Ch. 161..165: Inherit Billions Chapter 161-165
Chapter 161
Teaching the Oclianians a Lesson
Hansen lifted his wrist and deliberately flaunted his watch in front of Orion.
"Thank you. This is the best gift I've ever received, Seraphina. It's something I'll treasure forever."
His gaze was full of affection as he looked at Seraphina
Seraphina's heart tightened. Hansen's gaze was warm and intense, so tender that it seemed as if it could overflow, leaving her no room for escape.
She couldn't ignore the piercingly cold stare from Orion, which was heavy and oppressive.
Seraphina had thrown a birthday party for a man, given him gifts, and played the piano for him.
However, Hansen was the one who received those gifts, not him.
Orion felta dagger drive into his chest as he watched the scene unfold. The pain was silent and deep.
He felt like the roots were ripping out memories that once belonged to him.
It was an unbearable agony.
After a few seconds, Seraphina lowered her eyes and smiled faintly before looking up at Hansen. She teased him politely.
"This model might be worth something in a few years. You should take excellent care of it."
Sarah watched Seraphina stand between the two men. Orion showed no sign of leaving: his gaze was fixed on Seraphina. What a nightmare!
She hurried over and grabbed Seraphina's arm, making up an excuse to get her out of there,
"Seraphina, you need to help me. I can't find my bag!"
Seraphina caughton quickly and followed, "You're always forgetful."
Orion watched Seraphina's retreating figure until she was out of sight, then finally turned his gaze away.
With a fake smile on his face, Hansen stood in front of him.
"Mr. Dros, Seraphina doesn't want to deal with you. Stop showing up in front of her; it's an eyesore.
In an instant, the temperature around them dropped to freezing.
Orion's entire demeanor turned icy, his gaze dark and frigid.
"Colombo, unless you want me to wreck your party, stay out of my sight."
His voice was commanding, dripping with undisguised disdain.
He wasn't here to celebrate Hansen's pathetic birthday-did Hansen even deserve that?
08:33 Mon,
Teaching the Oclianians a Lesson
Finished
Lucius had been listening from the sidelines. He quickly stepped forward and pulled Hansen away, forcing a smile.
"Hansen, don't take it to heart. That's just how he is. Oh Happy birthday!"
He dragged Hansen away, but he returned after a moment.
Lucius noticed Orion's cold, brooding expression; his gaze was locked in one direction.
He asked with a fake smile, "What are you looking at?"
Orion didn't respond.
Lucius didn't give up. After years of friendship, he knew Orion inside out. He hummed knowingly.
"Looking at Seraphina, huh?"
Orion shot him a cold glance and asked, "Can you stop talking for once?"
Lucius chuckled, seizing the opportunity to tease him.
"Orion, don't tell me you're really starting to miss your ex-wife"?"
Given all of Orion's reactions, how could he have misunderstood?
Even if it was guilt, it didn't justify getting frustrated over Seraphina celebrating someone else's birthday and giving them gifts.
It was almost beneath the dignity and poise of Dros Group's president!
Orion's eyes darkened. His breath stiffened as he spoke in a cold, menacing tone.
"Lucius, I haven't settled accounts with you, and you have the nerve to ask me this?" Who was the one who declared that Orion was the intended recipient of Seraphina's gift? And who had assured him that Seraphina would definitely attend Orion's birthday party? And the result?
Their birthdays were only a day apart; everything Seraphina did was for Hansen. She didn't do those things for him!
If it weren't for Lucius, would he have had such high expectations?
And after those expectations were shattered, his heart lay broken and bleeding. Damn it!
After receiving a reprimand from Orion, Lucius awkwardly withdrew his smile.
Fle smiled guiltily and coughed, "Well... I didn't expect this either.
Ir mine Hannah's fault for misleading him right form the rinsi
Teaching the Oclianians a Lesson
But who could have predicted that Seraphina would be so ruthless?
Today's scene was nothing short of a humilation for Orion.
