Chapter 23
While Seraphina was paying for the medicine, Barbara walked in. She saw the bright red scrape on Seraphina’s knee, and her concern quickly turned into a gentle scolding, “I leave you alone for just a little while, and you end up with your knee all banged up.
“I really don’t know how you managed to survive five years in Silverbrook. You’re even wearing flats today. tripped like this?”
and You still
Seraphina didn’t respond, just gave a faint, tired smile as she used her phone to pay. Barbara sensed something was off. That smile was forced, and there was a heaviness in Seraphina’s eyes.
Barbara didn’t press further until they were outside the pharmacy. Then, she turned to Seraphina and asked, “What really happened?”
Seraphina’s voice was calm, almost detached. “Nothing happened
“Seraphina, do you really think you’re that good at lying?” Barbara’s tone was firm. “You’re practically radiating sadness, and you expect me to believe nothing’s wrong? You’re not some Oscar–winning actress. You can’t hide your feelings that well. Now spill it. What’s going on?”
Barbara was Seraphina’s closest friend, someone she could never keep secrets from. Seraphina took a deep breath, her clear eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Barb, I just…ran into him.”
“Who
“Clarence.
Barbara’s eyes widened in shock. “Seriously? On your second day back in town?”
Running into someone like Clarence, one of the most powerful men in Angoria, wasn’t something that just happened by chance.
Seraphina let out a soft laugh, almost in disbelief. “Yeah, just like that. Maybe the universe is reminding me that it’s time to pay my debts, so he appeared so soon. I really need to find a high–paying job and pay him back.”
“Did he…ask you for the money?” asked Barbara.
Seraphina lowered her gaze and shook her head slightly. “He didn’t even recognize me.”
Back at home, Seraphina browsed job listings online, determined to find a job as soon as possible so she could start saving up to repay Clarence..
She had promised to pay him back after graduation, but this past year had been tough. With no work experience, she barely made enough to cover her basic expenses, let alone save anything.
To make matters worse, she had gone through almost six jobs in just one year. Every time she was still in her probation. period, the company would mysteriously go under, leaving her with nothing but a basic paycheck.
That was one of
e of the
e reasons she came back to Angoria. As Barbara put it, Silverbrook was bad luck for her.
A typical 9–to–5 job with a fixed salary would make paying off the debt a distant dream. Eventually, Serarina decided to apply for a sales job–only a commission–based position could help her clear her debt quickly.
Vista Square was the commercial heart of Angoria, and every inch of land was expensive. Among the cluster of skyscrapers. Vanderbilt Group’s sixty–story building stood like a king, with the surrounding buildings bowing in reverence.
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Chapter 23
The Vanderbilt family was the wealthiest in Angoria, rising steady in international rankings as well. They were the economic powerhouse of Eldoria, a bona fide global elite dynasty
A massive LCD screen hung on the side of the building, playing promotional video for Vanderbilt Group, featuring an interview with Clarence himself. His deep, steady voice, full of magnetism, filled the air as he confidently discussed the future direction of the company.
69%
Clarence had taken over as the CEO of Vanderbilt Group at just twenty years old. In a few short years, he had multiplied the company’s assets several times over, leaving other heirs of wealthy families in the dust. In the international finance world, he was a rising star, a force to be reckoned with.
“Ma’am, we’re here. The taxi driver’s voice broke through her thoughts.
Seraphina shifted her gaze away from the screen, paid the fare, and stepped out of the cab,
In front of her was a gleaming, luxurious fashion store, its windows spotless, and the entrance adorned with lavish decor. This was the flagship store of a top domestic brand called “Vantique. Seraphina was here to apply for a sales position.
This clothing brand was making waves in the international market, known for its innovative designs and high quality. It had quickly caught the attention of high society at home and abroad and had a bright future ahead.
The sales associates at this flagship store could easily earn several thousand dollars in commissions each month, making it a highly coveted job. But with high pay came high standards–the salesgirls here were all stunning, with perfect figures and charming personalities.
But with Seraphina’s looks and poise, landing this job was hardly a challenge. While waiting for her interview, she noticed several stylish girls leaving the manager’s office with disappointed faces. However, when it was her turn, the manager’s eyes noticeably lit up. After a brief interview, she was hired on the spot.
The next day, Seraphina slipped into a fitted work dress that hugged her curves perfectly. Her slender waist added a touch of allure that only a uniform could.
The store had fewer customers in the morning, so the salesgirls were busy with inventory checks and making deliveries to clients who didn’t want to visit the store. Everyone was bustling around.
Suddenly, the phone rang. The manager, passing by, answered casually, “Hello, this is Vantique flagship store… Yes, of
course…
Got it….
As the manager finished the call, she noticed Seraphina coming out of the stockroom. On her first day at work, she didn’t have much to do yet, so the manager called her over, “Sera.”
“Yes?” Seraphina responded. “What can I do for you?”
“We got a delivery order for Greenridge Villas, house 26. It’s urgent, and as you can see, we’re all tied up. Could you help us out and deliver it? The store’s delivery van isn’t back yet, so you’ll need to take a taxi. We’ll reimburse you.”
“Sure,”
“Come, I’ll show you how to pack it up.”
Seraphina followed the manager to the stockroom to learn how to pack the order.
The client had ordered ten sets of the season’s newest arrivals–a generous purchase. No wonder the manager wanted to make sure they were delivered immediately.
Greenridge Villas was in the suburbs, one of the most upscale villa communities in Angoria.
Taxis weren’t allowed inside, so Seraphina had to stop at the gate. The luxurious entrance was lined with marble columns, and the young, handsome security guards were polite and professional. After confirming the delivery with the client at
13.31 Tue, Oct 29 BBG.
Chapter 23
house 26, they allowed Seraphina to enter.
By
the time she reached the house, her hands were red and sore from carrying the heavy bags. Despite being summer clothes, the weight was considerable. She stood in front of the ornate iron gate and freed a hand to press the doorbell.
The intercom connected quickly. “Hello. The polite voice of a housekeeper ca
“Hi, I’m the delivery person from Vantique.”
The housekeeper looked Seraphina over through the camera. Are
you a newcomer? It wasn’t you who usually delivered.”
Seraphina explained, “Yes, I’m new. My name’s Seraphina Johnson. Here is my work ID. Our regular delivery staff is swamped today, so I was sent to help out since your order was urgent.”
