Page 136 of The Bittersweet Bond

Bas let out a slow breath, his annoyance fading slightly as he ran a hand over his knee. “She’s special, yeah,” he admitted, his voice quieter now. The thought of Evin loosened something in his chest, softened the irritation. “It’s nothing official, but… maybe something is developing.”

“Well, I hope you’re mindful,” his mother said, her voice gentle but deliberate. “Not that your father misinterprets. But between us, I think it’s wonderful that you have someone like Evin in your life.”

At that moment, the door swung open completely. The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly as Bas’s father stepped in. His presence alone was commanding, his powerful strides echoing against the marble floor. The cold smirk on his lips made it clear that he had heard every word of the conversation.

“Evin Hayes, is it?” His voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable undertone of scrutiny. “So that’s how you’ve been occupying your time.”

Bas’s jaw tensed slightly, but he held his father’s gaze. “Yes. That’s who I spend my time with, Dad.”

“Fascinating.” His father moved further into the room, his hands clasped neatly behind his back, his gaze assessing. “And tell me, Sebastian, how exactly do you see someone like her fitting into the life you are expected to lead?”

The tension was palpable, but his mother intervened with a light smile. “The Hayes family is highly respectable. They are well-educated, thoughtful, and hold an impeccable reputation. I fail to see the issue.”

His father stopped, turned to her, and regarded her with an expression of quiet amusement—one that barely concealed his condescension. “Respectable? Well-educated?” He let out a soft, humorless chuckle. “That may suffice in the realm of academia, but let us not pretend that it holds any relevance to us.”

Bas sat up straighter, his voice firm. “Her family has integrity. They’re good people.”

His father’s smirk deepened, his eyes cold. “Integrity is a fine quality, no doubt. But let’s not mistake virtue for significance. The world we move in operates on a very different currency.”

Bas clenched his fists, the heat rising in his chest. “This is absurd! You don’t even know her.”

“I don’t need to know her,” his father countered smoothly. “I know where she comes from. And I know that, in time, you will come to understand what that means.”

Bas’s mother placed her glass down with measured grace. “Perhaps we should let Bas make his own choices.”

His father tilted his head slightly, regarding him as if he were an ambitious child who had yet to grasp the gravity of the world. “Choices,” he mused. “Do you truly believe this is about choice?”

Bas exhaled sharply, his voice low but steady. “I’m old enough to know what’s good for me.”

His father raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable but laced with something chillingly final. “Then we shall see just how wise you are, Sebastian, when you are forced to reckon with the consequences of your… attachments.”

He turned, his movements unhurried, each step measured as he walked toward the door. Just before leaving, he added, “Get ready. We have an appointment with the Sinclairs.”

Bas took a deep breath, his gaze shifting to his mother, who offered him a reassuring smile. “Don’t let him intimidate you, my son. If Evin matters to you, hold on to that. Your father forgets what it is to be young.”

Bas nodded slowly, though the weight of the conversation settled heavily on his shoulders. He knew this was only the beginning—but he was ready for it.

“I’m not a child anymore,” he murmured, before leaving the room.

__________

The golf club’s clubhouse was a statement of elegance and power. The air smelled of polished wood and expensive leather. The muted clinking of silverware and glasses echoed through the high-ceilinged, sunlit rooms. A faint floral scent seemed to drift from the meticulously arranged centerpieces, while the deep leather chairs and heavy mahogany tables exuded a sense of tradition and old money. Waiters moved soundlessly between the tables, serving lobster platters and perfectly cut Wagyu steaks.

Bas sat at the table, flanked by his father and Mr. Sinclair, while Cat had taken a seat across from him. A waiter was refilling the wine glasses, but Bas declined, leaving his untouched. He had no appetite, even though the aroma of the food was enticing.

“It’s really nice to see how well you two get along,” his father remarked casually, taking a sip of his wine while glancing between Cat and Bas. His expression was neutral, but his intent was clear.

Cat smiled politely, her posture relaxed, as if she belonged in this setting. “Thank you, Mr. Montgomery,” she replied smoothly. “Sebastian is a great partner—whether in golf or at school.”

Mr.Sinclair chuckled, visibly pleased. “Cat has always had a talent for surrounding herself with the best.”

Bas set his silverware down carefully, the faint clink against the porcelain the only sound. “Thank you for the wonderful day, Mr. Sinclair.” His voice was polite, but a flicker in his eyes was something only his father recognized. “I truly enjoyed it.”

He straightened, picked up his napkin, folded it slowly, and placed it beside his plate. “However, I’ll have to excuse myself now.”

Mr. Sinclair looked surprised. “Oh, already? You’ll miss dessert.”

Bas met their eyes with a calm, unreadable look. “That’s unfortunate, but I have plans.” His voice remained calm, almost nonchalant. He turned to his father and added, deliberately, “With my girlfriend, Evin Hayes.”

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