Ch. 81..85: Inherit Billions Chapter 81-85

Chapter 81

Strong Counterattack

Ken reported, "I checked with an editor. He said I was Michael from Aurora Entertainment who leaked the

news."

He glanced cautiously at his boss. Orion's expression grew increasingly grim, and he didn't utter a word. Ken dared not say another word, and he was cautioned not to make any noise.

Ken remembered that Aurora Entertainment was an entertainment company under Justin's control.

Even though the result was the same, his boss didn't appear to be happy about losing the race.

"Get out!" Orion spat the words through clenched teeth,

On the other hand, Seraphina felt a sense of relief as the news's popularity began to decline. "Seraphina, everyone is waiting for you in the conference room."

As Thomas knocked and entered, he briefed his boss about the upcoming meeting.

Seraphina, in her high heels, headed straight for the conference room. She glanced around, her gaze lingering on Julia, who was smirking coldly. Noting that most had arrived, she said, "Let's begin."

They had reached a preliminary agreement with Giant Group; the remaining details were intricate. These details held the core of their interests-every concession meant a significant profit loss, making repeated negotiations essential.

Several shareholders, who were department heads, were already dissatisfied with Seraphina's sudden rise to power. They were even less inclined to cooperate with Sivir when she was abroad.

Now, with Seraphina caught up in a scandal, they felt even more justified in their disdain. These people viewed Seraphina as a mere social climber with no real skills.

Discussions dragged on without resolution. Seraphina's proposed plans were met with evasion and indifference. She surveyed the room, recognising the looks on their faces that anticipated her failure.

Julia watched the show with a smirk. Meanwhile, Kris, who was uncharacteristically attending the meeting, remained silent. He silently watched as others made life difficult for Seraphina. After all that, Kris finally cunningly stepped in and provided a way out for Sepraphina. "Seraphina is still young. She secured the Giant Group project, but the field is immature. We cannot predict whether the project will result in a profit or a loss. Naturally, everyone is cautious. "You must understand their concerns, Sepraphina." Kris appeared to provide her with a way out.

Seraphina was well aware of Kris' goals and was unwilling to succumb to his deceptive facade of a caring elder.

"Understand? Did you mean we should breach our contract with Giant Group?" Seraphina retorted, locking eyes with Kris.

Kris froze. If he suggested breaching the contract, Sivir might just kill him when he returned.

"Of course not, but Mr. Cross is abroad, and everyone wasn't sure what to do. Maybe we should wait until he gets back." Kris suggested.

Strong Counterattack

Was this man trying to stall time?

T

Wasting time meant losing their edge. Without it, the company would lose its lead in the project, rendering participation meaningless. Seraphina lowered her ga. said,

d chuckled softly. Her expression darkened as she surveyed the room and

"In other words, if Mr. Cross doesn't return and none of you know how to work, are you going on strike?"

Seraphina was known for her good temper; she took everyone by surprise when she suddenly flared up. She might have seemed like pampered eye candy, but her temper was proving to be anything but manageable.

"You are all top professionals. If you delay progress when your superior isn't around, can you bear the losses? Which company would hire someone like y

Chapter 82

A Meeting Arranged by Fate

Everyone in the room was shocked, and it fell silent. Each one of them had fought hard to climb the corporate ladder. None of them were fools.

Despite their disdain for Seraphina's sudden appointment, it had been clear from the first day that Sivir fully supported her. Seraphina was not someone they could afford to offend! They began to regret giving her a hard time today, just because Kris had subtly encouraged them to do so.

The atmosphere in the conference room grew tense and gloomy. No one dared to speak. Kris realised that the momentum had shifted and that no one would continue to challenge Seraphina. "Edward, from the planning department, can you deliver the proposal by today?"

Edward McDonald snapi immediately and make su. down!"

is head up and said, "Certainly, Seraphina. Our department will convene we produce the best plan as soon as possible. We won't let the company

By this point, everyone knew how to adapt to the situation.

