Ch. 216..220: Inherit Billions Chapter 216-220
Chapter 216
Do You Have Some Sort of Fetishes?
Seraphina let out a derisive chuckle.
Signing the pre-sale in advance would result in penalties worth three times the original amount, if not
more.
Did they really think she wouldn't stop them?
"As I recall, I'm the one in charge of this project. Since when did your branch offices gain the authority to bypass headquarters and undertake such a large project directly? The room fell silent.
The trio at the center of the tension had everyone's attention.
Flora and Grace had always gotten their ways in the company-nobody dared to provoke them.
It was unusual for someone to have the nerve to challenge them openly.
Their satisfaction was almost beyond words.
"Seraphina, don't be so quick to scold. Your uncle personally signed off on this. We're not part of the family, but surely Alexander is.
Flora sneered coldly. She had come prepared, and her eyes glinted with the satisfaction of a plan falling into place.
With a slight smirk, Seraphina glanced at her.
"I've already reported this to the authorities. Anyone involved won't get away from this."
She had already discussed this with Emeris before arriving.
The company in Lacuna was chaotic enough; it needed to be reorganized.
Flora froze in place and stared at Seraphina in disbelief.
Grace clenched her fists, shocked.
They thought that including Alexander would make Seraphina hesitant to act.
Just then, heavy, hurried footsteps echoed from the doorway.
"What do you think you're doing, Seraphina? Do you not even see me as family?"
Alexander's voice was filled with rage as it came from the door.
Flora's people must have exaggerated Seraphina's intentions to show up here.
Flora acted as if her savior had arrived. She hurriedly walked over to him and clutched his arm.
"Al, thank goodness you're here. Your niece doesn't just disregard me-now she wants to go against you too!"
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Do You Have Some Sort of Fetishes?
Alexander glared at Seraphina furiously.
"Seraphina, what are you doing here? This is none of your business!"
Seraphina's gaze remained calm and steady as she lifted her head and spoke in a measured tone.
"The Lacuna branch is suspected of plagiarizing the research findings of the Cross Group and Giant Group. We have already reported this matter to the authorities. Alexander's complexion turned pale with anger.
"Reported to authority? Why involve the police in family matters? What evidence do you have to prove this is theft? And you haven't even applied for a patent! Even if you went to court, it would be nothing without solid evidence! Do you really have to make such a spectacle of things?"
Grace chimed in, trying to play along with Alexander's argument.
"Exactly, Seraphina. We're all part of the Cross Group. All of us are working hard to make money for the same cause. Why turn on each other? When you're making money, can't we also get some small profits?"
Seraphina let out a cold laugh, her gaze chilling as it swept over them.
"That little profit? You don't deserve it."
Her words successfully provoke Alexander.
"Impudent! Who do you think you're talking to?"
"Uncle Alexander, have you already forgiven this mother-daughter duo for keeping a man behind your back? Or do you have some peculiar hobby?"
"Bang!"
Alexander's face flushed red with anger as he slammed his fist onto the desk in front of her.
The atmosphere instantly became eerily quiet.
Seraphina's words carried too much weight for everyone to process at once.
She remained composed as she sat there. Seraphina watched Flora and Grace's faces gradually turn a shade of deep red with shame.
Inside, she sneered, knowing they were on the losing side.
Flora was the first to react. Her face twisted in fury as she unleashed a tirade of insults.
"Seraphina, you're trying to sow discord! How dare you speak to Al like that? Your mother died young, and no one taught you what respect means, did they?" Those words left Flora's mouth. Alexander couldn't stop her in time.
The temperature in the room seemed to drop to freezing, the chill permeating every inch of the air.
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Chapter 217
Everyone knew that Seraphina's mother had passed away years ago. Seraphina rarely spoke about the painful memory, especially within the family.
Not just Seraphina-if Emeris were to hear those words, he might very well have killed Flora on the spot.
Flora must have been out of her mind to insult Seraphina's late mother right in the face.
As Seraphina's expression grew darker and colder, Grace realized something was wrong.
She instinctively glanced at Alexander, whose furious expression had suddenly turned composed.
Just when everyone thought the tense atmosphere would explode, Seraphina's cold gaze fixed on Flora for a long moment. Her eyes were deep and dangerous.
When she finally spoke, her voice was cold and detached. "Flora, do you think I'm someone you can trifle with?"
From the moment she spoke, it was clear Seraphina had no intention of letting Flora off easily.
Flora was stunned by that remark. She was about to retaliate, but Alexander quickly grabbed her arm.
"Be quiet! This isn't your place to speak."
