Ch. 176..180: Inherit Billions Chapter 176-180
Chapter 176
Finished
It's A Small World
Olivia sighed.
She had sensed Seraphina's thoughts.
"Seraphina, do you really care that much about his answer?" she asked.
"If that's the case, have you really moved on from him?"
It was as if someone had poured a cold bucket of water over her, bringing sudden clarity.
"Whether it's a divorce settlement or not, there's a treasure trove in front of you. Why would you turn away from money?"
Olivia was practically begging Seraphina to take the money.
Sure, they were already wealthy, but who wouldn't want more?
Seraphina paused for a moment, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Olivia.
"You little money-grubber!"
Suddenly, she realized Olivia was absolutely right.
What was she hesitating for? Why would she pass up such a good opportunity?
"You're right. Whether it's compensation or not, it's mine. If he's so eager to give it, then I'll gladly accept!"
After all, she wasn't taking it for nothing.
The Cross Group's share would not be short by a single penny.
Though she had made up her mind, Seraphina didn't respond to Orion immediately.
The timing wasn't right.
Back home, after a quick shower, Seraphina received a call from Hansen.
"Seraphina, you're so heartless. How could you give that piece of land to that bastard, Orion?"
Hearing his angry complaint, Seraphina smiled and relaxed her brows, unconcerned.
"That land was almost like a hot potato. If he wanted it, I gave it to him."
"But I got a good beating out of it!"
Hansen sounded pitiful with his groans of pain coming through the phone.
His voice dropped.
"Aren't you going to come see me?"
Seraphina smirked and said, "Seeing you wouldn't help, would it, my little princess?"
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08:52 Wed,
It's A Small World
There was silence on the other end.
Hansen took a sharp breath, his face turning ashen with anger.
He gritted his teeth before speaking.
"Seraphina, how dare you mock me?"
Seraphina couldn't help but chuckle softly.
"You're such a drama queen. Stay at home and reflect on your mistakes, or you won't even have the strength to call me next time.
Hansen didn't say another word. He was too frustrated to speak, so he hung up the phone.
He felt like he had lost a few years of his life.
As night fell, Seraphina reviewed some documents before heading to bed.
She slept soundly through the night.
In the morning, as light streamed into her room, Seraphina stretched and got up.
Chapter 177
Mr Stroudsburg
"Ms. Perez? What a coincidence!"
Jennifer forced a polite smile, masking her irritation from her last encounter with Seraphina, whom she had thoroughly embarrassed. The harsh words still stung.
She wasn't about to pretend it hadn't happened.
With Monica present, she didn't want to make a scene.
"Yes, it is quite a coincidence, Ms. Cross. I'm surprised that you would be interested in art exhibitions as well," Seraphina replied with a smile, sensing the coldness in Jennifer's tone. "Do you think all I care about is making money, Ms. Perez?" Seraphina asked with a raised brow.
Monica noticed the tension between the two.
She was about to intervene when the gallery owner hurried over.
"Mrs. Colombo and Ms. Cross, I apologize for the lack of hospitality. Have you found any paintings you like?"
Jennifer immediately spoke up.
"This painting is quite nice. Mrs. Colombo, if you like it, why don't I buy it for you as a gift?"
Monica paused with the offer, and a satisfied smile spread across her face.
"There's no need to go to such an expense. You're a guest."
Jennifer was generous, and she was always eager to please Monica. She wasn't about to let the opportunity slip away.
She turned to the gallery owner.
"I'll take this one. Please wrap it up," she ordered.
The gallery owner shook his head firmly.
"I'm afraid that's not possible. This painting by Mr. Stroudsburg is not for sale. Ah, here he comes now."
Just as he spoke, an older man with a dignified posture walked over, hands clasped behind his back.
Lucas Von Stroudsburg was an Oflar gentleman knighted by the Queen of Oflar. He was a highly esteemed figure in the international art world. His paintings were nearly impossible to acquire. Monica also recognized the name, which was practically legendary.
High society ladies often mocked those who didn't own works by renowned artists as nouveau riche.
However, acquiring one of Lucas's paintings wasn't just a matter of wealth.
His eccentric and demanding nature meant that only a select few met his stringent buying criteria.
Mr Stroudsburg
Finished
Monica mused that if she could obtain this painting, her status among the elite would be even more
secure.
Lucas had walked up to them.
