Ch. 21..25: Inherit Billions Chapter 21-25
Chapter 21
Blues
In the sleek office of the Cross Group headquarters, Seraphina watched as Sivir moved with skill and grace, preparing her coffee. Her phone rang, and it was Michael, the CEO of Aurora Entertainment, on the line. “Miss, we’ve got intel that Ms. Dros is trying to film you secretly. Do you need help handling this?”
Aurora Entertainment was the company owned by Justin, whom Seraphina had approached back then.
save
Seraphina responded with a faint smile, her tone nonchalant. “No need, let her do it. It might actually say me some publicity costs.”
After hanging up, Sivir, having paused his coffee–making, looked concerned. “What’s happening?”
“Ms. Dros is attempting to secretly film me, but it’s not a concern,” Seraphina reassured him casually.
Sivir, not overly bothered by such tactics, handed her a cup of freshly brewed coffee. “Be careful, it’s hot.”
Taking the cup. Seraphina closed her eyes briefly to enjoy the rich aroma. “Your coffee is truly exceptional, Sivir. It could rival even the finest coffee masters globally. I’d make a fortune if you opened a cafe.”
Sivir gave a wry chuckle, glancing at her sidelong. “Apart from you, no one else can afford the coffee I make
Seraphina took a sip of the coffee and then remembered an important detail. “I officially start my new job tomorrow, Can Olivia come and act as my deputy for a few days?”
Indifferently. Sivir nodded. “Sure, arrange it as you see fit.”
Considering Olivia’s feelings towards him, Seraphina scht her a message. ‘Okay, see you at work tomorrow!!
Olivia responded promptly, ‘Yes, ma’am‘
Olivia, from a well–off family, was willing to help Seraphina not just out of friendship but also due to her feelings for both Seraphina and Sivir. Seraphina was aware but chose not to address this. She was happy to see her best friend and big brother possibly getting closer.
With her spirits lifted, Seraphina headed out to their planned meeting point, and the two decided to unwind at Blues, their favourite bar.
The bar buzzed with vitality, its atmosphere charged with the rhythmic pulse of energetic music that wrapped around everyone within its reach.
Olivia entered the lively scene, ready to unwind for the evening by immersing herself in the rhythm of the music with drinks and dancing. The two women, one vibrant and the other calm, naturally captured the crowd’s attention.
Olivia’s speech was becoming slurred, and she still wanted to keep drinking, which really overwhelmed Seraphina. So, she took Olivia’s land and said loudly, Stay here and wait for me; I’ll be right back from the restroom.
Olivia casually waved her off, absorbed in the lively atmosphere.
When Seraphina returned in just two or three minutes, she immediately noticed a tall man standing next
The man, who had been eyeing the pair earlier, took advantage of Olivia’s solitary moment to make his move, driven by blatant desire. Caught off guard by Seraphina’s rapid return, he quickly wrapped his arms. around Olivia, throwing á challenging look Seraphina’s way.
“Now that you’re back, why not join us for a drink?” he suggested with a sly, dangerous sparkle in his eyes, his tone a mix of threat and invitation.
Olivia seemed blissfully unaware of the precarious situation as the man’s arm lingered threateningly around her neck, his body poised to lead her away.
Seraphina met his gaze firmly, her voice resolute. Let her go.”
He smirked, confident and calculating. “Come here and take a sip of this wine. Then I’ll let her taunted, gesturing towards a glass filled with dubious intent.
Seraphina knew that the drink was undoubtedly spiked go,
he
Chapter 22
Bar Brawl
Seraphina reacted swiftly. As she prepared to step forward, a nearby guest warned her. “Miss, don’t approach him just yet. It’s better to call the police. That man is a well-known gang leader.”
The gang leader’s brazen attempt to harass her prompted Seraphina to acknowledge the guest’s advice with a nod. “Thank you, but there’s no need to worry.
Despite the tense atmosphere, Seraphina maintained her composure and even managed a smile. “If I go to you, will you release her?”
“Yes, come on, the man responded, his grin broadening as he anticipated the unfolding events.
With a confident smirk. Seraphina strode towards him, her steps deliberate.
