Ch. 331..335: Inherit Billions Chapter 331-335

Chapter 331

Connections.

04.92%8

Seraphina accompanied Orion, mingling with the crowd. Her expression remained cool and distant, yet everyone around them was quietly speculating about their current relationship.

Orion's gaze swept across the room, eventually landing on Wilson. He was caught up in conversation, surrounded by people, and unable to get away.

When Wilson noticed Orion, he seemed surprised, but he quickly regained his composure.

A faint, icy smile flashed on Orion's face.

Orion had been a long-time partner of Clarke Crocker When Clarke saw him, the middle-aged man, well into his forties or fifties, eagerly strode over and gave Orion a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Orion, my buddy! It's been ages since we last met! I heard you have fallen ill. I've been meaning to check on you but got delayed!"

Seraphina felt somewhat awkward watching this man, who was about the same age as Orion's father, refer to Orion as his 'buddy. She quietly suppressed a smile,

Orion accepted it clamly and replied with a smile, "It wasn't a big deal; no need to worry."

"Oh, don't be so polite. And this young lady is..." Clarke asked, shifting his gaze to Seraphina.

Orion introduced, "This is Seraphina Cross, President of the Cross Group, the daughter of Chairman Cross.

Seraphina gave a gentle smile and extended her hand.

"Mr. Crocker, nice to meet you."

Clarke was relieved and said, "Oh, so it's your ex-wife. Thad heard about it, but I was surprised to learn that, you and your ex-spouse were still on good terms after the divorce. Seraphina's expression didn't change. Internally, she felt a rising irritation at Clarke's rude comment.

Orion's expression changed. He was slightly stunned before he smiled and said, "Even after the divorce, we're still friends"

"Of course, of course. In a small circle like ours, it's always beneficial to stay on friendly terms. You're bound to run into each other anyway." Clarke said, clearly hinting at something. Seraphina's initial interest in befriending Clarke instantly disappeared.

Someone like him was clearly not of the same caliber as the Crosses.

As they were talking, Clarke waved his hand and summoned, "Lucinda, come here!"

A girl, lavishly adorned and well dressed, hurried over. Despite her expensive outfit, she exuded a nervous air that contrasted with her appearance.

It was clear she came from money, but she didn't seem as poised as you'd expect from someone of her background.

Connections

"This is Orion Dros, who I mentioned earlier. You've always wanted to meet him, haven't you?"

Clarke gestured at his daughter, Lucinda Crocker, and signaled her to take the initiative.

His look carried a silent warning

Lucinda hung her head low. She blushed and bowed slightly.

"Hello, Mr. Orion.

Seraphina's eyes glinted with understanding-so this was what Clarke had been hinting at earlier.

He wanted to marry his daughter to Orion to elevate his social standing.

Orion gave a faint nod, offering no further attention to the girl, not even a sidelong glance.

Clarke chuckled and pressed. "Orion, this is my youngest daughter. She's been busy with school, so she hasn't had much of a chance to be out and about. She's a bit shy; don't mind her." Orion smiled slightly, but his expression remained indifferent.

Seraphina glanced at Lucinda. Her awkward demeanor didn't fit the image of a girl from a wealthy family.

Sensing Seraphina's gaze, Lucinda glanced up at her before quickly lowering her head again.

Now that Seraphina had grasped Clarke and his daughter's intentions, she saw no reason to linger.

With a smile, she lightly patted Orion on the shoulder.

"Mr. Dros, you two should have a chat. I'm going to get something to eat."

Before Orion could respond, Clarke let out a hearty laugh and said, "Ms. Cross, take your time."

Seraphina smiled faintly and walked away.

Several people nearby noticed the scene. Watching Seraphina leave alone, they couldn't help but feel a tinge of sympathy for her.

She grabbed a small dessert and sat down in a quiet corner. Moments later, someone sat down beside her -it was Wilson.

He tugged at his tie and said helplessly, I'm sorry for leaving you alone after bringing you here."

Seraphina smiled, showing she understood.

"Mr. Rockwell just returned to the country. Naturally, people would want to take this chance to connect with you. It's only human."

Wilson had been drinking earlier. He was now holding a glass of soda water, sipping it slowly.

"Mr. Dros is here?"

His gaze swept toward where Orion was standing, a hint of surprise in his eyes,

"Cracker Minine?" Seronhing sched

Connections

She was curious. Wilson knew Clarke too?

Wilson smiled and explained, "I once looked into investments in the mining sector, but Mr. Crocker is extremely conservative. He's content to hold on to his little mine and live off of it-no real ambition." Seraphina nodded in understanding.

