Ch. 51..55: Inherit Billions Chapter 51-55

Chapter 51

Ch What a Joke!

But before the slap could land, Seraphina seemed to aicipate it. She smirked, and her eyes lashed with a glint as she swiftly moved to the side. One hand defily grabbed Hannah's arm, and the other fiercely caight her long wavy hair. Then, she gave her a quick fursh. Water gushed relentingly and nearly overflowing from The gold-bronze sink as Hannah's head plunged into it. Water was splashing all over the place.

The girls behind Hannah gasped in shock, their faces turned pale with fright.

Seraphina's cold gaze swept over them. Those girls instantly fell silent, staring at her in fear, too scared to

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move.

Hannah struggled violently, Seraphina didn't restrain her for long, she just wanted to teach her a lesson. Letting go, Seraphina stepped back. There wasn't a drop of water on her; she still looked stunning and composed. Hannah was a sharp contrast; she was a mess. Hannah Bad ruined her makeup, drenched her hair, and soaked her gown.

She leaned against the wall, gasping for breath, with a flicker of fear and unfamiliarity in her eyes.

Seraphina, who stood before her, seemed like a stranger, someone she had never truly understood.

Those girls quickly supported her and asked, "Hannah, are you okay?"

"Ms. Dros, I had warned you earlier that I wouldn't hold back. Cross me again, and there will be consequences."

Seraphina brushed a loose strand of hair behind her car and lifted her gaze slowly. Her piercing eyes fell on Hannah, whose face was now pale and drenched, looking like a mess. Seraphina smiled in satisfaction. She pursed her lips and walked away. As she left unhurriedly, her heels clicked rhythmically.

After Seraphina left, Hannah finally had the nerves to scream loudly.

Seraphina felt satisfied after putting someone she had long despised in their place. When she looked up, she unexpectedly saw Orion standing there. Moreover, she had no idea how long he had been watching. She paused slightly. Then she tried to walk past him as if nothing had happened, but he called out to her.

"Seraphina."

Orion stood there. He knew she had deliberately ignored him. Despite feeling uncomfortable, he knew he had to confront her. He owed her that much.

Therefore, when he heard what was happening in the women's restroom, he didn't intervene.

His family owed her even more.

Seraphina stopped and cocked her head slightly. She arched her brows and asked, "Mr. Dros, do you need something?"

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Chantel Si What a Joke!

in any shape to see anyone right now."

Hannah was a mess and wouldn't be coming out anytime soon.

Orion's deep eyes scrutinised Seraphina. His features reflected a mix of complicated emotions.

"Why didn't you tell me how my family treated you?"

Firusher

"What?" Seraphina raised an eyebrow, her expression indifferent, as if she hadn't expected him to say that. "Why didn't you tell me about it?"

If she had told him, he would have stopped his family from mistreating her.

He would have.

Orion's intense gaze fixed on her. He didn't want to miss any of her reactions.

Seraphina laughed and said, "It's all in the past. We're divorced now. I don't want to bring it up again.

What's the point? They would only humiliate her more.

We had divorced. What's the harm in telling me? I deserve to know why we divorced for no reason, don't I?" Orion's voice trembled with suppressed emotion, and his eyes were dark and intense. "For no reason?" Seraphina repeated, her voice tinged with sarcasm.

What a joke!

Her smile faded. Her gaze grew cold as she pointed at him, asking, "In those three years, did we ever meet privately? Did you ever give me a chance?"

Chapter 52

Regrets

Didn't this man silently allow others to mistreat her?

Every time they met, it was strictly business. For him, was always about Jessica. She was going crazy being tormented by that name.

She suddenly remembered their early days of marriage Seraphina didn't understand why Orion was so cold to her. She truly tried to be a good wife, cooking deals and waiting for him to come home every day, too scared to call him for fear of disturbing his work. He didn't come home for days. She couldn't help but test him, asking if he wanted to try the dishes she made. Her messages went unanswered.

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Countless attempts to reach out-each one met with rejection-left her feeling humiliated and exhausted.

Eventually, she got used to the neglect. She realised the house was hers alone, without a husband.

This marriage was just a transaction for both of them!

