After dropping Isabelle off at her house with promise to see her at seven, Sebastian instructed his driver to take him to a nearby upscale mall.
"I need to pick up a gift," Sebastian explained. "Won't take long."
The limousine pulled up to the entrance of the Galleria—an exclusive shopping center that housed only luxury brands. Sebastian stepped out and made his way inside, his Patek Philippe glinting under the designer lighting.
He navigated past Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada until he found what he was looking for: Maison Laurent, a prestigious Belgian chocolate boutique known for its artisanal creations.
The shop was elegant—all marble counters, gold accents, and glass display cases filled with meticulously crafted chocolates arranged like precious jewels.
A saleswoman looked up as he entered. She was in her mid-twenties, conventionally attractive with styled blonde hair and carefully applied makeup. She wore the shop's uniform—a crisp white blouse and black pencil skirt.
"Good afternoon, welcome to Maison Laurent," she said with a professional smile that widened when she took in Sebastian's expensive uniform and watch. "How may I help you today?"
"I'm looking for a gift," Sebastian said, approaching the counter. "Chocolates for a family dinner. Something impressive but not ostentatious."
"Of course." The saleswoman's smile became warmer, more personal. "Are you familiar with our collections, or would you like some recommendations?"
"I'd appreciate your expertise."
"Well," she leaned forward slightly, gesturing to the display cases, "our signature collection is always popular. These are our pralines—handcrafted with Belgian dark chocolate and filled with various ganaches. The hazelnut and the salted caramel are customer favorites."
Sebastian examined them thoughtfully. "I'll take an assortment of those."
"Excellent choice." She moved to another case. "We also have our fruit collection—these are infused with real fruit essences. The raspberry is particularly elegant."
"Add those as well."
The saleswoman nodded, clearly pleased by his decisiveness. As she worked, Sebastian noticed her undoing the top button of her blouse, then casually unfastening a second one as she bent to retrieve boxes from beneath the counter.
She was trying to be subtle about it, but it was obvious.
Sebastian kept his eyes on the chocolates, unmoved.
She was attractive enough—maybe a 7.6 out of 10 if he was being generous. But Sebastian had standards, and more importantly, he had a goal for tonight.
"These truffles are amazing," she continued, straightening up and gesturing to another display, her blouse now considerably more revealing. "They're dusted with edible gold and filled with cognac ganache. Very luxurious."
"I'll take a box of those as well," Sebastian said, his tone professional.
"You have excellent taste," she said, her voice dropping slightly, becoming more intimate. "Most customers need much more guidance. It's refreshing to meet someone who knows quality when they see it."
She began arranging the selections, taking her time, occasionally glancing up at him through her lashes. "Are you celebrating something special? A birthday? Anniversary?"
"Dinner with a friend's family," Sebastian replied simply.
"Lucky friend," she murmured, then added, "We also have our signature champagne truffles. They pair beautifully with dinner. Would you like to try one? I could give you a sample…"
She held up a chocolate between her fingers, offering it directly toward his mouth in a gesture that was unmistakably suggestive.
Sebastian took the chocolate from her fingers with his own hand instead. "Thank you."
He tasted it—it was indeed excellent, complex and refined.
"I'll take two boxes of those as well."
The saleswoman's smile faltered slightly at his continued indifference, but she maintained her professionalism. "Of course. Will that be everything?"
"Actually, add the dark chocolate collection and the exotic spice assortment as well."
"Wonderful." She began tallying everything up. "You really do have impeccable taste. These are some of our finest offerings."
As she packaged everything in elegant gold boxes tied with silk ribbons, Sebastian pulled out his credit card.
"Your total comes to $520," she said, processing the payment. She leaned forward as she handed him the receipt, her blouse gaping open. "And if you ever need recommendations again… I'm here most afternoons. I'd be happy to help you personally."
She slid a business card across the counter with her personal number written on the back.
Sebastian took the card politely but didn't acknowledge the implication. "Thank you for your assistance."
"The pleasure was all mine," she said, her smile becoming slightly strained as she realized her efforts had been completely ineffective.
Sebastian collected his bags—several large shopping bags filled with luxury chocolates—and headed for the exit.
"Have a wonderful evening!" she called after him.
Sebastian raised his hand in acknowledgment but didn't look back.
As he returned to the limousine, his driver quickly stored the bags in the car.
"Back to the Tian residence, sir?" the driver asked.
"Yes. And I'll need to stop by home first. Thereis still some time left before the dinner."
"Of course, sir."
Sebastian checked his watch—the Patek Philippe showed 5:15 PM. Plenty of time to change into something more appropriate for dinner and still arrive fashionably on time.
He pulled out his phone and sent a quick message to Isabelle.