Ch. 31..35: Inherit Billions Chapter 31-35
Chapter 31
You Snapped a Photo?
Orion walked away, leaving Lucius with a bewildered expression facing a pack of hungry wolves.
The tension inside him snapped!
He felt like Olivia and her crew were ready to devour him alive!
Cr*p!
Orion had gone!
What happened to the brotherhood they had spoken about?
Feeling utterly helpless, he looked at the people in front of him, biting his lip and swallowing his pride. “Can you let me off this me?”
In perfect harmony, they all responded, “Absolutely not!”
Downstairs.
Seraphina slipped out from a side door where nobody was watching, having just texted her big brother. His driver should be here soon. She also sent a WhatsApp message to Olivia.
“Seraphina…”
Orion’s raspy voice halted her in her track
Outside the side door, a looming, shadowy figure lingered. Seraphina hesitated momentarily, then swiftly assumed a guarded demeanour.
Noting her transformation, Orion’s expression softened a bit.
“What’s on your mind, Mr. Dros?”
The illumination from the side entrance was dim, stretching the shadows of the pair. He advanced, and she retreated, marking a distinct boundary.
Orion grinned, tossing his lit cigarette away, and moved closer, his gaze fixed on her.
“Seraphina, what happened at the restaurant was initiated by Hannah’s provocation. I’ll make sure she apologises to you.”
Seraphina cast her eyes downward, let out a soft chuckle, and then quickly wiped away the smile. Her demeanour shifted to a chilly distance, with a trace of mockery glimmering in her gaze.
“No worries. Just make sure your family’s okay.”
The apologies needed go way beyond the restaurant incident.
She couldn’t care less now.
Orion’s forehead creased slightly, ready to speak up when a wild scream burst from the doorway. His attention shifted, catching Lucius sprinting out, hands covering his face, stark naked. His voice, full of shame and desperation, rang out, “I won’t give up!”
As he approached, a sudden flash of light startled him, halting him next to Orion and Seraphina. His face flushed with embarrassment and anger, his arms shaking as he accused Seraphina, tears on the brink.
“You … you snapped a photo?”
With a sense of contentment, Seraphina examined the image on her phone. It was crisp and impeccably framed, the perspective spot-on.
A smirk played across her lips as she daringly glanced at Lucius.
“Lucius, it’d be a waste not to immortalize this remarkable moment. I intentionally waited for you here.”
She anticipated that Lucius wouldn’t dare exit through the main door, and the side exit was his only option.
“You … you …”
Lucius was too furious to articulate, his arms folded tightly across his chest …
Seraphina’s expression grew icy, her words stern. “Try provoking me again, and I’ll spread this picture everywhere!”
Was she still the naive girl she was three years ago?
Who dared to challenge her authority?
As soon as she turned, there stood the Sivelle driver at the crossroad, courteously bowing, waiting for her to finish up.
Without a glance at Orion, Seraphina walked past him and slid into the opulent Sivelle car. It glided away, vanishing from view before Orion could turn around.
Oddly, when Seraphina confronted the exposed Lucius, she threatened and taunted him with a steady demeanour, showing no hint of hesitation. Orion felt a twinge of discomfort.
But thinking back on tonight, from the violin performance on stage to the dice game, the once straightforward and unassuming Seraphina suddenly seemed like a different person. Her every move was a mystery, wrapped in an enigma, making it harder and harder to figure her out. This left Orion feeling a bit on edge.
Spotting Lucius gazing at Seraphina’s retreating figure, Orion instinctively furrowed his brow. Without a second thought, he tossed his coat over Lucius. “Come on, do you want to make more of a scene?”
Without hesitation, Lucius covered his face with the coat and hurried into the car, declaring, “Let’s go! It seems I’ve been beaten by your ex-wife today!”
Chapter 32
A Clash of Pride
Two people got into the car. He was frantically putting on his clothes while complaining incessantly, “Your ex-wife is a femme fatale. She’s ruthless, really ruthless. I can’t outplay her!”
Mumbling this sentence, only Orion heard it. His expression was as cold as water. He took out a cigarette and lit it. The smoke swirling between his long fingers made the look in his eyes dark and indistinct.
Hansen came out with Olivia and Sarah. They also looked at the two people in the car, their eyes filled with triumph.
Hansen took a few steps forward, arriving in front of them. Through the car window, his unruly mouth curved into a playful smile. “Lucius, it’s just a bet. You can afford to lose and let go. We’ll still be friends when we meet again in the future
Lucius was trembling with anger. Haha! It’s easy for him to say. It’s not like they were the ones who had to run out here naked!
From today on, I will likely become a laughingstock for others!
What a shame, it was a great humiliation!
But ironically, this humiliation was his own doing!
There’s really no place left for him to argue his case.