Facing the gang leader directly, she arched an eyebrow and stated firmly, “Let her go. I’m here now.”
Despite her good looks, the gang leader figured she was just a woman. Moreover, her presence was more commanding than that of the woman he held.
Driven by desire, he reached out to touch Seraphina’s face, bur before his fingers could graze her skin, a bottle smashed over his head, causing him to let out a scream akin to that of a wounded animal.
In a flash. Seraphina grabbed his wrist, twisting it sharply and rendering him powerless. She then delivered a powerful kick to his chest, sending him sprawling to the ground in pain, too overwhelmed to fight back.
The music in the bar stopped abruptly, plunging the room into silence.
The bystanders were shocked by Seraphina’s swift and decisive action. They barely processed the scene before it was over. Those who might have considered intervening found themselves frozen in place in less than a minute.
A man known for his brute strength lay defeated by the graceful yet formidable woman.
Having not used her physical skills in three years, Seraphina showed no signs of rust. She relaxed her stance and calmly watched the gang leader writhing on the floor, her expression icy and detached. Then, she walked over to the bar, picked up a glass of wine, and crouched beside him.
“Will you handle this yourself, or do you need my help
Seraphina’s lips twisted into a mocking smile, indifferent to the dark blood oozing from his head. Under the neon lights, the tableau was both eerie and surreal.
The man writhed on the ground, his body convulsing as he begged for mercy-a scenario he never imagined he would face.
Seraphina ignored his pleas. Gripping his hair tightly, she tilted his head back. Her voice was calm as she said, “Let me help you.”
She then poured the drink down his throat with precision, not wasting a single drop.
After clapping her hands clean, Seraphina stood up. She had managed the situation with a cool demeanour, showing no signs of panic, fear, or satisfaction.
Helping Olivia to her feet) she decided it was time to leave. “Let’s go. Today has been disappointing.”
Seraphina and Olivia had already disappeared through the door as they regained their bearings.
Back inside, the gang leader continued to writhe in agony on the floor, clutching at his wounds and tearing at his clothes in a display of despair, his movements desperate and pitiful.
Outside, a few tabloid reporters excitedly slipped out to make calls. “Boss, we’ve got Seraphina on tape in a bar brawl. This story is going to blow up. If we publish it online, it’ll destroy her reputation.”
Lucius, enjoying his air-flown meal, responded with a smirk. “Proceed.”
Has Seraphina shown her true colours in less than a day?
Having left the Dros family without a word of thanks, betrayed Hannah, and now this public spectacle, it seemed right to him that Seraphina should be taught a harsh lesson.
Chapter 23
First Day of Work
Late at night, a tabloid reporter quietly uploaded edited footage online that portrayed Seraphina’s assertive behaviour without any context. To those unaware of the full story, it appeared as if she w needlessly bullying a man.
After a restful night, Seraphina woke up to her first official day at her new job. She got up early to pick out her outfit for the day.
Olivia pulled up in her flashy sports car, clearly distressed. “Seraphina, you’re being criticised online again!”
Seraphina, taken aback, responded, “Criticised? For what?”
Olivia handed her the phone, displaying a brief video clip that showed Seraphina looking stern while the man appeared distressed.
The terms “bar brawl” and “aggressive ex-wife” had pushed her to the top of the trending searches.
Seraphina turned off her phone and shrugged, staying calm. “It doesn’t matter. If I don’t see it, it won’t upset me. Let’s get ready for work.”
However, Olivia was fuming on behalf of her friend. Despite the effects of last night’s drinks, her memory was crystal clear: Seraphina had acted in self-defense. She could not let this go so easily.
“I’ll handle it. Let’s go to work.
As they prepared to leave, the butler Emeris had sent greeted them courteously at the door.
“Miss, your driver is waiting outside.”
Seraphina frowned, considering the unnecessary attention that being driven in a Rolls-Royce might attract. She quickly refused, “No need, I’ll drive myself,
The butler, unfazed, presented a set of car keys.
“Mr. Cross has handpicked several of the newest Maserati and Porsche models for you, all of which are parked in your garage. Several Lamborghini and Ferrari models ordered from overseas are still on their way. In the meantime, you can use these as an option.”
