Ch. 381..385: Inherit Billions Chapter 381-385

Chapter 381 Small Gesture

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He averted his gaze and focused on Seraphina. Wilson patiently explained, "That's impossible. Back in Ascotia, my family doctor was incredibly lazy. I had no choice but to learn first-aid myself." Seraphina smiled slightly, her attitude noticeably more polite.

"It's fine; it doesn't hurt anymore. This ointment is pretty good."

Wilson paused, seemingly a little disappointed. He lowered his head briefly, then looked up again with his usual calm and humble expression.

He picked up the ointment as if nothing had happened. "I'll get you a new one."

"Seems like Mr. Rockwell came prepared?" she remarked.

"Well, with a kid around, you can't afford to take chances with these things," he said, glancing meaningfully at little Dani.

Dani stuck his tongue out and ducked behind Seraphina.

You couldn't blame me. The way Daddy looked at Ms. Lovely is anything but innocent. If I'm not careful, I may soon find myself with a stepmother. After dinner, Seraphina politely excused herself.

Wilson personally drove her back home. He also thoughtfully pulled over a little further down the road.

The night air was cool, and the streetlights cast long shadows of the two standing beside the car.

Wilson spoke first, "Don't worry about the media or the stock market. The shares won't drop until the investigation reveals the facts."

"Thank you," Seraphina replied.

"You've thanked me so many times already," Wilson said with a slight smile.

Seraphina looked at him and said, "Mr. Rockwell, there's a plot of land in Plerton. Are you interested?"

Wilson's gaze darkened as he stared at her. For a momerit, his expression froze. "What are you implying?"

"It's repayment," she said, offering a clear-cut return of favor.

Wilson stunned briefly, then exhaled slowly.

"Ms. Cross, you're difficult to pursue," he murmured.

Seraphina lifted her eyes to meet his. Wilson chuckled softly; his refined demeanor blended in seamlessly with the night, but his voice held a renewed firmness. 'Forget the land. This wonderful night feels much more memorable."

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Chapter 381 Small Gesture

She removed her coat and kicked off her heels, ready to head to the bathroom to freshen up, when her phone buzzed twice. Seraphina glanced at it.

Wilson wrote, "It's challenging to win your heart, but letting you slip away is way harder. Sweet dreams."

She glanced at the message and chose not to reply.

The next one was from Orion. He wrote, "Seraphina, you still have some clothes at my place. Should I bring them to you tomorrow?" Seraphina casually typed and replied, "Nah, just toss them."

With that, she powered off her phone and got ready for bed.

The next morning, Seraphina headed straight to the office.

She couldn't rest until she knew the real cause of the accident with the driverless vehicle and wanted to monitor it personally.

News had already surfaced in Etopia about the Giant Group's autonomous car experiment, which ended in a crash and resulted in casualties.

Public concern over the safety of driverless cars was growing fast.

The situation was urgent, and time was of the essence.

During a video conference that day, Seraphina and Orion both participated.

Seraphina concentrated on the projected 3D display in the spacious conference room.

The room felt cold due to the low temperature of the air conditioner. Observing Seraphina in a thin dress, Orion quietly took off his jacket and moved toward her. Seraphina sat motionless, her gaze indifferent as she declared, "I don't want it. Don't try that trick on me."

Orion had no words.

Everyone else in the room remained silent.

One of the staff members quickly became aware of the situation. Silently, they adjusted the temperature, and soon the warmth returned.

Chapter 382 A Dinner Invitation

On the large screen, an Al-controlled vehicle-exactly like a real car-raced down the road. The simulation used the same chip and system that had been active during a recent accident.

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However, the vehicle on the screen handled every road condition flawlessly, whether on mountainous terrain, flat land, or rugged water-covered paths.

When approaching another vehicle, it would slow down and give a signal. In the rain, it decelerated.

It adeptly maneuvered around obstacles and stopped patiently for pedestrians crossing the road.

In unexpected situations, it would automatically trigger an alert system.

The Al-controlled car was calm and steady yet brimming with energy. It seemed to have all the advantages of a human driver. It could overcome inertia and brake sharply, stopping as commanded with impressive agility, even in extreme situations where human intervention was required.

In the simulated experiments, the car's performance was exceptional-nearly perfect.

But then, during one of these tests, under real-world conditions, the car lost control.

Everyone watched the screen closely, not missing a single detail.

Seraphina rested her chin on her hand, her eyes fixed on the display, trying to spot anything unusual.

But every piece of data remained within normal parameters.

Across from her, Orion glanced at Seraphina before shifting his attention back to the screen.

The look in his eyes was dark as he studied the simulation and the logs of the vehicle that had gone haywire. His expression grew grimmer with each passing second.

