Chapter 31

Why do I have to copy them manually? Can’t I just in it? Or pay someone else to do it for me?” Vivian grumbled, theatrically pouting as she wrapped her arm around Julian’s. “Lately. I’ve been run ragged! My m ental state is in shambles. You know the kind of trouble Seraphina has caused. I’m so stressed out!”

Using her soft voice and the pretense of vulnerability, Vivian played on Julian’s sympathy. He hesitated, his arm encircling her shoulders. “I’m sorry, babe. The issue is that much of the data is hand-recorded.

You know that when conducting experiments, the data is rarely typed up; it’s handwritten. Even a summarized report only comes at the end, Julian explained soothingly.

Julian continued, “I can’t trust anyone else to duplicate these notes. If we have to legally verify the authenticity of the notes in court, it could backfire horribly. I’ve mulled it over, and I know it’s inconvenient. But, sweetheart, we can’t afford to lose this fight, or Prosperian Company would crumble.

Unfortunately, the task falls on you.”

Julian punctuated his apologetic rant with a tender k*ss on Vivian’s forehead. Still, his attempts did little to soothe her.

“It’s all Seraphina’s fault! If she hadn’t set us up, we would be celebrating our award by now. We wouldn’t be having issues with financing sponsors. Everything would be running smoothly. Everything’s messed up because of her!” Vivian vented in frustration, slamming the papers onto the table.

Even though Julian agreed with her, even shared her anger, he knew their priority was to beat Seraphina at her own game. Once everything was in order, any help Seraphina received from Apex Corporation would be null.

After some coaxing, Julian finally managed to get Vivian to begrudgingly continue copying the notes.

Satisfied, Julian stepped aside to make a call, “Is it all set? Okay, I’ve reviewed the manuscript-no issues. Proceed right away!” A few minutes later, he ended the call.

Standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, Julian gazed out over the city, squinting slightly. The office was located on the thirty-seventh floor-a number Julian believed brought good luck. He believed his life would go smoothly without worries.

Until recent days, his trajectory had followed expectation, hurdles he’d faced in the infancy of his business quickly surpassed as Seraphina’s reputation soared, one successful project trailing behind another. His original plan was grand: secure sponsorship post-award, expand production, and increase his assets significantly- enough to lease the entire building. Then, they’d go public, he’d purchase the building outright and set his sights on overseas expansion. It was an aggressive plan, fitting his 14:18 Wed, 31 Jan DE.

high-reaching ambition, but the unforeseen obstacles were proving perilous.

Seraphina had inexplicably changed. She was no longer the compliant, obedient figure who’d wholeheartedly absorbed his dictations, willingly forgoing wages to fulfill his commands. Julian didn’t consider his affair a deal-breaker. He believed Seraphina free to question him, challenge him to choose. He was ready to financially support Seraphina indefinitely. In Julian’s perspective, a successful man having more than one woman wasn’t antiquated or offensive. After all, he only had two-a number he believed should land within Seraphina’s tolerance.

His breath clouded the window pane, blurring his view of the cityscape until it was nigh unrecognizable.

Taking a moment, Julian wiped away the condensation to view the city. anew. He was perched far too high to risk disappointing gravity. Regressing to his previous lifestyle was untenable-absolutely not.

Meanwhile, Seraphina met a trouble. She was anticipating a few bumps on the road, but she couldn’t have prepared for the frigid reception that awaited her. She was barred. entry into Mia’s office, her status as a non-employee serving as grounds for denial.

After patiently waiting for over half an hour with no indication of the meeting wrapping up, Seraphina gathered her courage and pushed through the door.

The assistant, caught unaware by this bold action, stuttered, “Ms. Lawson, she…”

Mia, now looking up from her meeting, was not pleased. “Who let you in?” she snipped, “This room is for staff members during meetings. Please leave.”

Not backing down, Seraphina replied co olly, “I’ve completed the onboarding process. I’m officially a part of the project department now, and I have every right to be here.” Asserting her new position, Seraphina took a seat at a nearby chair.

“So what?” Mia snapped back, icy eyes darting in Seraphina’s direction. “Up until you. earn my approval and recognition, you’re not officially part of this department.”

Their heated exchange cast a hush over the spectators in the room. It was common knowledge around the office why Mia had a chip on her shoulder towards Seraphina- the boss’s peculiar insistence on hiring her, despite the controversy that came in tow. It was peculiar, indeed.

The whole situation was perplexing. Seraphina was a magnet for trouble and controversy, but besides that, she didn’t display any remarkable talents or qualifications. There was only one plausible explanation-the rumor mill concluded unanimously- Seraphina must be their boss’s mistress.

There was doubt about her skillset, but one thing they were sure of: she must be proficient in seduction. It certainly explained why the boss was willing to push his trusted assistant aside to appease Seraphina.

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“I’m open to a challenge, Ms. Lawson, insisted Seraphina, nonchalantly shrugging her shoulders. “Tell me: how might I earn your recognition? I am perfectly willing to undergo a test or trial.”

Contrary to Freddie’s warnings about Mia’s spotty temperament, Seraphina found her blunt efficiency endearing. She’d much prefer her blatant expressions of dissatisfaction over any hidden agendas or insincere camouflages of friendship.

Julian and Vivian, who’d shown their malevolence straightforwardly, painted a more sinister picture compared to Mia.

Mia scoffed in response, her gaze smothered in disbelief. She clearly had little faith in Seraphina’s abilities.

“Big talk. Are you truly willing to be tested? Have you thought it through?” A smirk crossed Mia’s face-

the first hint of amusement she’d displayed-but the mockery in her voice tamed any sign of genuine warmth.

Without a shred of hesitation, Seraphina confirmed, “I stand by my words. Should I pass the test, will you agree to accept me into the project department?”

“Yes, but there’s a catch: failure means turning your resignation letter directly to Mr. Morse and an immediate departure, Mia retorted.

The room fell cerily silent as Mia’s ultimatum hung heavy in the air.

Seraphina’s response, however, was resolute. “Deal!”