A Warm Marriage After Rebirth

Justin Hale looked on in astonishment at Seraphina Sterling. Not even the daughters of the Hale Family possessed such flawless dining etiquette! Her movements couldn’t be described as mere etiquette; they were an art form, a delight to behold.

"Philip Hale’s business was ruined by his own actions. It’s obviously impossible to continue selling stone materials. And if you want to sell jade, that’s completely out of the question without a massive investment! In other words, Philip Hale’s assets won’t be able to reach their full potential in your hands. You’ll find it very difficult to recoup your investment!"

Justin Hale’s analysis hit the nail on the head. This was precisely why no one had tried to acquire Philip Hale’s business after he suffered such a major setback. If Seraphina Sterling hadn’t burst onto the scene, the company would have fallen into Justin Hale’s hands long ago.

"Why do I have to make my money back in a short period? Even if it needs a large investment, I can get financing or find partners. There are plenty of options! Why must I sell it off?"

Seraphina Sterling swirled the wine glass in her hand. Her fair fingers, holding the translucent stem, were elegant and captivating. Combined with her warm smile, she was a sight one couldn’t tear their eyes from.

Justin Hale’s eyes narrowed. ’She really isn’t easy to deal with.’ "You can get financing, and you can find partners, but don’t forget, you’re just a high school sophomore. What company executive do you think will believe you have the ability to bring Philip Hale’s business back from the dead? To generate profits for them?"

Justin Hale deliberately ignored Seraphina Sterling’s first point.

"Mr. Hale, what you’ve said might be true for others, but it doesn’t apply to me. You shouldn’t forget that Felix Gallagher has worked with me before, have you? Since I was able to earn Felix Gallagher’s trust, I’m confident I can earn the trust of others as well!"

Seraphina Sterling set down her silverware. The smile at the corners of her lips grew more captivating, and the dimples on her cheeks became even more endearing.

"Those may be points in your favor, but only I can guarantee you the greatest return, completely risk-free!" Justin Hale also set down his silverware, gazing intently at Seraphina Sterling. "It’s a simple flip, and you can make a handsome profit. You’re a smart girl; you should be able to weigh the pros and cons."

"Mr. Hale is very clever; you know just what to say to persuade someone!" Seraphina Sterling gave a small, brilliant smile. Her bright eyes shimmered like sunlight on water, so radiant that it was hard to look away.

"It seems you’re dead set on acquiring Philip Hale’s company. But what if I refuse? What if I refuse no matter what terms you offer? I’m very curious, Mr. Hale... what would you do then?"

The air grew thick with tension.

"You may be Terrence Grant’s student, but the Grant Resort project is already on track. Terrence Grant can’t stay in this small town forever. Besides, he might be the Grant Family’s Demon King of Chaos, but I’m a son of the Hale Family. If I really wanted to do something, there are plenty of ways to get it past Mr. Grant!"

Justin Hale wore a gentle expression as he spoke, personally serving her some dessert. ’Only someone like him could deliver a threat with such a gentle demeanor.’

"An iron fist in a velvet glove?" Seraphina Sterling rose to take the plate, unfazed by his words. ’I know the man sitting across from me all too well. We were once as close as two people could be. I understand him better than anyone!’

Justin Hale smiled, saying nothing. He awaited her decision.

Silence.

A late autumn breeze swept by, rustling her hair. The vibrant roses on the table trembled slightly. An unspoken tension flowed between them.

After a long while, Seraphina Sterling broke the silence.

"It seems it’s impossible for me to take over Philip Hale’s company on my own!"

Seeing Seraphina Sterling’s stance soften, Justin Hale continued, "I prefer to resolve things peacefully. Feel free to name your terms. As long as they’re reasonable, I can meet them."

’That’s what I was waiting to hear.’ A small smile played on Seraphina Sterling’s lips. "After you took my mother away before, what did you say to her? What did you do?" 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Justin Hale froze for a moment, watching her quietly. ’This was her condition?’

"Let me rephrase. Did you know my mother before this? Had you ever met her? Or, what is your relationship with the rest of the Sterling Family? Specifically, what is your connection to my father, Orson Sterling?"

’She had thought about this for days. This was the only thing she could come up with that could have sent her mother into such a panic. It had to be related to the Sterling Family, or to her father’s death! She was there when her father had his ’accident,’ but she couldn’t remember a thing. All that was in her mind was a sky full of blood, endless crimson, and a scorching sensation.’

"That day, I simply invited Mrs. Sterling over as a guest. There were no threats, no intimidation. I just complimented you on how exceptional you are, and mentioned that I felt bringing you from the Sterling Family in Aethelgard to this remote town was a waste of your talent! That it was holding back your future! After that, her expression became very strange. Other than that, I said nothing!"

Justin Hale described the day’s events in great detail. He had only heard rumors about the Sterling Family’s affairs, mainly that Orson Sterling had been attacked by thugs and died in an accident. It was only after meeting Seraphina Sterling that he investigated the family’s situation more thoroughly. Orson Sterling had died from a gunshot wound, the work of either an assassin or a mercenary. And after his death, his wife and daughter were kicked out of the Sterling Family.

And that was what had led to the Seraphina Sterling of today.

Seraphina Sterling was lost in thought. ’It was just a simple conversation. Why would Mother be so terrified? Why insist on moving away overnight, as if their very lives depended on it?’

"You two certainly know how to live. Bright sunshine, crisp autumn air, enjoying the scenery and fine food... I’m sure you won’t mind if I join you?" Before either of them could respond, Terrence Grant had already taken a seat.