Ch. 191..195: Inherit Billions Chapter 191-195
Chapter 191
Punishment
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Finished
In an instant, the surrounding noise faded into a tense silence. People lowered their heads, whispering among themselves.
"Ms. Dros is bold. Is she trying to murder someone?"
"Yeah, what kind of hatred drives Ms. Dros to such extremes that she attempts to kill someone?"
"This is terrifying. Ms. Dros always seemed so innocent. Who knew she was this ruthless?"
"My goodness, thank heavens; there's evidence. Otherwise, Ms. Cross would never be able to clear her name!
"Ms. Cross has such a good heart and hasn't even let go of her."
"If it were me, why would I care about a murderer's fate?"
Hannah's image plummeted in everyone's eyes.
This young woman had shown a side of herself that was shockingly vicious. Attempting to push Seraphina down the stairs, only to jump herself and try to frame her? People's hearts are unpredictable! The recording played on, and everyone in the room had heard it clearly.
Orion's face darkened, his gaze icy and piercing, sending chills through anyone who looked at him.
Hannah's face turned pale with fear, and she was unable to utter a single word.
Who could have anticipated that Seraphina had such a trick up her sleeve?
Orion stepped forward. His presence radiated a chilling coldness as he yanked Hannah away from Seraphina's grasp and flung her to the ground.
Before she could feel any relief from surviving the ordeal, darkness clouded her vision.
In one swift motion, Orion bent down and delivered a resounding slap across her face.
The banquet hall fell into a deathly silence.
The turn of events shocked those watching the drama.
Orion's slap was merciless. It was a full-force blow and a righteous act of familial justice.
Hannah clutched her burning cheek and slumped on the floor, dazed and confused.
Her body trembled with cold and fear. She was unable to comprehend what had just happened. Pathetic, malicious, ugly
Any negative word could describe Hannah at this moment.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked up at Orion in terror.
Punishment
emotion in her brother's gaze before. And it was all because she was his sister.
#Finished
For a brief moment, Hannah recalled the warnings from Orion and Ramona. Never provoke Seraphina!
A loud noise resonated in her mind-the Drosses migh abandon her and cast her out.
This once-glamorous Dros heiress was the target of mockery, disclain, and angry stares from those around her Hannah had nowhere left to turn.
The chandeliers cast a dazzling glow, brightening the grand banquet hall.
Orion's slap was harsh indeed.
Seraphina smirked slightly. She was uninterested in continuing to watch the spectacle.
After all, she had done what she came to do.
"Since the truth is out, I'll be leaving. This show wasn't very entertaining.
She waved her hand dismissively, a hint of mockery in her smile.
"It's important to have a brain. Too bad you don't have one. Goodbye, Ms. Dros
Seraphina hadn't let go immediately, and for that, she was benevolent.
Had she not been quick to react, Hannah would have fallen down the stairs.
Even if she had survived, she would have suffered severe injuries.
Hannah had planned to bring down all the guests, forcing them to witness Seraphina's disgrace.
It could have become a lifelong stigma, turning Seraphina into a laughingstock.
She wasn't nearly that naive. To repay evil with kindness? Haha! She would only repay vengeance with vengeance!
Handah's status in socialite circles would definitely take a hit, and her future marriage prospects might also be affected.
But that was exactly what she deserved!
Seraphina clicked her tongue, a cold laugh escaping her lips.
How fitting! Serve her right!
"Let's go home. Tonight ended on quite a satisfying note," Seraphina said, turning to
Olivia.
The two women went to the restroom to touch up their makeup before walking to the banquet hall's entrance, standing under the landscape lights by the door. Someone called her name.
"Semanhina"
Punishment.
Instinctively, Seraphina looked up.
She watched as the man's tall, slender figure drew closer. Shadows engul seamlessly with the deepening night. He walked toward her.
Orion held a cigarette between his fingers.
As he took a drag, the ember glowed faintly, and his movements refined.
"Seraphina, I have something to talk about with you."
