Ch. 456..460: Inherit Billions Chapter 456-460

Chapter 456 Connections

Seraphina closed her eyes for a moment. She rubbed her forehead as a wave of confusion washed over her.

This was frustrating!

Was Katie really that oblivious to her own shortcomings?

Thomas noticed her expression and tentatively asked, "Ms. Cross, it's difficult for the HR too. They didn't know how to arrange Katie's position."

Every employee at Cross Group was a vital asset, not just someone to fill a position.

And Katie, clearly, was a liability.

Seraphina paused, her face unreadable.

"Send her to the project team. Follow the standard procedures: a one-year internship. She is subject to termination at any time if she fails to meet expectations." Thomas was taken aback. Katie actually prefers an administrative position, and compared to that, the project team was much more demanding.

Seraphina smirked lightly and said, "Being hired as an exception is already pushing it. If she's upset, she doesn't need to stay here."

In an instant, Thomas understood-her boss meant they could simply ask her to leave.

"Understood, I'll make the arrangements."

He walked away.

Seraphina returned to reviewing the proposal. Their investment focus couldn't be limited to just one area; Sivir had already suggested re-entering the real estate market.

The Al project was gradually stabilizing, so there was little risk of deviation. They could afford to redirect some of their energy elsewhere.

In the afternoon, Sivir and Seraphina finalized their plan to surprise the project team.

Everyone in the department recognized Seraphina, the once-unwelcome figure who had landed there amid whispers. But she had since established herself with her sharp, decisive actions, growing more secure in her position. Arthis point, no one would dare underestimate her.

The atmosphere was lax; employees lounged at their desks, chatting and joking. While some gathered in the break room to gossip, others engrossed themselves in TV shows.

The environment felt somewhat disjointed.

"Mr. Cross?! Ms. Cross?!"

Chapter 456 Connections

Seraphina smiled, taking in their astonished expressions.

"Thank you for your hard work, everyone. May I ask where your supervisor is?"

She scanned the room but couldn't spot Joseph anywhere.

Suddenly, someone pointed toward the inner office.

Finished

"Joseph is in there."

Seraphina smiled again, thanked them, and made her way over.

Behind her, Thomas knocked on the door and then pushed it open.

"Who is it? Thomas... Oh, Mr. and Ms. Cross!"

Joseph's voice rose in disbelief.

"Seraphina? Sivir? What brings you both here?"

Another voice chimed in from the office-it was Katie.

Originally, Joseph's private office had been filled with just his desk, but now it had an extra desk and computer, where Katie sat.

Seraphina smiled casually and asked, "So, this is where your workstation is?"

"Yes! Joseph has been so kind to me. There are too many people outside, and it's too noisy. He specifically arranged for me to sit here. Seraphina, it's my first day at work, and I didn't expect my colleagues to be so nice." Katie's gaze was fervent as she looked at Joseph, who nodded in satisfaction.

Seraphina and Sivir exchanged glances, their expressions chilly and grim.

"Well, I can make you coffee," Katie said, sensing the tension and starting to retreat.

"Katie shouldn't be doing those things. Let someone else handle it," Joseph said with a smile.

Seraphina scoffed softly, and the mood grew heavy instantly.

Joseph's smile faded, now replaced by a look of respect directed at the two of them.

"May I ask why you both came in person?"

Sivir stood there, his presence commanding enough to silence the room.

Now it was Seraphina's turn to take the stage.

"Joseph, your department has always received the highest bonuses, but the costs you incur don't seem to match, do they?"

Joseph's face paled. "I

Seranhina glanced over at the small deck her eves narrowing at the commuter coreen

Chapter 457 Workplace Gaslighting

Seraphina walked straight over and settled onto the sofa, extending her hand. Thomas handed her the documents without a word.

"Honestly, our company has been thriving this past year, with project after project, yet it seems you're not really involved, are you?" She remarked, her tone smooth yet cutting.

Artificial intelligence was the product of her relentless push. The large projects were the results of Sivir's management. The rest were merely attracted to Cross Group's brand for collaboration.

In this case, what was the purpose of maintaining a project team?

Joseph glanced nervously at Sivir. Yet Sivir sat silently beside him, his expression cold, and didn't speak up on Joseph's behalf.

"Ma'am, I-"

Seraphina raised her hand, cutting him off with a soft smile.

High-level discussions have always taken place upstairs. The reason I've come down this time is to see how the company's pests have been nurtured."

Seraphina delivered each word with a deceptively gentle tone that instilled a deep sense of dread.

This was far more terrifying than a boss's harsh scolding.

