LOGINChester, hearing Clifford's murmurs, felt compelled to interject. "It's impossible to overlook how much Ms. Lodge has cared for you, Mr. Johansen. "You see, whenever you were out networking, she would contact me specifically to inquire about your well-being. She knew you had a sensitive stomach, so she would always remind me to make sure you take your meals on time. "She was also terrified of you being conned on the business side, so she would often stay up late to vet the competitors for you. You ought to know that the success of all recent partnerships is directly attributable to her quiet assistance. "She had dedicated herself wholeheartedly to your interests, Mr. Johansen."Having said that, Chester slightly shook his head, thinking that men often acted like fools when fixated on their first true love. Seraphine had dedicated her entire being to Clifford, only for him to immediately turn his back and betray her with Clarissa.Clifford swayed precariously, his expression loo
Clarissa immediately felt a wave of dread washing over her. "W-What do you mean you got conned, Dad?"Clarissa picked up her handbag from the couch and stormed toward the door. Clifford hadn't been home for three days, and she was determined to track him down. Elaine was also a mess, crying nonstop over Chelsea's death. Clarissa had offered fake sympathy today and confirmed that Clifford hadn't told Elaine the truth about Seraphine's role in Chelsea's death. She didn't dare to act recklessly since Clifford had remained silent about it.Mathias sobbed as he explained, "It's over for us, Clary! They have shut down the entire development. I acted too hastily and forgot to verify the property ownership, so Mr. Snyder tricked us and ran off with all our money! "You have to go to Clifford and beg him to help us. Otherwise, our company will be done for, Clary!"Clarissa stopped dead in her tracks, frozen just short of the doorway. She snapped her head up toward the harsh, bright sun ou
Jason was stunned into silence, simply staring at Seraphine. He couldn't deny that her assessment of him was perfectly accurate—his ingrained arrogance would have made him dismiss anything she said. He felt an intense, crushing regret for having failed to heed her warning."Seraphine!" Valerie shouted.She noticed Seraphine surrounded by Clifford and the others, so she immediately rushed to Seraphine's side, looked her over with deep concern, and asked, "Did they hurt you, Seraphine?"Seraphine shook her head, replying, "Nope."Valerie was caught off guard by Seraphine's hoarse voice."What's wrong with your voice…" Valerie's voice trailed off after spotting the bruising around Seraphine's neck.She instantly knew who the perpetrator was. She turned to Clifford with palpable fury, snapping, "You despicable scumbag! How dare you lay your hands on her! You're truly an absolute scumbag, cheating and hitting women!"Valerie was absolutely enraged as she unleashed a torrent of curses
Seraphine adjusted the collar of her clothes, the draft from the entrance bringing with it a slight sense of oppressive warmth. Her cold, detached gaze rested on Clifford's face, which was alarmingly pale at the moment. He had lost all his capital, so it was no wonder his expression shifted.That amount covered Clifford's earnings for the past couple of years, and in the current tough economic conditions, everyone was conducting business with extreme caution."Is this information that hard to come by?" Seraphine's voice was a rough whisper, and speaking caused her distinct pain, but she internalized the recent agony, fully determined to repay Clifford in kind.Clifford was momentarily stunned after hearing her raspy voice.Though her throat was aching badly, Seraphine felt a profound sense of triumph. She felt a genuine, satisfying pleasure after seeing the shock and pallor on their faces."Jeriton is small enough that a simple online search would've told you who the real landowne
Chester looked at Clifford and replied, "You see, the project with Greene Group has been officially suspended, Mr. Johansen."Clifford was momentarily stunned by Chester's reply, leaving him dazed and confused. Jason and Keith were both immediately shell-shocked by the news as well.Jason chuckled indifferently, though the faint tremor in it betrayed his panic. He looked at Chester's frantic expression, refusing to accept the news. "You've got to be kidding me, Chester. Haven't you seen the news? You know, we only started construction five days ago, and the sales office is already packed with people! How could the project suddenly be suspended? What kind of ridiculous prank is this, Chester?"How could Chester bombard him with such news on this seemingly normal morning?Chester's chest constricted sharply, wishing that this wasn't happening more than they did. He, too, was initially stunned and disoriented by the news. He had no choice but to explain seriously when he noticed J
Seraphine stared at Jason in utter disbelief, bewildered by his twisted logic. "What do you take me for, Jason? What makes you think I've been clinging on to Clifford—that scumbag? You see goodwill as nothing but clownery and servility, Jason."Have you ever looked in the mirror and seen how you act around Clarissa? You ought to know that despicable human beings like you won't ever see a good thing come your way! Those who are truly contemptible will never attract sincerity."Jason sneered as he stared at Seraphine, finding it hard to believe that she had the nerve to say such things. He retorted smugly, "You ought to know that I'm rich, Seraphine! I can have my pick of anyone! Who is truly sincere in this world, anyway? Cliff is undoubtedly thrilled that you're out of his life since you're nothing but a groveling, desperate leech."Seraphine held Clifford's gaze, which he returned, though the emotion in his stare remained unreadable—he appeared to be suppressing something. "Is th







