Seraphine shook her head, saying, "It's not like that, Eli. I'm not really bothered by anything."She then pondered for a moment before continuing, "I don't really have many fond memories of this place, Eli. I intend to leave once I've gotten revenge for my mother. I want to explore other areas, just like she always wished for me—to travel and see the world. "I ultimately want to head to Dirkane the most, though."She had plans to launch a branch company in Dirkane. She already owned several restaurants there, plus two banquet venues that specialized in handling wedding receptions, which were thriving. She had no fear of running out of opportunities, given how many big players from the wealthy set lived in Dirkane. She had no interest in forcing her way into high society, though, as she was content with her current position. She also had an important matter to attend to—she was planning to accept the professor's invitation to collaborate with his team on a new drug development.
Seraphine found Aria's question funny. "It doesn't matter what I believe in because all she needs is Clifford to buy her act."Aria stared at the video, in which Clifford was crying his eyes out, and let out another mocking laugh. "Guys like him only get emotional at times like this. Give it a few days—once Clarissa's feeling better, he'll be disgusted with her all over again."He's selfish—always has been. All that crying over her saving him? It'll pass."She paused, then added, "You still don't get it, do you, Seraphine? He only ever loves himself. He's the kind of guy who gets swept up in his own feelings but never really sees anyone else."Watch—he might stick around Clarissa for a month or two, but after that? Who knows whose bed he'll be in? I've got time and patience. I can wait them out. By the way, that man's got great stamina in bed."Seraphine was speechless. She had to admit that Aria knew exactly how Clifford's mind worked. He was insecure and needed his love to feel
Before Clifford could even react, Clarissa shoved him out of the way. He could only watch as the car slammed into her, throwing her body through the air."N-No… Clary…" he muttered, his composure cracking at the horrifying sight.Clarissa was his first love, the apple of his eye. Even with all the anger he had been showing, deep down, especially in that life-or-death moment, she was still the one he cared about most.Tears rolled down his face as he took in the scene."Clary! Clary!" he shouted, dashing toward her side and picking her up. "Why did you do that? I don't need you to save me. You shouldn't have done this! Gosh, it must've hurt a lot…"Clifford was in clear agony. His arms tightened around her.A searing pain tore through Clarissa's body. She had traded her safety for his pity, guilt, and love. When she saw the tears in his eyes and the words he blurted out, it all felt worth it.Blood spilled from her mouth, and she choked out, "As long as you're…. okay…"The next
Seraphine laughed at the obvious tease. The light in her eyes shone brighter than the stars in the night sky. He was right—there was a certain kind of fate between them."No, Eli, I'm genuinely happy."With him around, every day felt sweet. It made her have quiet hope for what was to come in the future. Of course, she left that unsaid.Elliott smiled gently. The sternness that others usually saw in him now melted into a quiet fondness.While Seraphine's place was filled with warmth, Chelsea, on the other hand, was taken away by Micah, too intoxicated to resist.Clarissa and Clifford watched as she was led off. His lips were pressed tight, and his fists were clenched. Watching Chelsea being whipped away right before him was a feeling worse than death.In contrast, Clarissa let out a breath of relief. She and Clifford were finally on the same side. The project would be approved soon, and things would finally start moving.The next step was to find a way to ensure Clifford's heart
On the other side, Seraphine had received an update from Valerie regarding Clarissa's and Chelsea's presence in the private room.Jeriton Grand was her property, wired with listening devices. By the time Valerie sent her the message, Seraphine was burning with rage. She couldn't believe Clifford had sacrificed Chelsea just to climb to power.Oh, Chelsea. After all the hints she had been given that day, she still didn't catch on to what was coming. Clarissa, on the other hand, did.That said, Micah had an impressive background. Marrying him would give Chelsea the high life she had always wanted.Rumors had it that Micah was a womanizer. Whenever he drank, he became violent. In fact, his ex-wife couldn't stand the abuse and gambling, and she divorced him.Still, it was just gossip. No one dared make it a public scandal.Valerie asked, "Seraphine, if those families work together, they'll only grow stronger together. By then, it'll be hard to execute your plan."Seraphine smiled col
Hearing that Stephen would join them only fuelled Chelsea's anxiety. She had no choice but to return to her seat.One word from Stephen, and she could be cast out of the family. She was destined to be a miserable, obedient daughter in this lifetime.After seeing the world of the elite up close, she knew she could never go back to being ordinary. Even if she had to break herself in the process, she would find a way into high society and secure a future free of struggle.She turned to Clifford, hoping the brother who cared so much about her wouldn't throw her into the fire for the sake of profit. Alas, he said nothing.Clifford sat quietly, irritation simmering beneath his composed surface. He lit a cigarette, took a hard drag, and exhaled a thick stream of smoke through his nose.There was something dangerously magnetic about him at that moment.His deep, hoarse laugh rumbled from his chest. He looked at Micah and said, "My apologies for earlier, Mr. Sadowsky. Let's carry on with