Now, she was finally free.

And he wanted an answer?

If he had ever treated her like a wife, would his family and friends dare to openly mock her for having wishful thinking about marrying him?

Among those who humiliated her, wasn't he the worst?

Her words, like needles piercing Orion's heart, stung him deeply. He frowned and asked, "You had plenty of chances to tell me."

Was it her fault?

Seraphina laughed coldly,

She didn't care anymore, and she no longer needed anyone to defend her. Seraphina had endured it in the past because she loved Orion. She couldn't endure it because she no longer loved him.

"Mr. Dros, you have only ever had eyes for Jessica. There was no room for anyone else. You even sacrificed your marriage for her. I admire that. But what's the point of talking about it now?" "Actually, Jessica... "Orion frowned and wanted to explain, but Seraphina cut him off coldly.

"That's enough! Just mentioning her name makes me sick. Let's pretend we don't know each other from

now on."

With that, she turned around and walked away.

Her cheerful mood was ruined. Seraphina stepped outside, her expression slightly gloomy. She saw Sivir waiting for her after he had finished his business.

Having heard about her argument with Hannah, Sivir didn't look pleased. He relaxed a bit when he saw her approaching.

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Viapter 12 femorete

Seraphina smiled and maile her way over She clung to Sivir's arm playfully and asked. "Are we done? Can we leave early? Im exhausted."

Sien gently pinched her nose and said. "If you're tired, let's go. Don't worry about anyone else."

Seraphina squinted and smiled. The world was still a good place with her brother around. Should we say goodbye?

It's fine. I've already told them." Sivit patted her head and said, "Let's go. The driver is waiting outside." She nodded and took his arm as they walked out together. The two were a striking pair that drew all eyes.

As soon as they stepped outside, Hansen caught up to them. He asked, "Mr. Cross, do you mind if I join

Seraphina glanced at Sivir, whose expression remained cold. He was always reserved and serious with outsiders, Sivir answered, "Yes, I do mind. We're not going the same way." Hansen was speechless.

Seraphina laughed and waved at him. "Goodbye, little Colombo."

Hansen didn't dare to upset Sivir, so he couldn't insist. He watched the two get into the car. The moment the door closed, Hansen rushed forward and opened the car door on Seraphina's side. "What are you doing?" Seraphina was startled.

Many people who chatted near the entrance noticed this. With Sivir's status, it was impossible to keep a low profile.

Hansen knelt down. He carefully lifted Seraphina's dress from where it was caught in the door and placed it inside the car. He looked up at her with a cheerful smile and said, "There, all set. You can go now."

It turned out her dress had been caught in the door, and he had gone to free it. To onlookers, his actions seemed incredibly humble.

On the balcony of the ballroom upstairs, Lucius watched the scene unfold and chuckled. He turned to Orion and said, "Hansen really knows how to win over a woman. He even had the nerve to make a move in front of Sivir." He assumed there might be some romantic relationship between Sivir and Seraphina.

Orion's eyes were cold, and he suggested, "Let's go. Give a call to some of the guys and have a drink."

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Chapter 53

Whose Fault Is It?

Only the gentle sound of flowing music filled the car. The melody was smooth as a trickling stream. It was Seraphina's favourite violin version of Serenade. She was finally able to relax, absentmindedly fiddling with her dress, lost in thought.

Sivir glanced at his sister and asked, "Is little Colombo chasing after you?"

He could tell right away that there was something off about him.

Seraphina paused a little and quickly snapped out of her reverie. She explained, "No, he's just messing around. He'll be back to normal in a few days." Sivir turned away and said with a smile, "Alright."

"Don't you like him?"

It was odd. Their family had always had a good relationship with the Colombos; otherwise, they wouldn't have allowed her to get close to Hansen.

"He's had too many girlfriends and a messy personal life. Hansen may not be the right fit for you, but if it brings you happiness, it's worth a try," Sivir hesitated slightly.

Seraphina chuckled and asked, "What are you saying? I wouldn't go after a friend. Aside from that, I'm not interested in men right now. I just want to focus on my career." Sivir seemed pleased with this answer. He agreed, "Exactly. Men are nothing. You can have as many as you want, but take it slow!"