"I've heard he has a daughter. Is that Fiona?" Wilson asked.

Seraphina shook her head and explained, "The girl with him now is Lucinda. He said she grew up abroad."

Wilson let out a soft chuckle, crossing his legs with an air of dominance.

"That's just nonsense. The girl is most likely his illegitimate daughter. His wife died not too long ago, which gave him the opportunity to finally acknowledge her."

Chapter 332

She Will Be Your Wife

It turned out that the girl was an illegitimate daughter.

Seraphina nodded slightly. If you're not a part of that world, understanding the secrets of the rich and powerful can be quite challenging.

That explained why Lacinda was so different from the typical rich girl of high society.

Wilson cleared his throat and said, "Scandals in wealthy families, huh? Everyone loves to hear them

Seraphina couldn't help but exchange a simile with hiri

Their expressions softened, and they were standing quite close. They seem intimate in the eyes of mutaders.

Could those online rumors be true?

Was Wilson really Seraphina's new flame!

From a distance, the sight was unbearable for Orion.

Clarke had deliberately left his daughter with Orion, hoping to give them a chance to bond.

Lucinda was nervous and excited. She had lived under the shadow of being an illegitimate daughter for twenty years, but now that Clarke's legitimate wife had passed away, she finally had a chance to rise within the Crockers. Her father had given her a big opportunity.

Before, she could never live like Fiona-proud, elegant, and in the spotlight. She was always undeserving

Even after moving into the Crocker mansion, no one respected her. Even the servants treated her with disdain.

If she could marry Orion, who would look down on her as an illegitimate daughter!

Her father had told her that if the Droses weren't interested in forming a marriage alliance with prominent family, he wouldn't have even acknowledged her.

The only reason she mattered was that Fiona was already married, and her existence became useful for this union

Lucinda, though displeased, knew this was her only chance.

She stole a glance at Orion, whose face she had only seen on TV and in magazines-cold, refined, and standing right in front of her.

Biting her lip, she gathered her courage and stepped forward.

"Mr. Dros, it's really nice to meet you."

She was aware that the woman she had met earlier, who was even more stunning than a movie star, was Orion's ex-wife. In real life, she was as dazzling as a precious gem. 1/3

She Will Be Your Wife

Their entanglement had been all over the internet, but Lucinda didn't care.

They were divorced now, so there was nothing to worry about.

-5 Pearls

Despite not having the same family background as that woman, she was determined to marry Orion at any cost.

Men didn't like women who were too assertive, after all,

But her attempt at a warm greeting didn't get a response from Orion.

She looked up.

Orion fixed his cold gaze on Seraphina and Wilson.

Lucinda bit her lip and took another step forward, reaching out to hold Orion's hand.

"Shall we go somewhere else to get some rest?"

Before her hand could touch his sleeves, Orion's icy voice rang out.

"Don't touch me!"

Her hand froze in midair.

Orion's tone was indifferent, devoid of any warmth.

Lucinda's face flushed with embarrassment.

"I... I'm sorry.

Even after apologized, she didn't leave.

Lucinda awkwardly retracted her hand and bit her lip again. She offered, "Mr. Dros, shall I get you something to eat?" Orion frowned and tried his best to suppress his growing irritation.

"That won't be necessary."

He tolerated Clarke because they were business partners, but he had no intention of accommodating Clarke's daughter. Especially after Clarke had so tactlessly offended Seraphina earlier.

Just then, Orion's phone rang.

He looked down at the screen-it was Ramona.

After a brief hesitation, he glanced at Lucinda.

She immediately took the hint and stepped back a distance away.

He answered the call.

She Will Be Your Wife

"Hello?"

"You've been out for quite a while now. Have you made any progress with Seraphina?

Ramona's voice was old and raspy, carrying a strong and forceful tone.

Orion's expression darkened slightly.

"Do you need something?"

Ramona scoffed.

7

45 Pears

"I've been thinking. You've been neglecting the company for an extended period and wasting amount of time with this woman. If you haven't gained anything by now, it's time to cut your losses family doesn't need to have a marriage alliance with the Crosses. If this drags on, people will start laughing

Orion's eyes grew colder, a layer of frost settling in them.

"Impossible."

He would never give up on Seraphina.

Even if she was a bottomless pit, he would risk everything he had for her.

Ramona yelled, "How long will you continue to act foolishly for a woman?"

"Is there anything else?"

Orion's voice was cold, uninterested in any more of her scolding

Ramona sighed heavily and said, "I don't care what you're thinking. I refuse to allow a woman to bring our family business to ruin. I've already put the word out that we're looking for a suitable wife for you. Plenty of people are eager to offer their daughters. Remember, don't become overly attached to a single tree.