The room was silent, save for the echo of crashing sounds from the video, a chilling reminder of the severity of the incident.

Even the representatives from Etopia were quiet.

Finally, the video ended. Someone from the other side couldn't hold back any longer. "Did anyone see anything unusual?"

"The system data shows everything is functioning properly. I don't think the problem lies with the system. Our Al technology is way ahead of anything else on the market. It's impossible for such a massive error to occur!"

"If the Al was controlling the car and the car malfunctioned, then the Al is at fault," one person said angrily.

"Your technology isn't as advanced as you claim! Don't try to confuse us with theory. If your system is so perfect, how did this accident happen?"

Another voice chimed in.

"I suggest we all calm down. Maybe we should wait for this to blow over before discussing the matter

Chapter 382 A Dinner Invitation

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The room erupted into chaotic discussion.

Seraphina frowned. She glanced at Orion, who sat across from her. Orion's expression was stern; his brow furrowed as he studied the video with intense focus.

From what she knew of him, if he was silent, it meant he was deep in thought. Otherwise, he would have already lost his temper.

Seraphina pressed her lips into a line as she interrupted the argument. Her voice was icy and commanding, leaving no room for objection.

"The purpose of this meeting is to investigate the cause of the accident, not to discuss damage control."

Everyone fell silent, exchanging nervous glances.

Orion's voice was sharp and cold, as he declared, "If the system data and chip logs are normal, then the only abnormal factor must be the car itself."

A hush falls over the room. All eyes turn to him, nerves on edge.

"The test car," Orion states firmly.

For a long moment, the room fell silent. Everyone was too shocked to speak but slowly began to accept his words.

"What could be wrong with the car?" someone finally asked. Someone finally asked.

Orion presses his lips together and explains, "The car was custom-made, but some of its components- specifically those integrated with the Al-came from different suppliers. Has anyone investigated that?" No one responds, but it's clear that this is a new lead, a possible breakthrough in the case.

"Meeting adjourned," Orion says, immediately shutting off the video call.

Seraphina's gaze lingers on his face, but she stays quiet. After all, she'd reached the same conclusion.

Did Orion reach the same conclusion as her? That was unexpected.

She raised an eyebrow and said, "It's likely a brake issue."

Orion smiles faintly. "Smart thinking."

Seraphina rolls her eyes. As if it wasn't obvious!

She stands up, feeling like the fog has lifted from her mind, leaving her mood much lighter.

"Want to grab dinner together?" Orion suggested.

"I've turned you down countless times. Don't you get that I don't want to eat with you?" Seraphina retorted.

Orion paused, then grinned charmingly. "I didn't know Is there something wrong with having dinner?" Seranhina has dealt with his shameless nersistence before She huffed in evasneration and strode out of

Chapter 383 The Klad Tech

A few days after the meeting, Aiden finally brought some good news.

As they had suspected, the issue wasn't with their self-driving system but with the car's braking system.

The brakes were the latest design from Keglaidan. Klad Tech was renowned for developing cutting-edge systems. Many luxury cars had already installed this new technology.

Given the impressive performance of self-driving cars, they didn't hesitate to choose Klad Tech's system during the tender, as the team was confident in its advanced technology.

No one anticipated that this technology would thrust self-driving cars into the center of a storm.

Aiden hurried back home with an official report from the relevant authorities once the investigation was complete. They sent a legal notice to Klad Tech from Etopia.

However, under the guise of protecting company secrets, Klad Tech refused to disclose or make public any details of the investigation and declined to release the core patents of their braking system.

This immediately escalated the difficulty of the investigation to an almost impossible level.

Aiden was usually calm and composed; he was visibly angry when he stepped off the plane and headed straight to the Dros Group.

He threw the documents on the table, his face filled with frustration.

Sitting at his desk, Orion glanced up coldly. "Aren't you going to take a break?" He asked in a detached

tone.

"I'm not in the mood!"

Aiden took a deep breath and explained, "After speaking with a lot of insiders, I found out that their braking system has been installed in a popular luxury car model. There have been over one hundred brake failure incidents. Every time there is talk of a lawsuit or media exposure, they use underhanded tactics to suppress it. That's why no negative news about them has ever surfaced."

"Did you confront them in person?" Orion asked quietly.

Aiden let out a cold chuckle and explained, "What's funny is that they don't take me seriously at all. Even when I presented them with the evidence, they insisted it was our self-driving system that was faulty. A bunch of arrogant capitalists-do they really think they can deceive everyone forever? I should talk to Seraphina about this and get her opinion." "You don't need to go."

Aiden was stunned. "What?"

