Chapter 3
In a neighborhood as exclusive as this, security was, of course, tight,
The guard, dressed in a crisp uniform, took his time scrutinizing Seraphina, who stood before him in a simple white dress, with no jewelry or accessories to speak of. She looked far too modest, far too ordinary for a place like this. After a long moment, he finally picked up the phone and dialed the number to Clarence Vanderbilt’s villa.
“Hello, Mr. Burton! A Ms. Johnson is here to see you Yes, sir, understood…” the guard spoke into the receiver with deep respect. After hanging up, he gave Seraphina another once–over still unable to wrap his head around how someone who looked so unassuming could be here to visit one of the wealthiest men in the city.
But, professionalism intact, he nodded, pressed the button, and pointed towards the direction of the villa. “You can go in. Mr. Vanderbilt’s villa is number 88. Just follow this road, turn right, and then follow the signs.”
Although the security guard couldn’t quite fathom how a girl as humble as Seraphina could possibly have any connections to the richest man in town, he remembered his duties and remained courteous, providing her with detailed directions.
Seraphina nodded, thanking him quietly. She didn’t know the layout of the area since she’d left Clarence’s house last night by car through the garage. But finding the place wasn’t difficult.
Clarence’s villa was nestled in the heart of the community, surrounded by a vast expanse of perfectly manicured lawns that set it apart from the other luxury homes. The main building stood like a castle among the trees, its regal stone facade commanding the respect of everything around it. It looked like a place built for a king–fitting for the man who owned it.
This grand villa was specifically designed for Clarence, a symbol of his status and success.
She approached the ornate iron gate and pressed the doorbell. After a moment, a voice came through the intercom—a mature, female voice. “Hello, who’s there?”
“My name is Seraphina Johnson I’m here to see Mr. Burton” Seraphina replied, trying to keep her voice steady despite the nerves bubbling up imide her.
“One moment, please,” the middle–aged woman responded.
There was a click and the gate began to unlock with a heavy, metallic sound that made Seraphina’s heart skip a beat. Unsure whether this moment would bring joy or disappointment, the gently pushed through the small door set into the gate and stepped inside.
Walking through the gate, she spotted Randy waiting for her a little way down the path, smiling his usual warm, polite smile. He was every bit the gentleman, as always.
“Ms. Johnson,” he said with a nod, his presence calm and reassuring.
“Mr. Burton” she replied, returning the smile, though her nerves made it feel a little tight.
“This way, please. Mr. Vanderbilt is expecting you” Kandy gestured toward a garden path lined with blooming flowers. His tone was formal, but not unfriendly.
As they walked along the path, the villa’s luxurious features came into view, along with a shimmering pool that reflected the sky above like a mirror. The water rippled gently as a figure moved gracefully through it–a strong, tan figure that sliced through the water like a sleek predator
Clarence was swimming, his long, muscular body gliding through the pool effortlessly as if he had been born in the water
With each stroke, the muscles of his back flexed, droplets of water catching the sunlight and creating tiny rainbows on his skin He wore nothing but a pair of black swim trunks, his athletic build on full display
Chapter 3
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Seraphina, feeling a flush creep up her neck, quickly dropped her gaze, unable to look directly at him for too long.
Randy approached the edge of the pool as Clarence surfaced, water cascading off his broad shoulders. He didn’t turn around, but even from behind, his presence was commanding
“Mr. Vanderbilt, Ms. Johnson is here,” Randy announced, bowing slightly.
Clarence reached up and removed his swimming goggles, revealing his face, which was far too perfect to belong to an ordinary man. The sun bathed his features in golden light, making him appear almost otherworldly,
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Without a glance in Seraphina’s direction, he climbed out of the pool, the movement casual but graceful, exuding an aura of power that was impossible to ignore.
He shook his head, sending a spray of water in all directions. The motion was effortless, natural, yet it had a certain careless elegance, a reminder of the kind of man he was–one born into privilege and power.
Randy handed the towel that had been draped over a chair to Clarence, who took it with a nod, using it to dry his hair before wrapping it loosely around his waist.
Only then did he speak, his voice as cool and smooth as ever. “Bring her over.”
Half an hour ago, Randy had asked Clarence if he wanted to meet with Seraphina. Clarence, who had been engrossed in his book at the time, hesitated for just a moment before nodding. He thought to himself. After all, it was my car’s headlights that caused her to fall into the river.