Flora looked at Alexander in confusion.
"Al, I'm doing this for your sake."
Alexander gritted his teeth, his brow furrowing in frustration, and his eyes filled with displeasure.
"Seraphina, she didn't mean it; don't take it to heart. But business is business-if a project can make money for the company, why not pursue it? Besides, we've hired a top research team to develop this product, and all of those are renowned experts from domestic and foreign countries. Even if someone investigates, we have nothing to fear!"
Seraphina let out a mocking laugh, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"This project is at least decades ahead of its time. It's a groundbreaking achievement in today's world. Which expert did you hire?"
Professors? Even if you gathered all the professors in the country, they wouldn't match up to Sergio! They are shameless. Attempt to ruin this project and the Cross Group's reputation? Impossible!
"It's Professor Anthony Smith, a visiting professor at Hewitt University. He is a renowned physicist and Al specialist. With him on board, who could accuse us of plagiarism?"
Grace spoke proudly.
A top figure in the field of physics, she thought Seraphina was too ignorant to recognize an expert like
him.
Alexander stepped forward and softened his tone. He tried to give Seraphina a way out.
09.40 Sat, Oct 26
Get Lost
Seraphina lowered her eyes, her tone indifferent and emotionless.
"Uncle Alexander, the person my brother sent to audit the books won't return empty-handed. Uncovering the messy accounts in Lacuna is all too easy. Before coming here, I had already discussed it with my dad. The Lacuna branch will declare bankruptcy and undergo restructuring immediately. Internal personnel changes will be made accordingly. Flora and Grace, along with their group of freeloading relatives, will all be kicked out of the company. If you're willing to cover the compensation for breaking the contracts, you can maintain your position as the legal representative of the newly formed company. Otherwise, it's time for you to retire."
She wasn't negotiating, but she announced her decision.
With this announcement, everyone's expressions relaxed, as if they finally saw a brighter future ahead.
Flora and Grace's expressions froze. Their expressions became utterly unpleasant.
Years of their hard work were destroyed so easily?
Alexander glared at Seraphina, his face turning ashen with rage.
The brow, which had just relaxed, furrowed again.
This brat was determined to go against him!
"You...
He couldn't believe Emeris would support her in this situation. He immediately pulled out his phone to call Emeris, but the call wouldn't go through.
Alexander's expression became one of anger and frustration.
Seraphina chuckled and said, "My father has already handed over the group to me. The company is now under my control."
So, there was no point for you to keep trying! My dad has done all he can!
She slowly stood up. Her sharp gaze was sweeping across the room, pausing especially on Flora and Grace's faces. Her eyes lingered on Grace.
"Your mother may not be dead, but it's a shame she doesn't know how to behave."
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Chapter 218
Desperate Struggle
Seraphina had never been one to forgive easily.
Anyone who insulted her and thought they could walk away unscathed would soon realize their mistake.
She mentally jotted down every little thing in her notebook and waited for the perfect moment to settle
the score.
Ignoring the venomous insults hurled by Grace and Flora behind her back, she walked away with her head held high, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. Even for a second, staying under the same roof as them was unbearable.
The bodyguard quickly opened the door for her, his movements precise and respectful.
Every gesture, every movement, radiated an innate elegance and superiority, as if she were born to stand above others, gazing down from her lofty perch. Back at the office, the team she had sent was already moving to fully take over the operations.
Seraphina ignored the online uproar.
The truth would come out soon enough.
The next day brought an unexpected twist-Alexander wasn't ready to give up. He released a video on behalf of his company.
Anthony was featured in the video. In it, the professor condemned his research theft with righteous indignation and subtly accused Giant Group of plagiarism.
The video sent shockwaves through the media, reigniting the controversy. The internet exploded with divided opinions.
"Professor Smith is a well-known expert in the country, with numerous patents to his name. Why would he lie?"
"Is Giant Group using its power to buy out someone else's technology? This man has a spotless reputation -he wouldn't lie."
"Professor Smith is an upright man, full of integrity. I think it's time some people admitted who really stole from whom."
"I was once a student of Professor Smith. This individual is deceptive, consistently claiming credit for his students' contributions. "All of Professor Smith's research comes from his students' patents."
The sea of outrage quickly drowned out the various voices.
Seraphina's face darkened as she watched the news receive more attention.
Thomas spoke cautiously from the side.
Desperate Struggle
Seraphina took a deep breath, telling herself to stay calm.
Her voice remained as calm as she could manage, though a glint of cold determination flickered in her
eyes.