The gallery owner greeted him courteously.
Lucas barely acknowledged him. Without a word, he reached up to take the painting off the wall and leave. Jennifer could tell how much Monica.admired the painting. She quickly stepped forward to stop him.
"Mr. Stroudsburg, how much would you like for this painting? I'd like to buy it."
Lucas glanced at Jennifer, a slight frown forming on his face.
"You can't afford it," he said curtly, brushing past her.
Jennifer felt embarrassed when Lucias answered, clearly showing a lack of confidence in her ability.
She was a woman of immense wealth, and this old man doubted her ability, saying that she couldn't afford it?
"Mr. Stroudsburg, name your price, and then we'll see if I can afford it." She replied, her expression turning cold and her tone now tinged with pride. Lucas snorted.
"You're young, but you reek of nouveau riche vulgarity. Selling this to you would ruin my reputation. You'd be better off ruining someone else's art." Jennifer's face darkened at his insult, and her eyes grew colder.
Being demeaned like this, especially in front of Monica, was hard to swallow, no matter how thick-skinned she was.
The air grew thick with an awkward silence.
Lucas glanced around, his gaze landing on Seraphina. His eyes narrowed slightly.
"Are you buying?" he asked.
Seraphina pressed her lips together and said, "No, I'm just as much a nouveau riche,"
Lucas chuckled at that.
Jennifer, unwilling to back down, retorted sharply, "Mr. Stroudsburg, why won't you sell it to me but offer it to someone else?"
"Because she's beautiful!" Lucas replied matter-of-factly.
Speechless, Jennifer stood there coldly, glaring at him in anger.
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Chapter 178
She Is a Student at Strasbourg
Monica didn't notice Jennifer's expression. She kept signaling to Seraphina with her eyes.
Don't refuse!
I really want it!
Seraphina pressed her lips together. She hesitated momentarily and asked, "How much? I'll buy it."
She wasn't trying to go against Jennifer; it was Monica who wanted it.
Since Monica was Hansen's mother, she couldn't just turn around and leave.
"Girly, I sold a piece to the royal family in Oflar for nine million Ofls. How much are you willing to pay?"
Seraphina was surprised.
Monica and Jennifer were even more shocked.
Jennifer had always considered herself worldly, but she hadn't delved deeply into the cultural sphere.
A painting worth nine million Ofls?
Shouldn't that be in a museum?
Seraphina raised an eyebrow; it was worth that much.
She knew that Monica had genuinely wanted it. Seraphina nodded, her casual demeanor carrying an undeniable authority. "Then I'll offer double that."
She couldn't appear stingy.
Lucas choked on Seraphina's nonchalant attitude.
"Haha, very generous."
"You're worth it," Seraphina replied with a slight smile.
A few seconds passed, and Lucas snorted coldly.
"I'm not selling it to you!"
With that, he turned to leave.
Jennifer sneered triumphantly.
So much for Seraphina.
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Monica, however, looked anxiously at Lucas. She couldn't let this opportunity slip away
Seraphina sighed helplessly and finally spoke up to stop Lucas from leaving.
She Is a Student at Strasbourg
"Don't do this to me. Can you cut me some slack, my dearest teacher?"
Teacher?
Finished
Seraphina's resigned tone left everyone present slightly stunned.
Lucas finally stopped in his tracks, his sharp gaze flickering with amusement.
He snorted coldly, but his tone carried a hint of rebuke and regret.
"Those who give up halfway don't deserve to be my students!"
Seraphina was the only apprentice he had ever taken on, but she only learned from him for less than six months before turning to the business world.
Lucas had finally taken on an apprentice, but her abrupt decision to pursue business left him so furious that he could hardly eat for days.
He was utterly disappointed and infuriated! And now she wanted to buy his painting? Wishful thinking!
He had intended to use this opportunity to teach Seraphina a lesson, but when the stubborn girl acted cute around him, all of his pent-up anger actually dissipated.
"Teacher?
"Student?
"What's going on, Seraphina?
"How do you know, Mr. Stroudsburg?"
Monica's mind was flooded with questions.
Jennifer began to grasp the relationship between them and let out a cold laugh.
"Mrs. Colombo, can't you see? Ms. Cross and Mr. Strasbourg are old acquaintances. No wonder he refused to sell to me. If you really want that painting, why not ask Seraphina? Mr. Stroudsburg would surely not refuse her." She deliberately linked Seraphina and the painting together.
