Ch. 256..260: Inherit Billions Chapter 256-260
Chapter 256
The Return of the Queen
Kaveh had gone nearly a month without posting any new video, leaving everyone worried about his safety. But then, out of nowhere, he uploaded his latest video, Within minutes, it went viral.
Tt wasn't just the tribe that appeared on the remote island in the Etrium Ocean.
The real shock came when Seraphina, the woman everyone thought had died in that horrific plane crash, reappeared. She was alive!
Seraphina didn't get much screen time, but the most thrilling part of the footage was the night when they were chased by the tribe in the pouring rain.
Kaveh had strapped the camera equipment to his body, which meant there were few shots of him.
The footage showed them running for their lives, drenched in rain, out of breath, and y disheveled.
The camera panned to a storm raging around them. The wind howled and the rain pounded down. It nearly caused Seraphina to fall into a hidden trap. Danger was just a step away.
In the nick of the time, Kaveh rushed back to grab her. They continued running side by side, every second counting.
Even when she fell painfully hard, Seraphina didn't utter a word of complaint or slow the team down.
As death loomed over them, every scene oozed tension
Viewers could feel the life-threatening danger of this adventure through the screen-one where survival hung by the thinnest thread.
As the video unfolded, the audience's emotions rose and fell in sync with the unfolding action, caught in a constant state of tension and unease,
Just before they encountered the pirates, the video cut off. Seraphina, in torn and dirt-covered clothes, was seen running toward the ocean.
A survivor's grin lit up her grimy face, her eyes shining brilliantly despite everything she'd endured.
Kaveh filmed her from behind, and the final shot captured her running. She laughed when dawn broke over the post-storm sea.
He called out suddenly, "Sweetie..."
She instinctively turned her head, and the camera freezes.
Behind her, the sea raged, and the sunrise cast a golden hue over the waves.
The wind tousled her hair, causing it to fly freely. When she glanced back, her eyes were still gleaming with that dazzling light. The frame froze at that breathtaking moment. It was a scene that felt eternal, etched into the minds of viewers.
The Return of the Queen
Within minutes, views skyrocketed into the thousands
"OMG! Did I see it right? Is that Seraphina?!"
"The goddess had survived hell and returned in glory! She's absolutely stunning!"
"The least princess-like' princess is back! I'm literally in tears."
"She's alive! She's actually alive! But what about the others?"
Finishert
Soon, the news of Seraphina's return took over every major news platform, dominating all the headlines.
Reporters scrambled for first-hand information. Some rushed to Kaveh's studio, while others camped outside Cross Group headquarters.
The video's ripple effects had spread far beyond what anyone expected.
Meanwhile, Seraphina was completely unaware of the chaos she'd stirred. She was comfortably enjoying an assortment of delicacies brought by Justin to the hospital.
It wasn't until a group of visitors showed up at the hospital, arguing with doctors, nurses, and security guards at the entrance.
"There are some people outside claiming to be Seraphina's friends," one of the nurses informed them.
Justin was skeptical. "Really?"
He stood up and went to check. Olivia, Sarah, and Hansen followed him when he returned.
All three looked red-eyed. The moment Olivia saw Seraphina, she rushed forward and exclaimed, "Seraphina!"
Sarah also tried to rush over, but Justin caught her by the collar.
"One at a time, don't touch her wounds!"
Sarah immediately dropped her intention to argue with him, her eyes filling with worry.
"You're hurt?"
Seraphina patted Olivia's back and smiled at Sarah. She said, "I'm fine. Almost healed."
Hansen, on the other hand, looked utterly defeated-disheveled, exhausted, with unkempt stubble, as if he hadn't taken care of himself for days.
As Seraphina alive and well, Hansen collapsed on his knees beside her bed and began sobbing
uncontrol was
Olivia, who was choking due to her sobbing, was at a loss for words.
Sarah, who was utterly shocked, also fell speechless.
