hapter 54 

Chapter 54 

When the car rolled to a stop, Stephanie finally noticed where Sebastian had brought her–a banquet. 

And not just any banquet. She recognized this place. 

This place belonged to the Hodge family. One of the most influential families in Long Harbor. 

If she remembered correctly, this year marked Mr. Benjamin Hodge’s 80th birthday. And judging by the lavish setup, they’d definitely gone all out. 

“Mr. Giovanni, Mr. Hodge is waiting for you inside,” Elliot opened the car door and reminded. 

Sebastian nodded, then turned to Stephanie. “You hungry?” 

Stephanie glanced at the time her phone. “Yeah. A little.” 

She was the type to eat on schedule, and right now, it was definitely mealtime. 

“Alright,” Sebastian’s voice was calm. “Go in and grab something to eat. I’ll be about half an hour meeting with Mr. Hodge.” 

So this wasn’t just about attending a banquet–he was here for business? Stephanie raised her eyebrow. 

She eyed the crowd flowing into the venue–men in tailored suits, women in dazzling evening gowns. 

Then she looked down at her own outfit. A loose, casual blazer and sneakers. “You sure I should just walk in like this?” she asked. 

Sebastian casually shrugged. “Is there a problem?” 

“Isn’t there?” Stephanie was still hesitated. 

Elliot chimed in, deadpan. “No problem.” 

Stephanie sighed. If they said so, then she would just follow. 

Sebastian turned to Macro, who was sitting in the front seat, still engrossed in his game. “Go with her,” he commanded. 

Macro barely looked up. “You really that hungry?” 

Stephanie nodded. “The Hodge family’s chef is amazing.” 

Macro chuckled, “Seriously?” 

He knew Stephanie had been eaten the best food all over Fiorenza, and she was hyped over the Hodge family’s banquet menu? 

Sebastian shot Macro a look. Macro sighed, locking his phone. 

“Alright, alright,” he turned to Sebastian. “Your sister is my sister. I won’t let her go hungry. Now go handle your business.” 

Sebastian’s expression turned cold. “Stefi’s my sister, not yours.” 

Macro’s mouth twitched. “Fine, I won’t let your sister go hungry. Happy?” 

Seeing Sebastian walked off, Macro finally turned to Stephanie. “Alright, let’s go. I’ll take you to get some food.” 

Stephanie followed him inside, totally out of place among the extravagantly dressed guests. 

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06:24 Tue, 4 Mar S. 

Chapter 54 

But Macro, unbothered, led her straight to the dessert table. 

“You can eat here. I need to finish this match,” said Macro. 

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He was sure the dessert spread was massive–enough to keep Stephanie occupied. So he found a seat nearby, pulling out his phone. 

Stephanie was genuinely hungry. She grabbed a small cake, took a bite–And right on cue, a familiar voice called out. 

“Stefi?” 

It was Ella. She looked up, meeting her gaze. 

Ella was draped in a black, low–cut gown, shimmering under the lights. Meanwhile, Stephanie looked like she’d just wandered in from a coffee shop. 

“Who’d you come with? Did Chris bring you here? And… why are you dressed like that?” Ella questioned, her eyes flickered over her outfit. 

Ella figured this was Chris‘ way of handling the media circus surrounding their called–off engagement. 

She thought it was reasonable. It was no secret that the Ashford family was under fire, and by now, Olivia was probably taking most of the heat.