He was determined to make his sister the world's richest woman.

The driver in the front seat pondered silently. Won't you misguided your sister by saying that?

At Unearth Bar.

Orion was drinking. All of his friends who were staying nearby had shown up at the bar.

Though not everyone had arrived yet, several empty bottles had already lined the table in front of him.

Lucius tried to stop him, but couldn't. He ended up drinking alongside him.

When Aron and the others arrived, they were shocked. They hadn't seen Orion like this in years; the last time was when someone died.

"What happened?" someone exclaimed as they entered. "Why are you drinking already?"

The whiskey slid down his throat as Orion calmly gestured, "Sit."

Everyone sat down in puzzlement. Lucius was still sober; he poured drinks for them all. After all, brothers had to live through all the ups and downs.

Aron gave Lucius a questioning look and asked, "What's going on?"

But he didn't dare to say it out lond.

Finished

Orion's dark eyes churned with stormy emotions. He rugged at his dishevelled shirt collar until it revealed his collarbone. He asked, "I was married for three yearsand never introduced Seraphina to you. Do you know her?" That name had been everywhere recently. How could they not know?

"Because of her? Orion, she was never a good match. Divorce was inevitable. There is no need to feel bad about it. We should celebrate!"

Lucius's frantic wink went unnoticed.

"Exactly. She's not one of us. There's no need for introductions. You never liked her, and we never recognised her as your wife."

"Right. She had an agenda when she married you. We've seen those tricks before. Don't let it bother you."

It was his permissiveness that allowed Seraphina to suffer harm. His emotions were a tangled mess of complexity and frustration. An agenda?

He couldn't figure out what she was after.

She never spent a cent of the money he gave her, but she later threw it all away at that party.

During the divorce, she asked for nothing and left with nothing.

His family mistreated her, yet she never complained and maintained a façade of peace before him.

His friends ignored her entirely. She quietly retreated into her shell without a hint of resentment.

What was she after?

Another spicy glass of liquor seared down his throat as Lucius drunkenly spilled the night's events to the group. It didn't bother them all that much as they clinked their glasses. "Orion, you're too soft-hearted. It's not your fault. Why are you blaming yourself?"

"Exactly. She brought this on herself. Women always create their own problems. If there's an issue, it needs to be dealt with promptly. Keeping it bottled up helps no one."

"Everyone has conflicts at home. If a woman can't handle her own battles, who can she blame?"

"Don't worry about it. If she wanted a clean break, let it be. Why torture yourself? It's self-inflicted."

"Lucius, you're full of tricks. Can't you think of a way to deal with that woman?"

Lucius was drunk and woozy. He muttered, "I ... I don't dare. She still has my naked photos." "Nudes? Oh, man-hahaha!"

Chapte t Whoge Fault?

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All of them drank heartily, but Orion did so more vigorously. In his daze, he remembered the look of disdain in Seraphina's eyes. If she wanted to act like she didn't know him, he might as well let her.

Chapter 54

Judy's Backer

The alarm clock rang Seraphina woke up to a bright morning.

Last night, she insisted on returning to her apartment. Waking up without seeing a swarm of servants felt much more relaxing.

Checking her phone, she saw that the photos from last night's banquet had pushed her and Orion into the

headlines.

Are the Wealthy Couple Getting Back Together?'

The photo captured their kiss at the end of the dance, with the lighting and background artistically enhanced.

Seraphina scoffed and was uninterested. She closed the page, then opened her email.

Thomas had sent today's work schedule to her phone carly in the morning. After a quick washup, Seraphina began listening to the financial news in the Eituni language.

She seemed to have moved past the unpleasantness of la night; she would no longer allow Orion's name to affect her.

Olivia's phone calls came in and started to bombard her. She had just seen the pictures and wanted to confirm the truth.

Seraphina answered and explained. Olivia sighed in relief before she ranted, "Hey, look, the news is gone!" Seraphina checked, and indeed, it was!

She wouldn't spend money on that. So, who did?

Orion?

Olivia laughed on the other end. She said, "Look at the group chat; it's Hansen who paid to remove the news!"