The comber atmoshere that had filled the room vaniched in an incrant
The Return of the Queen)
Finished
"You'd think someone had actually died, Justin munter, utterly exasperated by the sight of Hansen crying his heart out. Unable to watch anymore, Justin promptly left the room to catch some air
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Chapter 257
Settles
Sarah finally managed to pull Hansen to his feet.
"Why are you crying? Seraphina is back safe and sound-you should be happy!"
Hansen, still sobbing, clung to Seraphina's sleeves. He cried out, "I thought you were dead, Seraphina! You gave me a good scare!"
Olivia choked back her own tears. Everyone felt emotional, but Hansen was the first to break down completely.
"Seraphina, you didn't tell us you were coming back. We thought you were really gone. Over the last few days, we were all heartbroken!"
Seraphina's nose stung with emotion. She sniffled, and her voice was filled with apology
She said. Im sorry. I didn't want to shock you all at once. I was going to come find you when I was feeling
better.
Even Sarah, usually so composed and proud, couldn't hold back her tears.
It doesn't matter now. You're back. That's all that counts. You survived something terrible-there's got to be some good fortune in store for you after this."
They all showered her with questions, cager to know what she had gone through. Seraphina gave them a brief account-there was nothing left to hide. It all felt like something out of a past life. Olivia and Sarah listened, more intrigued with each passing detail, but Hansen sat quietly, sinking deeper into thought. He didn't say a word.
When Seraphina noticed, she kicked him lightly, frowning
"Hansen, why are you so quiet?"
Hansen covered his face with his hands. He seemed lost, and his voice filled with regret.
"Why wasn't it me who saved you? Why was it Orion again?"
The room fell into a deafening silence, and they could hear a pin drop.
Sarah shot him a glare. She quickly stepped in to block Seraphina's view, trying to change the subject with
a smile.
"Kaveh released the video online, and we all found out what happened. You're famous now! Reporters are everywhere, and they're looking for you." She handed Seraphina her phone, showing her the news. It was difficult to believe, but she was suddenly the focus of everyone's attention. Seraphina pursed her lips, unsurprised. On the island, Kaveh had mentioned that if they survived, she might end up in one of his works. "Let Sivir handle it. I bought a couple of private planes. I'm thinking of learning how to fly."
Tue, Oc
Settles
Finished
Flying with someone else felt like a risk. She'd had a trauma now-why not just fly the plane herself?
Olivia's eyes lit up and she praised, "That's so cool!"
Sarah, ever the pragmatist, shot back, "Seraphina, calm down."
In just a few days, the media frenzy grew even wilder, with views and comments skyrocketing.
Seraphina had recovered enough to be discharged. Despite her readiness to leave the hospital and her careful disguises and precautions, people recognized her the moment she stepped outside. The flood of reporters was instant. Reporters pressed their microphones toward her, with questions flying in her direction.
"Ms. Cross, is it true you went through all that?"
"Ms. Cross, how does it feel to survive such an ordeal?"
"Do you think the crash was really an accident?"
"Are you and Kaveh getting closer after everything?"
Journalists packed the entrance, cameras flashing endlessly.
The bodyguards formed a protective circle, keeping Seraphina and Justin at the center.
Amid the chaos and the journalists, Justin looked mildly irritated. He was used to the spotlight, and he knew these reporters wouldn't leave without answers.
He wrapped a protective arm around Seraphina, striding purposefully toward the waiting limousine parked just ahead.
Seraphina was walking, but then she stopped. She paused for a moment and suddenly lifted her head. revealing her bright, captivating eyes.
At that moment, a layer of sorrow clouded them.
Everyone was confused.
The crowd fell silent, waiting for her to speak.
Seraphina's voice was raspy, but it rang clear in the silent crowd.
"I'm grateful for your concern, but please stop following me. There were over thirty people on that plane who weren't as lucky. Their families are suffering terribly seeing all this." With that, she bowed deeply, her gesture deliberate and solemn.
