Ch. 26..30: Inherit Billions Chapter 26-30
Chapter 26
Who’s the Boss Here?
At the Cross Group, Olivia walked into Seraphina’s office with a smile, waving her phone. “This Lucius didn’t even last two hours; he gave up so fast. I thought he was tougher. Turns out he’s worthless.”
Seraphina glanced at her phone, seeing the trending news about Lucius. She put it aside with a cold smile, unbothered.
She knew the Brown family background well enough to guess that Lucius’s parents must have pressured him. Given his usual traits, he’d never willingly bow down to her.
Now, Lucius must despise her.
A knock on the door interrupted them. Julia walked in, smiling. “Seraphina, got a minute to chat?”
Seraphina nodded. “Sure, come in.”
Julia’s eyes flicked to Olivia, clearly uncomfortable discussing things before her. But Olivia wasn’t about to take the hint and leave.
“What’s up?”
“I saw your assistant working on a project for the Giant Group. You might not know this since you’re new, but our relationship with Giant Group is average. We rarely get good opportunities to cooperate with them. If you want to establish yourself in the company, you’d be better off collaborating with the Gaia Group. I know they have a project that would be perfect for us.”
Julia placed a file in front of Seraphina, arching an eyebrow as if she were doing her a huge favour.
Seraphina paused, then said, “Alright, I’ll consider it.”
“You better seal the deal. The Gaia Group is an old friend. Landing this project is enough for you to gain a foothold.”
Julia had been openly critical of Seraphina in meetings, so this sudden offer of help was suspicious.
Seraphina looked up at her with a knowing smile. “Next time, please address me Vice President, Ms. Lane.”
Julia’s smile faltered; her voice turning sharp. “Don’t think you can take advantage here just because Mr. Cross favours you. Whether you stay here or not is still up to luck. I’ve given you an opportunity; whether you seize it is up to you.”
After saying that, Julia spun on her heel and slammed the door behind her.
Olivia watched this incident with a surprised look. “Who’s the boss here, you or her?”
Seraphina casually opened the file Julia had left. “She thought that if I didn’t come, this position would be hers.”
Seraphina casually opened the d look. “Who’s the boss here, your ab
“Isn’t she just deluding herself?”
Seraphina arched an eyebrow and let out a mocking laugh, handing the file over to Olivia.
“Didn’t you mention a suitor of yours Vice President at the Gaia Group?”
Olivia was taken aback, then chuckled. “Rest assured, I’ll get to the bottom of this mess.”
After all, I have to support my best friend in her career
Seraphina’s phone rang, and she glanced at the caller ID. It was an old friend she hadn’t heard from in a while, Sarah Quinn, the founder of the internationally renowned brand HERS, whose exclusive shows were nearly impossible to get into.
As soon as Seraphina answered, Sarah’s excited voice came through. “Come out and join us! We’re having a get-together to welcome you back. Let’s meet at Blues. Don’t be late!”
Seraphina laughed. She also missed her friends very much. “Okay, I’ll be there.”
Just after she hung up, Olivia pulled her into a group chat. There were five people in the group, including Sarah Quinn, Hansen Colombo, and Mark Colombo.
Sarah typed, ‘Seraphina’s finally back with us! Congratulations!’
Hansen replied, ‘I’ll celebrate your divorce with a whole night of drinking! Finally, you are free!’
Mark typed, ‘Congrats on the divorce!’
Seraphina chuckled wryly. “They seem too happy about my divorce, don’t they?”
Olivia sighed. “You have no idea how relieved everyone is for you. They were so worried when you were unhappy. We’ve been venting about Orion in this group, keeping you out of it to spare your feelings. But now you’ve moved on!”
Seraphina felt a pang of guilt mixed with gratitude. It was her fault, but she was thankful for friends who had stuck by her through it all.