Seraphina opened the conversation, which was buzzing with excitement.

Hansen wrote: '150 thousand for PR fees! They really have a lot of nerve to ask me that!'

Olivia replied: 'Weren't you at the party last night? Why didn't they take a photo of you?"

Sarah teased: 'Who'd be willing to pay to remove his picture?'

Olivia replied: 'Hahaha!'

Hansen chided: "Traitor!"

Seraphina added: 'Next time, just transfer the money to me directly. I'll clarify myself.

Hansen stopped replying. He was devastated.

After hanging up, Seraphina felt much better.

Jury's Backer

Around seven in the morning. Thomas arrived to pick her up. He also brought breakfast with him and said, "I got this on the way. I hope it's to your liking" Not being picky, she took it and thanked him. "Thanks, let's go."

I've notified everyone about the 8 o'clock meeting. Mr Cross said the cooperation with Giant Group is entirely up to you. He won't interfere

Sivir gave her autonomy and the opportunity to train herself. Seraphina nodded. "Have we coordinated with Giant Group? We need to move up the inspection

"I heard Dros Company would be there in a week, so I scheduled it for tomorrow morning"

""Well done."

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Seraphina reviewed the materials. She didn't want to meet anyone from the Dros Company, Orion might not personally be involved, but she didn't want to take chances. Throughout the drive, the conversation was productive. Sivir had indeed given her capable support with Thomas, making her job much easier.

When she arrived at the office, the receptionist greeted her with a bouquet of flowers. "Madam, someone sent you flowers."

Seraphina frowned slightly as she glanced at the card.

'Dear Seraphina, I love you forever, Hansen Colombo!!!

She rolled her eyes internally and told the receptionist, "Throw them out, please."

She took a few steps, then turned to look at the receptionist. "In the future, refuse any flower deliveries."

She couldn't give Hansen any hope; she had to extinguish that spark completely.

"Yes, ma'am." The receptionist sighed at the beautiful flowers doomed for the trash.

At 8 o'clock, the meeting started on time.

By the time Seraphina arrived, everyone was already seated. She took the lead, overseeing the project team's formation. She said, "Here's the list. Thomas will send it out shortly." Everyone knew the collaboration with Giant Group was a new venture. Being part of this project could be a significant career milestone, which stirring excitement.

After the meeting, Julia wasted no time seeking her out.

"Seraphina, why isn't my name on the list?"

This crucial project was a prime opportunity to make money, and she couldn't miss out.

Seraphina looked up at Julia from her chair. She raised an eyebrow and said, "If every employee not on the list came to ask me that question, thousands would be lining up at my door. How should I answer them?" Julia resented her, but she couldn't openly confront her, fearing the leverage Seraphina had.

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nighed

"I have ample team-leading experience and top performance among senior managers. Are you still upset about last time?"

Julia was visibly dissatished.

Seraphina looked down, smiled faintly, and said, "Not at all. I recall you didn't think much of collaborating with Giant Group. Your attitude might affect the project's direction, so..."

"I will, of course, follow the company's decision, Julia hastily assured.

Seraphina gave a polite smile and said, "The list has been submitted to the board. It's out of my hands. Maybe next time..."

She began gathering her things, clearly indicating the inceting was over.

Julia gritted her teeth and declared, "I'll find a way to make the team, Seraphina. Just wait and see."

She turned on her heel, swaying her hips as she walked away in her high heels. Seraphina's gaze deepened, raising an eyebrow. Perfect, the bait was taken.

Not long after, Thomas called her through the internal line. He relayed, "Director Kris wants to see you in his office."

An old man who was about to retire?

Seraphina raised an eyebrow and said, "Alright."

Her identity in the company was known only to Sivir and Thomas. She wondered what Kris wanted to discuss with the newly appointed vice president.

Kris was known for his speculative tactics. He had skilfully gained a position on the board and remained steadfast, yet his small shareholding did not pose any threat, leading to his largely ignored status. She knocked on the door. A tired voice called out, "Come in."

Seraphina walked in with a smile and asked, "Director Kris, you wanted to see me?"

His eyes lit up upon seeing her, but then dimmed with regret.

