Chapter 17
Octavius's POV
I heard a section of the road was closed due to an accident. I thought, Seraphine has been coming to the company often lately, I should probably go down and meet her.
Just as I got downstairs, I saw Seraphine in the cold wind, talking in a low voice with the boy who had driven her here. The boy looked to be in his early twenties, with a handsome face, and the car he drove was clearly expensive. He was obviously a young master from a prominent family.
So this is who she's been seeing lately? No wonder she hasn't sought me out privately, apart from business matters.
My hands were in my pockets, a tide of jealousy churning within me, but I kept it in check, merely standing there and waiting for her to walk towards me.
"Who was that who just dropped you off?" I asked, my lips pressed into a thin line. I added, "I haven't seen that person before."
Seraphine seemed unsure of what to say, her hands unconsciously twisting the corner of her clothes as if organizing her words.
My irritation grew. "Is it that hard to answer?"
Seraphine cleared her throat and finally spoke, though her words were still vague. "Just a friend I know. He were heading this way and gave me a ride."
"A friend?" I gave her a half-smile, saying no more, and turned to walk into the building. Seraphine followed behind.
Along the way, many employees cast curious and gossipy glances our way. I ignored them and walked straight into the CEO's private elevator. Seraphine squeezed in with me. The sound of discussion drifted over from not too far away.
"Why does Ms. Whitaker like coming to our company so much now? Doesn't she hate Mr. Capulet?"
I glanced at Seraphine. She just smiled at me, a look of innocence on her face. "I don't hate you at all now. You're my biggest partner and the guest of honor I've invited to the press conference. Why would I hate you?"
There was a hint of coaxing in her words.
I walked straight into my office without responding. She took out a file, cleared her throat, and adopted a professional demeanor, beginning to state the reasons why she hoped I would attend the press conference. "The Capulet Group is the top corporation in all of Skyview City. Your presence alone will give the press conference top-tier commercial value..."
I interrupted her. "What's in it for me?"
Seraphine's gaze was firm. "You'll definitely be interested in the new product at the press conference. And, there will be a spectacular show, even more exciting than my last engagement party."
I narrowed my eyes. She really knew what would interest me. "Does it have to do with Mitchell?"
Seraphine gave a half-smile. "Won't you know if you go and see for yourself, Mr. Capulet? I promise, it will definitely be very interesting."
I lowered my gaze, remaining silent.
Seraphine suddenly changed the subject, her tone tinged with a hint of sourness. "Doesn't Mr. Capulet want to go? I suppose so. You were on a yacht yesterday watching fireworks with someone, having so much fun. You must think my press conference is boring. I won't insist then. Goodbye."
With that, she stood up to leave.
I was stunned for a moment, then quickly chased after her, grabbing her wrist and pulling her back. Caught off guard, Seraphine stumbled into my arms, the top of her head brushing against my chin, bringing a slight tickle and a wave of jasmine fragrance.
I looked down at her aggrieved expression and couldn't help but smile. "How did you know I was on a yacht last night?"
Seraphine pouted, avoiding my gaze and muttering under her breath, "Your friend posted photos all over social media. Everyone underneath was asking if you were in a relationship. It was hard not to know."
I frowned, remembering my friend who had gotten drunk at his birthday party yesterday, taking pictures everywhere and posting a dozen updates in one night. The young lady from the Powell family had come to talk to me, and I had chatted with her out of politeness. I didn't expect to be photographed.
"That was a woman my grandfather insisted I meet. I was at a friend's birthday party and just happened to run into her." I explained, then stared into her eyes, turning the tables. "What? Are you jealous?"
Seraphine didn't seem embarrassed or flustered. Instead, she looked up, met my gaze, and answered frankly, "Yes, I'm jealous."
I hadn't expected her to admit it so directly. I was stunned, a flicker of disbelief in my eyes, and my grip on her hand loosened unconsciously.
Seraphine gently pulled her hand away, her cheeks slightly flushed. "I'm not talking to you anymore! You have plenty of women around you anyway. You don't need to explain to me who you're with." She headed for the door again, but her steps were deliberately slow, clearly throwing a tantrum.
I was amused by her behavior and helplessly gave in. "Alright, I'll go to the press conference."
When Seraphine turned around, a triumphant smile was already on her face. "Since Mr. Capulet has agreed to attend, could you do me one more small favor?"
I looked at her playing her little tricks and couldn't help but laugh in exasperation. I walked up to her and pinched her chin. "Seraphine, you're getting quite good at pushing your luck, aren't you?"
She met my gaze without fear, her voice low as she retorted, "Then will you give me the privilege to push my luck?"
I was speechless again, at a loss for how to respond. She was the only person who could leave me so flustered.
Seraphine raised her hand and gently placed it on the back of mine. Her hand was warm and soft, yet in the past, she had used this same hand to push me away countless times.
"Mr. Capulet." her voice softened. "Gently, my hand hurts."
My Adam's apple bobbed. My gaze lingered on her full, red lips for two seconds before I suppressed the urge to kiss her and took a step back to create some distance. "Let's talk business."
Seraphine smiled, her dimples appearing faintly, incredibly cute. "Thank you, Mr. Capulet." She then began to lay out her entire plan. It was only at the end that I understood that inviting me to the press conference was just the first step. She had set a series of interconnected traps to ensnare those who had hurt her.
I looked at her calm and intelligent demeanor, never having imagined she had this side to her. She was even more captivating than before.
I quickly averted my gaze, wary of becoming too enthralled. "I'll cooperate when the time comes. You can go back now."
Seraphine smiled, her dimples deepening. "Thank you, Mr. Capulet."