Chapter 112 Depends on the Person
The others were whatever—they'd been polite because she was young. But Adrian? He'd bullied her constantly. When had he ever spoiled her?
Jessica smiled mysteriously. "That's because you don't understand. You have no idea."
Serena frowned. "Well if you know, tell me!"
Jessica was about to say more when they reached the private room. Both fell silent by tacit agreement. Jessica looped her arm through Serena's and pushed open the door.
The room was huge. A marble sculpture just inside blocked the view from the entrance. Only after walking around it did Serena see that over twenty people filled the space. The table was ridiculously large.
Monica Jones sat at the head. Their eyes met across the room. Monica didn't rush over warmly like she used to. She didn't even get up from her seat. She just smiled at them. "Jessy and Serena, you're here together. Serena, long time no see."
Her gentle tone concealed a condescending smugness.
Serena caught it but simply smiled back graciously. "Yeah, long time no see." There was a smile, but her demeanor was notably cool. No trace of the inferiority or flattery you'd expect from someone whose family had fallen from grace.
This was unexpected. Monica's expression froze for a moment, though she quickly recovered. "We were just talking about you."
An awkward hush fell over the table. Everyone who'd been looking at Serena quickly averted their eyes.
Serena could tell the topic hadn't been flattering. She smiled again. "Really? I thought after being gone from New Valley so long, I'd just be a name to everyone. Didn't realize I was still interesting enough to discuss. Please, don't let me stop you."
Another silence descended. No one had expected Serena to handle this so smoothly, despite the Rothwell family's fall from grace.
Jessica's cold gaze swept over everyone present. People immediately looked down, suddenly very busy eating or drinking.
Someone laughed nervously, trying to smooth things over. "Now that Jessy and Serena are here, we're all set for tonight."
Monica could afford to dismiss Serena now, but most people at the table didn't dare offend Jessica. Monica's expression soured, though she maintained her smile. "Don't just stand there. Sit down and chat. I saved seats for you both."
Two empty chairs sat beside her. Now that she'd spoken, the nearest person quickly pulled out a chair. "Jessy, please sit."
Jessica thanked them but didn't rush to sit. Instead, she turned to Serena. "Serena, you take this one."
Serena didn't argue and sat down. Only then did Jessica pull out the adjacent chair.
Of everyone present, the Jones and Rivers families were roughly equal in status. Everyone else ranked lower. But because of Serena, Monica and Jessica were at odds, creating an awkward atmosphere.
Monica broke the ice first, smiling at Serena. "Serena, now that you're back in New Valley, are you planning to work at the Rothwell Group?"
The question sounded polite enough, but the contempt and arrogance in her eyes were unmistakable. Most eyes in the room turned toward Serena. After all, the Rothwell Group had been declining for years. Three years ago, they'd stopped making the guest list for Jones family events.
Serena remained unhurried, meeting Monica's gaze directly. "Maybe I will, maybe I won't."
Monica smiled again. "Then I'd suggest you don't. Find yourself another path. Otherwise when the Rothwell Group collapses, it'll be too late to look for options."
This was a topic they often discussed privately, but Monica had just dragged it into the open—pure contempt and disdain.
Serena understood now. Monica had invited her here specifically for this—to grind Serena under her heel. To Serena, this was nothing. But Jessica couldn't take it. She was about to explode when Serena squeezed her hand under the table.
Jessica looked at Serena's composed expression, her heart aching.
Serena just smiled at Monica. "Ms. Jones, you have a point. Though whether it's too late really depends on the person."
She left it vague, hoping Monica would take the hint and back off. After all, everyone remembered how Monica had sucked up to Serena ten years ago. That had probably been Monica finding herself an escape route back then.
The reminder hit home. Monica's face turned thunderous.
No one dared speak. Not because they were afraid of offending Serena, but because Jessica was untouchable. And no one wanted to get in Monica's line of fire either.
Only Jessica had no fear of Monica. She laughed scornfully. "That's right—depends on the person. Well said. Ms. Jones, you went around brown-nosing the elite back in the day. I won't deny it was one path, one anyone could take. But for our Serena? Building a business from nothing and carving out a place for herself in Sweetwater City? That's a path not everyone can walk."
"What the hell are you implying, Jessica?"
Monica snapped, fury blazing as she slammed the table and shot to her feet.
Jessica's reply was ice-cold. "Not implying anything."
Then she turned to Serena. "Serena, we're leaving."
Serena nodded and rose gracefully. Jessica pulled her toward the exit.
At the door, Jessica glanced back. Under everyone's gaze, she gave Monica a contemptuous smile. "No wonder everyone says those things about you. Today I finally see it for myself. This meal's on me. Enjoy your dinner, everyone."
One sentence, dripping with confidence.
But that sentence made Monica completely lose it. She screamed at Jessica, "Who's everyone? Who the hell is everyone?"
Her voice was shrill and grating.
Jessica's smile brightened. "What do you think?"
Without sparing another glance at the unhinged Monica, she pulled Serena out. The moment the door closed, a piercing shriek erupted from the private room, followed by the sound of things being smashed.