Finished:
Sarah and Seraphina, chatting and laughing, made their way to the backstage area. They casually picked at dressing room and walked in. Just as they were about to relax, they noticed someone inside who had just finished changing and was stepping out. It was Natalia.
The moment Natalia saw Seraphina, she paused slightly. However, she quickly stepped forward. Natalie was about to speak. Natalie was about to speak when David entered with a group of men. He bowed respectfully to Seraphina.
"Ms. Cross, I'm sorry for intruding. I need to handle a matter here. It will only take a few minutes."
Chapter 162
Finished
Complete Ban
Seraphina and Sarah exchanged a glance and nodded.
"Please, go ahead."
David gave a discreet signal to the servants. Two burly bodyguards stepped forward, grabbing Natalia by the arms and dragging her toward the door. "What are you doing? Is there a mistake?"
Naturally. Natalia recognized the butler of the Colombos. David's position was prestigious. Every word he spoke represented the Colombos' will
She was terrified of what the Colombos might do to her.
The last thing she wanted was to ruin her future in Winterwood.
Returning to Ocliana as a failure would be humiliating
Ms. Ivanova's failure to perform as agreed is a breach of contract. A stage mishap, if you will. When such incidents occur, we have the right to terminate and demand a refund. I'll get in touch with your agency. You can wait for the settlement negotiations." David stated it coldly, his expression devoid of emotion.
"What? I didn't do anything."
Natalia's voice trailed off as she suddenly noticed Seraphina standing there, her expression shifting dramatically from shock to disbelief.
"Seraphina, it's you-"
When someone called out her name, Seraphina paused slightly.
She sneered cofy and gazed at Natalia with icy detachment.
"You haven't made a name for yourself yet, and you've already been trying to steal the spotlight."
"If it's not you, then who else?"
Seraphina stepped forward, folding her arms across her chest, her aloof and haughty demeanor making everyone around her shiver.
"Ms. Ivanova, being overly naive is just plain foolish!"
With a slight smirk, Seraphina took out her phone.
She called Michael, Aurora Entertainment's president, right before Natalia.
"Michael, it's me. Find out which agency represents Ms. Ivanova. Starting today, I don't want to see her name on any Winterwood film or screen. Make sure to erase her name anywhere within your influence."
Complete Ban
There wasn't a mone
hesitation. Michael immediately agreed.
#Finished
"Understood, Ms. Cross. No problem. We will erase Natalia completely from Winterwood as of this
moment.
Michael was confident in his abilities. He knew that barining a small-time singer was a simple task.
Natalia's face turned deathly pale, and she could barely stand. Her body went limp, and she nearly collapsed on the ground.
Seraphina raised an eyebrow. Her expression was cold, and her voice was sharp as ice.
"Ms. Ivanova, that wasn't me earlier. This is me now. Did you get that?"
Seraphina always acted with integrity. Her approach was open and direct. Was there a need to hide her actions?
This was Seraphina's way.
"Didn't Ms. Wheeler tell you that I've already acquired Wheeler Group?"
Seraphina watched Natalia's face contort with shock as she continued to deliver the final blow.
"You're done with Ascotia's entertainment industry. You might as well go back to Ocliana and live out your days as a small-time rich heiress."
Natalia's face went ashen.
Seraphina had acquired Wheeler Group?
In Natalia's eyes, Wheeler Group was a substantial company. She entered the Winterwood scene through Wheeler Group's connections. However, acquiring that company was as simple as a snap of her fingers for Seraphina. It was a breeze for her. How absurd...
If dad found out had offended someone powerful in Ascotia, would he kill me?
Fear gripped Natalia's heart.
That bitch had the audacity to deceive her! Was she intentionally offending someone as influential and well-connected as Seraphina? She was practically signing her death warrant!
Given Natalia's pitiful state. Seraphina chuckled softly, turning away and sitting down on the nearby sofa.
As expected, she was pitifully deceived.
Serves her right!
David stepped forward. His voice was cold and devoid of emotion.
"The Colombos would settle the score with you. Take her away!"