Joseph felt a chill sweep over him, his body trembling. The thought of being laid off at nearly forty left him feeling cornered.

"Ma'am, I'll make sure they work properly right away!"

Seraphina smiled slightly, her voice cool.

"Don't rush to make promises, Joseph. Anyone who gets into this company is top of the cream. Those who remain on your project team are the elite of the elite. You've turned a group of talents into this disgrace. How do you plan to compensate the company for its losses?"

Joseph felt his strength drain away, his legs trembling.

As a senior executive at Cross Group with a seven-figure salary, his entire family depended on him. What would happen to them if he lost his job?

Would they be forced to live on air?

Fear gripped him, nearly paralyzing him. Although Seraphina had been with the company for a short time, her reputation for decisiveness was well known. She had previously dared to challenge the shareholders; was it now his turn?

"Ms. Cross..." he managed to utter.

Seraphina turned her gaze away, her tone shifting to one of courtesy.

Chapter 457 Workplace Gaslighting

Finished

one left standing. My father kept you for my brother, not because you hadn't taken sides but because your

abilities were undeniable.

"Yet, when life becomes too comfortable, it breeds complacency.

"Today, I can no longer tolerate my subordinates living like this.

"I offer you two choices: either you resign, and it looks good for both of us; or you stand up and lead the project team out of this mess."

The air grew tense and fell quiet for several seconds.

Joseph suddenly looked up at her, disbelief etched on his face. Could he really continue on after everything?

But with no choice left, he stood up with fervor.

"I can do it! I will ensure the project is successful, whatever it takes. I promise to give it my all!"

He was practically ready to swear on it.

Seraphina smiled again, casting a glance at Sivir before turning back to Joseph.

"Then let's proceed with this new direction. Review the materials I've provided. Once you're done, we can discuss the next steps."

With that, she stood up and left, her demeanor composed and decisive, just as it had been upon her

arrival.

Sivir stood, patting Joseph on the shoulder, his tone chilly. "You should thank Seraphina; she's the reason you're still here."

Without Seraphina, Joseph would have already lost his job.

A cold shiver ran down Joseph's spine.

Katie entered, carrying a coffee. "Joseph, have my cousins left already?"

Joseph shot her a complicated glance, biting his lip as he gestured toward her small desk.

"You should clear out your things. From now on, you're no different from anyone else. You should complete the tasks assigned to you!

Katie's expression changed immediately. She asked, "Is there some misunderstanding? You just saw that Seraphina and Sivir are my cousins!"

"There's no misunderstanding. The company treats everyone equally. Besides, I suggest you change the family photo on your computer desktop. We can't have such bad influences lingering in the office. Talent should always come first." Joseph took a deep breath. As a man on the verge of losing his job, he needed to tread carefully at every step.

"W-why is this happening?"

G

 

Chapter 458 Why Is He Everywhere?

Finished

"That's what Ms. Seraphina means!" Joseph said impatiently. "If you're not happy, go complain to Mr. Emeris!"

Anyone who reached a high position after years of battling their way up the corporate ladder was extremely sharp.

It dawned on him that Seraphina's sudden manipulation was likely due to her dislike for her cousin.

His special treatment of Katie irked Seraphina.

The smartest move now was to cut all ties with Katie, whom Seraphina despised.

Katie hesitated for a moment, biting her lip. The thought of going to Emeris to complain was she begrudgingly gathered her things and left the office. * daunting, so

Once she learned that the project team was starting up again, Katie obediently threw herself into her work. Seraphina seems satisfied.

Turning to Thomas, she instructed, "Did you schedule a meeting with Senator Long for tonight?"

Yes, at the vacation villa, along with his secretary," Thomas replied.

Seraphina nodded and said, "Make sure Joseph attends

This gathering was specially arranged for him; it was unthinkable for him to miss it.

Thomas immediately understood and went to inform Joseph.

By evening, Seraphina picked up Joseph and brought Thomas along to the pre-arranged villa.

When mingling with people of such status, discretion was paramount. They were heading to an exclusive villa, inaccessible to the average person and boasting a plethora of entertainment facilities.

Joseph had spent the afternoon buried in documents, and his head was spinning. He was surprised at how quickly he was pulled into this social affair; it felt surreal.

Seraphina was focused on her phone, responding to emails, with little time to acknowledge him. Finally, when she had a moment, Thomas handed her a bowl of pumpkin soup he had prepared earlier, a light meal to ease her stomach before the drinks flowed. She cast a glance at Joseph, who was visibly anxious and smiled gently.

No need to worry, Joseph-this isn't a big deal."