Finished
his entire form, blending
Chapter 192
Seraphina gazed at Orion, who stood before her with those deep, captivating eyes.
His stare was both alluring and dangerous.
She didn't want to remember how deeply she had once fallen for him, to the point where it was irreversible.
What had just happened felt like a farce.
This was utterly ridiculous.
Olivia glanced at her.
"Should I leave?"
She waited for Seraphina's cue.
What was Orion even worth?
Seraphina raised an eyebrow and said, "No need. There's no secret between us."
Orion's brow furrowed but quickly returned to its usual calm.
His voice was mellow and low.
"About earlier... I'm sorry. I'll make sure she learns her lesson. And... thank you for not letting go." Finished
He knew that in that situation, if Seraphina had let go, Hannah would've deserved what came to her. Seraphina had every reason to abandon Hannah.
But she didn't...
Hannah had wronged her countless times; even Orion hadn't expected this outcome.
Seraphina flashell a brilliant smile, her eyes reflecting the shimmering lights.
"You don't have to thank me. I'm different from those in your family-I have a reputation to maintain."
She always preferred to use her brightest smile to deliver the coldest words.
The next day, Orion took Hannah back to the Dros estate. After that, Hannah was sent out of Ascotia overnight, and no one knew where she went. Seraphina was about to head to the office when she received a message from Justin.
"Come home. There's a terrific show to watch"
The message was short and cryptic.
Seraphina thought about it for a moment before deciding to turn back.
T
Imitated
Without further hesitation, Seraphina sped back to the Cross Estate,
Finished
Emeris and Benjamin were in the garden. The two were tending to the flowers. When Benjamin saw Seraphina, he immediately stood up. "Ms. Seraphina, you're home,"
Seraphina smiled, twirling her car keys as she teased,
"Dad, have you given up fishing for gardening?"
Emeris shot her a glance and gestured inside with his chin.
Seraphina raised an eyebrow.
Her dad was intentionally avoiding someone.
Who could be that intimidating?
Just as she was about to step inside and see for herself, someone came out.
"Seraphina, you're finally back! Your sister and I have been waiting for you for a long time."
A woman, all false smiles and feigned warmth, stood at the doorway.
Seraphina's smile faded upon seeing her.
If there was anyone in the family she liked the least, it was this woman standing before her.
Her name was Flora Royle, the wife of Uncle Alexander-Emeris's younger brother.
Which made her Seraphina's aunt.
When Seraphina's grandfather was alive, he didn't approve of their marriage. Therefore, Flora never took the Cross surname.
Flora had already had a daughter when she met Alexander. He left his wife, who had done nothing wrong. and brought Floga and her daughter, Grace Royle, into the family. That incident had enraged Seraphina's grandfather so much that he had a heart attack and ended up in.
the ICU.
As a result, Flora and her daughter's status within the family had always been awkward.
They had lived in Alexander's house for many years. Though they never had a wedding, Alexander had considered Flora the mistress of the house.
Seraphina's family had little to do with these matters.
They didn't care much about their affairs.
Emeris built the Cross Group from the ground up, and Alexander had nothing to do with it.
Out of family loyalty and to avoid unnecessary trouble, Emeris had let Alexander handle the business in
Turona
Irritated.
Even though the business had incurred losses for two years, nothing was ever done about it.
Emeris had simply considered the cost of maintaining peace.
#Finished
Alexander had brought Grace into the Lacuna branch of the Cross Group, making her a young executive In the eyes of outsiders, she was a cross princess.
Grace always flaunted her status as the Cross princess, making quite a name for herself in social circles.
Compared to Seraphina, this so-called Cross Princess was leagues apart.
Grace had always tried to win Seraphina's favor, but Seraphina couldn't care less about her.
Grace had gone to great lengths to imitate Seraphina's style and her fashion sense, even undergoing surgery to alter her features in an attempt to become a genuine Crosses, The rest of the Crosses knew better. She wasn't a family member.
No wonder Emeris hadn't wanted to deal with them and had gone out to tend to the garden instead.