Orion's expression was incredibly cold.

"Other than Seraphina, I want no one!"

"You br't! Stop dreaming. Let me tell you something-the chairman of Crocker Group has already called me. He has a younger daughter who just returned from abroad. She's quite good-looking, and they're willing to marry her off. You should chat with her. If she meets your expectations, she will become your wife."

Ramona's words made it clear that he had made up his mind.

 

Chapter 333

apter 333 Sisters

"Don't waste your efforts on the women from the Crosses. Since she's set on refusing to remarry, there's not point in pursuing her. Besides, we don't need her. Today, she's caught in rumors with a celebrity; tomorrow, she's getting cozy with a business partner. The men in her life are constantly changing, and no family would welcome a woman like her. Cutting ties with her is the best thing for us," Ramona said.

Orion's gaze swept over Lucinda, who stood obediently nearby. His gaze was sharp, like a knife.

Lucinda tensed. She was unsure of what she'd done wrong.

The young woman wanted to look into Orion's eyes, but he had already turned away.

Is he disappointed? Or relieved?

Orion's lips were pressed tightly together, his expression dark and cold.

"My choice is only Seraphina."

With that, he ended the call, the chill around him thick and oppressive.

People who had initially wanted to engage in small talk kept their distance, too intimidated to approach.

After he hung up, Lucinda hesitantly stepped closer, cautiously observing his reaction.

She asked in a low voice, "Mr. Dros, would you like something to drink?"

Orion glanced at her and spoke in an icy voice that could cut through the air.

"Tell your father to stop wasting his time on me."

Lucinda blinked, momentarily stunned. "I... I don't understand what you mean," she stammered.

Orion lifted his head, locking eyes with her. The coldness in his gaze was so frosty that it made Lucinda. shudder.

"You aren't worthy," he said.

Those words were meant for Lucinda.

He had seen right through Lucinda's small ambitions.

Lucinda felt like that remark was a slap across her face-burning and impossible to escape.

For Lucinda, Orion was nothing but an impossible dream.

Her ever

turned red, slowly filling with tears. Then she turned around and ran off

The people nearby watched the scene unfold with pity. Initially, they sympathized with Seraphina, but now their feelings shifted towards the innocent girl who had just endured humiliation. Seraphina didn't notice the commotion. After a few drinks, she felt a bit warm and decided to step out for

Sisters

Smiling, she turned to Wilson and said, I'm going to tie the ladies. Excuse me."

Wilson, ever the gentleman, nodded and guided her down the hall. He pointed to a door on the side. "It's just down there."

"Thank you."

Seraphina walked off, the sound of her high heels echoing against the stone walls of the corridor.

As she reached the corner, she overheard a woman crying inside.

"Why are you crying for? You couldn't even seduce a man. What good are you?"

A woman sneered with a hint of satisfaction, her voice sharp and mocking.

The speaker was Fiona Crocker, Lucinda's half-sister.

Would this illegitimate daughter even have a chance if she hadn't married herself?

Fiona continued to berate Lucinda for her failure, ridiculing her lack of worth, and secretly pleased that Orion hadn't taken an interest in her.

Seraphina hesitated, frowning. There was no way to escape them, but she didn't care. She wasn't someone who needed to hide. She walked directly to the other side of the corridor, where she could clearly see the two women who looked strikingly alike, standing there She expected them to notice her and leave, but they didn't.

Lucinda bit her lip, crying softly in humiliation.

Fiona, domineering and aggressive, stood with her arms crossed. She reached out and pinched Lucinda's

waist hard.

Lucinda didn't even dare to flinch. It was clear she had been used to this kind of bullying.

She had no intention of fighting back.

Seraphina watched from the side, but the sister didn't notice her.

She had no choice but to continue observing, amused by the scene in front of her.

It wasn't as though she was trying to eavesdrop.

"Fiona, I'll try harder, Lucinda whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

Fiona sneered coldly and mocked, "Illegitimate children are just that-illegitimate. It's no wonder Orion doesn't want you. If it weren't for the blood running through your veins, you wouldn't even deserve to stand in the sun!" Lucinda lowered her head further. Her face flushed red with shame.

"But... Mr. Dros is in love with Ms. Cross. I can't do anything about that," she muttered.

How could che comnare to Seranhins?

Sisters

One was as low as dust, the other was as radiant as the sun.

Fiona scoffed again.

"Nothing you can do? Wasn't your mother a mistress? Didn't she teach you a few tricks before she died? He doesn't like you? Why don't you crawl into his bed?"

