Ch. 171..175: Inherit Billions Chapter 171-175
Chapter 171
Not for Sale
The voice carried a tone of certainty despite the question's phrasing.
Ignoring Hansen, Orion went straight to Walter.
Is boss so unimpressed with Hansen?
Ken wasted no time. He quickly took the order and immediately left.
A private transaction above the reserve price?
For what purpose?
Ken had a vague idea.
He called Walter directly and explained everything that had happened today, including Orion's attitude.
Walter hesitated for just a few seconds before agreeing.
"That grandson of mine is insensible. I hope Mr. Dros can bear with him. I'll immediately contact my company's team to coordinate with Dros Group about that land." "You're too kind, old Mr.
health."
1. o. I'll send someone to handle the matter. Dros, I wish you good
Ken ended the call, letting out a sigh of relief.
Meanwhile, Seraphina received a call from Walter a few minutes later.
She was slightly surprised.
With just a few words, Seraphina understood Walter's intent.
Perfect timing.
She didn't want to be stuck with that piece of land anyway.
Serap...na was eager to offload it.
Orion had the foresight and decisiveness to think like that?
She was genuinely impressed.
Seraphina quickly agreed, setting aside any personal feelings.
From the company's perspective, spending 5 billion on that land wasn't a good deal.
The whole situation went smoothly.
Hansen turned out to be the last one to know.
With this issue resolved, Seraphina finally felt she could breathe easily.
Not for Sale
**
Finished
At the mall.
The two women wandered around, stopping occasionally, and before they knew it, they ended up at a car exhibition.
In the center stood a car that was particularly eye-catching.
A Rolls-Royce Phantom.
This car was almost a symbol of status.
Even on Wraith Street, where the wealthy gathered, only a few could afford this model.
Seraphina couldn't help but marvel.
"Such a beautiful car belongs in my garage."
Olivia twitched her mouth.
Seraphina was about to be carried away.
Just then, a salesperson approached. He noticed the two women's exceptional appearance and recognized Seraphina as a regular on the news.
After all, Seraphina was the top woman on Ascotia's wealth list.
If he closes a deal with her, he might not need to work for the rest of the year.
His eyes sparkled as he became more attentive.
"Ms. Cross, how can I assist you?"
Seraphina couldn't resist running her hand over the hood of the car.
Just as she was about to speak...
She had a female voice behind hers.
"How much for this car? I'll take it."
The voice successfully caught Seraphina's attention.
Turning around, she saw Jennifer and Hannah.
Hannah stood beside Jennifer, noticeably subdued and unable to compare with Jennifer's aura.
Yet she was looking at Seraphina with a challenging, triumphant gaze.
Hannah couldn't offend Seraphina, but Jennifer was different.
Seraphina wasn't surprised to see them together.
After all, Jennifer was working with Drosses, so it made sense she'd know Hannah.
Che just didn't avnact that cha could get along with compone as cooiled and handetegner one Lannah
Not for Sale
It was nothing short of a miracle.
Finished
"Well, I was wondering who it was, but it turned out to be Ms. Cross."
Jennifer remarked, giving Seraphina a polite but distant smile.
The atmosphere wasn't hostile, but it wasn't exactly friendly either.
""Ms. Perez, you're interested in this car?"
Seraphina asked her.
She hadn't heard of Jennifer being into cars.
Jennifer smirked, her eyes flickering slightly.
"Yes, as soon as I saw it, I wanted to buy it. I didn't expect you to be interested first."
Hannah couldn't help but interject.
"Seraphina hasn't paid for it yet, so everyone has a chance. Why worry about who was first?" Seraphina had often overshadowed Hannah, so she wasn't about to pass up this chance. Seeing Seraphina suffer a loss was just too satisfying!
Jennifer's gaze shifted to the salesperson.
The salesperson stammered in response.
"Ms. Cross hasn't paid yet... However, this car is a display model. It's not for sale."
"No problem. It's just a matter of price. Everything's for sale at the right price!"
Jennifer smiled and looked at Seraphina.
"Ms. C. oss, you wouldn't compete with me as the local, would you?"
If she couldn't feel Jennifer's hostility toward her by now, Seraphina would have been extremely naive.
But she hadn't done anything to offend Jennifer.
Chapter 172Shopping Spree
Seraphina raised an eyebrow and gestured gracefully.
"Why would I? Since Ms. Perez has taken a liking to it, please go ahead."
Jennifer was momentarily stunned when Seraphina gave in so easily.
The manager had already been notified. He quickly stepped forward and said, "Ms. Perez, this car is not for sale. For 30 million, we can offer it if you really like it." 30 million dollars for a car!
Even a rich heiress like Hannah couldn't help but swallow hard at the price.
