Chapter 123
Seraphine's POV
"You want to talk to Octavius?" Heath frowned disapprovingly, looking at me. "Don't you see the situation clearly? What's there to talk about? Octavius is obviously set on going against us."
"That's exactly why I need to go ask him face to face. Even if we can't reach an agreement, I want him to know that the Whitaker Group isn't someone to be pushed around." I looked at Heath steadily. "Either way, I want to try."
I was the one who brought Octavius in for the partnership in the first place. Now that he's backing out, both sides will take losses, but if I just accept it without trying to fix things, the shareholders will definitely have issues with me.
Heath clearly knew what I was thinking. After looking at me silently for a moment, he waved his hand helplessly. "Sometimes I really think you're my actual daughter—you think just like me. Go ahead, but don't get your hopes up too high, or you'll just be disappointed."
I nodded slightly and smiled. "Okay, I got it. I'll go see him first thing tomorrow morning."
With that, I went straight back to my room.
The next day.
I arrived at the Capulet Group, and the receptionist directed me straight to the CEO's office.
Octavius was at his desk handling documents.
I'd been to this place many times before.
Every time I came, I'd either act cute and playful with Octavius, or discuss business matters with him.
I'd never come here like this before—as a stranger, to discuss a partnership.
I cleared my throat lightly to get his attention.
Octavius slowly lifted his head. His handsome face seemed even thinner, with sharp features and a cold, unapproachable aura in his eyes.
He showed no surprise. "Ms. Whitaker, to what do I owe the honor? Is there something you need to discuss with me?"
Hearing him use that tone—like I was a complete stranger—I suppressed the discomfort in my heart and walked over. "Mr. Capulet, we need to talk about terminating the partnership. A unilateral termination is a loss for both sides, especially for your group. The penalty fees and upfront costs should..."
"Ms. Whitaker is overthinking." Octavius cut me off, his voice tinged with mockery. "The Capulet Group doesn't lack that bit of money. Being able to completely cut ties with you at this price is well worth it."
Caught off guard by those words, my heart ached so much that even my fingertips curled involuntarily.
I took a deep breath to stay calm. "What exactly do you mean? Our partnership was mutually beneficial. I've given my all to your project, and if we just follow the original plan, we'll both make a lot of money! I don't understand what you're doing. Is this all because of Quinlan?"
Octavius narrowed his eyes and suddenly stood up.
He looked down at me. "Seraphine, just because you don't know about certain things doesn't mean they don't exist. What the Whitaker family did in the past, the debts they owe—they're worth repaying a hundredfold."
"What debts? What are you talking about?" I immediately pressed Octavius, not wanting to drift apart from him in confusion.
Feeling wronged, I couldn't help but speak without thinking. "You used to help me, be good to me. Now you're afraid Quinlan will get angry and jealous, so you can't wait to use this method to prove you only like her now, that you'll only be good to her?"
Octavius frowned. "What are you talking about?"
"Aren't I right?" I got even angrier. "Otherwise, why would you use such a drastic method, willing to take losses just to cut ties with my company, using this to declare your feelings for her?"
Octavius's eyes suddenly turned cold. Just as he was about to speak, my phone rang.
I opened my phone and saw it was Gabriel calling.
I still had to take his calls.
I paused, forcing down my temper and emotions, and answered.
"Seraphine." Gabriel's voice was urgent as it came through the phone. "I just heard—did the Capulet Group announce they're unilaterally terminating the partnership with you?"
My tone softened unconsciously. "Yes, that's right."
Octavius crossed his arms, watching me coldly.
On the phone, Gabriel spoke again. "It's okay. If you're having some difficulties right now, just let me know. Whether you need projects or any financial support, I'll provide it immediately!"
His tone carried a note of determination.
I knew that since I agreed to the arranged marriage with him, he'd always been grateful and wanted to return the favor.
My heart warmed, but at the same time felt somewhat desolate.
So things between Octavius and me had really come to this.
Others could help me, but he now wanted to harm my interests and oppose me.
I sighed softly. "Thank you, Gabriel, but don't worry. Let me handle things here first."
"It's fine. Why are you being so formal with me? Didn't we agree? If you have any problems, you must tell me. You handle things first, and contact me whenever you need me."
"Okay, I got it." I smiled and hung up.
When I looked up, I saw a hint of hostility in Octavius's eyes.
He stared at me, his whole body radiating an impossible-to-ignore sense of oppression.
"Looks like you were well prepared, with someone ready to cover your losses." His voice was terribly cold, full of mockery. "If that's the case, why did you even come here to see me?"
I knew there was no point in saying more now. Octavius's attitude was clear enough.
I turned to leave directly. "Since we can't reach an agreement, forget it. Let's just pretend I never came today."
Just as I finished speaking, my phone rang again.
I thought it was Gabriel calling back, but it was actually Mitchell.
Seeing his call, I was looking for somewhere to vent my anger anyway.
I answered directly and snapped at him. "Mitchell, I'm telling you, I will not break off my engagement with Gabriel to consider you! Just give up..."
Before I could finish, someone snatched the phone from my hand.
I turned around in shock, only to be pushed against the door by Octavius.
He hung up the phone and moved closer, lowering his head to grip my chin.
My heart skipped a beat. "What are you doing?"
Octavius's eyes were dangerous, carrying a somewhat crazed and intense emotion. "With Gabriel filling your losses and Mitchell waiting to be with you, Seraphine, just how many men do you have waiting to help you!"
My heart ached.
Octavius was actually using such words to humiliate me!
I looked straight at him with a cold, challenging smile. "Yeah, so what? I, Seraphine, have plenty of people willing to help. Not just those two men—there are many more! What's it to you? Don't you have Quinlan now?"
Octavius's eyes turned terrifyingly dark.
The next second, he suddenly lowered his head and kissed me fiercely on the lips.
My mind went blank as I tried to struggle.
But Octavius pinned me firmly against the door, his other hand gripping the back of my head, giving me no chance to escape.
I froze in shock, forced to endure the invasion of his lips and tongue.