Seraphina frowned slightly. Jennifer's words were incredibly irksome, leaving her feeling uncomfortable.
Lucas, however, looked at them and sneered more openly.
"Sorry to disappoint you, but I won't sell it to her either. I've already promised it to someone else."
The light that had just sparked in Monica's eyes dimmed instantly.
Well, there was nothing she could do then.
Seraphina was torn. When she saw Monica's disappointed expression, she paused and then lifted her gaze.
"Don't you still have many unpublished pieces in your collection? 'Sunrise is beautiful, sell it to me."
.She Is a Student at Strasbourg
Lucas's lips twitched slightly.
The audacity!
Either auctioned or kept as treasures, the unpublished pieces were worth a fortune!
Particularly, 'Sunrise' had toured world museums!
She was asking as if she were shopping for clothes!
Lucas glared at her for a while before finally snorting.
"One million. If you want it, take it."
Seraphina felt a burst of joy. The old man had softened, giving her a friend's discount.
Lucas once received a hundred million dollar offer for Sunrise, but he didn't sell it.
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She Is a Student at Strasbourg
Monica didn't notice Jennifer's expression. She kept signaling to Seraphina with her eyes.
Don't refuse!
I really want it!
Seraphina pressed her lips together. She hesitated momentarily and asked, "How much? I'll buy it."
She wasn't trying to go against Jennifer; it was Monica who wanted it.
Since Monica was Hansen's mother, she couldn't just turn around and leave.
"Girly, I sold a piece to the royal family in Oflar for nine million Ofls. How much are you willing to pay?" Seraphina was surprised.
Monica and Jennifer were even more shocked.
Jennifer had always considered herself worldly, but she hadn't delved deeply into the cultural sphere.
A painting worth nine million Ofls?
Shouldn't that be in a museum?
Seraphina raised an eyebrow; it was worth that much.
She knew that Monica had genuinely wanted it. Seraphina nodded, her casual demeanor carrying an undeniable authority.
"Then I'll offer double that."
She couldn't appear stingy.
Lucas choked on Seraphina's nonchalant attitude.
"Haha, very generous."
"You're worth it," Seraphina replied with a slight smile.
A few seconds passed, and Lucas snorted coldly.
"I'm not selling it to you!"
With that, he turned to leave.
Jennifer sneered triumphantly.
So much for Seraphina.
1
Monica, however, looked anxiously at Lucas. She couldn't let this opportunity slip away
Seraphina sighed helplessly and finally spoke up to stop Lucas from leaving.
She Is a Student at Strasbourg
"Don't do this to me. Can you cut me some slack, my dearest teacher?"
Teacher?
Finished
Seraphina's resigned tone left everyone present slightly stunned.
Lucas finally stopped in his tracks, his sharp gaze flickering with amusement.
He snorted coldly, but his tone carried a hint of rebuke and regret.
"Those who give up halfway don't deserve to be my students!"
Seraphina was the only apprentice he had ever taken on, but she only learned from him for less than six months before turning to the business world.
Lucas had finally taken on an apprentice, but her abrupt decision to pursue business left him so furious that he could hardly eat for days.
He was utterly disappointed and infuriated! And now she wanted to buy his painting? Wishful thinking!
He had intended to use this opportunity to teach Seraphina a lesson, but when the stubborn girl acted cute around him, all of his pent-up anger actually dissipated.
"Teacher?
"Student?
"What's going on, Seraphina?
"How do you know, Mr. Stroudsburg?"
Monica's mind was flooded with questions.
Jennifer began to grasp the relationship between them and let out a cold laugh.
"Mrs. Colombo, can't you see? Ms. Cross and Mr. Strasbourg are old acquaintances. No wonder he refused to sell to me. If you really want that painting, why not ask Seraphina? Mr. Stroudsburg would surely not refuse her." She deliberately linked Seraphina and the painting together.
Seraphina frowned slightly. Jennifer's words were incredibly irksome, leaving her feeling uncomfortable.
Lucas, however, looked at them and sneered more openly.
"Sorry to disappoint you, but I won't sell it to her either. I've already promised it to someone else."
The light that had just sparked in Monica's eyes dimmed instantly.
Well, there was nothing she could do then.