Meanwhile, Lucius felt depressed and dragged Orion out for a drink that evening. As soon as they arrived at the Blues and stepped out of the car, Lucius rubbed his eyes in disbelief. “Sh*t! I can’t escape this woman no matter where I go!”
Orion followed Lucius’s gaze, and his eyes widened as well.
Chapter 27
Leaving Wasn’t an Option
Seraphina wore a long, silver-grey gown that billowed like a shooting star with each step she took. Her slender waist was accentuated, making her look tall and radiant. Her slightly wavy hair cascaded down her back, tucking neatly behind her ears, giving her an air of cold, breathtaking elegance.
Lucius murmured, “Just my luck. Can’t even have a drink without running into someone I don’t want to see.”
Olivia and her entourage had also spotted Orion and Lucius. Despite their mutual desire to avoid each other, turning around and leaving wasn’t an option.
“Lucius, did your wife forgive you? You are still in the mood to come out drinking. I guess that photo didn’t hit hard enough.”
Olivia smiled coldly. Lucius refused to admit defeat, glared at the mastermind, Seraphina, and mocked, “I underestimated you, Seraphina. ver expected that you’d be able to approach Sivir. Having connections sure makes a difference, doesn’t it?”
“Of course. After relying on her pathetic husband for three years, she needs her friends now that she’s divorced. Didn’t you run to your friends when you had problems, Lucius?” Olivia shot back.
Sarah, who had been trailing behind, bristled at the sight of Orion. “Stop wasting time with them. Let’s go in,” she snapped at Olivia.
Seraphina followed them calmly. Her demeanour was icy as she ignored Lucius and Orion completely, walking past them as if she didn’t know them.
Trailing behind her was a strikingly handsome man who carried her bag. As they passed Orion, he shot him a nasty look, letting out a cold snort before entering.
Lucius was fuming and anxious. How dare Seraphina treat me like this!
“ver realised your ex-wife was so capable! Playing me online all day was one thing, but now she pretends not to notice us!”
Orion’s expression sank slightly. “Enough. Haven’t you caused enough trouble? Maybe you should stay at home and behave.”
Lucius took a big breath. “No way. Why should I go home? I’m going in. I need to see what else they’re up to!”
Despite his resistance, Orion found himself following Lucius inside. He recognised the bag carried by the handsome man; Sivir had held it at a party once. It was Seraphina’s bag.
Sarah eagerly pulled Seraphina up to the second floor. “I’m holding a finale show in a few days. Bring Justin along. I’ve saved seats for both of you.”
Mark, who trailed behind, protested discontentedly, “I’ve been waiting forever for those seats, but you never give me any. I don’t care, I want to sit next to Seraphina.”
“In your dreams!” Sarah shot back, then waved to Hansen, who had arrived earlier.
Seraphina laughed, bursting Mark’s bubble. “You think your dad will let you go for slacking off?”
Mark halted, pouting as he took Seraphina’s arm. “At least, he’ll around…’
“Tsk…”
go easier on me with you
Hansen waved as he approached her, smiling broadly. “Welcome back, My Queen,” he said, giving Seraphina a warm hug.
The Colombo brothers, Hansen and Mark, were strikingly similar. Mark, the younger, possessed a delicate, almost ethereal handsomeness that would make him a coveted star in the entertainment industry.
Meanwhile, Hansen, the older and second in line in the Colombo family, exuded a mature charm that had a trail of admirers, though he spent his days hanging out with them with little commitment.
Seraphina smiled and took a seat nearby. Hansen, previously engaged in a dice game, noticed his opponent still waiting for his move.
He waved dismissively. “I’m done. I’ve found your favourite Monster Band. Enjoy it!”
“You can’t just quit while everyone’s having fun,” his opponent grumbled.
“Hey, Colombo! What a coincidence!”
Lucius and Orion stepped onto the second floor. They spotted Hansen lounging with a glass of red wine in hand, utterly relaxed.
