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Chapter 96
Clarence’s heart completely softened. As long as Seraphina stayed by his side, nothing else mattered.
Someone knocked on the door.
“Come in,” Clarence said as he exited WhatsApp.
His secretary, holding a small package, walked toward him. “Mr. Vanderbilt, you have a delivery.”
“Leave it on the desk, Clarence replied casually, “Open it for me
The secretary stepped up to his desk, pulled out a utility knife, and sliced through the seal. “Mr. Vanderbilt, it’s done.”
“Mm Clarence acknowledged.
The secretary left the office.
Clarence slowly paced over to his desk, glanced at the package, and picked it up. Inside was a small box. He gave it a gentle shake. There was something inside. Opening it up, he found a USB drive.
Clarence stared at the USB silently for a few seconds before moving over to his computer and plugging it in. The contents revealed a video file. After scanning for viruses and finding none; he clicked play.
The screen showed a long, tree–lined avenue, lush and vibrant. Bright sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the ground. The leaves rustled gently in the breeze. A young man was riding a bicycle, a girl sitting behind him, her skirt fluttering softly in the breeze. Her arms wrapped around the boy’s waist, her face lit up with the sweetest smile.
The bike slowly glided down the avenue, and the young couple gradually faded out of view. The scene shifted, cutting to another setting.
A tranquil lakeside, with gentle ripples dancing across the water. The grass was a vibrant green. The girl, dressed in white, sat with her knees bent next to a handsome boy. He said something that made her laugh heartily, and her eyes curved like. crescents, sparkling
Her laughter was so infectious that the boy who had been speaking became mesmerized by her smile. Suddenly, he stopped talking. His face leaned in closer to hers. Surprised by his silence, the girl turned her head toward him, and their lips were just about to meet–
The video cut off abruptly.
Suddenly, Clarence swept his arm across the desk, crashing everything to the floor. Papers, pens, and electronics clattered and smashed in a chaotic symphony of noise.
The door burst open immediately, and Randy stood there, stunned by the total mess. He had never seen Clarence lose his temper like this.
“Mr. Vanderbilt… Randy called softly, his usual calm demeanor replaced with concern.
“Get out!” Clarence growled, picking up the laptop before him and hurling it violently to the ground.
Randy stood speechless. He thought, Who could have ignited such an inferno of rage?
Clarence’s chest heaved, his hands braced against the desk, his eyes blazing with fury, but there was also a deep. unmistakable pain. His lists clenched so tightly that his veins bulged. He had thought he could accept it, but now he realized he couldn’t
The girl in the video was Seraphina. The footage was from five years ago, just before they met. Back then, she had already
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been seeing someone
crise
Everyone had a past, and Clarence wasn’t so petty that he couldn’t handle someone’s history. Seraphina was sweet and beautiful. It made sense that boys would be drawn to her. But why him?‘ he thought. The one that I can never stand.
The video’s final scene replayed in his mind, their lips just inches apart. In such a perfect setting, he must have kissed
be inexperienced, claiming it was
Seraphina. And yet, a month later, Seraphina had stood before Clarence, pretending to g, he must have kissed
her first kiss.
What Clarence hated most was the deception of others. He thought, Seraphina, you shouldn’t have lied to me. Of all people. why him? Your past should never have been entangled with him! His phone buzzed. It was Seraphina.
Clarence’s gaze was cold as he stared at her name on the screen. He let it ring until the call was about to drop. At the last second, he slid to answer, “Hello,”
Hearing the deep voice on the other end, Seraphina paused, then cautiously asked, “Is something wrong? You sound upset.” “No.” Clarence’s tone softened a little. “Why are you calling?”
“Oh, nothing major, Seraphina said cheerfully. I just wanted to tell you that I finished my ballroom dance course. Ms. Butler praised me. Tomorrow night, I won’t embarrass you.”
“Mm.” Clarence’s response was flat. “Tomorrow, you’ll be the star of the night”
That evening. Clarence didn’t return to the villa. He only sent a message to Seraphina, saying he was spending time with Marilyn.
Seraphina, knowing how important it was for Clarence to be with his mother, didn’t interfere. Still, something about him felt off. but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.
Clarence had his people send over a gown for the event. It was moonlight silver, elegant and regal, with glittering diamond embellishments all over. The price tag? Seven figures, so expensive it left Seraphina speechless. Wearing something worth a fortune to the event, there was no way she wouldn’t be the center of attention
The next day, Seraphina returned to filming.
On set, Barbara came to visit
Seraphina
Seraphina stared at Barbara, who had slimmed down significantly, her jaw nearly hitting the floor. “Babe, is that really you? Are you the same Barb I know?”
Barbara was wearing a fitted dress that accentuated her waist. Now, at just 100 pounds, her figure was curvy and defined. Standing 55, her proportions were perfect, her long legs toned and glowing.
Her once–round face had slimmed down into a sharp jawline, which only made her already bright, expressive eyes even more captivating.
Several male actors passing by couldn’t help but steal glances at Barbara.
Barbara was living proof that weighted Barbara.
they’d never recognize the completely reinvented Barbara.
could be as transformative as plastic surgery, If someone didn’t know her well,
Barbara twirled around, the hem of her dress fluttering S
was beautiful. “Totally the real deal,” she said with a playful grin.
Seraphina gaye Barbara a double thumbs–up. “Barb, you’re absolutely amazing. I never imagined you’d be this determined. You’ve earned my full respect. You’re stunning. You’ve gone from being a solidly attractive woman to a true beauty queen.”
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Chapter 96
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Barbara laughed. “Just five more pounds, and I’ll go from a beauty queen to a knockout. As she spoke, she slung her arm around Seraphina’s shoulders, with a bit of playful pride. “So, tell ine, when we hit the streets looking fabulous, whose beauty will turn more heads–yours or mine?“
“Yours, yours.” Seraphina giggled.
“Oh please, we both know it’ll still be you. Barbara shrugged. “Even though I’ve transformed, I’ve to admit that the most beautiful girl is still you, Seraphina. I’m happy to be your wingwoman.”
“We’re both beautiful; no one is less than the other, Seraphina replied, noticing the bag Barbara was holding. She reached out to open it. “Is that the snack you promised me yesterday?”
“Yep.” Barbara admitted but hid the bag away slightly. She reached in, pulled out a pack of roasted almonds, and handed them over. “Here, your f
