Chapter 028: Xenia’s Shock

"We thought we’d tell you and Big Brother once we were settled. Otherwise, if Big Brother knew Silas was looking for a job, he’d probably go to the trouble of arranging something for him. We aren't children anymore; we can't keep letting Big Brother and Sister-in-law worry about everything like in the past, right?"

"Sister-in-law, don't worry. Silas and I can handle these small things ourselves; no need to trouble you and Big Brother."

"Those words make us sound like strangers." Xenia wasn't just being polite.

Although she felt Silas and Sylvia had changed a bit since returning, she and Quentin had helped them plenty both before and after they went abroad. Even in recent years, when they had their own jobs and could support themselves, she and Quentin frequently sent money to their cards, fearing they might be struggling overseas.

Now they were saying they could handle things themselves and didn't want them to worry. It sounded as if she and Quentin had neglected them all these years.

Even if Sylvia didn't necessarily mean it that way, hearing it made Xenia very uncomfortable.

"If Silas wanted to work, why not go to the family company? With his credentials, even without the title of a Pierce young master, he could secure a good position at the Pierce Group and help your elder brother."

If she had said this before, it would have been 100% sincere because, at that time, she had no suspicions toward them.

But now...

As she asked, she observed Sylvia’s reaction. She wanted to see if her children’s abnormal behavior was truly related to Sylvia and Silas.

But no matter how she looked, Sylvia’s face didn't betray a single hint of the information she sought. She couldn't tell if Sylvia was hiding it too deeply or if she was overthinking.

Seraphina, however, let out a cold sneer in her heart.

Not going to the Pierce Group? Why else?

Naturally, it’s to avoid suspicion.

To avoid suspicion for the eventual deaths of her entire family!

If her parents and brother were killed in succession as they were in her past life, the public’s reaction would be the same: they’d think that since Silas didn't even enter the family company and preferred to rely on his own strength, how could he possibly covet the Pierce legacy?

When Silas eventually took power, it would be seen as a situation where there was no one else in the Pierce family capable of the role, and the shareholders forced him into it.

She remembered that in her past life, when everyone pushed Silas into power, he had even tried to decline. For that, he had earned a lot of praise. People said he wasn't greedy for wealth or status at all and was very noble—rarely did someone raised in a prominent family have such indifference to fame and fortune.

Even she had been moved at first. Because after Silas was "forced" into power, he claimed he would groom her, the eldest daughter, to take over. He said she was the rightful heir and that once he had trained her, he would return everything that belonged to her.

She believed him.

But a few days later, she nearly met the same fate as Leo—being pushed off a high building. If Silas Sterling hadn't appeared just in time, Silas Pierce’s plot would have succeeded.

Everything the Pierces owned would be in his hands, and Silas would still have the reputation of being a noble man indifferent to wealth.

What a calculation!

"Silas has his own ideas. He doesn't crave wealth; he only took up this line of work because he loves his field of study and wants to do work related to it. Of course, the Pierce Group also hires venture capital experts, and Silas could develop there too, but he doesn't want outsiders to say he only achieved success because of the name 'Pierce'..."

Sylvia seemed somewhat helpless. "So Sister-in-law, just let him be."

"Is that really what Silas thinks? He’s so silly; he’s a member of the Pierce family and his achievements are right there, who would dare say anything?"

Sylvia was about to say something, but Xenia continued her sighing, giving her no chance to speak.

Xenia said, "However, since Silas has his own ideas, we shouldn't force him. If things don't go well out there, tell him to talk to your elder brother. Let Big Brother arrange a position at the Pierce Group that suits him. Nowhere is as comfortable as one’s own home. You young people truly don't know how to enjoy a good life when you have it."

Sylvia: "...!"

Seraphina: "..." She suddenly felt like laughing.

It’s not that we won't let Silas enter the family company; it’s that you yourselves aren't willing. Young people don't know how to enjoy life and always want to venture out.

In this way, if Silas wanted to enter the Pierce Group in the future, it wouldn't be so easy.

The moment he wanted to join, people would say he only came back because he couldn't make it on the outside.

Another implication was that Silas lacked the ability; without the Pierce Group, he couldn't survive in Sea City. Some might even doubt if his resume from all those years abroad was real.

Could this be considered "shooting oneself in the foot"?

It seemed she should use her decent computer skills to spread this news well on the internet while the heat of Silas and Sylvia’s return hadn't faded.

In this life, she would not let Silas feel that this move was the right one!

Sylvia managed a stiff smile, avoiding the main point. "Thank you, Sister-in-law. If he really can't make it on the outside, I’ll tell him, and we’ll trouble Big Brother to arrange something then."

"Speaking of which, the reason Silas and I dare to venture out while we’re young is because we have the Pierce family behind us. We know that even if we don't do well, the family won't truly ignore us. It’s Big Brother and Sister-in-law who gave us the confidence to strike out on our own."

"Oh, you. You’ve had a sweet tongue since you were little; you always know exactly what people want to hear."

"Let’s not talk about Silas anymore; let’s talk about you. Silas has signed with a company, but what about you? What are your plans? Staying home or...?"

Staying home?

Sylvia sneered in her heart.

Staying home meant being a housewife. If she became a housewife, Silas would likely abandon her for someone else within two months. What Silas wanted was someone who could help him in his career, not a canary kept in a cage.

If she had a wealthy family background that could help Silas, she might have the confidence to be a housewife, but unfortunately, she didn't! Even though the Fosters had acknowledged her, few of them supported her, and they certainly wouldn't support Silas for her sake!

Between Quentin and Silas, the head of the Foster family would undoubtedly choose Quentin!

However, she wasn't worried; she had enough confidence to help Silas in her career. In other countries, she was already a somewhat famous fashion designer. Returning home this time and utilizing public opinion, her fame had grown. Now, few in Sea City didn't know that the Foster daughter who had been abroad for twelve years was a fashion designer—and a "famous" one at that.

As for the word "famous," how many people would actually investigate it seriously?

She only needed a fashion show to prove her strength and establish her reputation in Sea City once and for all!

"I have some savings and plan to open a studio. Next, I’ll focus on preparing a fashion show to gain a foothold in Sea City for the time being. As for the future, I’ll take it one step at a time."

When she mentioned the words "fashion show," Seraphina glanced at her with a neutral expression.

The corners of her lips curved slightly.

Very good.

This was exactly what she wanted, though it was a bit beyond her expectations. In her past life, she hadn't paid much attention to Sylvia’s affairs, and since she had been away from Sea City for a period due to performances, she didn't know if Sylvia had ever held a fashion show.

But she knew that Sylvia was a fashion designer.

"Alright, as long as you have plans. If you need any help, just let me know. Although I’m not in this industry, I still know a few people in Sea City," Xenia said, seemingly glancing casually toward Seraphina.

She wanted to see Seraphina’s reaction to Sylvia’s words.

Unfortunately, there was nothing.

Seraphina just sat there quietly with her glass of milk, listening to them talk. One couldn't even tell if she was interested in the topic.

Xenia suddenly felt a shiver of fear.

Could it be... that I can no longer see through my own daughter?