Chapter 24
"What is it?"
"Sera didn't have it easy at the Wipere family."
Wesley's brow furrowed.
"That foster mother at the Wipere family," Valencia paused, not going into specific details because she didn't know much herself, "wasn't very good to Sera. She went through a lot over there."
Wesley's expression darkened.
His daughter had suffered for twenty years out there. And he, her father, had known nothing about it.
Valencia's eyes reddened.
"Wesley," her voice caught, but her tone stayed firm, "I want to throw a homecoming banquet for Sera."
"We should," Wesley nodded immediately. "We were going to do it anyway. Now we're going big. Invite all the high-profile guests. Let everyone know that Sera is our daughter—a Windsor."
Valencia paused, her voice even more resolute. "Sera suffered so much at the Wipere family. Now that she's home, she can't be wronged again. Not even a little. The banquet has to be grand enough that everyone knows she's our precious girl. She's not someone just anyone can push around."
Wesley was silent for a few seconds.
He looked at his wife's reddened eyes, thought of his daughter's calm profile, and felt something twist painfully in his chest.
"You're right," he said, his voice heavy. "We'll do it. If we're doing it, we're doing it right. The venue, the guest list, the program—everything has to be perfect. Sera won't be wronged again."
Valencia wiped the corner of her eye and broke into a faint smile. "I'll handle the planning. You take care of the guests."
"Done."
The couple went back and forth, their voices brimming with anticipation and excitement.
Seraphine stepped out of the study and headed down the hallway toward her room.
As she rounded the corner, her phone buzzed.
She glanced down. It was a message from Flynn.
[Boss, there's something I want to run by you.]
Seraphine replied with one word: [Speak.]
Flynn responded quickly. [With your current skill level, how could I possibly teach you? I think I should skip the tutoring gig. Honestly, you've always been the one teaching me. I wanted to suggest that you consider enrolling at a design institute—not to learn the basics, but to expand your network and perspective. The top-tier Nimbus Design College here in the country is recruiting students right now. Want to think about it?]
Seraphine stared at the message, standing by the hallway window.
Since returning to the Windsor family, she really didn't have much to do.
Staying home all day was boring.
And she was genuinely interested in design.
[I'll think about it,] she replied.
Putting her phone away, she looked out the window. The sunlight was warm, the garden flowers in full bloom, butterflies flitting among the petals.
She thought of Xiomara being welcomed back, of her own cramped room at the Wipere Villa, of Haven's cutting remarks, of Xiomara's fake smiles.
All of that was behind her now.
Now, she had a new life. A new beginning.
She didn't want to be tied down by some marriage arrangement or have anyone dictate her life.
She wanted to do what she wanted.
A design college—that didn't sound bad.
Dinner time.
The family gathered around the long dining table, which was laden with exquisite dishes.
Wesley sat at the head, Valencia beside him, Seraphine and Ondine facing each other.
Seraphine set down her chopsticks and said flatly, "Dad, Mom, I want to enroll at Nimbus Design College."
Valencia, who had been serving her more food, paused mid-motion. Her eyes lit up instantly. "A design college? Sera, you want to study design?"
"Yes," Seraphine nodded. "I've always been interested."
"That's wonderful," Valencia put down her utensils, her face full of delight. "You studied fashion design before, didn't you? I saw some of your work—it had real talent. Going for further training will only take you to the next level."
Wesley also set down his utensils, looking at his daughter with eyes full of support. "If you like it, go. I'll make the arrangements. Nimbus Design College is one of the top design schools in the country. It's not easy to get in, but I know the dean. One phone call and it's done."
"No need to arrange anything," Seraphine said. "I'll apply myself."
"That won't do," Valencia said with a smile, her tone affectionate. "You suffered so much at the Wipere family. Now that you're home, you don't have to worry about anything. We'll handle the enrollment. You just focus on getting ready, and then you go to class."
Seraphine opened her mouth to refuse, but when she saw the expectation in Valencia's eyes, she swallowed her words.
"Alright," she said.
"Oh, by the way," Valencia suddenly remembered something and turned to Ondine. "Ondi's already studying at Nimbus Design College."
Ondine had been quietly eating, but at those words, she looked up, a well-mannered smile on her face.
"Perfect," Valencia said happily. "Sera's advanced class should be the same as yours. You two sisters will be together—you can look out for each other."
Ondine's eyes brightened just enough—not too much, not too little—just enough to make people think she was genuinely pleased.
"That's great!" She turned to Seraphine, her eyes sparkling, her voice full of anticipation and joy. "Seraphine, you have no idea—I don't really have any friends at school. It's so lonely by myself. Now that you're coming, it'll be so much better. We can go to class together, eat together, go shopping together. I'm already so happy just thinking about it."
Seraphine glanced at her and responded with a noncommittal hum.
Ondine's smile didn't waver, but something cold flickered deep in her eyes.
The chill passed so quickly it could have been imagined.
"Then it's settled," Valencia said cheerfully, already pulling out her phone to scroll through her contacts.
"I'll go handle the enrollment tomorrow. Ondi, you take good care of Sera at school. She's new and won't know her way around."
"Don't worry, Mom," Ondine said with a sweet, obedient smile. "I'll definitely take care of her. I know everything about the school. If she has any questions, she can ask me anytime."
"Good girl." Valencia nodded in satisfaction.
Dinner continued in a warm atmosphere.
Wesley and Valencia chatted about the homecoming banquet, Ondine occasionally chiming in with a soft voice and a perfectly measured smile.
Seraphine ate quietly, responding now and then, mostly just listening.
After dinner, Seraphine returned to her room.
Ondine stood in the hallway, watching her silhouette disappear behind the door. Her smile faded bit by bit.
She stood there, motionless, like a statue.
The hallway lights cast alternating shadows across her face, making her expression look eerily cold.
"Ms. Windsor."
A low voice came from behind her.
Ondine turned.
The butler, Zane, had appeared at the end of the hallway and was walking toward her.
"Zane," Ondine's voice was flat.
Zane stopped in front of her, bowing slightly, and lowered his voice. "Ms. Windsor, Ms. Wipere is also going to Nimbus Design College."
Ondine let out a cold laugh. "They just said that at dinner. I'm not deaf."