Chapter 163
Complete Ban
Finished
From start to finish, Natalia didn't utter another word. She was too paralyzed with fear for her future and was trembling uncontrollably,
She not only faced a ban in Ascotia but also had a substantial debt to settle.
The scandal would follow her to Ocliana. It was an indelible stain on her reputation.
David led her away with an icy expression.
Sarah let out a derisive laugh. Small fry, like Natalia, were digging their own graves. It had become a familiar sight.
Jane was just one example; unfortunately, no one ever seemed to learn.
Suddenly, she remembered something. Sarah turned to Seraphina and asked, "What was that about with Orion earlier?" Seraphina raised an eyebrow and spread her hands. She said, "How should I know?"
"That look in his eyes... something felt off."
414
08:33 Mon,
Inherit Billions.
Finished
A Three-Year-Delayed Apology
Seraphina and Sarah reentered the room, and the lively chatter resumed as if the earlier tension had never
existed.
Everyone
exchanged "ware of Seraphina's status. Therefore, to one dared to pressure her to drink. They
polite words before moving on.
Feeling a bit weary, Seraphina wandered to the balcony. It was quiet and serene, offering a perfect view of the shimmering lake in the distance, accompanied by the scent of blooming flowers. Just as she began to relax, she heard footsteps approaching.
"Seraphina, what are you doing here?"
Lucius was there.
Her previously calm expression tightened with irritation as she shot him a cold glance.
"Do I need your permission to be somewhere?"
She didn't need anyone meddling in her affairs.
Lucius felt the pressure. He mustered the courage to approach her, as he had decided to speak up for his buddy.
"That's not what I meant, but that watch... Why didn't you give it to Orion? He waited for you all night at his birthday party, but you never showed up."
He muttered and felt sorry for Orion.
Seraphina let out a cold laugh and shot him an icy glance.
When had I ever told him that the watch was meant for Orion? How absurd!
"Lucius, where do you get the confidence? Why should I attend someone else's birthday party, and why should I give a gift to someone I hate?" Don't you have a sense of what's going on?
Lucius hesitated and was about to respond, but he noticed a slight movement behind the curtains-a figure with a familiar height and build.
His mouth went dry, and his eyes flickered with shock and regret.
This is bad.
"Hate? Do you hate me?"
The words hit Seraphina, and she stiffened slightly, turning around in surprise.
Somehow, Orion had positioned himself just in front of her, concealed by the massive floor-length curtains. She hadn't noticed him at all, not realizing there had been someone standing nearby from the very beginning
Finished
A Three-Year Delayed Apology
With a complex look in his eyes, Orion looked at her. Is voice was unnervingly calm.
Seraphina averted her gaze and grinned gently.
"I thought it was obvious that I hated you, but it seems Mr. Dros didn't catch on."
Now that he had heard it, there was no point in hiding it.
Might as well acknowledge it.
It was better that they both knew where they stood.
Lucius stood there and felt utterly out of place. He regretted his decision to intervene. Why did I get involved?
If only none of this had happened...
He cleared his throat, closing his eyes as he silently slipped away from the scene.
This was nothing short of a nightmare.
Orion continued to scruntinize Seraphina's profile, but his heart was sinking.
She hates me?
That answer was more painful than he had anticipated.
Did she have a reason to hate me?
Of course, she did.
Orion was also beginning to hate himself.
There were no outsiders present; no one would overhear their conversation.
Orion managed a bitter smile.
"It seems no matter what I do, you won't forgive me, will you?"
L
Seraphina glanced at him, mildly surprised.
She seemed to catch a glimpse of sadness in his eyes.
Seraphina thought she must have been mistaken.
Why would Orion be sad because of me?
I shouldn't flatter myself.
"Mr. Dros, we will never be friends. You want my forgiveness just to ease your own conscience, but why. should I let you feel better?"
Seraphina smiled, though her smile carried a touch of coldness.
