Ch. 156..160: Inherit Billions Chapter 156-160
Chapter 156
Embarrassment
Orion suddenly stood up. The sound of his chair scraping against the floor echoed in the room as he briskly walked towards the entrance.
Lucius sighed in resignation and followed suit.
When they reached the entrance, there was no one there.
"What's all this fuss about?"
Lucius barked at the person who had caused the unnecessary commotion and gave the wrong information.
The man froze. When he saw the dark expression on Orion's face, he awkwardly smiled.
He pulled out his phone and explained.
"My friend just sent me a video. Seraphina was at their party."
Before he could finish his sentence, the phone was snatched out of his hand.
Orion opened the video, which showed a group of men and women dancing together while others were drinking nearby. Seraphina stood there, holding a glass of wine, smiling as she watched the dancers. Everyone was dressed to the nines. Seraphina's stunning gown made her shine even brighter, drawing all eyes to her.
Around her were Hansen and Olivia, among others.
"Where is this?" Orion's voice was icy.
The man, finally snapping to attention, answered quickly.
"Oh, it's a newly opened bar.
Orion's breathing became heavy.
What nonsense about going abroad!
It was an excuse to avoid attending his birthday party!
201
Just then, Ken happened to pass by. Orion glanced at him. Then he threw the phone back to the man who had shown him the video before coldly addressing Ken.
Your bonus for this month is gone.
Ken was shocked.
At this birthday party, everyone except the guest of honor was having a wonderful time.
Orion left in the middle of the event, and no one knew why.
He couldn't control himself. Soon, he found his car parked outside that newly opened bar.
Embarrassment
By the time he went inside, Seraphina's group had already left.
Back in his car, he felt an unbearable heaviness in his chest.
Finished
The cigarette between his fingers flickered, the ember glowing and fading, until it finally burned out in the wind.
He received countless birthday wishes on his phone until midnight, but none of them were from her.
This birthday felt utterly meaningless.
As fate would have it, the next day was Hansen's birthday.
Hansen's party was extravagant, held right in the villa on their estate.
While the Colombos' wealth didn't quite match the Crosses, they wielded significant influence in Ascotia's political scene. Business moguls and political heavyweights, including a former president, attended Hansen's birthday party. The scale of the event was astonishing. Seraphina arrived wearing an elegant, strapless gown in a deep green. Her fair skin, accentuated by her simple yet sophisticated choices, radiated her brilliance.
Benjamin, the butler who came to fetch her, nodded in agreement.
"You look stunning today, Ms. Seraphina."
Seraphina smiled and said, "Naturally."
She glanced at the car behind him. When the driver wasn't taking the wheel, Benjamin usually drove one of his own cars.
According to her, Benjamin had over a dozen cars of his own.
"A new Porsche? Why isn't it the latest model? Has my dad been stingy?"
Benjamin smiled politely, his tone respectful.
"Not at all, Ms. Seraphina. Mr. Justin didn't want me driving the same model as him, so I went with a classic.
Seraphina blinks in surprise. "Why should you care about Justin? He's being ridiculous!"
Benjamin chuckled and opened the car door for her.
He offered, "Please, let me drive: you there."
Numerous socialites and heiresses greeted them when they arrived. Understated luxury adorned the manor.
Seraphina was slightly taken aback.
This was beyond the scale of a mere birthday party.
"It's just a birthday. Why is Hansen going all out?"
Mon.
Embarrassment
Benjamin smiled, stepped out to open her door, and explained the situation.
This is likely his father's doing, using the occasion to help Hansen find a suitable match."
No wonder!
Seraphina thought to herself, realizing the situation.
"Seraphina!"
Sarah waved at her from a distance. Seraphina spotted her and walked over with a smile.
"Where are the others?"
"They're all inside. I came out to get you."
Seraphina waved goodbye to Benjamin and followed Sarah inside.
They hadn't walked far when a familiar voice made her stop in her tracks.
