Chapter 24
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The housekeeper finally relaxed and opened the gate. Seraphina carried several bags and walked through the garden along a small path leading to the main house.
The door to the grand hall was already open and the housekeeper was standing at the entrance waiting for her. After showing her work ID, the housekeeper led Seraphina inside.
The hall was lavishly decorated, with marble floors that reflected Seraphina’s slender figure. The housekeeper stopped and said, “Ms. Johnson, please wait here for a moment. I’ll inform my lady.”
“Okay” Seraphina stood in the hall and waited patiently.
The housekeeper walked toward a door, and Seraphina glanced over, noticing a dining table. Surely this was the dining
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Just then, a young maid passed by, and Seraphina stepped back to let her through. As she did, her gaze unintentionally drifted toward the dining room, where she saw a man and a woman seated at the table.
The man’s head was slightly lowered, a lock of hair falling over one side of his face, obscuring part of it. Even without seeing his full face, it wasn’t hard to guess that he was exceptionally handsome. Just then, he lifted his head slightly.
Seraphina’s grip on the bags tightened instantly. The man was none other than Clarence.
Her breath caught in her throat, and she thought, ‘Is this fate, or just bad luck? The elusive man, who’s rarely seen, has crossed my path twice in just a few days since I returned to the city. Is this his villa? But why am I delivering women’s clothing! If this isn’t his house, who’s he having breakfast with? Does he have another “canary” here?”
Her heart pounded faster as she nervously shifted her gaze to the girl sitting beside him, feeling as though she was peeking at some forbidden secret.
The girl the housekeeper was talking to was stunningly beautiful and had a gentle and approachable demeanor. But Seraphina felt a sharp pang in her heart. It was Catherine.
He’s having breakfast with her early in the morning. Even though there have never been any rumors of an engagement between Catherine and Clarence, it’s clear from this scene that Catherine holds a special place in his heart. It’s only a matter of time before she becomes Mrs. Vanderbilt, Seraphina thought
The housekeeper said, “Madam, the new delivery person from Vintique, Seraphina Johnson, is here with your clothes. Would you like to take a look?”
Catherine was about to reach for a napkin when she hesitated, her eyes subtly glancing at Clarence to gauge his reaction. He was casually sipping his milk, showing no reaction at all, as if he’d just heard a completely irrelevant name,
Only then did Catherine glance over at Seraphina, Seraphina was standing straight, and her figure was so perfect it was almost inviting. Take them upstairs,” Catherine said.
“Okay,” the housekeeper replied.
The housekeeper was about to leave when Clarence spoke in his usual calm, distant tone, “Cathy, with clothes this expensive. don’t you want to take a look yourself?” Catherine paused, surprised that he’d take any interest in her new clothes.
Seraphina hadn’t expected to be delivering clothes to Catherine. Suddenly, she wanted to leave. The young maid walked by again, and Seraphina moved to hand the clothes over to her. “Excuse me, I have something else to attend to, so could you please take these to your lady?”
“Sure.” The maid was about to take the bags, but then her gaze shufted past Seraphina to something behind her, and she pulled her hands back. “Ms. Howard is coming over.”
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Chapter 24
A chill ran down Seraphina’s spine.
“Hello, Ms. Johnson.” Catherine’s warm voice greeted her.
Now that Catherine had greeted her, Seraphina couldn’t just walk away.
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It had been five years, and Seraphina thought that since Clarence didn’t recognize her, there was no way Catherine would remember someone as unimportant as her.
Seraphina straightened her back and turned to face Catherine with a polite smile. She was ready to respond gracefully, but her smile faltered for a moment when she caught sight of Clareijce emerging from the dining room, his gaze meeting hers by chance.
With one hand casually tucked into his pocket, Clarence looked as effortlessly cool and detached as ever. His face was completely expressionless, and his eyes, when they met Seraphina’s, were cold and indifferent, like he was looking at a stranger.
There isn’t even a flicker of change on his face. He really doesn’t remember me, Seraphina muttered inwardly. She felt a small pang in her heart, but it also allowed her to relax a bit.
Not recognizing me is good, she thought. ‘It saves us both a lot of awkwardness!
She quickly composed herself and nodded slightly at Catherine. “Ms. Howard, where would you like me to put your clothes?”
Catherine’s lips curled into a gentle and friendly smile. She was still in her pajamas, without a trace of makeup, yet she Jooked stunningly beautiful, serene, and graceful. She looked at Seraphina with calm eyes, showing no hint of surprise.
Her tone was polite, almost formal. “You can give them to Linda
To be honest, Catherine had no real intention of inspecting the clothes. All she wanted was to get Seraphina out of there as quickly as possible.
Of course, she remembered Seraphina. How could she forget the girl who had kissed Clarence in public? She had planned to ignore Seraphina, but since Clarence had spoken up, she had no choice but to play along.
Linda then walked over to Seraphina, ready to take the bags from her hands, but before she could, the sound of footsteps echoed softly across the marble floor. The steps were light, yet each one seemed to weigh heavily on the air around them, making the atmosphere feel thick and tense.
In no time, Clarence, who was only a few steps away, had closed the distance and was now standing directly in front of Seraphina. He leaned in slightly, the scent of mint overwhelming her senses, and she instinctively took a step back.
He leaned in slightly, the scent of mint overwhelming her senses, and she instinctively took a step back.
Catherine’s eyelids fluttered briefly, a flicker of coldness passing through her gaze. She knew the moment Clarence had spoken that she wouldn’t be able to brush Seraphina off so easily
Clarence didn’t move any closer to Seraphina. Instead, his eyes landed on the name tag pinned to her chest. He read it aloud. “Vantique Flagship Store, Seraphina Johnson?”
Seraphina swallowed, maintaining her professional demeanor. Yes, sir. How may I assist you?”
“No assistance needed, just your service,” Clarence replied, wrapping an arm around Catherine’s shoulder. “Cathy, you should check the clothes. Lately, Vantique’s reputation hasn’t been the best.”
Catherine forced a small smile and said, “Alright, I’ll check them. But let me walk you to the car first.”
She had wanted Clarence to stay with her longer, but now, she just wanted him to leave as soon as possible.
Chapter 24
“No rush,” Clarence sale coully. “I’ll watch you try on the new outs and give you some feedback. Vantique might be a top domestic brand, but it’s nowhere near the level of international labels, and its service isn’t even in the same league. If these don’t suit you, don’t bother shopping in their shop again”
Both Seraphina and Catherine paused upon his words.
“Ms. Johnson, if we’re not satisfied with the clothes, they can he turned, and you’ll take them back, correct?” Clarence added, his tone still distant.
“Yes, sir, Seraphina replied with a calm smile. “We offer a seven–day return policy
Clarence’s lips curled into a cold, almost imperceptible smile. “Good, then let’s begin. Cathy, shall we head upstairs?”
With that, he and Catherine headed toward the staircase.
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