Van should fool ar
nizacikla as I did for thi
he confida-d
U8:33 Mon, Oct 21
A Three-Year Delayed Apology
Did he think a simple apology could crase the pain I had endured over the past three years?
How laughable.
0072%.
Finished
She wasn't about to give him any such satisfaction. There would be no amicable breakup. Seraphina. selfishly thought that he deserved nothing less than to be as miserable as possible. Orion's jaw tightened instantly, his gaze deep and unreadable.
He felt too cheap to say the apology that lingered in his throat.
After a few moments of silence, his eyes flickered, and his voice came out rough and heavy.
"Seraphina, I'm sorry that I lost the ring."
Chapter 164
The Spokesperson
Seraphina paused for a moment, her expression darkening as she realized what he meant by the lost ring. Her expression turned grim.
She cast him a sidelong glance and let out a cold, cutting smile.
"I know! You lost it on purpose.
So, he mentioned the lost ring just to hurt met
Orion, you're truly ruthless.
However, the countless wounds she had endured had long since forged her heart into an impenetrable fortress.
Orion's brow furrowed, and he was about to say something. Hansen noticed the tension from a distance and hurried over.
"Seraphina, my little angell"
Hearing the way he called out to her, Seraphina couldn't help but smile slightly.
The painful memories Orion had stirred up suddenly felt insignificant.
Only those who dwell in the past suffer.
Hansen wasted no time and wrapped an arm around Seraphina's shoulder. He cautiously glanced at Orion.
"This guy didn't give you a hard time, did he?"
Would Orion trouble her?
She smiled again, but this time with a touch of sarcasm
"Forget it; I'm tired. I need to head back."
"Let me take you, Hansen offered without hesitation.
Seraphina chuckled and said, "Not today. Benjamin will pick me up. You're the star of the night; you can't leave early."
Hansen said, "It doesn't matter. No one here is more important than you
Hansen took his love-struck foolishness to the extreme, where women were more important than friends,
Without another word, she turned and prepared to leave, but the man behind her suddenly spoke up.
"Seraphina, believe it or not, I didn't lose the ring on purpose."
His explanation felt heavy and insincere.
She would believe it when pigs flew!
08:34 Mon,
The Spokesperson
left everyone in awe.
Hansen walked her to the door and watched her depart
The next day, Thomas entered Seraphina's office and shared the latest news with her.
Finished
"Mr. Wheeler has posted bail for his daughter. That Odbijana woman from yesterday was also sent back to the embassy: she'll be deported in a few days." Jane is out.
Seraphina raised an eyebrow and was unsurprised by Natalia's situation.
This sort of thing wasn't difficult to handle for the Colombos.
Despite the police detaining Jane, her father's wealth enabled her to easily secure a reputable lawyer and pay bail, thereby granting her some freedom. After all, defamation wasn't exactly a grave crime.
Seraphina never expected such a minor offense would put Jane behind bars for so long.
Suddenly, her phone rang.
It was Michael.
She answered.
"Ms. Cross, our c company's product needs a spokesperson. I have someone in mind that you should
consider."
Seraphina's eyes lit up: Michael rarely made recommendations.
Who could this be? She was curious.
"Who?"
"Albert. Thanks you, the kid's been getting a lot of buzz lately, and he's a decent boy. Justin entrusted him to me, so I figure I should give him a little gift for joining our company. "Ms. Cross, what do
think?"
Seraphina raised an eyebrow. She remembers that she had only met Albert once, and that encounter resulted in false accusations against him.
However, he never spoke out.
He didn't even try to ride her coattails for attention.
He was, indeed, not the type to be disliked.
Now that she thought about it, she felt a bit guilty.
"Alright, it's him."
08:34 Mon,
The Spokesperson
Seraphina decided directly; there was no need to deliberate.
Albert had already been one of the candidates.
Michael chuckled.
"Ms. Cross, you weren't waiting for me to recommend him, were you?"
Seraphina cursed under her breath and shot back with cold laugh.
"Michael, if your imagination is this vivid, maybe you should write scripts instead."