The fervor around them cooled instantly, the once chaotic energy now eerily quiet.
Without another word, Justin guided her into the car. They drove away.
Chapter 258
Seeking Forgiveness
Seraphina's return wasn't just a media frenzy-it reopened old wounds for many.
After all, she was the sole survivor of the plane crash.
Her brief statement quickly won over the public.
Even Kaveh's studio decided to pull down their latest video out of respect.
Finished
"Her empathy shows in every detail. At a time like this, she's still thinking of others. Seraphina's heart is unmatched," one comment read.
"She's beautiful, kind, and thoughtful. I'd marry her in a heartbeat! Please, let her debut as a celebrity!" Another enthused.
One comment, however, stood out from the rest. "I'm a family member of one of the crash victims. We believe that, like Seraphina, they're out there somewhere, going through an adventure. They'll come home one day. We hope Seraphina keeps living well because she's our beacon of hope."
Seraphina had just gotten her new phone, and the top comment caught her eye. It was from a family member of one of the missing passengers.
She immediately replied. "Whether separated by time or distance, there will always be a day for them to return. Thank you for never giving up.
Perhaps it was her heartfelt words, or maybe someone behind the scenes lowered the media's interest.
Either way, the storm eventually settled. No more reporters waited outside the Cross Group building.
With life back to normal, Seraphina didn't rush back to work. Maybe the exhaustion from surviving on that deserted island was finally catching up to her, but she was genuinely enjoying the slow, leisurely pace of life.
Emeris was more than happy to indulge her. Every day, they went fishing, strolled through the city. boarded yachts, and even watched online shopping streams together. He organized parties for her, never hesitating to spend lavishly. Life was peaceful and utterly beautiful.
Seraphina was surprised to receive a call from an unfamiliar number. She assumed it was a friend with a new number and answered excitedly.
"Hello, name please..." She teased.
The
person on the other end was silent for a second.
"Orion, came the deep, familiar voice.
Beep!
The call disconnected
G
Seeking Forgiveness
Orion stared at the now-black screen of his phone: his expression turned grim.
Finished
He had been abroad for weeks, and his heart was aching from missing her. He was concerned about her health and mental recovery.
Right now, he wasn't sure he had the right to worry about her at all.
He had watched Kaveh's unreleased video countless times. Each viewing suffocated him with a deep ache.
Everyone online praised her bravery, resilience, and luck.
Only he saw through it all, sensing the pain and fear she kept hidden inside.
The moment he got off the plane, he couldn't resist borrowing a crew member's phone to call her.
And what happened?
Behind him, Ken carried the luggage. He observed Orion's somber and withdrawn figure with caution. At last, he mustered the courage to inform his boss. "Mr. Dros, that was William's phone."
William Hooffman, the driver, nervously glanced at his cheap phone, which Orion had nearly crushed in his grip.
Ken's number was too familiar to Seraphina; therefore, Orion had used an unknown number to call her.
After all, he had saved her life. He thought their connection had to be different now.
Surprisingly, the moment she heard his name, Seraphina hung up on him without a second thought.
Orion deleted her number; his expression was cold and distant. He tossed the phone back to Ken, and his entire presence screamed, Stay away from me.
Ken quickly returned the phone to William before catching up to Orion's rapid pace.
"Mr. Dros, an art gallery will be opening tonight. Lucas Stroudsburg, the renowned artist, is hosting the event. They've invited you to attend the soft launch of the restaurant."
Meanwhile, back at the Cross household, Seraphina hummed a light tune as she browsed through her walk-in closet to pick out the perfect dress for tonight's event. It was the first public appearance she would make since her return, and she wanted to make sure she looked flawless.
That phone call was nothing more than a brief interruption. She didn't dwell on it. Seraphina wanted. Orion to know she was grateful, but if he thought that meant reconciliation, he was mistaken. Re- marrying him? Not a chance!