"No. Let's add fuel to the fire and burn them all down!"
"Understood."
No more words were necessary; Thomas instantly grasped Seraphina's intent.
The press conference was brief but solemn.
In such a crucial moment, Seraphina's decision-to-face the press, answering tough and pointed questions, was both surprising and bold.
Orion and Aiden both received invitations.
Attending was optional, but both men showed up.
They confronted the heated issues head-on, though Seraphina remained the focus. As supporting figures, they didn't overshadow her but instead underscored the importance and trust in this collaboration. Both men were undeniably attractive.
Aiden, with his refined demeanor and subtle rebellious streak.
Orion, with his noble air and striking presence, captivated the room even in silence.
Seraphina wore her custom-made haute couture outfit, which looked nothing short of spectacular. Wherever she went, all eyes were on her, and every camera angle was flawless.
In another life, she could have easily dominated the entertainment industry on looks alone as a celebrity.
Her beauty momentarily distracted the reporters, almost making them forget why they had come to the press conference.
As the conference moved to the main topic, the atmosphere grew tense.
"Ms. Cross, what's your response to the plagiarism allegations?"
Seraphina didn't shy away from the question.
"The management at Lacuna indeed made a mistake and plagiarized the collaborative work of the three companies."
Her words caused an immediate uproar.
"Was this not done under the orders of Cross Group?" a reporter quickly followed up.
Seraphina smiled faintly.
"Cross Group oversees numerous subsidiaries, each with its own legal and operational independence. An internal investigation revealed that a Lacuna subsidiary had engaged in unfair competition. We reported will undergo the incident to the authorities and decided to audit all of Lacuna's operations. The company
Desperate Struggle
bankruptcy reorganization. Cross Group rejects such beh
Chapter 219
A New Man
Seraphina's voice was not cold or harsh; it was calm and carried an undeniable strength.
Her words were firm, leaving no room for doubt.
Perhaps this was the first time a company had openly admitted its mistake, even at the cost of significant losses, just to preserve its integrity.
After a brief moment of silence, the reporter continued to ask questions, but this time with a much softer
tone.
"Can you explain Professor Smith's accusation in the video?"
Admitting to plagiarism would mean that Anthony had falsified his work-a cardinal sin in the academic world.
Seraphina smiled, and her radiant smile exuded calm confidence.
She stood up and spoke in a gentle yet resolute voice.
"The results of our tripartite collaboration did not come from Professor Smith. Instead, they were stolen by Professor Smith. Now, let me introduce you to the true central figure of our research, a scientist who has won the industry's highest honor, the Machina Golden Award-Prometheus."
As soon as she finished speaking, the room fell silent. The audience was stunned.
From another door, a young man with refined features and a calm stride walked in.
This genius scientist, whom they had only seen on television or in magazines, was standing right before their eyes.
Sergio's demeanor was unlike that of a traditional scientist-he wasn't geeky or dull. Instead, he exuded a regal and composed aura.
Which journalist wouldn't recognize Prometheus?
Instantly, the room erupted in applause.
Flashlights flickered non-stop.
It was well known that this genius rarely accepted interviews, and getting even a few words from him was considered a great surprise. Yet, was he willing to personally step forward to clear this up?
Prometheus's arrival immediately dispelled all rumors.
Global recognition of his status eliminated the need for further explanation.
Anthony's insinuations were nothing more than a self-directed performance.
What kind of professor could even compare to Sergio? Anthony's status was insignificant in comparison with Sergio.
A New Man
How dare he challenge the genius?
Anthony's place in the entire industry would likely be gone.
Sergio stood there and allowed the cameras to capture some photos of him. Next, Seraphina's gentle voice was heard. "Come here and sit with me."
Sergio obediently walked over from the side. He smiled at Seraphina. Their gazes met and were filled with mutual understanding.
The reporters' cameras didn't miss this moment.
"How sweet!"
"So many outstanding men surround Ms. Cross!"
"Ms. Cross, marry me, please!"
Sergio sat down and remained unfazed. He began to explain the situation.
Perhaps no one noticed, but Aiden and Orion each wore complicated expressions.
Aiden quietly whispered, his voice only audible to the two of them.
"Sergio really showed up. Seraphina never disappoints."
Aiden was well aware of Sergio's identity, but Orion was different. He didn't know what kind of relationship this handsome genius engineer had with Seraphina. He only knew that there was a new man in Seraphina's life.
Orion's expression darkened, clearly displeased with Sergio's presence.
""What's it to you?"
Aiden picked up on the displeasure in his tone. He guessed what was on Orion's mind and chuckled.