Chapter 28
The Goddess
Although they were in different circles, Lucius and Hansen knew each other.
When Hansen spotted Lucius, he also noticed Orion behind him. Hansen greeted him casually by raising his glass, “Well, it’s good to see you here, Lucius.”
Lucius saw Seraphina and Olivia sitting with Hansen and figured they had come together. His eyes
flickered thoughtfully before he pulled Orion to sit nearby. “Let’s play a round. You don’t mind, do you, Colombo?”
Hansen didn’t reply immediately. Instead, he turned to Seraphina. “My Queen, do you mind?”
Seraphina stood up immediately. “Do as you please. I’m going downstairs to watch the band.”
Olivia jumped up at once. “Let’s go! It’s suffocating up here, and some people just can’t take a hint.”
Sarah quickly took three bottles of good liquor. “I’m coming too!”
Orion’s gaze lingered on Seraphina until she disappeared from his sight. Then, he turned to Hansen. “What’s the deal with Seraphina and you, Colombo?”
Hansen let out a cold chuckle, tilting his head. “We’re friends.”
“Friends? With someone like her? She’s probably playing tricks…”
“Lucius Brown!” Lucius’s words were cut off by Orion.
Hansen’s eyes turned icy as he looked at Lucius. And what kind of person is she, Lucius? Do you even know?”
“I …” Lucius felt publicly criticised. Even Orion wasn’t backing him up. He was a little depressed. He couldn’t tell Hansen about Seraphina’s despicable deeds.
Boom! The sudden roar of music from downstairs shook the room, igniting the most intense atmosphere of the whole night.
The familiar music of the Monster Band, returning after three years, instantly ignited the crowd’s excitement and passion. People cheered swayed, and gazed up at the stage in awe.
Lucius couldn’t believe his ears. “The Monster Band? Weren’t they retired? How on earth are they here? I heard some big-shot shows tried to book them with a high fee, and they wouldn’t budge. And now they’re playing at this bar?!”
The Monster Band had three members, namely Vampire, Werewolf, and Ghost. Tonight, only Vampire and Werewolf were present. but their performance was more than enough to ignite the crowd’s fervour. Their command of the music’s pulse had everyone under their spell.
Downstairs, Olivia was screaming and cheering, oblivious to Sarah taking Seraphina backstage.
“There’s three minutes left in this song. Ghost couldn’t make it because of his appendicitis surgery, and without the violin, the soul of the song is missing because the song will end with a violin and bass duet. You have to step in!”
“Me?” Seraphina was stunned.
“Yes, you! You’re the only one who’s ever worked with them. They’re here for you. Don’t you want to bring back the magic?”
The deafening music and the rush of familiar memories brought a smile to Seraphina’s face. “Alright, I’m in.”
The crowd on stage cheered and danced, losing themselves in the fervour.
Seraphina slipped unnoticed onto the stage, carrying a violin in her left hand and holding up her flowing skirt with her right.
The lights instantly dimmed, leaving a single spotlight on the stage.
Vampire and Werewolf’s eyes sparkled as they seamlessly passed the musical lead to Vampire the bassist. The highlight of the song was the intricate duet between the bass and violin, a piece revered in the music world. Only a performer of equal talent could maintain the song’s soul.
Vampire took over the rhythm, driving the crowd’s excitement to its peak with a few powerful chords.
In the next moment, the rich, delicate sound of the violin melded flawlessly into the music. The drums faded away, and the violin’s bold, resonant notes took over. The audience watched in awe as Seraphina played with effortless skill, her expression serene yet powerful. Her violin weaved through the melody, adding her unique flair.
As the drums rejoined, perfectly synchronized with the violin, the music swelled, combining grandeur with finesse. The two-minute duet ended, leaving the crowd roaring with ecstatic applause, their cheers deafening.
“Ahhh, Goddess!”
“Goddess!”
Upstairs, Orion’s eyes were wide with astonishment, unable to hide his surprise.