Olivia’s eyes widened, secretly amazed by the generosity. Emeris clearly held Seraphina in high regard. considering cars worth a fortune as merely temporary options.
The sports car Olivia drove probably would not fetch the price of a tire from any of the cars in Seraphina’s collection.
Seraphina sighed, a bit overwhelmed. “I just want to go to work like a normal person. I can’t be too flashy. I don’t need these. Olivia and I will go together.”
The butler paused momentarily, then respectfully bowed to Olivia, saying, “Please take care of her, Olivia.” Olivia grinned. “Leave it to me. It’s an honour to drive Seraphina.”
The two women exchanged smiles, and Seraphina, taking Olivia’s hand, quickly headed out. This butler
At the meeting, Sivir officially introduced Seraphina. The coveted director position, long vacant and highly sought after, was now hers. Even before the meeting concluded, some attendees had already begun to scrutinise Seraphina’s background and credentials.
Despite her previous status as Orion’s ex-wife, details about Seraphina’s own family background remained remarkably scarce.
Julia Lane, who had been confident about securing the position and had her sights on it for some time, was visibly upset.
“What does Seraphina have to offer? Can someone who had been merely a wealthy family’s daughter-in- law for three years be considered fit for this role? I object. I refuse to work in the same company as someone like her, she declared during the meeting.
Sivir glanced at his watch, his voice cold and dismissive. “If you wish to leave, you are free to submit your resignation. I will approve it.”
The room instantly fell into a tense and awkward silence.
Julia’s face soured, her embarrassment palpable. After years of dedication to the company and finally reaching this point, she was reluctant to just walk away.
And yet, it seemed Sivir was willing to risk humiliating a long-time employee for the sake of a newcomer like Seraphina.
The meeting room remained quiet, everyone exchanging disbelieving looks.
Chapter 24
Trending Again:
Seraphina’s brow furrowed slightly. She wanted to avoid becoming the focus of everyone’s criticism just as she started her new role. She contemplated how to case the tension with Julia when she noticed Julia standing up, her face flushed with nervousness.
“Mr. Cross, I apologise. I will respect the company’s decision and work effectively with Seraphina, Julia declared.
“Good, meeting adjourned.”
Sivir promptly concluded, leaving the room with an authoritative air.
Julia breathed a sigh of relief.
While many within the company harboured doubts about Seraphina’s appointment, none dared voice their concerns openly, given Sivir’s influential position. Nonetheless, Seraphina remained undeterred, ready to demonstrate her worth through her work.
Soon after, Thomas walked into Seraphina’s office, his demeanour respectful. “Seraphina, I’m at your disposal for any tasks you need to be handled.”
Recognising that Thomas was Sivir’s trusted aide and that his support would be invaluable, Seraphina responded. Thank you. Mr. Cross brought up the Giant Group project earlier. I need all the information available on Giant Group.”
“I’ll get that to you right away. Thomas assured her before leaving.
Just then, Olivia breezed into the office, playing with the phone cord. “Darling, my office is right next to yours. Looks like we’ll be fighting side by side.”
Seraphina smiled, and her mood lifted; things could go back to how they used to be between them.
“It might be tough at first, but it’ll get better.”
Olivia adjusted her hair casually and said, “I’m not worried. Oh, and I have something to show you.”
With a mischievous grin, she handed Seraphina her phone, sparking curiosity.
Once more, the online community was abuzz. Olivia successfully had several social media influencers share the complete video from the previous night, capturing her harassment by the gang leader, Seraphina’s prompt intervention, and their quick departure. The footage rapidly spread across the
Internet
Wow, who needs a boyfriend when you have a friend like this?”
‘She’s so chic and sophisticated! Now I understand why she left the wealthy family
Seraphina is my idoll
Give her the spotlight!
What an aloof and elegant lady! I need her contact details in three minutes!
Once again, she soared to the top of the trending searches. Seraphina looked at Olivia with a hint of surprise. “Did you actively seek out the video from last night?”
Olivia stood tall, her voice full of conviction. “There was no need to search; it was just a phone call away. I won’t allow anyone to speak ill of you, not while I’m here.”
Seraphina offered a small smile. “It’s really not a big deal.”
“Do you know who’s behind all this?”