Seraphina thought about it for a moment-this was her house. What was there to be afraid of?
As she walked closer, she smiled politely.
"Did something happen at Uncle Alexander's company?
"There's nothing wrong with the company. We're family, so I just wanted to bring your sister over to visit."
As she beckoned Grace forward, Flora spoke.
Grace stepped up, acting all delicate and demure.
"Seraphina."
Seraphina nodded in response.
This Grace wasn't nearly as innocent as she pretended to be. Grace reminded Seraphina of Jessica, and it irritated her to no end.
Chapter 193
Confrontation
She walked past the two women without a glance, heading straight into the house.
A waiting servant immediately stepped forward, respectfully taking her bag and helping Seraphina change
her shoes.
Seraphina calmly cast a glance at Justin, who was sipping coffee in the living room.
"Justin, why haven't you been to the company lately? I heard Michael is planning to promote some new talent.
Justin gave her a nonchalant look.
Tm just thinking about early retirement; is that a problem?"
Seraphina snorted. She was about to retort when Flora chimed in at the worst possible moment.
"Seraphina, I heard you took over the company. Congratulations!"
Seraphina forced a smile and said, "Thank you."
"Seraphina," Grace said with a mix of admiration and jealousy in her eyes. "You're incredible. Dad always tells me that I should learn from you if I want to be as successful." Seraphina paused in her steps, hesitating for a moment before responding.
"Really? Uncle Alexander is being too kind."
Her uncle wasn't one to compliment her.
Flora quickly added with a smile, "Yes, Seraphina. I brought Grace here today because I'd like her to help out at the company. It would be a wonderful learning experience for her." Seraphina stopped, and her brow was furrowed slightly
Noticing the change in Seraphina's expression, Flora anxiously continued, "It doesn't have to be an important position. A senior management role or even a supervisory one will do. After all, Grace is family. Your sister deserves a fair chance. Seraphina's frown deepened.
Flora had some nerve, coming here to ask for a position like that. She had the nerve to ask for a senior management role just like that.
Before Seraphina could respond, Justin couldn't help but scowl
His lazy voice broke the silence.
"Isn't ruining Uncle Alexander's company enough? Now, you want to ruin us? Cross Group doesn't support freeloaders!"
Seraphina raised an eyebrow. Since when did Justin's words sound so pleasing?
Confrontation
Justin's words were blunt, to say the least; he didn't show the mother and daughter any respect.
Finished
She often flaunted her status as Mrs. Cross, and her influence had extended far. Everyone knew she was Uncle Alexander's, so why wasn't anyone listening? "Justin, how can you say that? We're all family. Grace is your sister too, Flora said, her dissatisfaction clear.
Justin pointed at Seraphina.
"This is my sister. I don't recall having a sister named Royle."
Flora's anger started to show as she turned to Seraphire,
"Seraphina, I know you're in charge now. Giving your sister a position shouldn't be a big deal, right?"
Seraphina was directly addressed. She paused, and a meaningful smile played on her lips.
"If Grace wants to join Cross Group, it's doable."
Flora let out a relieved smile, and before she could feel pleased, Seraphina continued.
"Every year, Cross Group focuses on hiring top-tier management talent through HR. If Grace has the ability, she's welcome to submit her resume." The atmosphere grew tense.
Flora frowned. Her tone became sharp and sarcastic.
"Why make things so complicated? It's just a matter of you saying the word. She's a family member. Why are you being so petty?"
Grace nodded in agreement and chimed in from the side, playing the part of the obedient sister.
"Yes, Seraphina, I just want to learn the ropes of doing business."
Seraphina inwardly sneered, speaking slowly and deliberately.
f you
"If y
want to learn, school is the place for that. Every position in the company serves a purpose. With your skills, I'm afraid you won't be up to the task."
Grace's expression immediately fell. She bit her lower lip as she looked at her mother with grievance.
Flora was momentarily stunned; her expression shifted dramatically. In her rage, her sharp and biting words rang out
"So, you're looking down on us, huh? Don't forget, we all carry the Cross name!"