"I'll talk to her," Orion said, his gaze intense.

Aiden was speechless and stared at him.

Bright!

"Oh, I see. So you're just looking for a reason to see

Chapter 383 The Klad Tech

Orion did exactly what he said-he informed Seraphina and left.

Though he'd like to stay longer, Seraphina wasn't in the mood to chat.

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Understanding the situation, Orion kept it brief, telling her that he would handle the issue before leaving.

In the days that followed, rumblings began to emerge from Etopia, criticizing Klad Tech.

Seraphina had grasped the situation and instructed her team to look into the recent developments of the tech company. She couldn't help but be impressed by Orion's skill.

Over the next few days, reports began emerging from all over the country about brake system failures from the Klad Tech.

Numerous car owners connected with each other and formed a coalition to take on Klad Tech, determined

to hold them accountable.

But Klad Tech wasn't an ordinary company. Their investors were powerful figures from political and business circles around the world, giving them an aura of invincibility.

The company had previously employed somewhat clumsy tactics. Faced with so many car owners banding together, their arrogant approach only fueled public dissatisfaction. Gradually, the issue became impossible to hide from the public eye. While a company-initiated investigation could be kept under wraps, there was no way to conceal a case brought forward by the general public.

Klad Tech supplied components to various high-end car brands, and the braking system was just one of

many.

But the real issue lay with a specific luxury car series that had only recently launched. It had been marketed as having the most stable and safest braking system in the world, but this scandal shattered the public's faith in Klad Tech. The car's sales began to decline. Despite everything, the company stubbornly refused to acknowledge that their braking system was at fault. Instead, in a dramatic twist, they sued the consumers who had filed complaints.

Watching these bizarre actions unfold,

Chapter 384 Meeting the Family

As Seraphina was leaving work, she spotted an unexpected visitor in the company lobby.

""Mr. Rockwell?"

Wilson smiled warmly. His gentle demeanor radiates kindness, making it hard for him not to stand out.

He held a small, deep blue gift box with him. When Seraphina approached, Wilson handed it over to her.

"A gift from Dani," he said softly. "Please, you must accept it."

Seraphina blinked in surprise but quickly accepted the box.

"Where's little Dani?" she asked, remembering how he always insisted on delivering gifts himself, both endearing and serious.

Wilson cleared his throat and said, "He's at tutoring. No time to come out."

Seraphina chuckled but couldn't help wondering what might be inside the box. Could it be chrysanthemums?

"Aren't you going to open it?" Wilson encouraged with a slight smile.

Raising an eyebrow, Seraphina slowly opened the box. Her smile faltered for a moment.

Wow! It was a beautifully crafted chrysanthemum, entirely made of gold.

At the base of the flower was the emblem of a well-known luxury brand.

Custom-made, no doubt.

Tacky, yet undeniably extravagant.

She felt a slight tremor inside but maintained her smile. "This is quite valuable."

Though compared to the diamonds Dani had gifted her in the past, this hardly measured up. Still, how. could a child casually give away gold and diamonds? She struggled to find the right words.

Noticed her dazed expression, Wilson chuckled softly.

"It was too late to stop him when I learned he had picked this design, but hey, at least it's a pretty flower, right? It could make a lovely decoration." Wilson reminded her considerately.

Well, a golden chrysanthemum certainly beats a regular one, Seraphina mused, nodding in agreement.

"You're right. Oh, by the way, I've prepared a little something for him too," she said.

"Oh?"

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Chapter 384 Meeting the Family

She patted the half-human-sized box and grinned.

"Lego?" Wilson guessed, eyebrows raised.

Seraphina shook her head.

"He's been taking language lessons-19 different languages, to be exact. These are his textbooks."

Wilson froze for a moment before bursting into laughter.

This gift is absolutely perfect! Incredibly thoughful.

"That's a perfect gift, Ms. Cross! He'll definitely study harder now."

Would Dani be thrilled or overwhelmed by this?

Wilson could already picture the look on his son's face when he saw the gift.

As the two were chatting, someone crept in without them noticing.

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"There you are! The employees are unsure of when to clock out. Emeris called out, feigning sternness.

Seraphina raised an eyebrow, then warmly linked her arm through his. "Are you personally here to pick me up from work, dear father?"

Emeris gave her a playful eye-roll, though he subtly glanced at Wilson.

"Mr. Rockwell?"

Wilson greeted him politely. His respectful and sincere demeanor left a favorable impression.

"I happened to be nearby after fishing with a friend," Emeris explained casually. I decided to drop by and extend an invitation to everyone for dinner.