When given a way out, one should take it-otherwise, they'd face the consequences.

Seraphina nodded in satisfaction. Her voice softened as she addressed the others. She asked, "What about the other departments?"

"We'll get to work right away. We won't let you down."

"Yes, we'll do the same."

"Of course, we've been prepared and are ready to get to work."

The atmosphere slowly eased as everyone chimed in, offering their support. Seraphina's stern demeanour softened. She joined in the discussion with a warm smile.

They weren't unprepared. On the contrary, everyone was highly capable, and each was a distinguished leader within the company. None of them lacked the skills or the savvy to get the job done. Everyone purposefully overlooked Kris and Julia. Their complexions were pale, and their expressions were grim.

Seraphina couldn't care less. Their time was limited. Those two would soon face expulsion.

She checked the time when the meeting neared its end. Seraphina said, "Although the core research team is with Giant Group, we still need to make our own preparations. I've already discussed this with the CEO of Giant Group. While we can't participate in core technology development, he has agreed to send two researchers to assist in the later stages. Those two need to be reliable, and the company would provide them with the best reward. HR, please begin the process of identifying suitable candidates and pay more attention to the task."

Seraphina was satisfied with how the meeting went. Many executives stayed behind to chat and build rapport with her after the meeting concluded. Seraphina responded warmly to each, her smile bright and

A Meeting Arranged by Fate.

This meeting had temporarily established Seraphina's initial authority. At least for now, the company's top executives were willing to cooperate with her for the sake of money.

After the meeting, Kris and Julia retreated to Kris's office, shutting the door behind them, their activities

unknown.

The sky gradually darkened and cast a gloomy blue over the city. The evening chill added to the discomfort.

Julia left work right on time. When Seraphina learned she had left work, she headed to her office's wardrobe. Then, she selected a tasteful cocktail dress, slipped on elegant high heels, and discreetly followed Julia. No one in the club recognised Seraphina. Everyone was engrossed in their own conversations. This salon had no specific theme; it was just a gathering for wealthy ladies to socialise and pass the time. Seraphina sat in a qu

not come?

orner and nibbled on some pastries. She couldn't spot Julia anywhere. Had she

"Seraphina?" Someone looked at her with surprise.

Seraphina raised an eyebrow and asked, "Hansen? What brought you here?"

"It's fate that we meet here," Hansen replied with a raised eyebrow.

394

Chapter 83

You're Too Kind

Though Seraphina was delighted to see a familiar face, she was too busy to joke around with Hansen.

She hadn't forgotten her purpose for coming to this club.

"Alright, Hansen, I need to excuse myself," she said.

Seraphina stood up and continued her search for Julia,

Hansen grabbed her wrist and asked, "Where are you going? Can't you chat with me?"

Seraphina sighed helplessly and said, "I can't. I have things to do. I'll leave soon."

Hansen reluctantly let go of her wrist, not wanting to miss this chance to get close to her. He said, "I'll wait for you and drive you home later."

"I drove here.

Hansen insisted, "Then you can drive me home."

Leaving the banquet hall, the corridor was quieter, though there were still people chatting. As she reached the corner, she heard someone mention her name.

"Orion's ex-wife? She's not simple. I heard she cheated during the marriage. She portrayed herself as the victim online in an attempt to improve her reputation, but the Droses were unwilling to deal with her. Otherwise, how could she continue to exist?

"Hannah Dros is a friend of mine. I've heard about it, too. Look at her; she's worthless. She was a housewife for three years and became the VP of Cross Group right after the divorce. They say she even pushed Julia out..."

"Poor Julia! After working hard to get here, a bitch took your spot. I heard Seraphina stole the project from Julia

"Seraphina is so shameless. How could someone like her thrive? I heard she 's clinging to Sivir. He gives her houses and cars. I wonder how he'll react to her pictures with Justin; would Sivir lose his mind?"