Seraphina was torn. When she saw Monica's disappointed expression, she paused and then lifted her gaze.
"Don't you still have many unpublished pieces in your collection? 'Sunrise is beautiful, sell it to me."
.She Is a Student at Strasbourg
Lucas's lips twitched slightly.
The audacity!
Either auctioned or kept as treasures, the unpublished pieces were worth a fortune!
Particularly, 'Sunrise' had toured world museums!
She was asking as if she were shopping for clothes!
Lucas glared at her for a while before finally snorting.
"One million. If you want it, take it."
Seraphina felt a burst of joy. The old man had softened, giving her a friend's discount.
Lucas once received a hundred million dollar offer for Sunrise, but he didn't sell it.
Chapter 179
The One Million Tip
Finished
Seraphina stood there. She could sense the suffocating tension in the air. Jennifer's affection was overwhelming and could make one feel suffocated.
Hansen begrudgingly went down. He muttered a few polite words and quickly grew impatient.
His eyes never strayed from Seraphina.
Walter enjoyed chatting with Seraphina and peppering her with questions.
Meanwhile, Monica seemed uncharacteristically cold, though she was exceptionally warm towards Jennifer.
After dinner, Jennifer offered to make dessert.
Monica pulled Hansen along to help.
After a brief chat, Walter went off to rest.
Seraphina and Monica sat facing each other. Monica's smile faded as she reached into her purse, pulling out a check and placing it on the table in front of Seraphina. Seraphina was puzzled.
She looked down at the check-one million dollars.
"This is...?" she asked.
Monica gave a small, disdainful smile.
She explained, "That's the payment for the painting. Though I know it's not worth that much, we have known each other for a long time; just consider it a little something for your trouble."
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The One Million Tips
Seraphina watched as Lucas stormed out, and she hurried after him.
Before that, she turned toward Monica and said, "Mrs. Colombo, you can go home and expect the painting delivered to you."
On the way back, Jennifer noticed the barely concealed smile on Monica's face, and it irked her.
She finally spoke up at the right time!
"Monica, as far as I know, if it's authentic, that painting was once auctioned for a billion dollars. Is Seraphina really that close to Mr. Stroudsburg?"
Monica's smile faltered for a moment.
She asked, "What ... what do you mean? Mr. Stroudsburg isn't fake, is he?"
"Of course not," Jennifer replied smoothly. "I'm just worried about that. They are teacher and student, after all. There's a possibility that the painting you're receiving might not be genuine. It could be a flawed version."
Lucas did have several flawed pieces in his studio. They were worth some money, but they were not his
masterpieces.
Monica's heart sank at the thought.
Sensing Monica's distress, Jennifer offered a gentle smile and comforted her.
"However, this may not always be the case. I've heard that Mr. Stroudsburg marks all his completed works with a signature in the lower right corner. You'll know at a glance." Monica nodded, forcing a smile.
Monica went out of her way to rouse Hansen from his feigned illness and verify this.
She decided to host a family dinner at the Colombo estate.
Hansen lay sprawled on the bed, refusing to get up, whining in a way that made him look like he was just begging to be punched.
"A family meal? What kind of nonsense is that?"
"I've invited Seraphina and Jennifer. If you don't want to come, that's fine," Monica retorted.
The moment he heard Seraphina's name, Hansen's demeanor changed entirely. He jumped out of bed, and he was suddenly full of energy.
When Seraphina received the invitation, she hesitated to attend.
Hansen's feelings for her made her reluctant to involve herself too deeply with the Colombos.
Then she thought, Perhaps it was just a courteous gesture in return for the painting.
The One Million Tips
Finished
When she arrived at the Colombo estate as promised, she was surprised to find that Jennifer was already
there.
Moreover, she arrived much carlier than she did.
Jennifer was chatting and laughing with Walter and Monica.
Seraphina handed over the prepared painting to Monica.
Monica thanked her and took a quick glance at it.
For a brief moment, her expression froze, but it was so fleeting that it was easy to miss. She quickly composed herself. Seraphina was unaware of Monica's reaction.
She walked over to greet Walter.
Hansen had been upstairs the whole time. When he heard Seraphina's voice, he quickly rushed downstairs, grinning with excitement.
"Seraphina, come up here! I just found our old school yearbook, and I realized we used to dress up in wedding attire."
Seraphina was momentarily taken aback.