Jennifer pulled out her black card right away, her expression unchanging.
"Charge it
Hannah couldn't help but clap her hands in excitement.
"Jennifer, you truly are a heroine! You didn't even blink at that price. This car was made for you!"
Jennifer smiled slightly but said nothing.
Seraphina exchanged a glance with Olivia before turning her gaze to Jennifer.
"Ms. Perez, we have other places to go. We won't keep you here."
Jennifer's eyes briefly flickered with a gleam.
"Why don't we go together?"
What?
Seraphina and Olivia were both surprised.
Whould we shop together?
Are we close?
Seraphina forced a smile, her expression not quite matching the sentiment.
"Of course, it would be an honor."
This was clearly a challenge directed at her.
But why?
No matter how she thought about it, she couldn't figure it out!
When they reached a luxury-brand store, the staff immediately recognized Seraphina. She was their most esteemed customer and a globally exclusive member.
Shopping Spree
"Ms. Cross, is there anything you need today?
Finished
"We just received two new bags, globally limited to three, and our store has one. Would you like to take a look?"
Before Seraphina could respond, someone had already brought them out.
They were indeed beautiful!
"I'll take it," Jennifer said without hesitation.
Everyone was momentarily stunned and instinctively looked at Seraphina.
Seraphina's eyes flickered briefly, and her smile deepened.
"Didn't you hear Ms. Perez? Wrap it up."
The staff hurriedly followed her instructions and carefully wrapped the bag for Jennifer.
Jennifer didn't stop there. She went on to claim another dozen bags that the store manager had presented to Seraphina.
Seraphina didn't compete; Jennifer purchased them all.
They continued their shopping spree, sweeping through several luxury brand stores, leaving nothing behind.
Olivia discreetly tugged at Seraphina's arm.
"Jennifer's shopping stamina is even greater than mine.
Seraphina smiled meaningfully.
It was almost enough.
Seraphina's feet were sore by then.
She setled dow in an outdoor café on the upper floor, sipping her coffee slowly.
4-
The rich aroma and roasted notes instantly relaxed her
Jennifer finished her purchases and walked over with Hannah. She ordered a cup of coffee, too.
Seraphina was sitting leisurely, smiling at her.
"Ms. Perez, did you enjoy your shopping?"
Jennifer was slightly taken aback by that question. "It was fine, I guess."
She seemed to sense something behind Seraphina's words.
"Ms. Cross seemed to like them too. Why aren't you upset about someone else snatching them up?"
Nearly everything had been recommended to Seraphina first.
Shopping Spree
She hadn't taken any of them. Jennifer had snatched them all.
It was strange.
And Seraphina wasn't frustrated at all.
Seraphina chuckled, her eyes curving with amusement
She gently brushed back her slightly curled hair and smiled elegantly.
Finished
"Ms. Perez, perhaps you aren't aware. My family owns this mall. I should be grateful that you're supporting my business. Why would I be upset?"
The more Jennifer bought, the happier Seraphina was.
In that instant, the expressions on everyone's faces were priceless.
Especially Hannah's dramatic expressions were quite something to behold.
This mall was a favorite among high society's elite ladies; even the cheapest rug here started in the six figures.
Hannah had no idea it belonged to Seraphina.
It was a shocking revelation that left her depressed.
Jennifer's expression froze for a moment, her eyes darkening with a cold glint.
"You played me?"
Chapter 173
Imagined Rival
Seraphina calmly faced Jennifer's somewhat irritated question.
"What do you mean by that, Ms. Perez? Did someone force you to shop here?" Seraphina asked with a cold smile.
Jennifer found herself at a loss for words, unable to rétort. Though she believed she could easily control Seraphina, it turned out she was the one under manipulation! The atmosphere around them grew tense and laced with a chilling edge.
Jennifer had navigated the business world for years, and she was able to outmaneuver socialites within seconds.
When it came to Seraphina, she couldn't see through her.
Her usual tactics don't work on her.
Jennifer let out a cold laugh.
"Fine, I admit defeat. No wonder men are drawn to you, Ms. Cross-you truly are something else."
Men?
Seraphina was puzzled.
Apart from Hansen sticking to her like glue, who else was there?
However, she seemed to catch on to something.
Could it be that Jennifer's hostility was caused by Hansen?
Suddenly, everything made sense.
Seraphina asked, "Ms. Perez, did you target me because of Hansen?"
Sheropped her arms on the table, cupping her face with her hands as she tilted her head to answer.
Jennifer didn't respond, but her silence spoke volumes.
Seraphina smiled knowingly.
Since her thoughts were laid bare, Jennifer's usually calm eyes flashed with a hint of anger and embarrassment.
"I just can't stand how you toy with him. Does it make you feel accomplished?"
