Sebastian and Yvette heard Joseph announce from the door.
Sebastian replied, “Let him in.” After that, he pulled Yvette over to lie down by his side. She scrambled to get up when she realized her dad was about to enter the room, but Sebastian wrapped her in a tight embrace, going so far as to pin her down by wrapping a leg across her. “Master, I beg of you. Please let me go, okay?” she pleaded to him when she was trapped.
“What if you escape once I let go of you? Let’s wait for your dad to enter. I’ll release you if he shows up with the phoenix blood herb,” Sebastian replied.
It was at that moment Joseph entered the bedroom with Frederik. Frederik grew incensed when he witnessed his daughter lying in Sebastian’s arms, both of them clad in sheer nightwear. Feeling embarrassed, Yvette buried her face in Sebastian’s chest.
“Mr. Osborne, did you bring the phoenix blood herb with you?” Sebastian’s gaze traveled to the vintage-looking rosewood box with exquisite patterns that Frederik was holding.
The box itself appeared expensive. Sebastian had every reason to believe that it contained the phoenix blood herb.
Frederik, suppressing his rage, said, “I brought it. Release my daughter now.”
“Give me the goods and I’ll return your daughter,” Sebastian insisted.
“Take it!” Frederik tossed the box at Sebastian with heartache. He had spent a fortune and jumped through hoops to get the herb. He intended to use it for pill refinement but left it to collect dust because there were very few records of instructions on how to use the herb.
He regretted not consuming the herb as it was. Though consuming the herb wasn’t as effective as refining it into a pill and then consuming that, it was still better than giving it away for free-and to an archenemy no less.
Sebastian grabbed the box and quickly opened it to check the contents. Inside, he found a herb about three inches tall with seven leaves. The herb was translucent and flaming red as if blood flowed through it.
It was indeed the phoenix blood herb.
Sebastian was thrilled to have the herb in his possession. He felt happier than if he’d
received a windfall because such a rare herb was incredibly hard to find.
“I’m a man of my word. Here, I’m releasing your daughter.” Sebastian released Yvette, who immediately jumped out of bed and ran into Frederik’s arms. She sobbed continuously, venting all her sadness.
“Alright. Stop crying. Let’s go home,” Frederik comforted her softly before giving Sebastian a sharp glance.
Despite Frederik’s best efforts to hide it, Sebastian noticed the murderous glint in his eyes. It was expected. Sebastian shrugged it off. He wouldn’t harm those who hadn’t hurt him, but he would always retaliate against those who did.
The Osbornes were the ones who started the trouble, so it was only natural for him to retaliate.
“Mr. Wilder, let’s head home now that you have the phoenix blood herb,” Joseph suggested.
“It’s getting late. We’ll leave tomorrow,” Sebastian replied.
After a moment of hesitation, Joseph added, “Mr. Wilder, I’m worried the Osbornes won’t take this lying down. The herb is priceless, and while they may not openly attack you, they could try something underhanded.
“Moreover, many others have heard about the phoenix blood herb. If they decide to target us, we could be in real danger if we stay here.”
Sebastian nodded, acknowledging Joseph’s concerns. “You’re right. We’ll travel home tonight.”
Joseph bought a car, and Zia became the driver, ferrying them back to Ravenview.
As soon as they left, two cars began tailing them. Merlin, Elena, and Nelson sat in one car while the other carried Benjamin, Rainey, Magnus, and Nathaniel.