"Oh, it does concern you. You've got another love rival."
Orion's face grew colder, and he was about to retort. He suddenly heard a reporter ask an intriguing question.
"Ms. Cross, can you tell us about your relationship with Mr. Sergio? Are you friends? Or perhaps something more?"
The atmosphere in the room quieted down again.
Everyone waited for an answer.
Although the question had crossed a line, someone could step in to stop it at any moment and steer the conversation elsewhere. Seraphina didn't show any signs of displeasure
09:4 Sat, Oct 26
A New Man
She smiled faintly and exchanged a look with Sergio.
Without lowering her voice, she asked, "Shall I reveal it?" Everyone held their breath.
Sergio replied, "Whatever you think is necessary."
Everyone's hearts leaped into their throats.
A juicy piece of gossip appeared to be about to surfac
Chapter 220
What a Shame
When the words were uttered, silence enveloped the room.
The next second, the room erupted with cheers.
Meanwhile, the comments online were going wild.
"Whoa! What a plot twist!"
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"I thought nothing could top the revelation that Justin was a Crosses. How did their family manage to produce elites in every field?"
"Prometheus is a trust fund baby! And he kept it so low-key that no one knew!"
"He could have relied on his family, but he chose to set his own standards."
"There's still hope for Albert! Seraphina might remember him."
The chatter in the room drowned out the original speaker, stretching the event for over half an hour.
Aiden clung to Orion's sleeve and refused to let go.
"Did you hear that?"
Orion snapped back to reality. Of course, he had heard it.
All he could think about was Seraphina's voice.
It was like a loop, playing over and over in his mind.
Prometheus's real name was Sergio Cross. He was the son of the Cross Group and Seraphina's brother.
On the surface, Orion maintained a calm and composed exterior. Internally, his emotions were bubbling
1. up.
Anger nearly overcame him just moments ago.
The regret tinged Aiden's tone, making Orioan want to give him a good beating.
"What a surprise! Who would've thought they were siblings? It seems Seraphina isn't into Prometheus after all."
Orion smiles gently. His jawline was sharp and defined, giving him an air of undeniable elegance.
"Seraphina's taste has always been refined."
Otherwise, she wouldn't have fallen for me in the first place?
Aiden decided to ignore him.
How could this guy so shamelessly compliment himself?
What a Shame
Unfortunately for him, Seraphina's preferences have changed.
As the press conference ended, Seraphina and Sergio politely saw everyone off.
The reporters had gained plenty from today-not just the rare sight of Orion smiling but also Sergio's surprise appearance. It was an unexpected delight.
Aiden and Orion exchanged farewells at the venue entrance. Aiden's assistant had been urging him several times as he noticed Orion checking the time repeatedly His leisurely demeanor suggested he was in no rush.
Orion's gaze swept across the room, settling on Seraphina. She was wrapping up the remaining tasks. Her sharp and chic outfit was indeed a refreshing sight.. He smiled slightly and sighed with admiration.
"What a surprise! Nobody expected Seraphina to resolve such a complex situation with a single move. Even though she had to sacrifice something, the company's reputation remained intact. Well-played! Only a sly fox like Seraphina could emerge unscathed from the corporate war."
Orion's expression darkened slightly. He seemed dissatisfied with the comment.
His voice was low and raspy.
"She's just a harmless rabbit."
From Orion's perspective, her method was far too gentle.
Although everything was handled impeccably, the top executives at the Lacuna branch should have borne the full responsibility, not just paid a fine.
Aiden's lips twitched, his eyes flickering with disbelief.
He was speechless.
Seraphina approached, her smile polite and official, void of any extra emotion.
Without sparing a glance at Orion, she addressed Aiden directly.
"This matter will soon be behind us. I apologize for any inconvenience it may have caused."
Aiden raised an eyebrow. He wasn't truly bothered by this.
"As long as it's resolved, Seraphina, you handled it beautifully. Today's news should be enough to bring your company's stock back to its peak. Congratulations!"
He was referring to the revelation of Sergio's identity.
Seraphina smiled slightly and said, "It's a win-win. Congratulations to you too."
"It's getting late, and I have matters to attend to at the office. See you around."
With that, Aiden nodded slightly. He glanced at Orion and left.
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What a Shame.
3& 7, 80%@
Orion watched Seraphina, whose every move was elegant and composed. His heart sank slightly as she directed her courteous, practiced smile at him. After finishing her words, she was ready to leave.
Orion spoke from behind her.
"Seraphina, the matter with Jennifer the other night had nothing to do with me."