LOGINThe sudden shout snapped Seraphine out of her thoughts. She looked up to see Clifford standing across from her, anger twisting his handsome features.She began contemplating relocating her company because running into Clifford every day was sheer misfortune."What do you want?" she asked flatly."Was last night your doing?" Clifford questioned, his pride still wounded. He couldn't handle being outplayed, as he was used to being the one who schemed, not being schemed against.Before Seraphine could answer, he cut in again, "You knew you couldn't have me, so you had other women try to ruin me?"What the hell?Seraphine rolled her eyes inwardly. He was so full of himself that he constantly inserted himself into everything."Stop it, Clifford. Enough with the self-flattery," she said, exasperated. "I'd never do anything so petty. How would having another woman ruin you benefit me?"Clifford opened his mouth to argue, but she continued before he could, "There is some benefit, I gues
Ernest had never been petty, let alone bothered to fight over wins or losses. Faced with Jim's provocation, he simply smiled faintly."What makes you so hostile, Professor Horne? And why would I think that way? I actually hope you keep doing better and better. That way, you'll actually contribute something to the country."And just to assure you, I absolutely do not have thoughts like that."Ernest stood up, gave Jim a meaningful look, and patted his shoulder firmly. "If I remember correctly, you're about seven or eight years younger than me, right, Jimmy? Alas, you still have no children but a bunch of lovers…"He clicked his tongue. "What a messy lifestyle. Of course, private life aside, don't scatter away your good fortune. Otherwise, when you're old, you'll end up completely alone—no wife and no children…"It'll be like coming into his world for nothing, leaving behind not even a trace. That would be such a pity. Don't you think so?"With that, Ernest turned and walked away.
Seraphine knew that Ernest didn't fully trust her yet. It made sense. He had suffered terribly back then, and it was hard for him to trust anyone again.Even if Andrea were still alive, he probably wouldn't trust her either. Matters involving capital and powerful families were tangled with far too many hidden forces.Ernest, a good man devoted to his family, would never take the initiative to act if he couldn't guarantee the safety of his wife and son."Wait for my good news, Professor Holmes," Seraphine said, standing up with a confident smile. "When the time comes, you'll get to clear your name at last."He nodded. "Okay. I'll wait for your good news, Sera."They said their goodbyes, and Seraphine left.Coincidentally, Jim had come to the area on business. Seeing her meeting with Ernest, he felt a sense of foreboding. His gaze lingered on the direction she had left, and he wondered if he was overthinking it.After all, Ernest and Andrea were friends.Once Seraphine disappeare
Bitterness welled up in Seraphine's chest. She lowered her eyes and said softly, "It's all my fault, Professor Holmes. I—"Ernest cut her off gently, "Listen up, Sera. Your mother was far too outstanding. Over the years, she faced countless schemes and attacks. What happened to her had nothing to do with you dating a terrible boyfriend. She wasn't poisoned because of that."She froze, her eyes lighting up with emotion. "Do you know something? Please tell me, Professor Holmes. I need to know who her family and enemies were. I need to know who poisoned her."She had uncovered some clues, pointing her toward the Johansens, but there was no solid proof yet.Stephen wouldn't do something like that. As for Cameron, the suspicions around him were stronger—at least 50%—but she didn't have anything concrete. She had to keep investigating.Back then, during that one month, she had stayed by Andrea's side and asked her who hated her the most.Andrea hadn't answered. She had only stroked Ser
After finishing her morning routine, Seraphine got ready to head out for something important—a meeting with Andrea's friend, Ernest Holmes.But first, she stopped in the kitchen to grab a bite and was surprised to see Elliott still at home, busy cooking. He wore a soft, flowing casual shirt, the collar slightly open, revealing a few faint scratch marks across his chest.For the first time, Seraphine considered trimming her nails short. Yawning, she walked over, a little curious. "Eli, aren't you going to the office today?"Elliott was preparing breakfast and, noticing her, set down the ingredients. Stepping close, he wrapped his arms around her waist and whispered, "Why didn't you sleep a little longer?"Wrapped in his intoxicating presence, Seraphine felt a little dazed, wishing these peaceful days would never end. She tilted her head up to look at him.His eyes were deep, dark, perfectly outlined, and full of her. She loved having a husband like him too much."Why are you so qu
Hearing Elliott's low voice, Clifford immediately shouted explosively, "You son of a bitch! How dare you touch her!"Elliott frowned, his gaze shadowed and cold. He drawled, "And who do you think you are? My wife and I are happy together, and you're here to threaten me? Didn't your doctor tell you to take your meds today?"With that, he hung up and blocked Clifford's number. He set the phone aside, scooped Seraphine into his arms, and held her close as they drifted off to sleep.A loud bang sounded as Clifford slammed his phone down in anger. After tonight's ordeal, this was surprisingly even more infuriating.Clarissa flinched at the intensity of his rage. Watching him, she couldn't help but find him ridiculous. Seraphine was married, yet Clifford was acting like he had the right to claim her.Seeing him so jealous and possessive made it even harder for her to understand why he behaved this way.Clifford turned and stormed upstairs to shower. The lingering effects of the drugs a