Because just now, upstairs, before being stripped of his clothes, Hansen looked at him coldly, “Don’t want to undress? If it was Seraphina who lost, would you spare her?”
The answer, of course, was no.
So, he was stripped naked …
Lucius ignored Hansen, snorted coldly, and turned his head away haughty to show his anger.
Orion glanced at Hansen, his voice low and dangerous. “Is Colombo standing up for Seraphina today?”
“Mr. Dros, you’re joking. Seraphina won fair and square. It’s just a matter of honouring the bet. Is Lucius, a grown man, inferior to even a woman?”
Hansen chuckled nonchalantly, tapping his fingers on the car window. After a moment’s thought, he looked meaningfully at Orion.
“Mr. Dros, you didn’t think Seraphina would win, did you?”
“Indeed it was unexpected.”
“Three years of marriage still isn’t enough to understand someone. Seraphina is truly worthless in your eyes, Mr. Dros,” Hansen said with a slight smile. He took a deep breath and tilted his head back with a wicked grin, looking devilishly charming.
“But it won’t be necessary to understand her anymore because here with us, Seraphina is this!” He raised his thumb, raised an eyebrow and chuckled coldly.
Orion’s eyes narrowed dangerously and sharply. “Mr. Colombo, you wouldn’t have taken a fancy to that woman, would you?”
Hansen laughed aloud, meeting his gaze openly. “Yeah, I’m going after her. Thank you for letting her go and giving me this opportunity, Mr. Dros.”
Orion withdrew his gaze coldly, staring ahead expressionlessly. Lucius couldn’t help but comment beside him, “Why talk so much, Bro? Let’s get going!”
He was unable to bear it any longer.
With a sudden press on the accelerator, the car abruptly sped away. Lucius looked at Orion, who suddenly changed expression and was shocked.
“Are you angry?”
Hansen has an interest in Seraphina. So what if he admits it?
Orion ignored Lucius. “Aren’t you supposed to be concerned about the photos?”
“D*mn it!” Lucius cursed under his breath. He had fallen for the same woman again!
“Out of all the women you could have married, there were plenty of suitable matches. Why her? I don’t understand what you were thinking. The guys are all feeling sorry for you. Fortunately, we didn’t see her as one of our own,” muttered Lucius.
The car suddenly stopped, and Orion’s face darkened slightly. His chest felt tight and uncomfortable.
Nobody saw her as one of their own.
Is he included?
“Get out of the car!” Orion’s voice was icy cold.
Lucius looked at him in surprise. “Why?”
“I’m going to the office, and we’re on the wrong way,” Orion said, his expression mysteriously darkening.
Reluctantly, Lucius got out of the car and stood in the cold wind, watching as the car drove further away. Suddenly, he realised that direction wasn’t even towards the Dros Company …
Chapter 33
I’m a Germophobe
On the other side, Olivia walked over triumphantly. “Now Lucius will behave himself. He always comes to his senses only at the eleventh hour!”
Sarah nodded. “If we don’t show him some backbone, he thought Seraphina was easy to bully ”
Olivia hesitated for a moment. “But how could Seraphina be playing dice? And she’s so good at it?”
Sarah exchanged a glance with Hansen, smiled, and explained.
“When she was studying at university in Frencette, she had a month–long argument with her family and cut off her income. As a result, she was tricked into becoming a dealer at the biggest underground casino, and unexpectedly, she learned the skills under the table and made a fortune! When Mr. Cross found out, he was so scared that he immediately asked her to leave and gave her an unlimited black card…
Olivia’s eyes grew wide as she regretted not being friends with Seraphina while she was in school.
Early in the morning.
Seraphina opened her eyes to the warm morning light streaming in. With a content smile, she heard someone knock on the door. The maid asked softly, “Miss, are you awake?”
Seraphina lazily responded, “Yeah, come in.”
Yesterday, Sivir’s driver took her directly to the Cross‘ mansion.
Two maids pushed in a huge clothes rack and respectfully spoke, “Miss, these are the clothes prepared for you. Mr. Cross and Mr. Sivir are waiting for you in the dining room.”
Seraphina seemed a little shocked. Is it necessary for Dad to be so lavish, purchasing my favourite brands just for me to wear?
Numerous identically styled pieces in a variety of colours display the recognisable fabric and craftsmanship characteristic of Prada’s personal collection. There’s no logo, yet the fabric and workmanship were distinctly Prada. Additionally, each of them was a limited edition new season piece that was worth a lot of money.
Indeed, she had to adapt to this luxurious lifestyle. “I know. You can go out first.”
She got up, showered, and picked out a chic little black dress to wear with a white suit jacket before heading out.
Sivir and Emeris were sitting at the dining table in the dining room, eating breakfast slowly and with grace.
Seeing her approach, Emeris squinted his eyes and said, “My dear daughter, are you awake?”