"Exactly. She should look in the mirror. Someone like her is only fit to be a hooker. No man with a decent background would marry a woman who can't stay faithful even after a divorce."

Seraphina paused and arched an eyebrow. It was ironic how she was always the centre of attention.

Smirking, she was about to confront these women when a familiar, pitiful voice interrupted.

"I can't help it. I have no background and can't please men. No matter how capable or hardworking I am, I can't compare to Mr. Cross's lover." Julia?

"You're too kind, Julia. If it were my company, I'd crush that woman. How dare she act so brazenly?"

B.

You're Too Kind

Seraphina clicked her tongue and smiled. She stepped back and called Hansen, saying, "Do me a favor. There's something in my bag...

Hanging up, she saw a waiter passing with red wine. Grabbing a glass, she walked straight towards the

corner.

"I'd like to know what kind of lesson Ms. Lane has for me."

A sudden word freezes the trio, c

composure.

ially Julia, who looked momentarily panicked before regaining her

"Seraphina, what a coincidence," Julia said with forced calmness.

"No coincidence. I came specifically for you." Seraphina smiled. She lifted the glasses, tilted them, and poured the red wine right onto Julia's head. 394

Chapter 84

Cat Fight

Julia froze at that. She looked up in shock and glared at Seraphine. She exclaimed in a sharp voice. "Seraphina, have you lost your mind?"

The socialites beside her were also upset by Seraphina's actions and immediately stood up for Julia.

"Hey, what do you think you're doing here? Do you belong in a place like this?"

"Exactly; you're not welcome here. I'll call security to have you thrown out!"

Seraphina completely ignored the two idiots. With a cold stare directed at Julia, she said, "Did you ever think about today when you were badmouthing me behind my back?"

Julia's defiance was evident in her tone. She rebuked, "Who's slandering you? Everyone knows what you've done."

Seraphina smirked. She grabbed Julia's arm and pushed her backward. Julia started to struggle, but Seraphina 's arm barred her neck, and her voice turned icy. "Julia, if you have, the nerve to start, you must brace for the consequences. As a return gift, I have something special for you."

-Júlia saw the disdain in her eyes. Her lips quivered, and her voice lowered. "A recording with Mr. Marx

doesn't prove anything. Anyone can find themselves in such situations. You can't get rid of me, Seraphina. You'll never shake me off as your enemy!"

Seraphina withdrew her gaze, raising an eyebrow. She challenged, "Really? Too bad, you're not worthy of being my rival."

As soon as she finished speaking, a sudden commotion erupted in the banquet hall.

""Isn't that Julia?"

"That's Ms. Lane from the Cross Group. She's been in our circle recently."

"Who's that? Is that Kris? Oh, Mrs. Wood, that's your husband, right?"

The fragmented voices from outside drifted over, and Julia's face turned extremely grim and panicked. She demanded, "What did you do?"

"Why would you think I only have the recording?" Seraphina clicked her tongue. She stepped back and asked, "Shouldn't you go check on your gift?" Julia hurriedly ran out, but before she could steady herself, she was slapped across the face.

"Urghh!"

how dare seduce

my

"You little tramp,

husband? You shameless bitch! You incited me to spread you rumours about Seraphina, only to stab me in the back? I'll kill you today."

A well-dressed, commanding woman angrily lunged at Julia, and no one around stepped in to help.

Seraphina chuckled; she had noticed Barbara Cobbett, Kris's wife, as soon as she arrived. Indeed, this woman had lived up to her fiery reputation.

B

Cat Fight

Julia was too frightened to fight back. She covered her face and was crying pathetically.

On the large screen above, the projector displayed a video clip of Julia and Kris making love in a car.

Everyone around began eagerly watching the drama unfold.

"Are you spying on me? I'll sue you!" Julia clutched her face, her expression incredulous.

Seraphina laughed indifferently and said, "Before that, you should deal with your good friend here."