He
ad made a promise–if she experienced any lingering effects from the accident, he would take responsibility. And Clarence always kept his promises.
Normally, it would have been nearly impossible for a stranger to bypass all protocols and meet with him directly.
But years later, Clarence would look back and be grateful for that split–second decision. If not for that hesitation, he might have missed out on meeting the woman he would come to fiercely protect and love with all his being. And he would forever be thankful for those headlights that brought him face–to–face with his fated love.
Randy approached Seraphina, his smile as courteous as ever Ms Johnson. Mr. Vanderbilt will see you now.”
With a nervous nod, Seraphina followed Randy, her heart pounding louder with each step. She spotted Clarence lounging the chair, casually draped in a towel. Though his upper body was covered, his long legs sprawled out before him, glistening with droplets of water that caught the sunlight like dumonds.
He was idly drying his cars with a cotton swab–an ordinary gesture, but on him, it seemed almost regal. His impossibly handsome face, combined with that effortless air of aristocratic grace, made even the most mundane actions seem extraordinary
He’s devastatingly handsome, Seraphina thought to herself.
ak
She stopped a few feet away from him, her gaze immediately dropping to the ground. She couldn’t bring herself t directly at him. Though he was wrapped in a towel, his bronzed chest was still very much visible, and the sight of it made her pulse race.
Clarence, still focused on drying his car, hadn’t even bothered to look in her direction. He slightly tilted his head and raised his gare, but not in her direction. His posture was relaxed, his attention elsewhere, the very image of indifference.
“If you have something to say, you should say it to Mr. Vanderbilt now,” Randy gently reminded her
Seraphina opened her mouth, but no words came out. Her throat felt like it had clamped shut, refusing to cooperate. She stood there, her hands twisted together nervously in front of her, and her fingers knotted in tension. Despite her efforts, she roukdn’t force a single word out
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The icy chill emanating from Clarence was palpable, suffocating The silence between them thickened, and Randy, sensing her discomfort, thought that it was because of his presence. He decided to excuse himself to leave. “Mr. Vanderbilt, I’ll leave you to it. I have some matters to attend to.”
Clarence didn’t respond, continuing to dry his ear with a kind of slow, deliberate nonchalance. It wasn’t until Randy had left that Clarence finally shifted his gaze to her. He didn’t speak right away, but just played absently with the cotton swab between his fingers, his eyes lazily landing on her like she were hardly worth his attention.
“Ms. Johnson, he finally said, his voice low and cold, “are you feeling unwell?”
Seraphina, her fingers still tightly interlaced, mustered what little courage she had and looked up to meet his frigid eyes. The moment their gazes locked, she felt as though her insides had turned to ice. His stare was sharp and unyielding. piercing through her fragile confidence.
“Y–yes,” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
At the sound of her feeble response, Clarence smirked as if he had already anticipated her answer. His indifferent gaze grew more disdainful, like he had seen her type a hundred times before and knew exactly what she was after.
‘She’s standing perfectly fine in front of me. She doesn’t look sick at all Clarence thought to himself. Another one who’s seen the Vanderbilt name and thought she could strike gold. To these ordinary people, I’m nothing buba walking fortune.
“Name your price,” he said flatly, his tone as cold as ice.
Those three words cut through her like a blade Seraphina’s cheeks burned with embarrassment. “Is that really how he sees me? That I’m just here to mulk him for money? she pondered. And yet, a part of her couldn’t deny it. But isn’t that exactly what I am doing?
Swallowing her wounded pride, the lowered her head, her face flushed with shame. In her mind, a single question she wondered, Will he even give me what I ask for? He doesn’t seem like the generous type.
echoed as
“Don’t waste my time Clarence’s voice broke through her thoughts, a harsh reminder of his impatience. His presence was overpowering, like the weight of a king – judgment.
Seraphina felt her mouth go dry His aura was suffocating, exuding an authority that made her want to shrink back.
Trembling with guilt, she whispered. Two hundred thousand dollars even a hundred thousand would do.”
For Seraphina, it was a mind–boggling sum, an amount the could hardly fathon. The moment the words left her lips, she lowered her head again, unable to face him. She didn’t dare lookas Clarence, but she could feel the air around him remain unchanged. He showed no reaction at all–the amount she asked fur wasn’t even enough to cause him to flinch.
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