Chapter 259
The Bride in the Painting Finished
She flitted around like a joyful little bird, trying on outh after outfit, as though she were determined to wear every new season's latest fashion, forcing Justin to watch from the living room.
He suddenly felt a strong urge to go shoot a movie.
Emeris had someone bring over a custom-made diamond necklace, featuring a rare and magnificent pink diamond. The piece was exquisite, one of a kind in its frilliance.
Seraphina slipped into a pale pink, form-litting gown that accentuated her slim waist. Her long hair draped loosely over her shoulders, a casual elegance that balanced softness and striking beauty. She was quite pleased with the look. It wasn't too flashy, but it wasn't underwhelming either
Justin squinted at the necklace. He was momentarily stunned.
"Dad, didn't you say that diamond was for my proposal?"
Emeris shot him a glance and mocked, "Good question. When exactly is your fiancée going to be born?"
Justin was speechless.
He could feel the mocking intent behind his father's words.
Seraphina blinked. Her expression was one of playfulness.
"Don't worry, Justin. Your diamond is still safe in the vault at home. But you should start feeling a little pressure." Justin choked on
stopped by Serap Words. Then he got up, ready to change and accompany her to the event, only to be
"I already have someone going with me."
"Who?"
Emeris and Justin asked at the same time. Both were on high alert.
"Kaveh, the guy who saved me on the island."
Justin sighed in relief. That was fine; after all, he was just a kid.
Knowing Seraphina, there was no way she'd be interested in someone like him.
Emeris, however, showed a bit of disdain. Since Kaveh was part of the Droses, it wasn't straightforward for him to warm up to the boy, Still, he gave his consent. After all, Kaveh had saved Seraphina.
"Alright, fine. Have Benjamin take you."
Benjamin responded promptly. He was clearly pleased.
The Bride in the Painting.
Wearing high heels, Seraphina couldn't drive herself, so she didn't refuse the offer.
Finishert
As evening fell, the city was bathed in the deep shadows of twilight. Its skyline came alive with neon lights. that illuminated every comer.
Kaveh was dressed in a custom-tailored suit. He stood tall and strikingly handsome. His sharp features and confident presence made him impossible to ignore, drawing the admiring gazes of many women passing by.
The restaurant opening wasn't a large event; only a select few had been invited.
The interior was simple and tasteful, yet everything felt meticulously curated, perfectly reflecting the style of Lucas being a renowned artist.
While Kaveh was ordering food, Seraphina wandered through the gallery. She moved from one piece to the next, until she reached the very last painting at the end of the hallway. The moment she laid eyes on it, her body went rigid with shock. This was the second time she'd seen this painting.
In the artwork, a woman in a wedding dress walked toward a man in the distance. That woman was Seraphina.
The man, clutching a bouquet of flowers, had a blurred face and indistinguishable features.
Cherubs floated in the sky above them, holding instruments and bestowing blessings on Seraphina below.
Seraphina pursed her lips. Lucas silently appeared behind her. He spoke with a rich, deep voice, belying his age. Do you like the way you look?"
Seraphina turned with a teasing glint in her eyes.
"Of course. Not everyone can look as attractive as I do
As he gazed at the painting, Lucas scoffed, his eyes narrowing.
"I didn't attend your wedding that day.
Seraphina's thoughts drifted to her own bare-bones wedding, her eyes dimming just a bit.
"I want to buy this painting. Name your price," she said firmly.
She needed to keep Orion from ever seeing this painting, or things would get complicated.
"I'm not selling it," Lucas rejected her flatly.
Seraphina frowned and was ready to argue her case.
She turned back to see a tall figure in the distance. His gaze was fixed on the painting and her; his expression was dark and intense.
The Bride in the Painting
Upon seeing Orion, Seraphina's heart began to beat faster.
She froze instinctively, but it was too late to hide.
He had already made his way over to her and stood there. His eyes were fixated on the painting.