Wiping sweat from his brow, Joseph replied, "Ma'am, I don't understand. The project you showed me has been on hold for a long time-it's practically abandoned. This gathering... it won't be about that project, will it?" "Exactly!" Seraphina said, surprising him.

Joseph was momentarily dumbfounded and quickly explained, "The real estate market is struggling; everyone is desperate to unload their properties, especially that piece of land. It has changed hands several

1/2 Chapter 458 Why Is He Everywhere?

interested in it?"

Finished

Seraphina gazed out the car window, her gaze resolute. Her fair skin shimmered in the light, and the determination radiating from her was almost magnetically attractive.

She captivated Joseph for a brief moment. Seraphina suddenly turned to him, her smile radiant.

"When failure strikes, someone must forge ahead. We may have set real estate aside for a while, but we never left this industry. Revitalizing stagnant waters is true skill. Besides, I know that the Eldoria Bay project is set to restart. It's poised for significant development in the coming years."

Seraphina had gathered this reliable information from elsewhere, but she couldn't reveal too much.

Joseph began to grasp the implications.

If Eldoria Bay deemed this project essential, it would enjoy strong policy support, a significant advantage for developers.

With such backing and the Cross Group as a safety net, they couldn't possibly fail.

At that moment, Joseph experienced a surge of energy, akin to a resurgence. It reminded him of his youthful days when he would charge into challenges without a second thought, ready to face any adversity.

He turned to look at Seraphina, seeing her in a new light.

As they arrived, Thomas stepped out to open the door

Just as Seraphina exited the vehicle, Thomas whispered, "Senator Long has just arrived; he's waiting at the

entrance."

She looked up to see two figures standing by the car.

As she was preparing to walk over, she suddenly spotted Orion by another vehicle.

Chapter 459 No One Can Back Down

A chill hung in the air-a heavy, oppressive cold.

Seraphina had no idea how Orion ended up here, but there was no time to ponder that. She smiled and approached, extending her hand for a greeting.

"Senator Long, sorry to keep you waiting."

Steve Long was a plump man. He chuckled as he shook her hand. "Just arrived. Ms. Cross, your beauty surpasses that of any celebrity. No wonder the internet users strongly request you to debut."

Seraphina laughed lightly and said, "Please don't tease me! How could I ever compare to a celebrity? I'm just a hardworking employee!"

Steve was pleasantly surprised by Seraphina's down-to-earth demeanor, and the atmosphere became instantly relaxed.

He turned to Orion, saying, "Mr. Dros, wouldn't you agree that Ms. Cross is far more stunning than any celebrity? Her aura completely outshines those women!"

Orion's voice was low and gravelly. "Yes, that's true."

With a smile, Steve continued, "Mr. Dros arranged to meet with me in advance, but the secretary didn't manage the schedule well. I figured you both would know each other, so I brought you together. Ms. Cross, I hope you don't mind." Orion stepped out of the shadows, clad in black attire. His tall frame was striking, and his eyes glinted with an inexplicable light.

He was truly an impossible figure to ignore.

Seraphina raised an eyebrow and said, "Of course, I don't mind."

It was a lie; in truth, she minded deeply.

Orion smiled as he extended his hand. "Ms. Cross, it's been a while."

Since that Christmas, they hadn't seen each other. Orion felt as if it had been ages.

This longing pierced him deeply, a feeling that was impossible to shake off.

Fortunately, just when he couldn't take it anymore, she appeared.

Despite silently cursing him a thousand times, Seraphina still managed to extend her hand politely. "Mr. Dros, it's been sometime."

Is he acting?

Without hesitation, Seraphina withdrew her hand and smiled at Steve. "Please come with me." Steve and Joseph walked ahead, while Seraphina and Orion unconsciously fell behind.

Fri, Nov

Chapter 459 No One Can Back Down

pleasantly harmonious atmosphere.

Finished

Since Seraphina was the one who orchestrated the gathering, she raised her glass for the first toast. Steve took a sip of his wine to honor her.

She downed her drink in one go, impressing everyone at the table.

Orion, however, couldn't help but frown.

Once Steve finished his drink, feeling embarrassed, he spoke directly.

No one is willing to take on the abandoned project at Eldoria Bay, despite its designation as a key A-level initiative. Even if someone is interested, given past experiences, we can't just hand it over to any random company. Why would Ms. Cross be interested in this project?" Finally, they finally get down to business.

"It's precisely because many companies have failed here that I want to revive it. I know it's a tough challenge, but if it were easy, why would I take it upon myself? My company doesn't need to prove our capabilities anymore, yet everyone in our company enjoys a good challenge."

