Chapter 58
Catherine thought, “The main issue is, how am I supposed to explain why I answered his phone when he questioned me
about it
Right, I should delete the call logs. That way, Clarence won’t find out–at least not for a while, and maybe never. He hasn’t brought Seraphina home to meet Marilyn, which means they aren’t really a couple. Seraphina is just his secret lover. A lover has no right to question why another woman answered Clarence’s phone:
From the guilty way Seraphina had claimed she dialed the wrong number, Catherine could tell Clarence wasn’t all that fond of her.
This little incident might blow over as long as she erased the call records. Even if Seraphina brought it up one day. memories fade, and no one would be able to say for sure what really happened. Besides, who could even tell who had answered the phone?
Catherine scrolled through the screen, trying to delete the call logs, only to realize it was locked. She froze.
The phone call could be answered with the screen locked, but to operate other functions, it must be unlocked.
Catherine felt a wave of regret wash over her. She must have lost her mind to have answered that call. What now? she thought, her heart racing.
Just then, the sound of running water stopped, Clarence had finished his shower.
Panic set in, and Catherine quickly placed the phone back on the dresser and hurried out of the room.
The bathroom door opened, and Clarence stepped out. A towel wrapped low around his waist, revealing his toned, muscular upper body. As he walked out, he still dried his hair with another towel. He went to the dresser to grab his phone but stopped abruptly.
The phone was teetering at the edge of the dresser. It definitely hadn’t been in such an unstable position when Clarence’d left it there. Someone had touched his phone.
Clarence’s eyes darkened as he picked up the phone. After unlocking it with his face, he checked for any signs of tampering. Nothing seemed out of place. But the phone’s position had undeniably changed.
Clarence’s eyes grew cold. He was about to put the phone down when it suddenly rang. It was Randy. “Hello,” he answered.
Randy said, “Mr. Vanderbilt, the overseas matters have been handled.”
Clarence replied, “Good.”
Randy asked, “Asfor Mr. Riley, should I give him a call, or…”
“I’ll speak to him, Clarence said.
Randy said, “Understood, Mr. Vanderbilt. In that case, I’ll cancel tomorrow’s morning meeting. Good night.”
“Okay” Clarence hung up after a brief reply. He opened the recent call log, intending to pull up Brian Riley’s number, but his gaze landed on a name sandwiched between Randy’s and Brian’s calls, “Sera.” It showed as answered. The time was just moments ago.
But Clarence had been in the shower then, so there was no way he could have taken Seraphina’s call.
Clarence thought, ‘Someone had definitely touched my phone and answered the call. Who could it have been? His eyes darkened further. The only ones staying on the second floor are Catherine and me. Could it have been her? Would she really do something so careless?
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Clarence frowned, but he didn’t dwell on it. Instead, a warm feeling began to spread in his chest. He thought, Sera finally called me. And at night, no less. She must’ve been missing me.”
In truth, Clarence hadn’t meant for their silent treatment to drag on this long. But Seraphina had been stubborn, and his pride refused to let him back down. Plus, he’d been busy with overseas projects over the past few days. But now everything was taken care of, and he had already planned to return to the villa tomorrow,
After days of this cold treatment, Clarence could hardly stand it anymore. He was at the edge of his patience, and deep down, he knew he’d lost again. Seraphina wasn’t the type to smooth things over. He’d probably be waiting forever if he had waited for her to make the first move.
Clarence thought, “Well, this is my own doing. I chose a lover with such a strong personality. I thought she’d be soft and sweet like a kitten, but she’s the opposite. So, what can I do but indulge her? But now, she called me first
A childish sense of victory crept into Clarence’s heart, making him feel giddy. Just knowing that Seraphina missed him filled him with warmth. Finally, he found the perfect excuse to end the stand–off and immediately dialed Seraphina back.
Barbara gave Seraphina a quick hug before pulling away. “What did Clarence say just now?” Her voice was low with concern. “Is he refusing to help you?”
Seraphina stayed silent.
The phone had been answered by another woman, and an indescribable pain was piercing her heart. She’d always tried to stop herself from expecting loyalty between her and Clarence, knowing it wasn’t realistic. But he was so perfect. His tenderness and affection had seeped through the cracks in her defenses, making their way into her heart.
Seraphina couldn’t help it. She did care. She cared that there was another woman in his life, even if that woman wasn’t his girlfriend. Even if, like her, the woman was just a lover. She still wanted to be his one and only
The more Seraphina thought about it, the sharper the pain in her heart. Her eyes reddened.
Seeing Seraphina so upset, Barbara assumed Clarence had refused to help, and she flew into a rage. “Clarence, that bastard! After all this time, you mean nothing to him? How can he just leave you out to dry like this?
“He’s the boss of Angoria. Even if Jeremy has influence, he must show Clarence some respect on his turf. Clarence could solve this in a heartbeat, yet he’s so heartless
“Sera, p
give me your phone. I’ll call him right now and tear into him. What kind of man is he? He has no sense of responsibility, yet he has the nerve to be the boss of Angoria? Running his international empire? I’ll show him what’s what!”
Barbara, truly feeling for Seraphina, became more furious the more she spoke. Without realizing it, she snatched the phone from Seraphina’s hand, ready to give Clarence a piece of her mind.
Seraphina remained silent.
Barbara quickly typed in the passcode she knew all too well, unlocking the phone. She said, ‘Seraphina, after all these years, you still haven’t changed your phone’s passcode. No wonder that jerk can still hurt you after five years. You’re way too
sentimental”
Seraphina finally said, “Barb, don’t call him. She tried to stop her
“I have to teach him a lesson. This guy’s way out of line. Barbar dodged Seraphina’s hand, opened the recent call log, and was about to dial Clarence back.
Just then, the phone rang. It was Clarence calling, Barbara paused.
“Perfect timing. You take it Seraphina suddenly gave up trying to stop Barbara. “Didn’t you want to give him a piece of your
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mind? Here’s your chance.
Barbara was at a loss for words. She thought, If only I had the guts to scold Clarence! She had only been worked up at the moment, but now that Clarence was calling back, there was no need to escalate things.
Barbara grinned sheepishly and handed the phone to Seraphina Actually…it’s better if you answer. Maybe your dear Mr. Vanderbilt has changed his mind and wants to help”
Seeing Clarence call, Seraphina felt unease. She wasn’t sure what his intention was in returning the call. She had called him carlier, only for his new flame to answer. She thought. Is he calling to accuse me of upsetting his latest fling?
