Chapter 55 The Real Princess

Chapter 55 The Real Princess

Kieran, always efficient and decisive, had already called Jasper to get the legal department started on the merger contracts. 

He also suggested they all go out for a meal to welcome Elara's inclusion.

Seraphina was thrilled at the idea of dining out. 

Elara, however, politely declined, saying she needed to inform Ethan and Thorne about the recent developments. 

Everyone at Story Revival Atelier had the right to know what was happening, especially Ethan. 

As a member of the Craigmor clan joining the Blackwood family's group, it wasn't a decision he could make alone.

Kieran, ever practical, offered to drive Elara home. 

This time, Seraphina sat in the backseat, curiously watching the scenery outside. 

She had seen this view hundreds of times, yet she seemed unusually interested today.

Seraphina noticed Elara watching her and rolled her eyes. "What are you staring at? Can't I just give you a ride?"

She was well aware of Seraphina's opportunistic nature, which was quite similar to the Blackwood family's ethos.

During their brief interaction today, Elara had already witnessed Harrison's tactics. 

This family was not to be underestimated.

"This isn't up to me, so don't look at me," Kieran suddenly said from the driver's seat.

Elara was slightly taken aback, unsure of what he meant. 

Seraphina blinked her pretty eyes and turned to look out the window, resting her arm on the sill and her cheek on her hand, remaining silent.

Kieran glanced at her and said calmly, "She needs a favor from you."

Elara was stunned. She suddenly realized that Kieran and Seraphina, despite their age difference, were quite similar in certain ways—their deliberate disguises, the constant smirk at the corners of their mouths; they were practically cut from the same cloth.

Elara started laughing, louder and louder, until Kieran and Seraphina were left bewildered, unable to stop her.

Kieran seemed to catch on and snorted, "What's so funny? Is your sense of humor that low?"

His expression reminded Elara of the scene earlier when he was seriously eating cake at the table. 

Jarvis had said Seraphina was the princess of the family, but to Elara, Kieran was the real princess, and Seraphina was the second in line.

Thinking of this, Elara laughed even harder, slumping in the passenger seat, gasping for breath. 

After a while, she finally calmed down, wiping away tears of laughter.

Seraphina didn't quite understand, but had never seen Elara laugh so heartily. 

She leaned over Elara's seat and asked earnestly, "Is it because you know I'm joining Story Revival Atelier that you're so happy?"

"Yeah, wait, what?" Elara instinctively agreed with her before realizing what she had said. 

Joining Story Revival Atelier? 

That meant joining the core business department of Blackwood Heritage Group's auction house? 

And she was only a teenager!

"Absolutely not," Elara firmly rejected. "You should be focused on school. Once the semester starts, you need to fully commit to your studies. Business matters are not your priority right now."

Kieran nodded. "Makes sense."

Seeing both of them disagree, Seraphina started to pout. "No way, I have to go!"

Kieran responded calmly, "Throwing a tantrum won't work on me. Give me your reasons."

"Artifact appraisal and restoration are the core departments of Blackwood Heritage Group's auction business because they are the central hubs for sourcing and pricing. Core members need strong skills, but most importantly, they need to be trustworthy. In two years, when she leaves, the core department should be taken over by our own people. And I, Seraphina, a genius, am the most suitable candidate." Seraphina explained.

Elara actually agreed with her reasoning. 

It was impressive for a teenager to have such insight, though she could do without the self-praise. 

Seraphina's talent was indeed rare, and her identity and abilities made her the perfect successor. 

But the issue was her age. 

She was in high school, attending Vossshire's prestigious school. 

Even in two years, she would still be a high school student, and her education shouldn't be compromised.

"Two years," Kieran said expressionlessly. "In two years, you need to graduate high school early and get into Vossshire University, studying archaeology and taking electives in history and market finance. During these two years, you can work as an assistant at Blackwood Heritage Group during your free time, holidays, and summer breaks. I'll give you a proper salary, but you won't have any official position. You can't use your status to order anyone around. The company is the company, and the family is the family. Can you distinguish between the two?"

"No problem, I agree," Seraphina said, lifting her chin with a determined and proud look.

"If I find your grades slipping at any point during these two years..."

Before Kieran could finish, Seraphina interrupted, "I'll go back to school and never set foot in Blackwood Heritage Group again."

"Alright, let's give it a try then."

"Yay! Make sure my personal office is in a bright, airy spot, preferably with glass walls on both sides so I can stay in a good mood!"

Seraphina's eyes sparkled as she fantasized about her future work life.

"Wake up," Kieran doused her enthusiasm. "You're an assistant, not a leader. You'll sit at the desk closest to Elara's office."

Elara was about to head home when Ethan messaged, saying he had just returned to the studio. 

She decided to turn the car around and go back to the studio.

When she saw Ethan, he seemed in high spirits, grinning at his phone. 

He was probably texting Sophia, Augustine, the girl from the Augustine family.

"Looks like things are going well," Elara said, putting down her bag and sitting on the couch with a smile.

"What?" Ethan asked.

"Aren't you chatting with Sophia?"

Elara recalled that Percival had mentioned Ethan seemed interested in Sophia from the Augustine family.

"No, I just sent a friend request. She hasn't accepted yet!"

As they were talking, Sylvia walked in and overheard Ethan's friend request. 

She widened her eyes and said, "Seriously? When did you become so infatuated? It's like your IQ dropped! Sorry, Ethan, you didn't have much IQ to begin with, so we can't spread false rumors, can we?"