Chapter 29
What’s the Bet?
As Vampire and Werewolf took their final bows, Seraphina followed with a composed smile, dipping gracefully before stepping down the stage.
Fortunately, I haven’t forgotten the basics. I’m quite satisfied with my performance.
Vampire and Werewolf caught up to her. Werewolf clapped her on the shoulder. “Seraphina, why don’t you just join our group? We’d kick Ghost out for you!”
Seraphina lowered her head and chuckled lightly. “If Ghost heard that, he’d probably climb out of his sickbed just to fight you.”
Vampire, brimming with energy, chimed in, “Today was amazing! This arrangement was your creation, and besides Ghost, you’re the only one who fits with us so perfectly, Seraphina. It’s like seeing you from three years ago!”
Seraphina felt a pang of bitterness in her heart. It seemed like she’d missed out on so much of life’s brilliance in these past three years. But at least now, she wasn’t too late to catch up.
Werewolf, still refusing to give up, tried to persuade her again. “Seraphina, with you, we’d rock the music world!”
Just as Seraphina was ready to decline, Sarah walked in with a bright smile.
“You two, stop dreaming. Our Seraphina has her plans to start her new career.”
Sarah whisked Seraphina away from backstage. As soon as they stepped out, Olivia
enveloped Seraphina in a tight hug. “Seraphina, you were incredible! You’re my Goddess! You have no idea how excited everyone was. Your violin playing was amazing!”
Seraphina, exasperated yet amused, gently pried Olivia off her. Tonight’s unforgettable moments were all thanks to Hansen’s arrangements.
Thinking that Orion and Lucius might have already left, Seraphina, Sarah, and Olivia returned to the second floor, only to find Lucius and Orion seated beside Hansen and Mark. They all looked at her with expressions she couldn’t quite decipher.
Olivia, clearly annoyed, huffed and pulled Seraphina to sit next to Hansen. “Colombo, let’s do something fun. Watching certain people sit around is so boring.”,
Hansen spread his hands. “Of course, there are plenty of performances later.”
“I had no idea you played the violin, Seraphina. Why have ver seen this side of you at the Blues?” Lucius, unable to contain his curiosity, asked. He was genuinely awestruck.
On stage, Seraphina had been cold, fierce, and in complete control, like a queen reigning over her domain.
“Why should she bother telling you? Who do you think you name?” Olivia sneered, her lips curling in disdain.
are? Do you even know your
last
Lucius, expecting such a reaction, shrugged nonchalantly. “Aren’t we supposed to play something? How about playing a game of dice together?”
“Who’d want to play with you?” Olivia scoffed, fiercely defending Seraphina.
What’s so great about this b*stard?
Orion, who had been silent up until now, spoke with a deep voice, “Seraphina, are you afraid to play one round?”
From the moment she stepped upstairs, Orion’s gaze had been locked on her. She sat there, swirling her drink casually, her head bowed, as if they didn’t exist.
Orion struggled to suppress the tumultuous emotions inside him. The Seraphina before him was both familiar and foreign, stirring a complicated emotion within.
Called out by name, Seraphina lazily lifted her gaze to Orion, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Why would I be afraid?”
Though slightly surprised by Orion’s words, Seraphina wasn’t afraid. With nothing left between them, what did she have to lose in a mere game?
Olivia objected vehemently, “Why should you play with him? He’s just trying to provoke you!”
However, Sarah gently holding Olivia back, glanced at the two and said, “Relax, Seraphina knows what she’s doing.”
Orion, a seasoned player from the elite circles, was adept at all sorts of indulgences. Dice was child’s play to him, a sure win. Lucius couldn’t hide his amused grin as the waiter set up the table for the game.
As both sides took their positions, Seraphina didn’t immediately engage. Instead, she lowered her head and said in a deep voice, “What’s the bet?”
Without a bet, where’s the thrill?