Facing the woman who had seduced her husband, Barbara didn't feel that slapping her once would be enough to vent her anger. She grabbed Julia's hair with one hand and reached for her face again with the other. Julia was unwilling to be a sitting duck. In return, she screamed and grabbed Barbara's hair. The two women tangled together.

The people in their vicinity were very considerate. They stepped back and gave the two space to fight.

Several men also eagerly crowded around, pointing and commenting, with some even pulling out their phones to record the scene.

These two weren't professionally trained fighters; their brawl involved hair-pulling, face-scratching, and clothes-tearing, making it a rather comical sight.

Julia was not as strong as Barbara. She found her top shredded to pieces within minutes, exposing a significant part of her chest. The onlookers became even more excited and snapped pictures with gusto.

Chapter 85

Julia clutched at the shredded pieces of fabric on her body, struggling to fend off Barbara's relentless attacks. Finally, she couldn't take it anymore and screamed in desperation, "Where are the security guards? Security! Get this crazy bitch away from me!"

At last, the club's security guards remembered their duties. They emerged from the crowd of onlookers, separated the duo, and escorted them outside.

Seraphina, having watched the commotion with amusement, turned to face the socialites standing behind her. Their faces were etched with shock. Seraphina said, "Now, it's your turn."

They felt guilty. The two had just realised that Julia had ill intentions, but Seraphina wasn't a saint either. They weren't afraid of her.

"What are you trying to do? This is a public place! Just because Julia wronged you doesn't mean you 're a good person!"

"It's not up to you to decide if I'm a good person. It's definitely not your place to gossip about me behind my back. Didn't your family teach you any manners?" Seraphina remarked, her smile tinged with amusement. "And who are you to speak about manners? Where's the security?" One of them began to shout

impatiently.

Just then, a figure approached from a distance. His features were handsome, and he wore a seductive smile. He said, "The security is over there watching the catfight."

"Hansen? This woman insulted us and recently got into a fight with Julia. You have to protect us." The other woman spoke up.

They assumed Hansen was one of them-an elite heir with high status-who would naturally side with them.

Hansen glanced at them with a cold expression and scoffed lightly. "You deserved it."

He then took Seraphina's hand, looking at it with a mix of concern and reproach. "Why didn't you call me if you needed to get physical? You shouldn't have to handle such things yourself." Everyone in their circle was aware of Hansen's constant popularity among the ladies and their admiration for his Colombos status.

When the socialites saw how Hansen treated Seraphina, their faces involuntarily turned pale.

What was going on?

Wasn't Seraphina involved with Sivir, cheating with him when she was still married, and hooking up Justin?

with

How could Hansen, knowing all this, still defend her?

Seraphina pulled her hand back with a blank look. Then, she shot a look of disdain towards those two and demanded, "You can either apologise willingly, or I'll make you apologise. Your choice."

712

Apologies

Hansen was standing by with a fake smile. He urged, "Choose. Are you deaf?"

They had never faced such a situation. It seemed like if Seraphina said the word, Hansen would beat them up without a second thought, regardless of their gender. Click-

Seraphina took out her phone, snapped a picture, and let out a satisfied smile.

"What are you doing?" One of them couldn't help but ask. Did she just take a photo of them?

"We 're all civilised people. I won't get physical. Since you have no intention of apologising, I'll have your father apologise to me. And it won't be just a simple sorry that 'll get you out of this." Seraphina's smile widened. Cross Group's power meant that causing trouble for a few small companies was well within their capabilities.

One of them whispered something. Then, both lifted their heads and said reluctantly, "We're sorry."

They looked down on Seraphina, but they were afraid of the crosses. If Cross Group decided to retaliate against them, they couldn't handle it.

They were just rich kids without any talents. Their family would kick them out of the house if they caused trouble for their family's business. Seraphina raised an eyebrow and feigned cleaning her ear. She said, "I can't hear you."