"I will take responsibility," Sebastian Vanderbilt says with sincerity.
He is the type to see things through to the end.
It is only after receiving his promise that Victoria feels relieved.
After all, being a direct descendant of the Caboat financial dynasty comes with its fair share of pressure.
After the banquet, the whole family gathers for a family portrait. This is a tradition of Uptown.
The guests disperse.
"The three of you, stay behind and wait for me in the office," Nicholas orders.
Edward, Charles, and William Vanderbilt are somewhat surprised but obediently go to the office.
In the Vanderbilt family, Nicholas's word is law.
"As for you, Seb," Nicholas continues, hesitating unexpectedly and looking at Sebastian with some indecision.
"It's late, and I need to take Victoria home," Sebastian replies with an innocent laugh, his eyes clear and bright with youthful innocence.
There is a burst of snickers after he speaks. Edward snidely comments under his breath, "The child of the youngest brother really can't stand on his own."
When their father asked Sebastian to stay, he thought Sebastian might have been involved in something important behind the scenes.
In the Vanderbilt family, being called into Nicholas's office is itself a sign of capability.
But to everyone's surprise, Sebastian declines this honor.
His reason? To take a minor celebrity home?
Indeed, a minor celebrity.
Sebastian's seemingly indiscreet private life has already been a topic of gossip among certain circles.
"Do you not understand manners? A high-achieving student from New York University actually refused grandfather's suggestion just to take a minor celebrity home?" Charles says in a stern voice, "Do you realize what you're doing?"
Though there is almost a laugh in his eyes, he maintains the authority of an uncle and chastises him nevertheless.
Nicholas Vanderbilt has a very dominant personality and detests being refused.
Sebastian's refusal could very well draw a line between him and the heir apparent.
Nicholas and Sebastian lock eyes, the former's gaze as sharp as knives, honed from years of business struggles.
Sebastian's gaze is clear, showing not a hint of fear.
After a moment of eye contact.
"The weather is turning cooler as we move into autumn. Grandfather may be focused on managing Oceanic Corporation, but your health is the real capital. Don't stay up too late!" Sebastian says with a smile and then turns to Charles: "And you too, Uncle!"
Without disputing Charles's words, Sebastian then leaves.
From start to finish, he remains confident and composed, neither servile nor overbearing.
Nicholas Vanderbilt watches Sebastian's retreating figure for a moment before turning to go upstairs. "Come to the office now. The Uptown's landscape is about to undergo another turn."
"Father!"
Charles calls out.
Nicholas pauses in his step.
"CJ is now married and should be considered a man. He has also been performing exceptionally well at Oceanic Shipping recently. Perhaps he could join the family meetings..." Charles suggests, the normally calm and mature man looking hopeful.
Their father had stopped Sebastian.
So perhaps Charles Jr., who is possibly more outstanding than Sebastian, could also participate?
After his words fall, the others watch Nicholas's retreating figure with nervous anticipation.
Sebastian may not understand the significance of being called into the office, but they are all too aware.
As for Charles Jr. himself, he is so nervous that he clenches his pants tightly.
For him, this moment feels like a pivotal choice of destiny.
"CJ...," Nicholas hesitates, and everyone holds their breath in anticipation.
"Let CJ sharpen himself for a few more years."
Nicholas gives his verdict, adding, "When I see that Charles Jr. can stand on his own without the protection of his family, capable of participating in meetings that influence the Uptown's market, then he may join."
He pauses, then says, "Not just CJ, Theodore, John Nelson, and Raymond too."
"Your grandfather is not blind. I have always kept an eye on everyone's performance!"
With those words, Nicholas Vanderbilt disappears from view, leaving Charles and his son on the first floor filled with regret, and the others taking pleasure in their misfortune.
On the streets, the scenes flash by like a swiftly changing tide.
Inside the car.
"Men are all liars," Victoria says with disdain, looking at Sebastian Vanderbilt, who is reviewing documents. "You're obviously going to discuss business, yet you insist on 'taking me home.'"
Jealousy and family discord.
Upon reflection, she couldn't help but feel the guilty conscience of a femme fatale from the novels.
"So we're even now?" Sebastian places the document aside, rubbing his temples, which had begun to ache, then replies with a smile, "Victoria, weren't you always feeling guilty? Now you don't have to."
"Weren't we even after those three days as a secretary?" Victoria's eyes twinkle mischievously, a look of 'you can't fool me' on her face, "Now it seems like you owes me a favor, doesn't it?"
"You would be wasting your business acumen if you didn't go into business," Sebastian chuckles. "Here's the deal: choose between an endorsement contract worth a million dollars and a dinner cooked by Sebastian Vanderbilt himself."
"Are you that eager to distance yourself from me?" Victoria catches the implication in Sebastian's words, her eyebrows raising slightly in displeasure.
"Too smart a woman may find it hard to get attracted," Sebastian says with regret, feeling it is a waste for such a clever woman to not use her intelligence. He quickly reminds her, "We're almost at your place. Make your choice."
"I'll take the dinner cooked by the very Sebastian Vanderbilt," Victoria quickly decides.
"You're not choosing the endorsement?" Sebastian seems surprised. "As far as I know, celebrities with your level of fame don't make that much in a year, right?"
"Emotions tinged with self-interest aren't as pure. I'd rather not take an action that feels like being handed money for free. I don't want to feel inferior every time I see Sebastian," Victoria says half-teasingly.
"Ah, if Jessica hears this, I'm afraid..." Sebastian begins, but his smile abruptly stops, replaced by a slightly strange look in his eyes as he turns to Victoria.
"So it's dinner then!" Victoria blinks, asserting, "Just so you know, I have very high standards when it comes to meals. If I'm not satisfied, it doesn't count as fulfilling the agreement."
"I feel like I've created a huge problem for myself," Sebastian says quirkily. "Is it too late to take back my offer now?"
Victoria looks at him with a smile and counters, "Can you take back water that's already been spilled?"