With that, she hung up on him.
Putting down her phone, she looked at Thomas.
"Albert will be the spokesperson. Contact the legal team and draft a contract."
Thomas nodded, unable to suppress a grin.
00:72%
Finished
"Fans will definitely ship you two even more now. It looks like this product is guaranteed to be a hit." Seraphina snorted in discontent.
Thomas immediately adopted a more serious demeanor.
"Ms. Cross, you should attend the press conference, too. Avoiding it might only fuel more speculation."
Chapter 165
An Unexpected Appearance
A few days later...
The Cross Group officially announced their new spokesperson online, causing a sensation and setting the internet abuzz once again.
As soon as the poster featuring Albert with the men's bracelet was released, pre-orders soared to an unprecedented two billion units on the first day, smashing previous records.
In no time, Seraphina and Albert's names dominated the news headlines.
The stock price of Cross Group kept climbing.
The next day...
At the press conference.
The company brought Albert to the event, where fans packed the entrance, leaving no room to move.
Seraphina's attendance at the press conference was unexpected.
Her appearance was an unexpected surprise.
Seraphina entered through the back door, and her presence immediately caused a stir and cheers from the crowd.
After all, just appearing alongside Albert was enough to draw everyone's attention.
As Seraphina entered, the designers and company staff stood up to greet her.
She smiled and found a quiet corner to sit in, not overshadowing the event.
Even so, she had drawn the attention of everyone.
The live broadcast sparked a wave of enthusiasm online.
"Ms. Cross is stunning; she should debut as a celebrity
"This pair looks perfect together."
"Finally managed to place my order-so tough, but worth it!"
At the Dros Group.
Orion watched the live event broadcast on his office's huge electronic screen.
As soon as Seraphina appeared, the number of live viewers doubled.
The men's bracelet sold out immediately upon its launch.
In the video...
An Unexpected Appearance
Finished
The moment Albert saw Seraphina, he lit up with a youthful and sunny smile. It was pure and untainted by any pretense.
Then, a reporter suddenly gave in to their gossiping instincts.
"Albert, why do you like Seraphina?"
She had swapped out the word "admire" for "like".
The room fell silent.
Even the staff inside the venue seemed a bit nervous.
Only the flash of cameras broke the silence as everyone waited for Albert's answer, eyes fixed on Seraphina's expression.
Albert pondered briefly, then glanced at Seraphina in the corner.
He was still smiling brightly.
"Because she's beautiful."
I was a simple and honest reason. No one could deny that.
In an instant, the tense atmosphere in the room inexplicably lightened.
Orion was watching the live broadcast. He heard the answer and let out a cold sneer.
His response was one of disdain.
"Shallow...
Ken, standing nearby, nodded repeatedly.
"Exactly! These young actors these days-no tact! Women appreciate more meaningful answers."
In the broadcast, the camera focused on Seraphina.
Hearing Albert's response, her smile widened, and even her eyes sparkled with delight.
Clearly, she was more than pleased with his answer.
Ken's body stiffened.
His naturally keen instincts sensed something unusual a cold, icy gaze settled on him.
He felt an overwhelming sense of suffocation and indifference.
He immediately bowed his head and pretended to be invisible.
For the first time, his attempt to butter his boss up had backfired.
Would Mr. Dros think I'm useless now and send me back home to work in the fields?
the darinnar mentia
na a brief
An Unexpected Appearance.
successfully.
Finished
As they emerged, the crowd gathered around Seraphina and Albert, both of whom stood out with their striking looks and perfectly complementary presence. Albert, with his sharp features, radiated youthful energy and had a captivating smile.
Walking beside Seraphina, he didn't fall short in any way. His gentlemanly demeanor earned him a lot of admiration.
No one missed the chance to snap photos.
Unexpectedly, as they were about to reach the door, they saw a group of people approaching from the opposite direction. Jane, who had just left the police station a few days ago, was there.
Seraphina's smile broadened.
Her appearance here could only signify that she was up to something again.