"Have a seat," he said, gesturing to the chair in front.

Seraphina sat down obediently.

Kris chuckled and cleared his throat. "Ms. Cross, you're truly beautiful. No wonder Sivir went to such lengths to secure this position for you." Seraphina's smile deepened. So he feared her connection to Sivir?

She said nothing; she just smiled at him.

Since she didn't take the bait, Kris snorted coldly and said, "This position of yours was meant for Julia; did you know that?"

Trying to intimidate her?

chapter 54 Judy's Backer

Seraphina paused a little and said, "Ms. Lane is excellent, but I'm more suitable.

Kris's face darkened as he scolded, "Young people are often arrogant at work. You'll suffer for it," he

threatened.

Finished

Seraphina stood up, still smiling. She said, "Then I'll prove myself with my abilities. If there's nothing else, Director Kris, I'll be going."

"Seraphina." Kris started to panic. He looked displeased and ordered, "Add Julia to the Giant Group project

team."

Seraphina's smile widened. So it was him, huh? Julia's backer was this old fool?

Did this old man believe he would intimidate her?

Ridiculous.

Kris, seeing her silence, scowled. "Did you hear me?"

"I heard you," Seraphina answered. Kris's expression relaxed a little. Seraphina continued, "But I can't do

that."

"What did you say?"

"It wouldn't be fair to others."

"You think Sivir's protection is enough? Believe me, I can get you fired," Kris began to threaten her.

"Fire me? I don't believe the board would fire me for Julia. And I'm sure Ms. Lane didn't tell you what I had on her when she complained to you. Please let her know not to cross me."

Her gaze swept coolly over the stunned Kris, then she stood up and walked out of his office without hesitation.

Once out, she immediately called Sivir's private number.

"What's up?".

"Kris has a problem. Julia is his person. The resistance to cooperating with Giant Group was likely his stance."

Sivir chuckled appreciatively and praised, "Well, you catch on quickly."

""You knew already?"

"I wouldn't be unaware of dissent among the board."

With a sigh of relief, Seraphina said, "Now I feel reassured."

"That old fox is tricky. I'll handle him. You focus on the collaboration. By the way, I heard Orion plans to personally oversee this project," Sivir gave her a heads-up.

Seraphina hadn't been pleased since learning that Orion would personally manage the project. She didn't want to interact with him, but their paths would inevitably cross during the collaboration.

Chapter 55

The Tiger

The next morning. Seraphina headed directly to Giant Group with her team. Eden was already prepared and took her to four the research lab

The lab shows ased the latest breakthroughs, offering a genuine glimpse into their experimental progress.

As they approached the entrance, Seraphina was chatting with Eden when a small creature suddenly darted out, charging straight at them. Someone behind them shouted, "Watch out!"

Upon closer inspection, it was a small, plump tiger with pointed ears and whiskers twitching with excitement. However, it was too small to be intimidating, looking more like a fluffy, ankle-high ball of cuteness.

Everyone stared in shock at the little creature. Seraphina was startled. She felt her heart had stopped beating and took a step back.

The tiger approached her, bumped into her shoe, and rolled to the ground with an 'ouch'

sound. It then clumsily climbed up, rubbed its head against Seraphina's shoe, and looked up at her with a curious tilt.

The way it moved and reacted made it clear it was a young tiger cub, spoiled and naive. The cub found everything new and fascinating. It was the kind of creature that made you want to secretly take it home.

The tiger blinked, whiskers twitching. It reached out a chubby paw and touched Seraphina's shoe, as if trying to clean off a nonexistent smudge.

Seraphina clutched her chest, taking deep breaths, and rubbed her eyes as if she couldn't believe her own

eyes.

"What a stunning beauty!" the tiger spoke in the voice of a three or four-year-old boy.

Her eyes widened in shock as she asked, "This tiger can talk?"

Wait, why was there a tiger here?

How could a nationally protected animal show up in the lab?

Eden couldn't help but chuckle softly and say, "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

He looked down at the tiger, speaking gently, "You scared our guest. You need to apologise to her."

