Chapter 030: Centennial Anniversary

Seraphina had not overlooked this question, but she had her own concerns.

If Lin Zhi and Mia lived at the Pierce mansion...

First, with Silas and Sylvia just having returned, the sudden appearance of two assistants who moved directly into the house would inevitably draw their attention and make them wary. If they planned to move against her parents, they might use tactics to lure Lin Zhi and Mia away, which would defeat her purpose for hiring them.

Second, given Lin Zhi and Mia’s backgrounds, while she could guarantee their safety from their organization, she couldn't ensure that assassins wouldn't launch a sudden strike before she could react. In such a case, her parents would be in even more danger. During the day, even if those people tracked them down, they wouldn't dare act directly, and Lin Zhi and Mia’s skills would serve as a strong deterrent.

Even if the chances of these scenarios were slim, Seraphina was unwilling to take the risk.

Third, having them live in their own apartment made it easier for them to visit their son. That apartment was very close to the private hospital and kindergarten she had chosen.

Seraphina didn't intend to explain all this, so she simply said, "It’s not quite conventional for assistants to live in the house."

Mia fell silent. It was true. Whether a professional or personal assistant, living in the employer’s home was unusual and would draw suspicion.

"Any other questions?" Seraphina asked.

Mia shook her head. "No more."

"Then try your best to stay by my mother's side during the day."

Mia understood her meaning. "I understand. Rest assured, Miss."

The feeling hadn't been as strong initially, but now that she knew her son’s illness was being managed by a specialized medical team and his schooling was settled, Mia and Lin Zhi were profoundly grateful. Mia’s words to Seraphina were heartfelt. Both she and her husband truly wanted to protect Seraphina’s parents.

Seraphina gave her a nod and headed upstairs to her room. Since she had decided to use her computer skills, she wasn't just talking.

She began spreading the news that Silas had found a job and wanted to build a career on his own without relying on the family, naturally adding a bit of "flavor" to the story.

In less than half an hour, voices praising Silas began to multiply online. This was Seraphina’s goal. She wanted everyone to know that Silas had no designs on the Pierce Group.

In reality, did Silas have designs on it? Of course he did.

By doing this, she protected her parents and Leo, and Silas would lose the opportunity he had in her past life to "reluctantly" take over the company. It would be impossible for the ambitious Silas to give up on seizing the company, but when that time came, the people praising him today would be the ones cursing him most fiercely.

She didn't plan to let Silas actually seize anything; she only needed to wait for the right moment to let his ambition be "accidentally" exposed.

Once finished, Seraphina called Zoey to ask for the specific date of her fashion show. Zoey was likely busy and took a while to answer.

"Sera? What’s up? Calling at this hour—did you draw a new design for me?" Toward the end, Zoey’s voice was clearly excited. Seraphina could imagine her expression.

There was a brief silence. "No," she said.

Zoey sounded disappointed. "Oh, I thought you might have. Sera, you have no idea—I finished a prototype based on your design, and I couldn't believe it came from my own hands. I’ve realized that while I don't have a talent for design, my craftsmanship is actually quite good. Sera, I had an idea: in the future, you handle the designs and I’ll handle the making. We’ll make a fortune together. What do you think?"

Seraphina: "...That sounds good. Though, don't you think 'making a fortune' is a bit of an odd choice of words?"

"Who cares if it’s odd? I just want to make the big bucks. If we partner up, we’re sure to get rich! Hehehe..."

Seraphina: "..."

She knew Zoey had good craftsmanship; otherwise, she wouldn't have trusted her with the designs. After all, these were the pieces she planned to use to crush Sylvia. But she truly hadn't expected Zoey to be so focused on making money.

"Zoey, what happened to 'striving for your dreams'?"

"This

is

my dream. Turning what I love into a career and making a fortune is my dream," Zoey said righteously.

In truth, she wasn't short on money. She hadn't thought about making a profit in this industry before; she just loved it and wanted to keep doing it. But ever since Seraphina invested in her, she realized that having her own money was the only way to do whatever she wanted. She had become inexplicably obsessed with wealth.

Seraphina didn't know this.

"Sera, have you finished the unique logo for the pieces? Send it to me once it’s done. Once we have the logo, the first piece will be perfect."

"...Not yet. I’ll finish it tonight and send it tomorrow." In truth, it was already finished, but because Zoey mentioned a partnership, she changed her mind. Since it was a joint effort, the logo should incorporate elements from both of them.

She knew Zoey wouldn't mind, but if Zoey knew she was doing this, she would definitely refuse. So, Seraphina decided not to tell her.

"Alright, I’ll wait for you."

Then, Zoey thought of something and asked, "By the way, Sera, what’s going on with your family lately? It seems your young uncle and his fiancée are back? It’s been quite a stir."

She wanted to say that this was unlike the Pierces' usual low-profile style. She wondered if the rest of the family was unhappy or if Seraphina’s mood had been affected. She also wanted to say that it didn't look like the reporters had just stumbled upon them, but rather like it was orchestrated, and Sera should be on guard.

On second thought, it was a family matter, and it wasn't good to say too much. If they didn't have those thoughts and her words provoked a conflict, she’d be causing harm with good intentions.

"It’s just a small matter," Seraphina said.

A small matter?

Zoey felt Seraphina was still too naive. In a family like theirs, who was truly indifferent to fame and fortune? Not everyone was like Seraphina.

In the eyes of Zoey and those familiar with her, Seraphina was indeed someone who didn't care for wealth and was solely devoted to music. Despite being excellent in all areas since childhood, she had never sought power. If someone else had such innate advantages, they might not be as selfless as she was.

After a moment, Zoey said, "It’s not a huge deal, but Sera, in families like ours, you shouldn't have the intent to harm others, but you must have the mind to guard against them."

She left it at that. She believed Seraphina would understand.

"Don't worry about me. Just focus on your fashion show. Didn't you say you were going to make a fortune with it?" Seraphina chuckled.

She was indeed in a good mood. Zoey had always been a true friend, in both this life and the last.

Mentioning the show successfully diverted Zoey’s attention. "Of course!"

"I'll call you as soon as I finalize the date. Wait for my good news. If you aren't busy, come by the studio. It’d be even better if you could help out."

"I wouldn't be much help at the studio."

Seraphina was telling the truth, but Zoey didn't believe her. She felt that someone who could design such masterpieces wouldn't be bad at the craft, and working together would make things much easier.

What Zoey didn't know was that Seraphina’s ability to design came from her vision combined with her painting skills. She had never learned to actually make clothes.

"I was just saying. The fact that you could squeeze time out from your music to draw designs is already a pleasant surprise. I can't be too greedy."

Suddenly, Zoey thought of something else. "Oh, Sera, you skipped grades in high school so you might not be in the class group chat. Someone mentioned that next week is the Sea City First High centennial anniversary. A few classmates received invitations; did you get one? With your current achievements, you're a figure in the school's history. You should have one. Remind your family to check the mail; it might be there."

Sea City First High? Anniversary? Next week?

Silas Sterling would surely receive an invitation too.

Would he be there?