Chapter 45
Marilyn said. “The more she grew up, the more exceptional she became, and that belief only grew stronger in my heart. You know Jeni well, too. She’s the kind of girl that you’d be lucky to find even if you searched far and wide. Plus, her family background is a perfect match for ours, the Vanderbilt family.
“Come on now. What era are you living in. Mom? Do you still believe in family combo?” Clarence gave a slight smile. “Our family doesn’t need that.”
“Those things don’t matter,” Marilyn continued. “I just don’t want you to miss out on the best girl in the world.
Clarence remained silent after hearing that. As Marilyn spoke, an image of Seraphina flashed through his mind, and without thinking, he muttered, “She doesn’t really count, does she?
Then who does Marilyn’s eyes gleamed with shrewdness. “Do you already have someone in mind?”
Clarence kept quiet again Marilyn pressed on. “If you do, bring her home for me to meet. If she’s really a good girl, I won’t interfere with your love life.
“I don’t,” he replied plainly.
Marilyn gave a small smile and said, “If you don’t, then I still hope it’s Jeni by your side. She can really give you a leg up in
your career
“Mom, it’s always about the benefits, isn’t it?” Clarence said, his tone still calm.
“Clarry, you’re not a child. You’re so smart. You should understand the value of a strong alliance. It’s the wisest choice for us -well, now it’s the Vanderbilt family for me. Your family,” Marilyn said.
Clarence’s expression darkened for a moment. “Mom, you and Dad-
Marilyn raised her hand to stop him from continuing. Then, she sighed, “Your father and I have reached the end of the road. There’s no going back for us. I’ve signed the divorce papers. From now on, whoever he wants to be with, that’s his business. I have no right to interfere, and I won’t.
“With my health failing and constantly being sick, how many more good days do I have left? I just want to live out the rest of my days peacefully. The only thing that still worries me is your marriage and your position in the family.
“That woman’s son is said to be returning to the country soon. Your father is planning to bring him into the company. Clarry, you need to be careful. Vanderbilt Group is so powerful now. You can’t let control slip into someone else’s hands.
“Back then, I stood by your father and helped build Vanderbilt Group. I may not have the credit, but I’ve put in the effort. I don’t want to see all that hard work shared by others.”
Clarence’s face grew colder and more resolute. “That will never happen.
Marilyn nodded, feeling reassured, and patted his shoulder. “Alright. Let’s eat.
Meanwhile, Seraphina, having nothing better to do, scheduled another private boxing lesson. Afterward, she picked up her phone and saw a WhatsApp message from Jennifer. It read: [Come shopping with me.J
Seraphins replied Sure Where are we meeting? I just finished gay lesson, and I’m going to take a quick shower.)
Jennifer qu kly responded. Iets meet at the shoppang street later)
With the time and place set, Seraphina headed to the bathroom took a shower applied some light makeup, and went to
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Chapter 45
meet Jennifer.
Jennifer was sitting at a coffee stand, dressed casually, her ponytail highs and her sunglasses on. She looked stylish and beautiful, though a bit out of it, chewing absentmindedly on her straw. She didn’t even notice when Seraphina arrived.
“Who’s on your mind? Seraphina asked.
Jennifer snapped out of her thoughts, flashing Seraphina a quick smile. “Oh, you’re here. What do you want to drink?”
I’ve already ordered, Seraphina replied.
came
“Sorry. I didn’t even notice you. Jennifer apologized with a weak smile, though it was clear that her mind was somewhere else, weighed down by something
“You don’t seem like you’re in the best mood: Seraphina observed,
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Jennifer didn’t respond immediately. She lowered her head, fiddling with her coffee cup, spinning it around in her hands. After a few moments, she finally spoke. “That dress I bought yesterday… I’m probably going to leave it hanging in the closet,” “What? Is there something wrong with it?” Seraphina asked.
Jenniter shook her head lightly. “A brand like that wouldn’t have quality issues. I just… I don’t know when I’ll get the chance to wear it again.”
At that moment, the coffee was brought over, and after Seraphina took hers, she asked softly, “Jeni, what really happened? Do you want to talk about it?”
Jennifer flicked the straw with her fingers and sighed, “Remember I said I had dinner plans last night? I bought the dress just for that. But the person I wanted to see didn’t show up. No matter how pretty the dress or how flawless the makeup, it was all for nothing
The way she had talked about that dinner yesterday, it was like she’d fallen head over heels. And now, it was confirmed. She had someone in her heart. After all, women only go all out to impress the ones they care about.
“Maybe there’s another reason he couldn’t make it, Jeni. You’re so amazing. It can’t be because of you. No guy could ever turn you down.” Seraphina comforted her.
Jennifer gave a soft smile. “Well, he can.”
Seraphina was at a loss for words. She reached out and gently patted Jennifer’s hand. “Don’t get discouraged. You’re a real goddess. One day, you’re going to shine in his eyes.”
The warm words felt like a soothing balm to the heart, and Jennifer smiled, turning her hand over to hold Seraphina’s. “Oh, Sera, you’re so nice. You’re the real goddess. No guy could ever resist someone as kind and lovely as you. By the way, are you seeing someone?”
Once again, Seraphina didn’t know how to respond. She wondered if what she had could be considered a relationship. But then she figured it didn’t count since Clarence wasn’t officially her boyfriend. So, with that in mind, she gently shook her
head
“Then you can’t really understand how I’m feeling right now, Jennifer said before taking a deep breath. “But I’m not giving up. Like you sand one day. I’ll definitely shine in his eyes. That’s hy I need to keep improving myself. Otherwise, I won’t be good enough for lumi”.
Scrapluna fell silent, thinking. In any eyes. Jennifer is already amazing It she’s aiming to be even more exceptional, how Burdille would that beet And who on earth is this guy she likes, ut even someone as accomplished as her feels she’s not good enough for him”
“He must be quite a big deal huh?” she ask
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Chapter 45
At the mention of her crush, niler’s whole demeanor brightened, radiating admiration. “Of course. The guy I like is definitely someone who’s way above me. One day, when his eyes are all on me, I’ll introduce him to you.”
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Seraphina chuckled softly. “Okay To be honest, she was quite curious to meet the man who had captured Jennifer’s heart. and find out just how special he really was
After venting to Seraphina, Jennifer felt much better. The two of them finished their coffee and then went shopping Jennifer bought a lot of clothes, and although Seraphina was just tagging along at first, she eventually gave in to Jennifer’s insistence and bought an outfit too.
However. Seraphina paid with her own card, not the one Clarence had given her.
Seraphina’s savings were limited, and after buying the dress, she didn’t have much left. Even though Clarence had given her a bank card, she really didn’t want to use his money.
As Seraphina sat in the car on the way back to the villa, she passed by the Vantique store. Watching her former coworkers busy at work stirred a bit of sadness in her. She had genuinely liked that job and wanted to be financially independent. But Clarence had caged her like a pet.
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