Orion’s eyes narrowed, fixating on her serene complexion. “What do you suggest?”
Before Seraphina could respond, Lucius interjected with a cold laugh, “If Dros loses, I’ll strip naked and walk out of here. But if you lose, Seraphina …”
His gaze swept over Hansen and Mark before speaking contemptuously, “You’ll publicly admit that you married into the Dros family for money, and you are not allowed to appear in Golden Bay again. Seraphina, would you accept the dare?”
Chapter 30
Time to Settle the Score!
Hansen and Mark were shocked. Even Olivia was so angry she wanted to stand but Sarah quickly grabbed her, urging her to stay calm up and argue, Orion’s brow furrowed, ready to cut Lucius off, but Seraphina let out a disdainful snort and raised an eyebrow. “Fine, I agree.”
She looked disdainful as if she didn’t take the opponent in front of her seriously at all.
Lucius chuckled, amused by her ignorance of the situation and the opponent she faced.
In all of Golden Bay, no one could beat Orion at dice, even with his eyes closed. He had once made his first fortune in the casinos of Lacuna, not to mention that the people in front of him were nobodies.
Finally, time to settle the score!
Orion reached out his hand. “Ladies first.”
Seraphina didn’t hesitate. She grabbed the dice, shook them lightly on the table, and then covered them with her hand, watching her opponent calmly. “Your turn.”
Orion gave Seraphina a long, thoughtful look. It was clear she wasn’t taking this game seriously. Did she not care about winning or losing?
Lucius looked on with eager anticipation, convinced he had the upper hand. To him, Seraphina was just a rookie. Her moves were anything but professional. Did she even know how to play dice?
Think you can win with a couple of fake moves?
No way!
Orion thought for a moment, then casually lifted the lid to show four sixes. Unsurprisingly, he had won. He looked at Seraphina, her expression didn’t alter.
Lucius almost jumped out of his seat in excitement. “Mr. Dros, that’s more like it! I was worried you might go easy on her…”
Hanson clapped from the sidelines, a faint smile on his face. “Lucius, you must be joking. Mr. Dros has never gone easy on Seraphina. But Mr. Dros, your skill is impressive. This trip was worth it.”
“Cut the flattery. Trying to cheat? Seraphina, let’s see what you’ve got. Don’t tell me you can’t handle losing…
“Lucius. did vou iust eat something nasty? Watch vour mouth!” Olivia couldn’t hold back her outburst.
Seraphina noticed the tension rising again. She chuckled softly, tapped the lid twice with her slender fingers, then casually knocked it over. Before anyone could gasp, she grabbed her bag and stood up.
“I’m just going to greet someone, then I’m out of here. You guys continue playing.”
Everyone except Olivia and Mark looked a bit surprised. Hanson and Sarah seemed unfazed as if they already knew what was coming.
Lucius seemed like he wished he could vanish when he caught sight of Seraphina’s dice.
Five sixes!
How did an extra one appear?
And this woman just made a few casual moves on the table to get five sixes?
When he looked up again, she was already gone.
Olivia slapped the table with satisfaction, grinning widely. “Lucius, don’t forget to strip down before you leave, just like you promised. Don’t be a bad sport!”
“You you guys cheated!” Lucius’s face flushed with anger.
…
“Cheating? Lucius, you’re the one who insisted on playing. The rules are clear. You accuse others of cheating because you lose? If you can’t handle losing, you shouldn’t play. Right, Mr. Dros?”
Olivia sneered, her tone dripping with sarcasm as she turned to Orion for support.
Lucius looked at his friend with pleading eyes, silently begging for help.
Orion glanced at Olivia, then at Hanson and Mark, before finally resting his gaze on Lucius. “A loss is a loss.”
His face remained calm and unmoved. Though he had suspected something was off with both his and Seraphina’s dice from the start, he wasn’t the least bit upset about losing. In fact, he felt oddly relieved.