Sivir also turned his head to look at her, his eyes twinkling with a smile.
“Yesterday, Lucius ran out naked from Blues, covering his face but still recognised by people. I heard Mr. Brown dragged him back early in the morning for a scolding. The Brown family is in a frenzy dealing with online rumours, and their stocks almost hit the limit. Seraphina, you’re competent.”
Seraphina shrugged helplessly, walked over, and sat down. “He was the one who started it with me,” she said.
“No wonder. As long as my daughter is happy, the Brown family doesn’t count for much.” Emeris indulgently served her a bowl of bird’s nest soup.
She quickly finished a few bits of breakfast and followed Sivir’s car to the company.
At the office door, Thomas stood there waiting for her.
“Miss, Julia has been waiting here since early morning. She’s in the office.”
Seraphina nodded. “Has there been any news from the Giant Group that you were asked to investigate?”
“I’ve already contacted Mr. Aiden Denter, the person in charge of the Giant Group. He suggested having dinner with you to talk face–to–face.”
“Please make an appointment for me.”
“Of course, Miss.”
Pushing open the door, Seraphina observed Julia seated on her chair, idly whirling around and having a good time. The tension in the office increased instantly.
Julia’s expression changed, and she quickly stood up, looking accusingly at Thomas behind Seraphina. “Why didn’t you announce Miss Seraphina’s arrival?”
Seraphina smiled indifferently and walked over. “Since Ms. Lane likes this chair, Thomas, please have it sent to her office later,” she said.
“Yes, Miss.”
“Miss Seraphina, I didn’t mean anything by it. You don’t need to send the chair to me.”
Seraphina sat on the nearby sofa, her expression cool. “I’m a germophobe. I won’t use a chair that someone else has already sat in,” she said.
Chapter 34
We’ve Got Your Back
Julia hit a snag and glared fiercely at her, cursing Seraphina in her heart a thousand times over. She thought: You’re just someone who got to where you are by sleeping around! What’s there to be proud of?
“What brings Ms. Lane here?” Seraphina glanced at her.
Julia walked over, twisting her waist, and threw a document in front of Seraphina.
“Here, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Many people are envious of this project by the Gaia Group. Mr. Marx from Gaia Group is hosting a discussion of the collaboration tonight. You’d better seize this ‘opportunity,’ Miss Seraphina.”
Seraphina flipped through a couple of pages in the document, glanced at it without looking, and then closed it. She didn’t believe for a moment that Julia would be so kind as to share such a big cake with her.
But since she was so proactive, Seraphina would feel awkward if she didn’t cooperate.
She smiled. “Will you be attending tonight as well, Ms. Lane?”
“Of course, I’ll introduce you.”
“Alright, I’ll be there on time.”
Seraphina handed the document to Thomas. “Increase the points by thirty according to what’s written here.”
Thomas took the document without hesitation. “Okay, I’ll take care of it.”
Just then, Olivia pushed the door open, holding a bouquet, blocking everyone’s view.
“Quick, Seraphina, I’m exhausted.”
Seraphina was a bit surprised. “What’s going on?
“Someone is pursuing you. He sent you flowers Olivia raised her eyebrows, smiling mischievously.
Seraphina looked overwhelmed. “Olivia, who on earth is being so ridiculous?”
“Of course, it’s Hansen. He asked me to make sure I delivered them to you.”
Hansen?
That troublemaker really knows how to stir things up.
Olivia smiled. “Mark göt shipped overseas by his father to study, and I heard that if he doesn’t get good grades this time, Old Mr. Colombo is gonna break his legs!”
“It’s a shame I didn’t get to send him off. We’ll just have to give him a warm welcome when he gets back…
Seraphina reluctantly had someone take the flowers away. The air finally cleared of the strong floral scent, which was much more comfortable now.
Olivia nodded. “That’s what I was thinking, too. By the way, I’ve finished investigating the Gaia Group you asked about last time.”
Seraphina looked up at her, and Olivia smiled. “The Gaia Group has long become a shell company, borrowing money everywhere, owing banks a huge sum they can’t repay. They’re almost getting their company auctioned off, with many unfinished projects on hand. Anyone who gets involved ends up in a mess. Julia Lane is trying to set you up, isn’t she?”
Seraphina raised an eyebrow, not surprised. “So, they dug a hole for me to fall into…”
Then tonight’s meal will be particularly interesting.
“Thanks.”
Olivia patted her head. “That’s okay, but I can’t go to work with you. My mom is coming back from New Town. She just acquired a cosmetics company. She promised to let me participate in the research and development. You know, this is dream.”
Olivia’s mom was a well–known businesswoman in the industry. She had always wanted Olivia to be involved in company management. However, Olivia preferred laboratory research and development. This time, she wouldn’t miss the chance to be involved.
