Chapter 061: Fiona is Fuming

Seraphina had initially considered saying that if Jeanette’s mother were still alive, she certainly wouldn't want to see her daughter slandered this way, using that to motivate her.

On second thought, she decided against it.

The fact that Jeanette’s mother had passed away was an indelible pain for her; it would be unethical to use that as a bargaining chip.

However, there were certain things Jeanette needed to know, and Seraphina would not hide them.

Seraphina was not a saint; she wasn't helping Jeanette purely out of sympathy. She truly valued Jeanette’s talent and wanted her to work for her.

To do that effectively, Jeanette needed to be fully committed.

"Take a look at this document."

It wasn't anything overly complex—it was the truth behind the death of Jeanette’s mother.

Jeanette’s life story was indeed cliché and dramatic; even her mother's death was inextricably linked to her stepmother.

With a look of confusion, Jeanette took the file.

She opened it.

As she read the contents, she began to tremble with rage.

A intense, thick hatred filled her eyes.

"I agree! As long as I can have my revenge, just tell me what you need me to do!"

"Now isn't the time to discuss that," Seraphina said. "We’ll talk in detail once your emotions have stabilized."

Jeanette stared at her blankly, a bit surprised.

She thought that since Seraphina had investigated so much and confronted her in person, she wouldn't have bothered with such considerations.

"There is one thing I’d like to ask, Miss Pierce."

Seraphina gestured for her to go ahead.

"That night... that night at Dawn, was it just a coincidence that Miss Pierce was there?"

"Finding you was no coincidence. I specifically hired a private investigator to track your whereabouts. Learning you were at Dawn, I went there specifically for you. However, running into you just as someone was about to spike your drink and stepping in to help—that was not part of my original plan."

Jeanette let out a sigh of relief.

Even she wasn't sure why hearing this made her feel relieved.

"Thank you," Jeanette said.

"Not just for the help that night, but for telling me all this and giving me a chance at revenge."

Seraphina smiled. "No need for thanks. You can think of this as a transaction where we both get what we need."

The next day, Seraphina and Jeanette finalized their upcoming plans.

A few days later, with Seraphina providing the capital and Jeanette providing the expertise, a venture capital firm named "Sheng Tian" was established. When Jeanette discovered that Seraphina’s knowledge of venture capital was in no way inferior to her own, she was shocked and grew even more respectful of her.

During these days, Seraphina and Solas didn't meet in person, but they stayed in touch, exchanging messages every day.

They didn't talk about anything heavy—just recent interesting happenings, or simply reminding each other to eat.

Solas was busy with something and was currently away from Seahaven.

Mrs. Pierce had gone back to work, leaving the banquet preparations entirely to Seraphina.

This was perfect for Seraphina’s arrangements.

In her past life, it was at this very banquet that Leo met with his accident.

This banquet was now happening nearly two months earlier than before.

Seraphina’s thought was simple: since Tyler Pierce and Fiona wanted to cause trouble at the banquet, she would cooperate. It was time to deal with at least one of those two.

A few more days passed. Seraphina had finished most of the banquet arrangements. The results of the competition that Sera Zale had entered using Seraphina’s designs were also out.

One evening after dinner, Seraphina and Leo were walking in the courtyard when they happened upon Fiona making a phone call.

Since Seraphina gave Fiona that "lesson" and left her face bruised and battered, she hadn't seen her.

Whether Fiona was hiding from her or simply didn't want anyone to see her disfigured state, she rarely came to the main building, having her meals sent to Tyler’s villa instead.

"What did you say?! Only a second-tier prize? You said there were no formidable competitors this time and guaranteed me the Grand Prize! Now you’re telling me that not only did I miss the Grand Prize, I didn't even get a first-tier one?!"

"Sorry? Does saying sorry change the result! You can't even handle a small task—what use are you?!"

"Find out exactly who won the Grand Prize. If you don't give me a definite answer by tomorrow, you’re fired!"

She looked up and saw Seraphina and Leo walking nearby; they had been stopped by her shouting and were watching her.

Fiona was already fuming, and seeing Seraphina reminded her of the incident a few days ago. Her legs began to tremble uncontrollably; she had actually developed a sliver of fear for Seraphina from the bottom of her heart!

This was something Fiona could not tolerate.

Worse, not only were her legs shaking, but her face also throbbed with pain, which was even more unbearable.

If not for Seraphina, she wouldn't have been so humiliated, let alone disfigured! That day, Seraphina had even dumped her on the road, and her phone had broken when she fell. It took nearly an hour of waiting before she found a car willing to give her a lift—and the man turned out to be a creep who nearly took advantage of her!

The more she thought about it, the angrier she got!

She thought she would have some good news, but now she was told that the fashion design competition she entered to build her reputation early only yielded a second-tier prize!

One Grand Prize, two first-tier prizes, and three second-tier prizes!

What was the use of a second-tier prize?

And to top it off, her phone call was overheard by the two people she currently despised most!

Seeing Fiona making such a distorted face while on the phone and hearing what she said, Leo blinked at Seraphina in confusion.

What kind of madness is this?

Seraphina naturally didn't answer, even though she knew exactly what Fiona was talking about and why she was so angry.

Fiona was right there; if she spoke, wouldn't she be telling Fiona?

Some things shouldn't be revealed too early; it’s much more interesting to deliver the fatal blow at the critical moment.

"What's wrong, Aunt Fiona? Did something happen? Also, I haven't seen you for a few days—what happened to your face? Did you trip and fall?"

Seraphina continued on her own, not giving Fiona a chance to answer, "It looks like a heavy injury. I wonder if it will leave a scar."

Leo: "..."

When did Sis learn to speak so cryptically?

It was enough to make someone die of anger, yet she left no room for fault-finding; the person just had to swallow it.

Fiona’s face twitched with rage, but she forced a smile. "It just looks serious, but it's actually a minor injury. It’ll recover in a few days; it won't leave a scar!"

"Is that so? That's quite a pity then."

After saying that, Seraphina quickly covered her mouth with a look of feigned shock. "I'm so sorry, a slip of the tongue. I meant to say, it's good that it won't leave a scar. How fortunate."

Leo, witnessing the whole thing, felt his eyelid twitch. "..."

He seemed to have a new understanding of his sister.

This was just too...

He couldn't find the right word for a moment, but essentially, it overturned his previous perception of her.

Having infuriated Fiona into leaving, the siblings continued their walk.

"Sis, how do you think she managed to get herself into that state?"

Seraphina chuckled. "Who knows."

She truly didn't know the specifics, but seeing how Fiona couldn't suppress her anger at the sight of her, it likely had quite a bit to do with her.

But so what?

To be honest, Fiona’s current appearance was quite... unique.

It definitely wouldn't heal in a short time.

The fashion show and banquet were in half a month. When Fiona appeared before everyone with that face...

Tsk tsk.

That would certainly be a sight to behold.