Flora glared at Seraphina and sneered coldly, "You think you're so high and mighty? The internet is full of
your scandals!"
The living room echoed with Flora's relentless mocker
The temperature in the room seemed to drop to freezing
Even the sound of Tustin's aime stonnert
Confrontation
Coincidentally, Emeris walked into the room.
It wasn't clear how long he had been outside, but his e
Chapter 194
Family Scandal
When Emeris arrived, Flora wouldn't let the opportunity slip by easily,
She hurried to complain.
"Emeris, your kids are so out of line! Is it difficult to get Grace a job at the company?
Emeris's mood plummeted upon hearing her words. He couldn't believe how shameless Flora was
His face darkened as he shot her a stern look, warning without hesitation, "Do you think this is a place for tantrums? Watch your words!"
The moment he spoke, Flora visibly recoiled in fear. Her once-arrogant tone softened immediately. "We're all family here; why put on airs?" Sensing the tension, Grace quickly stepped forward, attempting to mediate
"Uncle Emeris, my mom didn't mean it like that. Please don't misunderstand"
Flora frowned and was ready to speak. However, Emeris abruptly interrupted her, her voice now icy.
"Family? You think you're family? You're just a mistress and an outsider. How dare you try to boss us around?"
Those words sent Flora spiraling into despair.
He was right.
Back then, Emeris's father had been so angered by this affair that he suffered a heart attack. He never recovered and passed away shortly after.
Since then, Emeris has distanced himself from Alexander's affairs.
For a long time, Alexander had been idle. Emeris only allowed him to manage the business in Lacuna out of brotherly pity and because she wanted to provide him with an income.
But back then, it was very clear that Alexander would lose all rights to the Lacuna business if he married
Flora.
For over a decade, Flora had followed Alexander without title or recognition.
In recent years, she's been attending events under the title of Mrs. Cross, and no one has stopped her.
She thought the Crosses had accepted her.
Emeris's family was so ruthless! They had never truly regarded her as someone who mattered!
Grace bit her lip, her eyes red with frustration.
Grace didn't carry the Cross name, and because of this, her status was a world of difference from Seraphina.
It was the difference between a true princess and an imposter.
Family Scandal
Unwilling to back down, she spoke up.
Finished
"Uncle Emeris, how could you say that? Dad and Mom have been together for over ten years; even if they haven't gotten married yet, we're still part of the family You never agreed for them to get married, so why do you now label us as outsiders? Emeris shot her a frosty glance and reprimanded her sharply. "An elder is talking here, and you dare to interrupt?"
Because of them, his father had nearly died from anger, and Emeris had harbored a deep resentment towards this mother-daughter pair.
Even after his father's death, he never allowed them to take on the Cross name.
He already couldn't stand them, and now they dared to act out in front of him? Flora had asked for it!
Her face grew stiff and sour, full of resentment.
She had tried to play the family card but ended up being utterly defeated.
In addition, the servants laughed at them.
She couldn't bear it anymore, and her anger was flaring
Emeris and Seraphina's attitudes had her seething. Her complexion flushed with rage, and she was utterly provoked.
"Damn it! If it weren't for you people, Alexander would've married me ages ago. The state I'm in now is all thanks to you! How dare you insult me like this?"
Seraphina cast a cold glance at Flora and her daughter. She let out a derisive laugh, and her voice was dripping with disdain.
"A mistress is always a mistress. You should learn to survive in the gutter. The Crosses isn't for just anyone
you had join. If you two did get married, the media would dig up your past. Then everyone would know climbed your way up from being a mistress. How do you think that would look for the family?"
She smirked, and her meaning was clear.
"You might still enjoy a good life if you keep Alexander Uncle happy. If you don't know your place, you might not know how tragic it will be."
With Flora's face turning ghostly pale, Seraphina was full of satisfaction.
Flora had brought this upon
herself.
Her face was twisted with humiliation. Flora gritted her teeth, and her voice was shrill and bitter.