"What?"
That accusation stung.
"Isn't it true? You keep dragging Hansen along and playing with his feelings. Isn't that the same as using him as a backup?"
08:36 Tue, Oc
Imagined Rival
She confronted Seraphina bluntly.
Olivia couldn't remain silent at this point.
She spoke up. "When did Seraphina ever string him along?"
"What do you know about our relationship?"
Jennifer snapped, her face grim but stubbornly refusing to back down.
RB
Finished
"Just because you two are close, Ms. Cross can play with his emotions without any guilt." Jennifer retorted, her tone sharp.
Seraphina's face darkened slightly.
Even the most patient person could reach their limit.
"Playing with him?"
Seraphina laughed coldly and retorted, "Ms. Perez, have you seen me playing with him? Obviously, it's Hansen who has been pursuing me, not the other way around."
She was exhausted from all this. How had she suddenly become the woman who played with people's feelings? Did they think she was some kind of heartbreaker? This woman was ridiculous and absurd! Jennifer bit down hard, her face tight with fury.
"If you don't like him, you should cut off all ties. Why did you drag things out and play this push-and-pull' game with him? Isn't that just toying with him?" Jennifer accused.
Jennifer's outburst would have intimidated anyone else
However, Seraphina scoofed softly.
"So, Ms. Perez thinks that unless I sever all ties with Hansen, it doesn't count as rejecting him?"
Jennifer didn't answer, but it was clear that was what she believed.
This was ridiculous.
Seraphina glanced at Jennifer's blank face.
Today's confrontation-had Jennifer planned it for a long time?
She and Hansen had been friends for years. They practically grew up together.
Hansen's pursuit of her had always been one-sided.
She had rejected him so many times, in so many ways, that she'd lost count.
Seraphina had nothing to feel guilty about.
Even if they couldn't be a couple, it hadn't reached the point where they needed to cut ties completely.
Was there something wrong with lennifer?
Imagined Rival.
Seraphina smiled casually; her tone was one of nonchalance.
Finished
"It seems like Ms. Perez has never had the chance to reject someone. There doesn't always have to be romance between man and woman. Hansen wanted to cross the line of friendship, but ver gave him that chance. Otherwise, that piece of land would have been mine long ago." Some things didn't need to be spelled out.
If Jennifer had any sense, she should realize the problem wasn't with Seraphina.
Why was she trying to intimidate her?
Jennifer's face froze slightly. Then she turned away, unwilling to accept the truth.
"I think you just want to keep using Hansen as bait and keep him on the hook, right?" She shot back, her words filled with icy bitterness.
Chapter 174
Finished
Absurd
Olivia had finally had enough of this woman. Unable to hold back any longer, she spoke up, "What's your problem, Jennifer? We've made it clear-our childhood bond isn't something we can just sever. If you like Hansen, go after him yourself! Just because he doesn't like you doesn't mean it's Seraphina's fault."
Olivia wasn't one to tolerate such nonsense. Who was Jennifer trying to impress with this haughty act?
Jennifer's expression darkened. Her eyes reflect a mix of heaviness and restraint.
She was used to having her way in business and was skilled at hiding her emotions.
Quickly, Jennifer regained her composure. As she looked at them, her gaze turned cold.
"Who Hansen likes is his business. I just can't stand Ms. Cross playing with other people's feelings."
Why couldn't she understand their message?
Just as Olivia was about to slap the table and stand up, Seraphina grabbed her arm. She smiled, rising to her feet.
"Let it go; it's no use arguing."
"Does that mean you admit it?" Jennifer let out a cold smile.
Seraphina glanced at her and slowly let out a mocking grin.
"Ms. Perez, my affairs are none of your business, and you have no right to make baseless accusations. If you can't stand it, then deal with it. No one's forcing you to watch." With a cold laugh, Seraphina wasn't sure if she was laughing at Jennifer's immaturity or her stupidity. She took Olivia's arm and strode out, her heels clicking against the floor. Outside, the sun shone brightly and the sky was a clear blue.
It was a rare, beautiful day.
The gloomy cloud that shrouded her heart also lifted.
The moment they stepped out, Olivia grumbled, "Jennifer's great at business, but she's dumb. No wonder no one pursues her." Seraphina chuckled.
When the Perezes got into trouble, some wanted their wealth.
They thought they could take advantage of Jennifer and seize control of her family asset.
Surprisingly, Jennifer runs the family business on her own, leaving no room for anyone else to take over their family fortune.
In the business world, she was ruthless, decisive, and efficient.
As long as she could achieve her goals without crossing any legal lines, there was.nothing she wouldn't do.
Absurd
Because of this, hardly anyone liked her.
Seraphina lowered her head and smiled softly.
She mused, "It seems she's here for Hansen."
