Chapter 19: A Matter of Business and Trust

Eloise Bridgerton, accompanied by her brother Benedict, arrived at the sprawling complex of Foxworth Industries. The guards at the entrance recognized them immediately and escorted them through the labyrinth of buildings to Sebastian's office—a stark, functional space that reflected the man's preference for simplicity and efficiency.

Upon entering, they were greeted by Sebastian Foxworth and a distinguished gentleman Eloise did not recognize. "Eloise, Benedict, this is Lord Marcus Anderson, Lady Danbury's brother and my business partner," Sebastian introduced with a hint of pride in his voice. "He has been instrumental in our expansion into India and has only recently returned to England."

Lord Marcus, a tall man with a keen eye, extended a hand. "A pleasure to meet both of you," he said warmly. Sensing the undercurrents of a more private conversation waiting to unfold, he turned to Benedict with a courteous offer. "Mr. Bridgerton, may I interest you in a tour of our facilities?"

Benedict, ever curious about industrial advancements, accepted readily, leaving Eloise and Sebastian alone in the office.

Sebastian's demeanor was unexpectedly buoyant as he turned to Eloise. "I'm genuinely pleased you came to visit," he said, his smile reaching his eyes. Eloise, taken aback by his cheerful reception especially after the incident at Lady Nelson's ball, hesitated before addressing the purpose of their visit.

"Sebastian, I need to discuss the matter of the loans you've called on from Lord Hawkins and Lord Sadwell," she began, her tone more direct than she had intended.

Sebastian's smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of surprise. "Is this why you're here?" he asked, his voice tinged with disappointment. "I had hoped it was out of a desire to see where I work, to understand what I do here."

Eloise felt a pang of guilt but pressed on. "It is partly why, but I must address this issue. Anthony believes you're retaliating because of what happened at the ball. Is there any truth to that?"

Sebastian's expression hardened, his affable demeanor slipping away. "Eloise, I am many things, but petty is not one of them. The decision to call in those loans is strictly business. It has nothing to do with your brother or any social disagreements we may have had."

Despite his assurances, Eloise couldn't help but push further, driven by her concerns for the Hawkins family and the implications of his actions. "Could you not extend them more time? For the sake of their families and their situations?"

Sebastian's stance remained firm, his business acumen overshadowing the personal rapport they had started to build. "I operate based on the needs of my company and the market, not on personal relationships. I cannot show favoritism. It would set a precedent I'm not prepared to support."

Frustration mounting, Eloise then brought up Nathan's situation. "And what of Sir Nathan's mines in Cornwall? Your practices are undercutting his operations."

At this, Sebastian's demeanor cooled further, his patience visibly thinning. "Miss Bridgerton, while I respect your social concerns, my business decisions are just that—business. I will not apologize for being successful or for making hard decisions that others may shy away from."

Seeing his growing discomfort, Eloise realized she had perhaps pushed too far. The conversation was no longer cordial; it was an interrogation. "I... I understand your position, Sebastian," she conceded, her voice softening. "But please, consider the human element in your business strategies."

Sebastian nodded curtly, the businessman completely back in control. "I think it's time we conclude our visit, Miss Bridgerton. I shall escort you out."

The walk back to find Benedict was tense, with neither speaking much. Sebastian's polite façade was impeccable, but the air between them had shifted, charged with unsaid words and unresolved tensions.

Once reunited with Benedict, who was full of praise for the innovation he had witnessed, they made their way out of the factory. Eloise's mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The man she had begun to admire for his intellect and charm now seemed a stranger, driven by motives she could barely reconcile with the compassion she valued deeply.

As they rode back home, Eloise remained silent, her earlier anger giving way to a profound disappointment. Perhaps, she thought ruefully, the rumors about Sebastian Foxworth held more truth than she had wanted to believe.