"Didn't they say Ms. Cross was impressive? Why is she here with such an old man as her date?"
Seraphina turned her head to see a blonde woman she didn't recognize.
Haha!
"Who the hell are you?"
Seraphina wasn't one to be polite to people who showed hostility towards her.
"Ms. Cross, as expected, lacks manners."
Finished
The blonde woman sneered and added, "I'm Natalia Ivanova. You may not know me, but Jane told me a lot about you. So, now that you can't get back with your ex-husband, are you planning on marrying some old man instead?"
Chapter 157
The Oclianian Actress
Netalic Ivanova?
When Seraphina heard the name, she immediately remembered who it was.
Finished
She was an Oclianian actress who had recently skyrocketed to fame by starring as the lead in a Winterwood blockbuster. Justin had mentioned this woman during one of their chats about Winterwood gossip. According to rumors, her father was an Oclianian oligarch who owned a mine and spent a fortune to secure her role as the female lead.
Seraphina hadn't expected that this woman knew Jane
Natalie had lived in Ocliana for most of her life. When she arrived in Ascotia, she dove straight into filming. As a result, she hadn't kept up with the online news and was unaware of Seraphina's relationship with Justin Jane called Natalie and mentioned Seraphina's retaliation. After that, Natalie didn't hesitate to come to her aid.
Just as Sarah was about to step forward and say something. Seraphina stopped her...
Seraphina's eyes glimmered coldly as she glanced at Natalie.
"Did you think that just because you're Oclianian, I wouldn't deal with you? Get lost! Your words disgust
1. me.
Natalie's expression froze. She felt utterly humiliated.
She pulled out her phone and waved it around.
Natalie wasn't giving up.
"All I have to do is find out who owns that car. After that, I'll know who that rich businessman was just now.
"I recognize the car-it's a classic Porsche model. My father drives the same one, worth about a million
dollars.
"I think everyone's curious to know who Ms. Cross's marriage reunion partner is, aren't they?"
Seraphina smirked coldly and sneered.
"You think you can blackmail me with that?"
Natalie thought she had succeeded, and Seraphina was terrified.
She let out
it a smug hum.
"I just want you to apologize to Jane. She's such a kind person, and yet you had the nerve to report her to the police? "Do you realize you've ruined her life?
The Oellantan Actress
"How could you be so emell"
Finished
"She brought it on herself. Her own actions ruined herture. No one forced her to do those disgusting things.
Seraphina's voice was calm as she spoke.
She gave Natalie a cold glance and smiled casually.
"Ms. Ivanova, maybe you should worry about yourself.
With that, she turned, her high heels clicking as she began to leave.
Of course, Natalie wasn't about to back down.-
your
"If you don't withdraw your charges, I'll post those photos online and let everyone know that marriage partner is an old man. The news that Ms. Cross would take men of all ages will spread like wildfire across the internet." There were quite a few people around. Natalie's words caught their attention, making them all perk up
their ears.
Seraphina paused, seemingly unfazed, but her eyes were icy.
Natalie was intimidated.
"Go ahead, Ms. Ivanova,"
Seraphina sneered.
"My butler isn't afraid of your rumors. He owns four companies and a dozen luxury cars. I think he can withstand any scrutiny."
In an instant, Natalie's body froze. She stood there in disbelief.
A butler?
The man who drove the same luxury car as her father, owned four companies, and had a dozen luxury cars was just Seraphina's butler? After hearing this exchange, everyone around gained a new understanding of Seraphina's wealth.
Was Crosses short on money? How could she possibly be marrying an old man?
Ridiculous!
And Natalie? She truly had no idea what it meant to be wealthy!
"You... What exactly does your family do? Isn't it just a small company? You even have a butler?"
A butler with his own company?
He's so rich?
twitched unable to connect a croit
The Oclianian Actress
She didn't answer directly but advised. "Ms. Ivanova, ye what Seraphina's family does? It seems your bond isn't 414
Chapter 158
Finished
A Toast to Your International Friendship
Seraphina glanced sideways at the stiff Natalia and spoke with casual indifference.