Finished
Olivia wore a regretful expression and said, "Hansen won't fall for a woman like her. She's wasting her time." Seraphina raised an eyebrow and said, "Don't be so sure."
It was unlikely for Jennifer to waste her time.
Olivia was about to ask why when she noticed a car-slowly pulling up in front of them.
It was a Range Rover, its rear window rolling down to reveal a handsome face.
"Get in!"
Orion's deep, magnetic voice called out to Seraphina.
She froze briefly, then averted her gaze. Her expression turned into one of impatience.
Without hesitation, she grabbed Olivia and walked away.
She was cornered by those with malicious intent from all sides.
Today just wasn't her day.
"Seraphina, do you want that land?"
His voice suddenly rang out.
Seraphina paused mid-step, stopping in her tracks.
She turned back, eyeing him.
"What do you mean?"
Didn't that land already belong to Orion?
Five billion-who knew what he was thinking-but Dros Group was wealthy enough to figure out a way to
recoup the costs.
Orion's gaze darkened as he looked at her.
He said, "You could work with me. If we collaborate on this project, your company's costs would drop by two-thirds."
Chapter 175
Finished
Orion's Intentions
A three-way partnership?
It seems that Orion was also planning to involve Jennifer.
What kind of agreement did those two reach?
It was truly perplexing.
The Dros Group was more than capable of taking over this land on its own.
How could Orion bear to share such a lucrative opportunity with others?
It was puzzling.
Seraphina scoffed, her smile tinged with disdain.
"A three-way partnership? Splitting the profits three ways? That small amount of money isn't worth my effort."
Just as she was about to leave, Orion spoke again.
"Do you really think I'm doing this for a piece of land? The surrounding area is full of research facilities and educational institutes. If we fully realize its potential, every inch of land there will become invaluable. Do you still think we're just fighting over a plot of land?" His voice was cold and devoid of warmth, yet filled with patience.
He stepped out of the car. His tall figure casts a shadow over Seraphina.
He watched the change in her expression and was satisfied with what he saw.
"In less than five years, this place will become the city's hub for economics, research, medicine, and education. Don't you want to be a part of that?"
Seraphina's hands clenched tightly, suppressing the surge of emotions within her.
What he said was tempting.
The land's value went far beyond its surface; it could indeed become the next Silicon Park.
However, she wasn't about to let her excitement cloud her judgment.
She looked up at him in confusion.
"I don't understand. Why are you inviting me when your vision is flawless?"
If Orion succeeded on his own, he could easily leave the Cross Group behind.
By then, her family would be insignificant compared with the Drosses.
So why was he offering this?
Orion's Intentions
For a moment, time seemed to stand still as their gazes met.
Finally, Seraphina withdrew her gaze and lowered her eyes. Her expression was indifferent.
This project was a sure win.
There was no risk to share.
It wasn't like the Al project with the Giant Group.
So why was he doing this?
Seraphina couldn't figure it out.
Orion hesitated for a moment, then spoke, "There's no reason. You can choose to accept or decline."
Seraphina felt a slight heaviness in her chest with that explanation.
It seemed she had grasped something.
She let out a mocking smile.
"Could this be your way of offering me a divorce settlement?"
She couldn't think of any other excuse other than him doing it on purpose.
With that question, Seraphina was tentatively testing his intention.
If he admitted it, her slap would probably follow.
Finished
If she wasn't the heiress to the Cross Group, just an ordinary woman, would Orion still be so fixated on her?
Was this his way of easing the tension between them?
To soothe his own conscience?
Offering billions of profits to ease the relationship between their families.
4. 4.
Orion was indeed generous.
After a few seconds of silence, Olivia glanced between those two and gently tugged on Seraphina's wrist.
She cleared her throat.
"Mr. Dros, there's no need to rush for an answer, right? We don't know if you're trying to set a trap. How about this? Let Seraphina go back and talk with her staff. I think it's not something that needs an immediate decision." Seraphina instinctively looked at Olivia.
Olivia gave her a quick wink.
Orion saw their interaction, but he nodded in agreement.
Finished
08.5. wed
Orion's Intentions
That was unexpected.
Orion didn't stop Seraphina when she walked away.
Once in the car, Seraphina couldn't help but ask Olivia.
""Why didn't you wait for his direct answer?"
Olivia gave her a smile, then snorted.
"Would Orion really set a trap to cheat your family?"
There was a brief silence.
Seraphina answered, "Probably not."
3
Despite the distance between their families, they managed to maintain their business etiquette and cooperation well enough.
If that's the case, why reject a deal that will undoubtedly be profitable?
Seraphina frowned slightly.
She was troubled by Orion's unspoken answer.
If it was compensation, she refused to accept it.