Emeris raised his chin slightly, gazing off into the distance. The usually composed and aloof Sivir suddenly quickened his pace, jogging over to Emeris's side. "Mr. Rockwell," Sivir greeted with a nod.

"Join us, Mr. Rockwell. I noticed a private kitchen nearby. I'll have them prepare the fish I caught earlier, and we can enjoy a meal together," Emeris suggested.

Seraphina frowned at her father's invitation. She thought Wilson might not feel comfortable accepting such an offer. She was about to decline on his behalf when Wilson smiled and replied, "I'd be honored to share a meal with you, Mr. Cross." Emeris nodded, not surprised by his response.

And so the four of them headed to a private dining room in the building next door.

The breeze was gentle, and the rooftop view was magnificent, offering a stunning panorama of the entire city.

Before long, the food was served. They enjoyed their meal, chatting over wine.

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Chapter 384 Meeting the Family

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Seraphina watched as Wilson quickly adapted to the atmosphere. He conversed easily with Emeris and Sivir; his relaxed demeanor helped her finally relax as well. Emeris noticed the subtle shift in his daughter's mood and cas

Chapter 385 Have They Gotten This Far Already?

Emeris noticed a change in Wilson's usual attitude toward Seraphina.

For the outsider, Wilson was a catch in every way, but for the Crosses, there were still a few things that needed to be considered.

For instance, having a child was a dealbreaker.

Mentioning Dani was both polite and a subtle warning.

Yet Wilson didn't seem bothered by this.

"You and Seraphina are friends," Emeris said, his voice carrying a hint of expectation. "You should help keep an eye out for someone suitable for her. How can we be at ease if she's on her own?"

Wilson smiled naturally, a subtle and calm expression on his face. "Ms. Cross is such a remarkable woman. I'm sure many people admire her. However, only a select few would truly be able to stand by her side. From what I see, Ms. Cross enjoys being with her family. You've certainly treated her like a princess. No matter how ideal someone else might seem, no one can compare to the care and warmth of her own family."

Emeris raised an eyebrow, clearly pleased by Wilson's words.

That statement struck a chord within him.

He nodded repeatedly, clearly satisfied. "Exactly. The whole family always put her needs first. If she's happy, we're happy."

This statement solidified Seraphina's position as the rightful heir to the Crosses.

Sivir, without raising his head, showed no interest in the topic.

While Seraphina continued eating her fish with a focused attention that mirrored her brother's.

Her concentration while eating was almost identical to Sivir's-it was simple to see that they were siblings!

This moment was a clear reflection of the family's harmonious atmosphere, a rarity among such powerful families.

Wilson glanced down with a smile as he continued chatting in agreement with Emeris.

Meanwhile, Orion had been waiting for a while outside the Cross Group's building, hoping to accidentally run into Seraphina.

His phone buzzed, and it was Lucius sending him an Instagram post.

The image showed Emeris, Sivir, Seraphina, and Wilson dining together.

The image gave off relaxed and joyful vibes.

Emeris, being the elder, made no effort to conceal his affection for Wilson.

Chapter 385 Have They Gotten This Far Already?

The scene looked rather harmonious.

"Orion, they're already meeting the family," Lucius messaged. "You've made no progress. Should I introduce you to someone else?" Meet the family?

Orion's expression immediately darkened, his hand tightening around the steering wheel.

His whole demeanor turned cold.

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In that moment, jealousy and anger surged through him, almost overwhelming him. The thought of storming in and taking Seraphina away flashed through his mind. His heart raced, and a crazy thought crossed his mind. He wanted to snatch her away and hide her somewhere only he could see her.

Otherwise, there would always be other men hovering around her. None of them would sit right with him.

No matter how long he had been acting the part of a gentleman, he couldn't suppress his true nature.

Under the surface, he was anything but tame.

If he waited any longer, she could potentially marry someone else without his knowledge.

No. I could wait no more.

He sent Seraphina a message and drove straight to her apartment, where he waited.

She would show up eventually.

Just as she was about to finish her meal, Seraphina glanced at her phone and saw the message Orion had sent about an hour ago.

"The maid found a USB drive while cleaning your old room. I think it's yours. I'm waiting for you at your apartment."

A flicker of suspicion crossed her mind. Did she leave a USB behind?

She hadn't noticed.

But if it contained company data, she couldn't afford to leave it lying around.

Seraphina quickly excused herself from the gathering and left.

Her apartment had been unused for a while, but the cleaning staff made sure it stayed in pristine condition.

Still, she couldn't figure out why Orion insisted on meeting her there.

As she approached the complex, she spotted a familiar Bentley parked outside.

The headlights flashed briefly. She could see a long, lean arm resting casually out of the window, a cigarette glowing faintly between his fingers.