The tiger rubbed against Seraphina's shoe again and spoke in a pitiful voice, "Sorry, please forgive me. I might look fierce, but I'm really very gentle."

It spoke fluently like a human being, with no mechanical sounds. If it hadn't spoken, Seraphina would have thought it was a real tiger!

But its cuteness was capable of melting anyone's heart.

Everyone watched in amazement as Seraphina crouched down, examining the tiger's eyes. Despite their realistic appearance, with lashes and pupils shining like an animal's natural gleam, upon closer inspection, she could see the infrared sensors inside. "This is an experimental pet from our research team. They developed it for amusement. It usually doesn't

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The Tiger

Eden explained with a sigh

"Is this part of the project?" Seraphina asked excitedly.

If it was, what a delightful surprise!

Finished

Eden hesitated slightly and said, "No, it's not ready for market. There are still many issues and concerns that need addressing."

"It's so cute. I want one!" Everyone started to gather around and admire the tiger.

""Me too..."

"The cost of this tiger could buy ten shopping malls in Westfolk. The materials are top-notch, making, mass production unrealistic." Everyone sighed as they realised how expensive it was.

No wonder it looked and moved without any mechanical stiffness-it was incredible!

Howeyer, Seraphina felt a pang of disappointment upon hearing it wasn't market-ready. If such animals could interact and communicate with humans, they could replace traditional pets, eliminating the hassles of feeding as well as the risks of bites, illness, and death. They could even serve as companions in everyday life, potentially revolutionising the industry.

Eden saw through her thoughts and said regrettably, "Let's move on."

Reluctantly, Seraphina glanced at the tiger, which suddenly rolled onto its back, exposing its belly, and whined, "Pretty lady, hug me!"

Seraphina couldn't help but laugh. She glanced at Eden, who looked at the little tiger with a resigned expression and nodded in agreement.

Carefully, she reached out her hands, and the tiger immediately jumped up, its nimble legs shaking off a bit. Its entire body fit perfectly in her hands-not too heavy, like the weight of a cat. The fur was even fluffier than she had imagined. The tiger snuggled into Seraphina's arms, settling down comfortably. It wore a serious yet lazy expression, closing its eyes in contentment, making her heart melt at the sight. "You're so cute, little tiger," Seraphina couldn't help but talk to the tiger.

"You got that right!" The tiger nuzzled her palm and opened its eyes smugly.

A female colleague ran over and asked, "Little tiger, are all tigers as adorable as you?"

The little tiger rolled its eyes playfully and asked, "Would you like to choose animal mode? Do you agree to switch to the ferocious tiger channel?"

It playfully emphasised 'ferocious!

Everyone burst into laughter. The colleague, seeing no objection from Seraphina or Eden, agreed, "Yes!"

The tiger's head moved; it shook its whiskers and growled, "Roar!"

Everyone was puzzled.

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The Tige

"Roar! Roar! Roar!

What was going on?

"Roar) Roar! Roar!"

The tiger's growls were anything but fierce, making it even cuter.

Everyone suddenly understood that nobody understool the roar.

"Switch it back," someone suggested.

Eden looked at the group and explained. "It's extremely intelligent. It's just playing with you."

Finally, everyone realised a tiger had outwitted them.

The tiger snuggled into Seraphina's arms and acted cutely. It argued, "It's not my fault that they like me."

The group had changed from shock to admiration to envy. Everyone kept their eyes on Seraphina's newfound treasure, fearing it might get hurt. But the tiger seemed to fall asleep; it even snored softly.

This tiger was so lifelike, people might believe it was real.

Eden led the way as they toured the core research area.

Giant Group was undoubtedly at the pinnacle of domestic Al, integrating it into various fields to transform daily life-from self-driving cars to full-time robots, smart homes, and intelligent doctors-covering unimaginable areas. Seraphina grew more thrilled with each passing moment. The decision to choose Giant Group for this collaboration was definitely the right one!

As they explored the lab, Eden took Seraphina to another section, where they entered an egg-shaped office.

Inside, someone stood up and nodded at them. Eden gestured for those staffs to sit down. He said, "Continue."

A man entered from a side door. A staff member directed him to a specific spot and said, "Please undress!"