"If Ms. Ivanova is so worried about Ms. Wheeler, perhaps instead of throwing dirt around, you should take the blame for her. I'm sure Ms. Wheeler would be most grateful. I genuinely want to toast to your international friendship!" Natalia's heart sank. Her face betrayed the panic she couldn't hide.
Sarah and Seraphina's words left her feeling uneasy, as I something was terribly wrong.
Could the truth be different from what Jane had told me?
Her lips turned pale, and she was trembling slightly.
Before she could react, the Colombos's butler, David, heard the commotion and hurried over.
He looked at Seraphina with deep respect.
"Ms. Cross, you've arrived. Old Mr. Colombo was just mentioning that the gifts sent by your butler were 100 extravagant for Mr. Hansen. However, Old Mr. Colombo seems quite taken with them."
If Natalia had any doubts before, David's words crushed them completely.
As a result, the wealthy merchant she was mocking was nothing more than Seraphina's butler.
She had hoped to find Seraphina's weakness, but ended up backfiring.
"That was a gift from my father to Walter. Hansen is just an excuse."
Seraphina chuckled.
"Ms. Cross, please come inside."
David bowed and extended his arm to guide the way.
Seraphina was about to walk in, but then paused.
She turned her head slightly to look at Natalia and asked a puzzled question.
"How could Ms. Ivanova come here?"
In terms of status and position, the newly arrived Natalia wasn't even close to being part of this circle.
Natalia's face turned pallid. Before she could respond, David recognized her immediately and spoke up.
"Oh, she's here to perform. A talent agency recommended her, stating that people might find her intriguing because she's a foreigner. If you don't like her. I'll replace her right away."
The agency granted Natalie the special privilege of performing at the party.
After all, everyone who entered this place was either wealthy or powerful.
33 Mon,
A Toast to Your International Friendship
If she attracted the attention of someone significant, she would secure her future.
Surprisingly, she'd end up provoking Seraphina.
13 Finished
"Never mind. Since she's here to perform, she should be rehearsing in the waiting area. If she's caught taking photos to blackmail the guests, who would attend your parties in the future?" The people nearby froze. Oh my!
Seraphina wasn't the only one who's in danger! Anyone could be a target.
The Colombos hosted this party. The family would bear responsibility if anything went wrong
Davis's expression froze slightly at the remark. He gestured to the bodyguards positioned behind him and issued a stern command.
"Take her away. The performers shouldn't be wandering around."
Seraphina and Sarah exchanged a glance and followed the butler inside.
They first went to greet Hansen's grandfather, Walter Colombo, then they headed off to find Hansen.
People surrounded Hansen, trying to toast him. When he saw Seraphina, it was as if he'd spotted a savior.
"My date has arrived! You guys who don't have a female companion don't deserve to drink with me!" His shout only made everyone angrier!
However, their anger turned to forced smiles when they saw Seraphina. Everyone joined in the banter.
Wearing a dark green strapless gown, her entire demeanor was striking, vibrant, and stunning. Her slightly curled hair lazily draped over her shoulders, making her the center of attention wherever she stood. Seraphina glared at them before turning to leave. Hansen was quick to follow her.
"Oh my, have you received a divine blessing?" he questioned. He teased.
Sarah, hearing fus, turned away in disgust.
Seraphina couldn't suppress a cold laugh. She raised an eyebrow at him.
"If you want me to give you a good thrasing, keep it up!
Hansen grinned and moved closer. He claimed, "I always tell the truth?
He tugged lightly at her dress, causing Seraphina to click her tongue in annoyance as she stepped back.
Their playful exchange looked like flirtatious banter to outsiders.
Orion's deep eyes stared intently at the figure in the dark green dress in a distant corner.
An icy, oppressive aura surrounded him, chilling anyone who dared come near.
