Chapter 31 Abigail had assumed that Sebastian wore sunglasses and a mask eater to prevent the virus . But now it seeme " Order whatever you like . We'll go to the company ( like he just wanted to ha my after lunch , " Sebastian said casually , passing her a menu before focusing on it himsel Seated across from him , Abigail considered asking about the content of her job , but thinking that he hadn't even mentioned it to Timothy , the figured it must be a confidential assignment . After ordering her food , she set her phone aside , intending to ask him about the work . Yet just as she opened her mouth , her phone rang Abigail noticed that Sebastian glanced at her phone screen . The caller ID displayed : Stephen . Abigail didn't want to answer the call . Her phone was an old model with poor audio quality , and with Sebastiani sitting directly across from her , he could easily overhear the conversation . But she thought that she still hadn't met her grandfather , and if she ignored Stephen's call , he'd find other ways to make her life miserable . " Please excuse me , " she said , picking up the phone and standing as if to leave the table . Jackson interjected , " You can take it here . No need to worry about Mr. Robinson . He's not interested in your personal matters The way Abigail seemed intent on stepping away annoyed Jackson , and he scoffed inwardly , ' Does she think Mr. Robinson is someone interested in gossip ? And who takes a call and sneaks off in front of their boss ? " Abigail had no choice but to press the answer button . Before she could say anything , Stephen's voice exploded through the receiver . " Where the hell have you been ? We can never find you at home . Dan's depression flared up because of you . Get your ass back here right now . " His rage echoed loudly from the phone . Abigail was used to being spoken to like this . But with Sebastian watching , she still felt a twinge of embarrassment . Abigail tried to hold back her anger and replied , " I'm on a business trip . if her depression is acting up , she should take her medication . Even if I'm at home , I can't cure her immediately . " " A business trip ? Who do you think you are ? You probably ran off because you realized you were too cruel with your words this morning , huh ? Listen , you're coming home to apologize to Dani , or don't bother coming back at all . And forget about seeing Grandpa . " Stephen was always good at finding her weak spots and using them like knives . Abigail's grip on the phone tightened a bit . Her breathing grow heavier , but she didn't even realize it . She retorted , " Stephen , you've already broken your word once . Don't keep pushing me . My patience has limits . And again , I'm on a business trip . " It frustrated her that having to argue over this nonsense in front of her boss . She hated the feeling - like Stephen's voice was clamping around her throat again , dragging her back into that suffocating space . " Even here , in a different city , I still can't escape him , " she thought bitterly Jackson noticed the firm set of Sebastian's jaw and instantly regretted telling Abigail to answer the call at the table . He thought , ' Maybe personal calls really should be kept away from work after all ." Abigail hung up the phone . Seeing that Sebastian's mood had soured , she apologized , " I'm sorry , Mr. Robinson . " " It's fine ," Sebastian said , his voice as neutral as ever . After they finished their meal , Abigail headed to the restroom . Jackson used the same excuse to follow her and he scoffed, " During work hours , I expect you to use a work phone . Don't mix private affairs with your job ." 1/2 Chapter 31 Abigail thought his suggestion made sense . After all , Halden Group wain't a small time operation . Big companies pot where ih policies , and it was on employees to uphold them . Abigail replied , " You're right . Once I get my first paycheck , I'll buy another phone Stephen's constant , disruptive calls frustrated Abigail ton , and she felt like Jackson's suggestion wasn't unreasonable . " No , " Jackson said flatly . " After we're back from HQ today , you gotta get one . Don't let your family drama reach Mr. Robinson again . " He flung the words at her and walked off without waiting for a response . It was only then that Abigail realized Jackson n was deliberately making things hard for her . She looked at him and said calmly , " I don't have money for a new phone . " Jackson turned back sharply , meeting her cool gare . His brows drew together as he shot back , " Are you making excuses ? " * Nope , I'm just telling the truth , " Abigail replied . After that , she walked into the women's room , leaving him behind , After getting out of the hotel , they went straight to the headquarters . Sebastian headed upstairs immediately upon arrival , leaving Abigail in Jackson's charge . Jackson brought Abigail to the Research and Development Department and called over the department manager , Dutton Brunson Jackson said , " She's here with Mr. Robinson to help sort out the issues you guys left hanging . She's a real expert . Ask her anything if you're stuck " Oh , and Mr. Robinson thinks highly of her . He covers all her expenses on this trip . You'd do well to treat a talent like her properly . " After that , Jackson left Abigail there and left . Dutton gave Abigail a once - over and said , " Since Mr. Robinson sent you here , why don't you tell us how you plan to handle our current issues ? " Abigail didn't even know what the project was , let alone how to fix anything . Keeping her tone respectful , she asked , " No one informed me of my task before I arrived . Would you mind filling me in ? " Dutton's gaze flicked over her outfit again - from head to toe . He thought with growing suspicion , ' Chanel all over and paid for by Mr. Robinson ? What kind of employee gets treated like that by their boss ? ' His expression cooled , and the edge in his voice sharpened . " Get yourself a seat over there . I wouldn't dare put you to work ." C