Sebastian's gaze lifted, meeting Edmund's. He flicked a glance at Daniel, sensing an unspoken plea to cover up.

"Yes, Father," Sebastian replied, his voice steady. "I was informed... last minute."

Edmund's grunt was followed by a stern gaze. "We are the Grandes. We don't beg, we give."

He cleared his throat, his voice taking on authoritative pitch. "The Mayor's hosting a charity fund event next month. One of you will attend and make a substantial donation. We need to reassert our family's influence."

Elena intervened before Edmund could continue. "Let's send Daniel. As president of Elite Group, he's the perfect representative."

"Temporary," Edmund muttered, his eyes narrowing as he turned to Sebastian.

"Boy, How many percentage market share do we have in the city?" Edmund asked, his voice low.

Daniel and Elena exchanged uneasy glances, wondering what Edmund was up to.

Sebastian cleared his throat, "As of this afternoon, 71% market share, sir."

Edmund rose from his chair, "You," he pointed at Sebastian, "are going to the charity event."

"Honey!" Elena exclaimed.

"Father!" Daniel protested simultaneously.

Sebastian's gaze dropped to the table, a subtle smirk playing on his lips.

"We are done," Edmund declared, his voice firm. "No further discussion. I will be in my study room and wish not to be disturbed." As he spoke, his gaze lingered on Elena,

"Thank you, Father," Sebastian said, rising from his seat.

"Go," Edmund replied with a dismissive wave.

Sebastian bowed and hastily left to avoid talks from Daniel and Elena.

*****

Elena and Daniel stepped out onto the balcony, the evening air a welcome feeling in contrast from the tension they were feeling inside. Elena plucked the cigarette from Daniel's fingers, her hands trembling slightly.

"Mother, are you sure you should be smoking?" Daniel asked, his brow furrowed.

Elena's eyes flashed, her voice low and venomous. "You think I care about my health right now?"

She took a long drag, the ember glowing bright.

"Did the doctor say you should quit?" Daniel pressed, taking the cigarette from her.

Elena exhaled sharply, smoke curling into the night air. "Quit? When your father refuses to listen to reason?" Her voice rose.

She snatched the cigarette back from Daniel, her fingers wrapping tightly around it.

"How dare him tell that brat to attend that important event!" she spat, her eyes blazing.

Daniel's voice quivered. "I'm sorry, Mom. It's my fault."

Elena's expression softened, her arms enveloping Daniel in a side hug. "No, my darling. It's not your fault. It's that Sebastian's fault for coming to dinner in the first place."

Her gaze drifted, eyes narrowing as she contemplated. "He's been acting up lately. I thought we had him wrapped around our finger."

Daniel turned to face her, suggesting, "Maybe it's because we haven't kept our end of the deal?"

Elena's eyes snapped back to Daniel's, a hint of surprise flickering. Her voice dropped to a hush. "You think that's why he's acting up? Because we haven't fulfilled our promise?"

Daniel nodded, his eyes meeting hers. "What if knows, Mother?"

Elena's grip on Daniel tightened, her face pale in the dim light. "We can't let that happen. We must maintain control."