Lucius stood by his side, silent as ever.
Chapter 159
Foolish
Last night, Orion had waited in vain for someone, only to find out that the person who had used the excuse of going abroad for work had shown up here. She was all dressed up and attended Hansen's birthday party. It had only been twelve hours apart. The contrast between the way she treated two birthday celebrations couldn't have been more distinct.
This was practically a humiliation for Orion.
Lucius noticed displeasure clouding Orion's expression. He cleared his throat and attempted to break the awkward silence,
"Ahem, I think the Colombos are all show and no substance, just a bunch of nouveau riches. It's just a birthday, right? Is it really worth such a big fuss? Do we really need to give them that much respect?" Could someone with Orion's status attend Hansen's birthday? The Colombos couldn't possibly have that much sway!
Therefore, Lucius was genuinely surprised that Orion had come.
As he narrowed his eyes slightly, Orion's gaze remained cold, his voice low and measured.
"I'm just curious to see who would bother attending such a dull event."
Lucius was at a loss for words.
Wasn't this guy just curious about whether Seraphina would show up?
Ever since Orion's divorce, this woman seemed to appear everywhere.
As he was thinking about this, music suddenly started playing from the grand stage in the banquet hall. The melody was lively and cheerful.
Several popular singers and dancers soon took the stage, dazzling the audience with their performances. The stage attracted everyone's attention.
The event organizers clearly understood that most of the guests were young. Therefore, they tailored the performance to their tastes, and the results were impressive, Seraphina and Hansen stood closest to the stage. As she watched the person front and center, singing and dancing with enthusiasm, she recognized it was Natalia
The difference between her on-stage and off-stage personas was startling.
The music was loud and energetic, filling the room with its infectious rhythm.
As a waiter passed by, Seraphina casually picked up a glass of juice. She took a sip and shook her head.
"So noisy."
Foolish
Hansen leaned in from behind, his voice warm and teler.
"It's too loud. I don't want your cars to suffer
Seraphina instinctively looked up. She couldn't help but smile at Hansen's words.
Finished
This scene did not go unnoticed by the duo on the second floor. Orion's eyes darkened further as he set his glass down and walked off without hesitation. "Orion, don't cause a scene!"
Lucius hastily called out. He doesn't have any other explanation for Orion's reaction.
Meanwhile, the music downstairs abruptly stopped as the performers took their bows, met with enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
As the performers began to descend from the stage, Natalia caught sight of Seraphina in the distance. Natalie smiled at her, her expression full of meaning. Sarah sensed something was amiss. She quickly moved closer to Seraphina.
"Is Natalia planning something?"
Seraphina smirked, her tone dismissive.
"If someone's looking for trouble, don't stop them."
Sarah raised an eyebrow, reassured by Seraphina's confidence.
On the stage, Natalia spoke again.
"Hello everyone, I'm Natalia. It's an honor to be here today to celebrate Mr. Colombo's birthday."
The crowd cheered. Hansen raised his glass in acknowledgment.
The atmosphere was harmonious.
As the applause djed down, Natalia spoke once more.
L
"Pardon me, but I would like to invite Ms. Cross to the stage to play a piece. Would Ms. Cross do us the honor?"
No matter who Seraphina was, Natalia couldn't stomach it.
Was it such a big deal to be wealthy?
She was also the daughter of an Oclinian tycoon. Why did she need to endure Seraphina's presence?
Seraphina looked at Natalia on the stage with a faint smile.
Where did she get the audacity to invite such a distinguished guest to perform?
Did she think of me as a supporting performer to entertain guests?
Or did the think now chille couldn't compare to here? So Natalie did thirt
situ and free ma
Foolish
retreat in disgrace?
#Finished
Hansen's smile faltered slightly. He pointed up at Natalia, lowering his voice as he spoke to the butler beside him.
"Where on earth did you find this fool!"
David's face turned pale, and he broke out in a sweat,
If he had known this starlet would be so tactless, he never would have invited her!