Finished
Lucas glanced at him coolly, barely concealing his annoyance. "I didn't feel like painting your face in it."
Orion's expression remained grim as his gaze slid past Seraphina, who avoided looking at him.
Seraphina's delicate makeup was flawless. Her pale pink gown highlighted her curves. She exuding a kind of radiant beauty that was hard to look away from, more gentle than her usual aloofness. Orion's gaze darkened.
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Chapter 260
Her Wedding
Orion asked, "Mr. Stroudsburg, this painting..."
"I painted it. When that girl abandoned me to marry you, I was beyond furious. This is my masterpiece. Do you want it?"
Lucas's words left Seraphina defenseless, her earlier denial of being the girl in the painting crumbling.
At Lucas' remark, Seraphina snapped. "Master, I asked first!"
Just a moment ago, he said he wasn't selling it. If he changed his mind, there should be some sense of order!
Lucas chuckled warmly, his eyes twinkling as he looked at Orion.
"When I sell something. I always go with my gut feeling
That was the way he treated Monica and Jennifer, when they wanted one of his previous paintings too.
There was a smoldering glint in Orion's deep gaze as he curled his lips into a small smile.
"I want it. Name your price, Mr. Stroudsburg.
Whatever it cost. it was worth it..
Lucas's smile deepened, and he held up a finger.
Orion didn't hesitate. He turned to Ken, who had been trailing behind them.
"Transfer 100 million dollars to Mr. Stroudsburg now."
Ken was stunned, frozen in place. A hundred million for a painting? Even an ancient masterpiece wasn't worth that much." Lucas's eyes twinkled as he looked Seraphina over. He said, "Transfer to her. After all, she's the one in the painting.
Seraphina fumed silently. Lucas was utterly mad!
She couldn't stand it for another second.
15
Just as she was about to storm off, Kaveh swaggered over with his usual carefree attitude. He said, "Sweetie, there you are. I've been looking all over for you." "Oh, Uncle Orion, you're here too?"
Orion's expression darkened at the sight of Kaveh, especially when he heard him affectionately call her sweetie His gaze turned colder, more dangerous. The tension in the air thickened.
Kaveh remained unfazed. He walked right up to Seraphina, casually linking his arm with hers, and let out
a smirk.
Her Wedding
"Sweetie, how about a movie after dinner?" He made playful suggestions.
* Finished
The room was instantly filled with an awkward, almost eerie tension. Lucas observed the trio with an amused yet slightly odd expression.
The look in his eyes was complicated as he asked, "And this is...?"
Kaveh cheerfully introduced himself and shot an amorous gaze toward Seraphina.
I'm Kaveh. Sweetie and 1? Together, we have endured many challenges and have grown closer than mere friends.
Orion's expression turned darker at a speed that was visible to all.
Lucas grunted in acknowledgement. Sensing the growing tension, Lucas quickly made his exit, leaving them to face off in the uneasy atmosphere. Orion's voice was icy, and his words were sharp. He warned, "Kaveh, you're crossing a line
Kaveh, seemingly innocent, looked at Orion with wide eyes.
"Uncle Orion, you're divorced. Are single people not allowed to grow closer?"
The moment the words left Kaveh's mouth, the air turned cold and still as death.
Behind them, Ken frantically signaled at Kaveh to stop talking, but Kaveh boldly pretended not to see.
Undeterred, Kaveh simply turned back to Seraphina with a carefree smile. He said, "Sweetie, let's get out of here."
Seraphina nodded. She'd wanted to leave this place the moment things turned uncomfortable.
As they turned to go, Orion's cold voice sliced through the air.
"Kaveh Dros, do you want your studio shut down?"
Kaveh stopped dead in his tracks.
"Uncle Orion, how could you threaten me?"
He wanted to keep talking but hesitated, unwilling to look foolish in front of Seraphina.
Biting his tongue, he turned to Seraphina and said, "Sweetie, you go ahead. I'll catch up with you in a bit."