Chapter 034: The Face of Vanity

Silas glanced at Sylvia but didn't deny her words. He turned his gaze toward the siblings outside the car, his eyes narrowing slightly.

He was confident that the two wouldn't bother to verify whether they had actually received invitations. If they found out he and Sylvia hadn't been invited, he couldn't afford to lose face like that!

He could look past Xenia—as the current head of the Pierce family, an invitation was to be expected. But for a junior like Seraphina to stand above them was something he couldn't tolerate!

Sylvia was tactful and had a bit of cleverness; she was reasonably attractive, had her own career, and her background was decent enough... This was why, despite having many women, Sylvia was the one who had stayed by his side the longest.

There was another point: Sylvia was the one the old man had chosen for him while he was alive. Before the Pierce family was in his hands, he couldn't leave a bad impression on others, so he had to keep Sylvia for now. Furthermore, the Foster family was reputable in Sea City; she could still be of use.

Seraphina didn't miss the subtle changes in their expressions. They were simply putting on a front.

"Is that so? That's such a pity. I thought Uncle and Auntie Sylvia were also going, so I was going to suggest we go together."

Seraphina smiled, continuing with an ambiguous tone: "I heard from my father that the school invited many alumni, including many people of extraordinary achievement and high prestige. My father even pushed his work back to clear an entire day to attend, hoping to make some connections that might help his future business. My thoughts are similar to his—I'm also hoping to do some networking."

She gave a light sigh. "Sigh, compared to Uncle and Auntie Sylvia, my father and I are far too pragmatic. You and Auntie are so noble, so indifferent to fame and fortune. Despite being an artist, I still can't seem to look past such things. No wonder it's been hard for me to write any satisfying music lately; it seems I really must learn from you both!"

Silas and Sylvia: "..."

If they actually had invitations, would they really not go? Did she think they didn't know a centennial anniversary like this was a prime opportunity to network? Connections were exactly what they lacked right now!

Being poked right in their sore spot by Seraphina was as frustrating as it could be. It was one thing to poke the wound, but she did it with such a boastful tone! It took everything they had not to explode on the spot.

Silas suppressed his emotions and gave a gentle, refined smile. "No wonder you receive so much praise from the elders of the great families; you certainly have a way with words, Seraphina."

He added with a tone of regret: "However, Auntie Sylvia and I aren't as 'noble' as you say; we truly just can't get away. If we could, how could we not go back to see our alma mater? Besides, even though we don't work at the Pierce Group and can't help the family directly, it would be a good thing for the family if we could make more connections."

"We are also very sorry that we can't attend."

"It really is a pity," Leo said with a half-smile. "How about this: Uncle and Auntie Sylvia, why don't you put your work aside for a moment and we all go together? No matter how busy you are, Auntie, it shouldn't be so urgent that you can't spare a moment, right?"

"As for Uncle, surely your boss wouldn't be so unreasonable? Your boss might even be invited himself. If you talk to him, he might make an exception. Or better yet, I can have my father call your boss to ask for leave for you. I'm sure your boss would show the Pierce family some face."

Seeing their expressions turn increasingly ugly, Leo’s smile deepened. "If you're truly busy, we can just drop in for a look and leave. It won't take much time."

"Uncle, Auntie Sylvia, what do you think?"