Chapter 160
What Are You Trying to Do?
"Ms. Cross, you're such a prestigious figure, and yet you refuse to play a piece for Mr. Colombo? Or is it that? I'm sorry; perhaps you simply don't know how to play the piano at all."
Natalie's voice dripped with feigned sympathy and surprise, but her eyes sparkled with undisguised glee and triumph.
Hansen cursed under his breath, and he said, "Seraphina, don't-"
He was about to intervene when Seraphina lightly grasped his arm. She shot a sidelong glance towards the
woman on stage.
Seraphina smiled, took a delicate sip from her juice, and handed the glass to a nearby attendant.
With a graceful lift of her gown, she walked towards the piano with an elegance that commanded
attention.
Under the dazzling lights, Natalie's charm paled in comparison with Seraphina. Seraphina's brilliance reduced Natalie to nothing more than a backdrop.
Seraphina stood there, the glow around her making her seem almost ethereal, her skin radiant, and her presence commanding.
Natalie was about to say something when she froze.
Seraphina suddenly reached out and firmly took the microphone from Natalie's hand.
Tender yet resolute.
Her eyes held a coldness as they swept over Natalie's face with a detached indifference. "Go down."
From now on, there will be no more opportunities for Natalie to stand on any stage.
Without sparing another glance at Natalie, Seraphina turned slightly and bowed politely to the audience. before moving towards the piano.
The crowd fell silent. Some were in awe, and some were in
fusion.
No one had ever seen Seraphina perform in public. The Cross Group only occasionally released snippets. of information about her, shrouding everything in mystery. Her life and her talents were all enigmatic and imposing. She seated herself at the piano. As soon as her fingers touched the keys, before anyone could prepare, a cascade of notes flowed forth, light and airy, carrying with them a wave of surprise.
It was a rendition of Pachelbel's Canon. The melody flowed slowly from her fingertips. The tempo was measured and orderly, graceful yet lively, and infused with an inner resilience.
This wasn't just a piece of music; it was an artwork, a reflection of her soul.
It was her defiance, her endurance, her gentleness, and her transformation.
08:33 MI
What Are You Trying to Do?
Finished
Without a deep foundation and extraordinary talent, how could anyone play a piece that resonated so deeply with the soul?
And the most breathtaking moment of all was when Seraphina sat there playing the piano-she was like a moving picture, so beautiful that no one dared to disturb it.
The piano's melody was the only sound in the room. The audience held their breath, not daring to breathe too loudly.
When the piece ended, Seraphina rose, and she smiled slightly as she looked towards Sarah.
Sarah nodded and handed over the prepared gift, which Seraphina accepted..
Hansen's eyes softened, as if about to overflow-with-tenderness.
Seraphina glanced at him and carefully took out the Patek Philippe watch from the box, each diamond on it sparkling brilliantly.
"The piano piece was for everyone, but this watch is for Hansen. This is my real gift to him
No sooner had the words left her mouth than a hand gripped her wrist tightly.
"Seraphina."
"Orion, what are you doing?"
Hansen's voice was laced with displeasure. His insensibility ruined such a romantic moment.
It's Orion? So what?
He won't give in either!
Orion ignored Hansen's words and fixed his eyes intently on Seraphina..
The Patek Philippe in her hand gleamed.
And never before had Orion despised a watch so much. He wished he could throw every one of the same brands he owned into the trash, Seraphina frowned and twisted her wrist free from his grasp.
She looked at him coolly.
"Is there something you need, Mr. Dros?"
Orion's lips tightened into a thin line, and just as he was about to speak, Seraphina gave him no chance.
"Whatever you want to say, save it for later. Right now, it's 'Hansen's birthday party. Mr. Dros, you shouldn't steal the spotlight.
With that, she smiled and resumed her task. She carefully placed the Patek Philippe warch on Hansen's
wrist.
Her face beamed with satisfaction.