Fiona shoved her hard. Lucinda nearly fell, slamming into the wall with a heavy thud.

Poor thing!

Seraphina stood there and felt a twinge of sympathy for Lucinda.

But that sympathy quickly faded when she realized that she and Orion were part of this conversation too.

Lowly

Fiona's eyes grew cold. She grabbed a nearby bucket of tools and poured an entire bucket of water over Lucinda

It was oddly satisfying!

Suddenly, she heard Lucinda scream from inside. "My clothes!"

Chapter 334

Lowly

Fiona's eyes grew cold. She grabbed a nearby bucket of tools and poured an entire bucket of water over Lucinda

It was oddly satisfying!

Suddenly, she heard Lucinda scream from inside. "My clothes!"

Lucinda stood there and soaked to the bone. She miserably leaned against the wall. Hugging her drenched self, she whimpered, her cries becoming more pitiful.

"Fiona, how am I supposed to go out like this?"

All the guests that showed up at the party were high society elites, heirs of wealthy families. If she appeared in such a sorry state, she would surely be laughed at and never be able to lift her head again. Fiona sneered coldly, her voice sharp and cutting.

"Why don't you run to Orion for help? Isn't this your perfect chance?

She was practically forcing her to face humiliation.

Seraphina frowned. Just as she was debating whether to step in and help, something caught the corner of her eye.

Orion was chatting with Lucius on the other side, looking relaxed.

Forget it. Lucinda was already pitiful enough. Helping her wouldn't hurt.

Seraphina waved her hand at him.

"Orion, someone over here is looking for you."

The moment Orion saw Seraphina, he lost all interest in his conversation with Lucius.

He turned and headed straight toward her.

Lucius was speechless. He experienced the pain of abandonment once more.

Bro, why am I always the one being left out and wronged by you?

Fine. Let's see what Seraphina needs from Orion this time.

The moment Seraphina spoke, the sisters inside fell completely silent.

She hadn't made any attempts to hide herself. Fiona and Lucinda must have seen her.

Seraphina didn't care. She took her time, stepping back slowly until she reached the corridor's corner.

Orion's expression was tender as he asked, "You called for me?"

Seraphina shook her head. She casually pointed toward the interior of the corridor.

0/15 Mon, Nov 4

Lowly

With that, she walked away. Her high heels clicked as she left.

That was as much help as she could offer.

Lucius and Orion both watched her leave in surprise.

D

Orion frowned and glanced at Lucius. He signaled him and pushed him forward to check things out.

What on earth is going on in there?

Lucius was just as confused. When they moved toward the corner, they found a woman, fragile and drenched, huddled against the wall. She was shaking, crying quietly, but trying her best to suppress her sobs.

Her hair was soaked, and she looked utterly miserable.

Across from her was the bathroom.

No one was to be seen from the surroundings.

This had all happened at Lucius' birthday party. He had no idea how to explain such a situation to anyone.

For a moment, he stood in shock and glanced over at Orion.

"Orion, this....

Just moments ago, Seraphina had walked out from this very spot.

Could Seraphina have been responsible!

It's totally something she would do!

Orion's face darkened. He immediately recognized the woman as Lucinda, the one Clarke had tried to push on him.

As for why she ended up like this, he didn't care to know.

What troubled him was the reason Seraphina had invited him over

What did any of this have to do with me?

Both men stood there without making a move. Lucius, being a married man, couldn't afford to get involved with a woman drenched head to toe in water. People could twist that story any number of ways. And as for Orion, he had no intention of getting involved.

The air remained heavy and silent for a full minute.

Lucinda's eyes were swollen from crying. She stayed huddled in the corner, too afraid to stand.

She turned and looked in Qrion's direction. Her expression was filled with desperate helplessness.

Please, help me, she pleaded softly.

Her drenched trembline fuur lanked on nitishle that

Lowly

For a brief moment, silence filled the space.

Lucius sighed in deep relief. Thankfully, this woman wasn't targeting

Orion's eyes remained grim and cold. His gaze was not even resting on the woman before him.

His thin lips pressed tightly together. His face was dark and icy, though there was a barely perceptible. sadness in his eyes. His mind seemed far away, lost somewhere else entirely.

Inside the banquet hall, laughter and joy filled the air.

Who would have imagined the scene unfolding here?

Lucius nudged Orion instinctively, silently asking him what they should do.

Orion furrowed his brow slightly. Lucius cleared his throat.

"Orion, what should we do about this?"

Lucinda's soft sobbing continued relentlessly. Her sorrowful gaze fixed on Orion.