"Seraphina, you're threatening me? Back when you were hell-bent on marrying Orion Dros, didn't you bring enough shame to the family? Do you think you've earned the right to look down on everyone just because of where you stand now?
Chapter 195Kicked Out
Finished
Flora had mentally prepared herself for what was about to happen. She fully expected Seraphina to lose her temper after hearing her words, and she was even ready to teach her a lesson. However, the atmosphere quickly turned cold. Flora could sense the malevolence hanging in the air.
Even the servants, who had been mere bystanders, were now glaring at her with hardened, frustrated eyes.
Seraphina's eyes froze momentarily before her expression darkened. There was a deep, chilling calmness in her gaze, something that made anyone around her uncasy.
She walked towards Flora, each step heavy with an intimidating presence that made her feel insignificant.
Grace swallowed hard. She noticed the looks from Emeris and Justin, as if they wished to skin her alive. However, it was Seraphina's gaze that was most unsettling, with a depth that was impossible to decipher.
When Seraphina spoke, her voice was calm and almost nonchalant
"Ms. Royle, do you seriously think it's something proud to come here and insult me? With the things you just said, you can forget about ever associating with my family."
It was a direct hit, and Seraphina's words had the desired effect of terrifying Flora and Grace.
Emeris had announced her as the heir, and Seraphina had every right to determine their fate.
Grace's expression flickered with panic.
Her hands fell to her sides, and her fingers were clenched so tightly that her nails nearly dug into her palms. "Seraphina, my mother didn't mean it. Please don't take it to heart."
Seraphina's rudeness and arrogance allowed her to insult them freely, yet Grace didn't dare to openly offend her. Seraphina was erupowered to say whatever she wanted-she was the princess of the Cross Group, after all.
Her expression was icy, and she had no desire to waste any more words on these two women. It was- beneath her. "Benjamin, show them out."
As soon as Seraphina gave the order, the butler stepped forward, motioning for the servants to escort
Flora and Grace out.
Though furious, Flora was still wary of Seraphina. Despite her resentment, she dared not act out, though her entire body trembled with anger.
"Fine, if this is how you treat people, do you really think I care? From now on, I won't come even if you invite me.
Then she stormed off, dragging Grace with her. The sound of her high heels echoing sharply against the
Kicked Out
Finished
As soon as they were outside the Cross estate, Grace pulled out her phone, her voice icy as she spoke.
"Seraphina's not letting me into the company."
Emeris was furious.
Both Justin and Seraphina could feel it.
He had stormed upstairs to his study, slamming the door so hard that it echoed throughout the house.
Downstairs, the servants didn't dare make a sound.
Seraphina glanced at Justin.
"This is what you call fun?"
"How entertaining!"
Justin shrugged and spread his hand innocently.
Seraphina scoffed coldly and said, "Next time they show up, just kick them out immediately."
She instructed the butler without hesitation. Now that things had come to this, there was no need to hold back
Two vain women-they were hardly worth her time.
Benjamin nodded in agreement.
"By the way, Ms. Seraphina, your birthday is coming up. What are your plans?"
If the housekeeper hadn't mentioned it, Seraphina would have almost forgotten.
Her birthday was around the corner.
Seraphina turned to Justin with a smile.
"How it gets there isn't important; what matters is that the gift must arrive, Justin!"
Justin shivered slightly at her words.
Benjamin chuckled quietly from the side.
Initially, Seraphina had no intention of making a big deal out of her birthday party.
After the chaos caused by Flora and Grace, Emeris was determined to make it a grand affair.
At Cross Group, Seraphina had just finished a meeting and was stepping out of the conference room. She noticed Sivir heading for the door with an icy expression. Seraphina frowned. It was rare to see Sivir so upset.
Chehaucht for a mAIYARE
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08:33 hu, Oct 24
Kicked Out
"Sivir, what's got you so riled up?"
Sivir's expression softened slightly, though there was still a barely noticeable edge to his voice.
"It's nothing. Uncle Alexander is getting restless. So, I had to issue him a warning."