Seraphina smiled. Steve's gaze turned serious as he looked at her.

He then glanced at Orion, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

"It seems you two have planned this perfectly; no wonder so many people have high hopes for you both. It's true that when two excellent individuals are together, they would become even more outstanding."

Seraphina's expression stiffened slightly as she turned to Orion.

"Mr. Dros is also interested in this project?"

Orion wants the same project? Why?

What a strange coincidence!

Orion's expression was cool. He smiled as his dark eyes carried a hint of amusement

Chapter 460 Thomas Feels the Pressure

At the gathering, a few trivial words were exchanged before someone was sent to escort Steve back.

Since they couldn't secure the project immediately, a rivalry was bound to ignite between the Cross Group and the Dros Group.

With this hot potato now in Steve's hands, it was clear he wouldn't have any trouble finding a developer. Thus, a wave of relief washed over him.

After the event, the chill outside was palpable, the wind biting sharply against the skin.

Thomas had gone back to retrieve Seraphina's coat from the private room.

Standing at the entrance, she awaited his return. Her slender waist and long legs accentuate her striking yet icy demeanor. Her expression remained unreadable.

Orion's unexpected appearance had undoubtedly disrupted her plans. Securing the project had seemed like a straightforward task; the real challenge lay in its execution. But Orion had obstructed her from the start.

How could she remain calm amidst such chaos?

As she wrestled with her next steps, the sound of approaching footsteps reached her ears.

It might be Thomas.

A warm coat enveloped her shoulders, the comforting blend of warmth and the scent of tea wrapping around her and interrupting her thoughts.

Seraphina frowned, instantly recognizing the figure behind her.

She glanced back and saw Orion.

The glow from the entrance illuminated his features, casting them in deep and exquisite relief; not a single aspect of him was flawed.

Orion had always been handsome-his face capable of deceiving anyone.

Without hesitation, she shrugged off his coat, clearly unwilling to associate with him.

However, Orion halted her movement. He grasped her wrist with a firm yet gentle grip. His eyes were dark.

"It's cold. Put it on."

His command was succinct.

Seraphina looked up, pulling her hand away and opting not to follow his suggestion. Instead, she smiled lightly. "Mr. Dros, I'm surprised you possess such gentlemanly charm."

Fri, Nov

Chapter 460 Thomas Feels the Pressure

Haha!

ex 62%

Finished

Orion caught the tone of her mockery, causing a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth as he shifted the Topic.

"What made you think of investing in real estate?"

Her decision had taken him by surprise as well.

Seraphina replied coolly, "And you?"

Orion lowered his gaze for a moment, then a smile flickered in his eyes.

"Those who dare to take risks are the ones who triumph in peril."

With their eyes locked, he realized that Seraphina was very much like him.

They weren't mere capital-holding landlords; they were daring adventurers.

In that moment, joy surged within him-the girl he admired was indeed one of his kind.

Seraphina pursed her lips and said, "There's also a chance it could all fall apart."

The night was dim, enveloping them in an ink-like darkness.

Orion watched her quietly, the silence stretching between them before he spoke, his voice heavy with

concern.

"The costs for this project are too high. If you want to enter the real estate market, it would be wise to select more viable projects."

Her tone was filled with unwavering amusement, and her expression remained indifferent.

"Mr. Dros, no formidable negotiator would ever begin with the phrase 'you're still young. Your strategy is futile; I'm determined to secure this project. Orion's gaze turned suddenly intense.

He had underestimated Seraphina.

Orion had never been able to see through her. Ever since their divorce, he felt that Seraphina had completely slipped from his grasp.

The woman who had once been submissive had now found the strength to challenge the entire Dros empire.

After a moment of silence, his tone softened. "This concerns the broader interests of my company. I won't back off."

However, a part of him hesitated, thinking that if she genuinely desired it, it might not be impossible.

Seraphina raised an eyebrow and declared defiantly, "I won't yield either. Let's see who has the better skills."

Just then Thomas arrived and trotted to deliver Seraphina's coat

G.

Chapter 460 Thomas Feels the Pressure

"Ms. Cross and Mr. Dros?"

Seraphina efficiently removed Orion's coat and tossed it back to him.

Thomas, perceptively, helped her put on her coat without her needing to lift a finger.

00, 62%

Finished

Watching their intimate interaction, Orion's eyes narrowed, a coldness settling in his gaze as he fixed it on Thomas.

An icy glint flashed through them as they fell upon Thomas.

In just a glance, Thomas felt a chill deeper than the evening air.

He shivered involuntarily.