Though she had always been casual on previous visits, now that Jennifer was present, she felt it was inappropriate to make herself feel at home. Moreover, Jennifer held a grudge against her because she had a crush on Hansen.
She glared at him.
"That was for a play! Those were costumes, not a wedding dress!"
This fool!
Monica casually set the painting down against the wall.
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She chided, "Hansen, don't be rude. Ms. Perez has been here for quite some time, and you haven't even come down to greet her." Jennifer looked up at Hansen, her gaze lingering on those starry eyes that seemed to pierce right through her. A sting of pain pierced her. The dazzling lights in his eyes were brilliant and intense. However, it had never been directed at her.
Yet when he looked at Seraphina, he was always so gentle, 'joyful, and patient.
In that moment, Jennifer clenched her fists tightly. She felt her heart sink endlessly. She forced a casual smile, trying to brush it off. Jennifer tried to come up with an excuse for him.
"We've known each other for a long time. No need to be so formal"
Chapter 180
erit Billions
Finished
Foolishness Can Be Inherited
Seraphina let out a subtle smile.
Her demeanor was cold and reserved.
"Mrs. Colombo, I don't quite understand what you mean. How could you miss out on me gifting you this painting?"
Monica brushed her hair aside with disdain.
She looked at Seraphina without a trace of warmth or courtesy.
"I know this painting is fake. It's a poor imitation."
Seraphina's smile froze slightly.
Their eyes locked for several seconds.
Finally, Seraphina looked away.
It's a painting worth a billion dollars, but she claims it's not even worth a million dollars.
She called that a cheap knockoff?
What a strange feeling...
How could I even describe it?
Seraphina lowered her head, slowly letting out a cold grin.
"Is that so? You think it's fake?"
Her tone was casual and almost amusing.
"Seraphina, our families have been close for generations. Although your mother passed away early, you and Hansen haye always been on good terms and kept in touch. But don't think you can fool me ... Monica spoke calmly. She was suppressing her anger and trying to maintain her composure.
The mention of her late mother made Seraphina's heart tighten.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
A faint smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.
"If you don't like the painting, I'll take it back. I certainly don't want you to feel cheated."
She is mistaking gold for dirt!
Why have these socialites never managed to match their wealth with their taste?
Seraphina stood up and was ready to leave.
08:53 Wed,
Foolishness Can Be Inherited
"And one more thing, Seraphina-stay away from my son."
Seraphina was slightly taken aback by that warning.
This was the second time she'd heard this warning.
She heard that for the first time from Theresa before she married Orion.
And now, it was coming from Hansen's mother?
She turned back to Monica, whose expression remained impassive.
The warmth and familiarity she once showed Seraphina now seemed like a facade.
Seraphina felt a chill in her heart. She had always regarded Monica as a respected elder.
Who would've thought...
She forced a smile.
"Mrs. Colombo, is this a warning?"
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Finished
"You can see that as a warning. Hansen worked hard to take over the company, but he squandered 5 billion on that piece of land for your sake. He got a good beating and nearly got kicked off the board. Did you know that?" Seraphina was stunned. She thought she had salvaged the situation just in time.
She had no idea Hansen was in such trouble.
Seraphina frowned at the realization.
"If you two were together from the start, I wouldn't have objected. However, you recently went through a divorce and have consistently been the subject of controversy. With so many suitors, Hansen is the last person you should be with, don't you agree?" Seraphina was enraged that she let out a bitter laugh.
Monica might as well have just called her unworthy of her precious son! Why beat around the bush?
She glanced toward the kitchen, where Jennifer was standing, and then toward Hansen.
He stood at a distance and looked impatient.
Her eyes flickered slightly, and she seemed to understand something.
Was she being pushed out of the picture?
"It seems like your family has already chosen a suitable match for Hansen. And now you're clearing the obstacles from his path?"
Monica grasped what she meant and didn't deny it.
Seraphina scorned, "Ms. Perez is capable, gentle, and quite attractive. Most importantly, she has a decent and inspiring hackground. There's no one more suitable for a daughter-in-law than hert"
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Foolishness Can Be Inherited
She let out a mocking and sinister smile.
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Finished
Seraphina gazed down at Monica, who sat there with an elegant posture, but in reality, she was a goody-two-shoes.
"You're right, we aren't a formidable match. After all, foolishness can be inherited through generations."