Seraphina smiled. “Let’s toast to you, making millions this year!”
They smiled at each other, no need for more words. It was a perfect understanding!
“Take care, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. We’ve got your back!”
Seraphina nodded. “Don’t worry, I won’t hesitate to ask for your help.”
Olivia chatted for a while and then slipped away with her bag. Seraphina then focused back on her work.
As Seraphina stood up in high heels at the end of the workday, intending to inform Thomas about the dinner appointment, Julia entered, swaying her hips. “Since it’s a private dinner, there’s no need to bring the assistant secretary along, right?”
Seraphina raised an eyebrow. “Alright then.”
Chapter 35
Drugged
Arriving at the private club, they went to their reserved private room. Julia leaned in to kiss the cheeks of a greasy man with a big tummy who had already waited for them in the private room. Seraphina felt a w
of nausea when she saw the scene.
Out of politeness, she still walked over gracefully to greet him. Mr. Marx’s eyes lit up at the sight of Seraphina. She felt sick at the barely concealed greed in his gaze.
“And this must be the one you’re talking about? I’ve heard so much about you, and you’re just as beautiful as the rumours.”
Mr. Marx extended his hand. Seraphina nodded slightly to greet him and then sat down. She said, “Mr. Marx, you’re flattering me. It’s your reputation that’s truly renowned.”
Julia gave Seraphina a meaningful look and introduced herself: “Seraphina just joined Cross Group, so she might not know that our company has an old affiliation with Gaia Group. There shouldn’t be any issues with our cooperation. How about we show Mr. Marx the contract? If everything is fine, we can sign it.”
Seraphina froze a little at the suggestion. She raised an eyebrow and took out the prepared contract, saying, “Sure, Mr. Marx, you better take a good look at the contract.”
The greasy man took the contract and glanced through it casually, as if he already knew its contents. He only paused slightly at the numbers; his complexion darkened instantly.
“Why is the commission thirty percent higher than what we agreed upon?” he questioned.
Julia was taken aback. She quickly grabbed the contract, and her expression changed upon seeing it. “Who changed this?”
“I did.” Seraphina lowered her gaze and smiled faintly.
“Since I’m handling this project, I get to make the call. We’ll go with these terms, or there’s no deal.”
Everyone knew that raising it by thirty percent would mean several million more in upfront investment for Gaia Group, which was an amount that an almost bankrupt shell company couldn’t afford.
Julia’s face turned pallid due to her rage. She questioned, “Seraphina, what gives you the right to change it?”
“I’m, Ms. Lane, the Vice President, and I’m looking out for the company’s best interests. Why are you upset? Actually, you should be happy. Are you in the Cross Group or Gaia Group?” Seraphina looked at her and asked a pointed question.
Julia’s expression soured with her questi
She said, “I … I’m with Cross Group, of course, but doing business requires integrity. Once we agree on a number, we shouldn’t change it!”
“Until the contract is signed, everything can change.” Seraphina gave Mr. Marx, who was fuming, a playful look. She said, “Or did you two have some private agreement?”
That question surprised both of them. Mr. Marx suddenly displayed a dark, knowing smile. He picked up the wine bottle by his side and poured a glass of Seraphina.
“Since we’re negotiating the terms, I’m willing to negotiate because of my sincerity. I think – you should take a look at this document. As long as you sign it, I won’t let you down.”
Mr. Marx pulled out a document from his bag. It was almost identical to the one Seraphina had, but ten percent lower than what Julia had set.
Julia’s eyes darted around as she tried to persuade Seraphina. She said, “What’s the point for you to rely on Sivir? You need up by placing you in this poore people backing you up. Sivir obviously wants to set you without support. What can you gain from him? He can’t make you his wife.”
Seraphina ignored Julia’s attempts to sow discord. This woman had probably assumed there was a romantic relationship between Seraphina and Sivir.
Was this Julia’s attempt to persuade her to jump ship?
“Look at your clothes; they’re brandless and probably bought online, right? How do you get to work? By taxi?”
Julia sneered at Seraphina’s plain attire. She tugged at her Chanel suit and let out a smile.
“I’ve been around; I wouldn’t lie to you. Stick with Mr. Marx, and you won’t regret it. He’s got
…” a used Audi ready for you. With his help on projects, you’ll secure your position …
As Seraphina was quietly pondering, Julia thought she had convinced her. Satisfied, she gave Mr. Marx a meaningful glance before she stood up and pretended she was a little tipsy. Julia said, “ed to go to the ladies. You two can keep talking.”
Once out the door, a sharp look crossed Julia’s eyes. She saw a familiar figure stealthily linger around the ladies. She grabbed on to that man and asked, “Is everything ready?”
The waiter answered in trepidation, “The drug is already in the wine.”
“Good.” Julia smiled with satisfaction.