Seraphina shook her head, though a name came to mind. Olivia quickly confirmed her guess. “It’s Lucius, one of Orion’s close friends!”
As expected, whether it was Hannah or Lucius, all were connected to Orion.
Seraphina gave a soft snort, her face cooling slightly. Now that she was aware, she could not simply let it slide.
“Call Michael; I want all the information they have on Lucius.”
“This is the Seraphina I know-never lets a slight go unchallenged. Don’t worry, I’ve got everything set up. Let’s teach them a lesson they won’t forget!”
Chapter 25
Lucius’ Apology
Olivia had already gathered detailed information on Lucius and sent it over to Seraphina. Among the collection, Seraphina chose a photo showing Lucius in a swimsuit, intimately embracing someone at a party soon after he was married.
Then, she added a caption that said, ‘If you want to confront me, do it face to face. I prefer direct challenges to sneaky tactics like hiring paparazzi to follow me around. Mr. Brown, take care of yourself!”
Seraphina posted the photo from her newly established account, and soon enough, it caught the attention of many influencers who began sharing and discussing it. The shift in narrative quickly captivated the online community.
While Seraphina’s new account was not widely known yet, her follower count quickly grew, exposing Lucius’s private life to the public eye.
Lucius hurried into Orion’s office at Dros Group, looking very upset. “Bro, your ex-wife is trying to destroy me!”
Orion gave him a cold look as he continued his work.
Lucius, increasingly agitated, showed him the backlash he was receiving online. “Is she cyberbullying me? This is ridiculous! This is her true character, isn’t it? This woman is trouble. Now, my wife wants a divorce because of this. You have to help me, bro!”
Orion frowned, his expression growing darker as he read through the online comments. After a moment, he said icily, “So, you intended to cyberbully her, but it backfired?”
Lucius, shaking, quickly tried to defend himself. “I-I just wanted to teach her a lesson. I didn’t realise the video had been altered. Those tabloid reporters swindled me!”
Orion threw his phone onto the table, his demeanour stern. “You got what you deserved.
“Bro, you have to help me. I was tricked by the tabloid reporters, too. But really, the whole scheme was Hannah’s idea. If I hadn’t taken the fall, she would be the one facing this backlash.”
Orion’s face turned even colder as he recalled the recent events at the restaurant. He had not expected his sister to go so far.
Visibly distressed, Lucius begged Orion for help, but Orion responded indifferently. “Handle it yourself You’ve brought this on yourself. With your abilities, should you really be concerned over something so minor?”
“It might have been minor, but this woman contacted Michael from Aurora Entertainment. You know how cunning he is! He’s even ignoring my calls now. Nobody is willing to back me up anymore, and I’m being crucified publicly.”
Lucius struggled to grasp how his attempt to teach Seraphina a lesson had backfired so dramatically. How had those private party photos even leaked?
Furthermore, to compound his troubles, his usually supportive wife suddenly suggested divorce after learning about the scandal.
Orion looked up, his advice succinct, “You should reconcile with whoever you’ve wronged.”
“Seraphina?”
Lucius recoiled at the thought. Why should he apologise to someone he viewed as hypocritical?
Orion said little else. As the secretary came in to confirm his next meeting, he stood and left the office.
Lucius left feeling desolate and irritable. He avoided going online to avoid seeing comments from his acquaintances. The incessant ringing of his phone at home was driving him to the brink of smashing it.
“I’m just hugging a few women! What’s the big deal?” he muttered angrily in his car, nearly steaming with rage.
He knew he needed to resolve this swiftly, but the idea of personally apologising to Seraphina was more distasteful than enduring a whipping.
However, with no viable alternatives and facing potential eviction, he reluctantly decided to act.
After mulling it over, he directed his company’s staff to post an official statement on his personal social media account, which boasted 800 thousand followers.
‘I deeply regret the distress caused to Seraphina due to the misleading video editing that occurred without my knowledge.
Lucius realised he was cornered; Seraphina’s direct callout indicated she had evidence against him. So, continuing to resist was futile.
Although he did not rely on his entertainment carcer or fanbase for his income and thus was not worried, about losing fans, he knew his apology would diminish his standing among his peers.