A Warm Marriage After Rebirth

Chapter 246: Chapter 246: Dowry (8)

”So? Do you agree to my terms?” Seraphina Sterling had already foreseen his excitement upon seeing the proposal. ’Any man with career ambitions would find this plan impossible to resist!’

Leo Jennings’s eyes glittered with excitement. ”I would be honored!”

And just like that, a partnership was formed.

After Leo Jennings left, Seraphina Sterling closed her eyes to rest, reflecting on everything she had accomplished over the past half-year.

Apex Collections had already firmly established itself in Sanford’s Antiques Circle after the traditional Apex cultural exchange. Furthermore, at a recent auction, the Blue and White Porcelain piece provided by Apex Collections had fetched a staggering 135 million. This sent shockwaves through the Antiques Circle, instantly propelling Apex Collections into the ranks of top-tier firms for antique collection and appraisal.

She wasn’t worried about Apex Collections at all. As long as it stood out at the upcoming Appraisal Convention and broke into the Aethelgard market, her plan would be complete. The Appraisal Convention was a tradition in the Antiques Circle, a type of cultural exchange meant to promote antiques. From every corner of the nation, each region would first select its most valuable antique. The company possessing that piece would earn the right to represent its province in Aethelgard and attend the grand event.

The last day of the Appraisal Convention always culminated in an auction, where the selected antiques were typically sold. Many pieces had fetched astronomical prices at these very auctions!

Apex Collections had the Snow Hall Inkstone, and with an excellent manager like Joel Xavier at the helm, there shouldn’t be any problems. She just had to wait for the results. She estimated that by the time she got her college acceptance letter, Apex Collections would be entering Aethelgard.

As for Apex Auction House, she had already witnessed Mindy Marshall’s capabilities firsthand. The complete success of its debut was proof enough of her strength. With Joel Xavier’s cooperation, the auction house would only grow stronger.

The M Investment deal was also finalized. She had made all the preparations she could. All the pieces were in place; she was just waiting for the final push.

The college entrance exams. She would use them to return to Aethelgard on her own terms!

”What are you thinking about? You’re so lost in thought! Careful all that thinking only makes you craftier, not taller!” During these two-plus months in the hospital, Terrence Grant genuinely felt like he was raising a daughter, even though they were only six years apart!

”Five-foot-seven is tall enough. I don’t need to get any taller!” Seraphina Sterling shot him a glance. Every time Terrence Grant treated her like a child, she felt the urge to just die. ’If I think about it carefully, I’m probably a few years older than him!’ ”What is it? Do you need something?”

”I have to go back to Aethelgard. My flight is in a little while.” In truth, Terrence Grant wanted to stay with her through the college entrance exams, wait until she got her acceptance letter, and then go back together. He didn’t feel at ease leaving her alone, nor could he bear to.

Seraphina Sterling froze for a second, a look of surprise flashing across her face before vanishing. Then, she smiled faintly, her expression blossoming into a perfect smile. ”Have a safe trip!”

Terrence Grant felt a pang of displeasure. ’Why isn’t this girl showing any emotion? Doesn’t she feel reluctant to see me go?’ ”That’s it?”

Seraphina Sterling raised a delicate eyebrow. ”What more were you expecting? Should I bang gongs and beat drums to throw you a farewell party?”

A farewell party—

Terrence Grant was exasperated. He let out a soft sigh. ”I’ll be waiting for you in Aethelgard. Do well on your exams. And while I’m gone, no flirting with other boys. Remember, you’re taken now!”

Terrence Grant himself hadn’t realized it yet, but ever since deciding to be with Seraphina Sterling, a change had occurred. It used to be him making others sigh; now, he was the one sighing more and more. And as for his so-called principles, who knows where they had run off to. He had completely compromised, and all his principles had gone out the window!

Seraphina Sterling rolled her eyes in exasperation. ”I belong only to myself! Whether or not I flirt with other boys is my business, and it has nothing to do with you.”

Those words undoubtedly struck a nerve. He suddenly pulled Seraphina Sterling into his arms and captured her lips, silencing that little mouth that never seemed to say anything he liked to hear.

The suddenness of their parting drove him to a frenzy. He kissed her desperately, his actions domineering and forceful, as if to prove his very existence to her.

Not until a knock came at the door. ”Sir, if we don’t leave now, you’ll miss your flight.”

Terrence Grant finally let her go. A thin, silvery thread lingered on her cherry-red lips. ”Do well on your exams. Behave yourself. I’ll be waiting for you in Aethelgard.”

Terrence Grant and Hughes left in a hurry. Seraphina Sterling remained alone in the hospital room, quietly gazing out the window at the lush greenery. A few children in hospital gowns were laughing under the sun. She could hear the chirping of insects. The weather seemed to be getting hotter and hotter; even her eyes were starting to sweat.

”Seraphina, are you all right?” Kimberly Jennings, who had watched Terrence Grant leave, asked with some concern.

”I’m fine. It’s just too hot. Let’s get the discharge papers ready. The college entrance exams are only a few days away, I need to start studying hard!” ’Actually, her body had been ready for discharge for a while, but Terrence Grant had been too domineering to allow it. Now that he was back in Aethelgard, there was no one left to boss her around!’

”You don’t have to push yourself so hard. If we don’t pass this time, there’s always the next!”

”It’s not hard work. Your daughter’s a smart one, you know. This coursework is no problem for me at all! Besides, even if I fail the exam this time, it’s not like I can stay here, right? The Sterling Family... they’ve contacted you, haven’t they?” Seraphina Sterling sighed softly. ’Everything seemed to be happening a bit sooner than she’d anticipated.’

”So you already know.” Kimberly Jennings sighed helplessly. ”They were so determined when they kicked us out back then. For them to ask us to come back now... they’re definitely up to no good!”

”Whether their intentions are good or bad, we’ll find out when we go back.” ’She knew exactly what the Sterling Family was planning.’