Chapter 9
Clarence’s voice, rough from sleep, carried a deep, irresistible albire.
Seraphina’s heart raced and her breath caught in her throat. She could feel the excitement bubbling inside her but forced herself to stay calm. In a quiet, controlled voice, she whispered, Tm sorry I woke you.”
Clarence’s eyes opened slowly, revealing depths as dark and mysterious as a moonless night. His eyes, inscrutable and captivating, fixed on Seraphina’s delicate features as if gazing upon a serene, clear lake; the world around them seemed to fade away.
He had worked late the previous night, slipping into the bedroom only after midnight when Seraphina was already fast asleep. He had intended to go to the guest room, but as he tucked the blanket she’d kicked off back around her, something made him pause.
Seeing her lying there, peaceful and serene, he felt an unexpected urge. Somehow, curling up next to her seemed like the most natural thing in the world.
On impulse, he had slipped into bed beside her, drawing her gently into his arms. Her sweet scent had enveloped him, and to his surprise, instead of keeping him awake, it had lulled him into the deepest sleep he’d had since taking over Vanderbilt Group Holding her felt so right and wonderful, as if she were the missing piece to his restless nights.
“Hungry?” Clarence’s voice broke the silence, a lazy warmth lingering in his tone, making it feel like an intimate morning between lovers.
Not really,” Seraphina replied, her racing heart betraying her composure.
Clarence’s arm, cradling her head, shifted slightly. His fingers found her hair, running through the soft strands in a gentle caress that sent Seraphina’s heart into a frenzy
Few girls could have resisted such tenderness, especially from someone as strikingly handsome as Clarence.
Clarence indulged in the moment, only pulling himself away when he felt his control slipping. Her inexperience with kissing frustrated him, but even the lightest touch of her lips filled him with an inexplicable joy. There’s something special about her, he thought.
As he stood with his back to her, adjusting his pajamas, he asked, “What would you like for breakfast?”
Cheeks flushed, Seraphina murmured. “Anything is fine.”
Clarence said nothing but picked up his phone to call Sharon. “Make some different kinds of breakfast he instructed, then hung up. His eyes then drifted to Seraphina’s flushed face, a teasing, suggestive smile on his lips.
“If she blushes this much from just a kiss, what’s she going to do when we have sex? Will she be so shy that she’ll want to dig hole and hide! Clarence thought to himself
Clarence headed into the bathroom, and soon the sound of running water filled the room, ‘He must be taking a shower. Is he showering with hot water or cold? Seraphina wondered and then quickly pulled the blanket over her he in embarrassment, Blimey, what am I even thinking? she groaned inwardly.
While her mind was in turmoil, her phone suddenly rang. She emerged from under the blanket and grabbed it from the nightstand. It was her mother, Shirley. Glancing at the closed bathroom door, she answered in a low voice, “Mom!”
“Sera, your dad just collapsed. He’s in the emergency room now Shirley’s panicked voice came through. “You need to come to the hospital, now. I’m afraid… he might not make it.”
Seraphina’s heart lurched. “I’ll be there right away,” she said, hanging up in a rush. Scrambling out of bed, she grabbed the clothes she’d worn the day before and threw them on hastily.
Chapter 9
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The water in the bathroom–was still running–Clarence was still showering. She knew she should wait patiently for him, but her father was in critical condition, and she couldn’t afford to waste even a second.
Impulsively, she pressed down on the handle of the bathroom door. It wasn’t locked; with a push, the door swung open.
There stood Clarence under the showerhead, water cascading down his perfectly sculpted back. The glass shower door was completely transparent, offering Seraphina an unobstructed vick of his flawless, V–shaped physique. But her mind wasn’t on that her thoughts were consumed with worry for her father, George Johnson.
Clarence heard the door creak open and turned his head slightly, his sharp, cool eyes meeting Seraphina’s. He raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering briefly in his expression as he caught her standing there. ‘Is she spying on me? he thought.
He was about to speak when Seraphina blurted out, her voice trembling with urgency, “Mr. Vanderbilt, L… I need money…”
In such an intimate moment, the word “money” sounded so out of place.
The playful warmth vanished instantly from Clarence’s face, replaced by a cold look. After a night spent holding her in his arms, he had almost forgotten that she showed up in his life only for money. But now, reality hit him hard. She was here because she needed something from him.
“How naive of absurd! She’s no different from those so–called socialites with their fake smiles and calculated moves.
e he thought bitterly. Just because she brought me some peace of mind, I really believed she’s unique? How
At least he could see through those shallow, scheming women. But Seraphina had mastered the art of vulnerability; she hid her–true intention behind those soft, innocent eyes, crafting an image of helplessness that made him let down his guard. In a way, that made her even more deceitful
A bitter laugh bubbled up inside Clarence. Just moments ago, he had felt desire for Seraphina. He had even held himself back from pushing things further so she could focus on her studies, and chose to take a cold shower early in the morning instead.
Now he felt utterly foolish. His voice turned sharp and cold. “Right. I almost forgot. You sold yourself to me.”
The humiliation of his words stung, but Seraphina had no choice but to swallow it, especially when her father’s life was hanging in the balance.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, voice trembling as she struggled to keep the tears at bay. “But I really need the money right now
Clarence let out a harsh, humorless laugh. I haven’t even slept with her, and she’s already naming her price. Unbelievable,” he thought.
Then, with a swift, angry motion, he shut off the water. “Text me your account number, he ordered curtly as he wrapped a towel around his waist, his sharp profile radiating cold disdain.
Seraphina blinked in confusion. “I. I don’t have your number.”
Clarence’s expression darkened. Turning towards her, he fixed her with a gaze so frusty it made her shiver. Then send it to Randy.”
The implication hit Seraphina like a slap. He won’t even give me his number. He’s done with me
Forcing a smile, she bit down on her trembling lip. “Alright,” she said. With a slight bow, she added in an apologetic tone, “Sorry to bother you, Mr. Vanderbilt. With that, she turned and walked out without sparing Clarence a glance.
Clarence’s chest heaved with anger. ‘Mr. Vanderbilt? She’s already distancing herself from me, Can’t believe she’s such a snob about money he bellowed inwardly.
She had realized he no longer wanted her, but why did she get to act so calm, like she was the one calling the shots? She had been here for money, and she should be desperate and clinging not calmly stepping away! No woman had ever shown such
Chapter 9
pride in the face of his rejection.
Seraphina left the villa; she walked for over ten minutes until she reached the nearest bus stop. Hunger gnawed at her. stomach, so she stopped by a convenience store and bought a sandwich. Just as she stepped back out, her phone buzzed with
a new message.
