Chapter 0049 – Seraphina’s POV
I was left speechless by Caden’s persistence.
“Are you always this pushy, Alpha Caden?” I asked, half-joking.
“When it comes to something I want, I’m very persistent—especially this time,” he replied, his tone confident and unwavering.
I knew his reputation as a relentless businessman, a conqueror who seized everything in his path. Saying no to him felt impossible, yet my concerns lingered—his past girlfriends, his undeniable chemistry with Helena.
The thought of rejecting him sent chills down my spine. How would he react?
Would he lose his temper and destroy everything in the room? Accuse me of using him? Demand repayment for his help?
I couldn’t picture it.
“I still have a few more hours. I’ll give you my answer when it’s time,” I mumbled, trying to delay the inevitable.
His piercing green eyes studied me, as if he could see straight into my soul. Few could withstand his intense gaze. Just as I felt myself shrinking under his scrutiny, he spoke again:
“You sent your divorce papers to the court today, didn’t you?”
I nodded.
“Let me see the receipt,” he said, holding out his hand.
I frowned, confused by his request. “You don’t trust that I’ve sent them out? I’m serious about divorcing Damon! You don’t need to micLucianage this.”
But his unwavering expression left no room for argument.
Reluctantly, I pulled the receipt from my pocket and slapped it into his palm.
Instead of taking it and letting go, he grabbed my hand.
His hand was large and warm, completely enveloping mine. A surge of heat spread through me at his touch, igniting a fire I couldn’t ignore.
For a fleeting moment, I wondered if every woman who’d been with him felt the same magnetic pull, the same reckless desire to throw themselves at him.
“This is an exchange,” he said, his voice low and rough, as his long fingers slid the receipt from my palm. “In exchange for your gift.”
My heart pounded so hard it felt like it might burst. “What gift?”
“You’ll find it in your room,” he replied.
Before I could ask more, he opened the car door and gestured for the driver to approach.
“Take Miss Seraphina home,” he instructed.
I rolled down the window as the car pulled away, shouting after him, “Wait! Where are you going?”
“See you tonight,” he called over his shoulder without looking back.
Buttoning his suit jacket, he strode toward another waiting car. His secretary opened the door, and he disappeared inside before the car drove off.
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On the way back to the villa, the driver offered an explanation.
“Alpha Caden is flying to another city in an hour for an important meeting. Actually, he was supposed to leave hours ago, but he delayed his flight to see you.”
Elin purred with satisfaction, making my cheeks burn. I shushed her away.
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Back at the villa, a maid led me to the room prepared for me. The interior was just as opulent as the rest of the estate—every detail dripping with luxury.
For someone who’d grown up in a small wooden cabin in the north, it felt surreal to be surrounded by such grandeur.
“I’ll leave you to rest now,” the maid said with a warm smile. “Please ring the bell if you need anything.”
As the door closed, I stretched and looked around, scanning for the “gift” Caden had mentioned.
It didn’t take long to find it. A large gift box sat on the bed, tied with an elegant ribbon. A white rose and an envelope were pinned to one corner.
Curious, I picked up the envelope. The thick, textured paper felt expensive, and it carried a faint, luxurious scent.
Inside was an invitation to a charity banquet and a handwritten note.
I read the note first:
Join me at tonight’s banquet. The guests are interested in you and your project. P.S. I think you’ll look beautiful in white.
-Caden
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His words sent a strange warmth through my chest, followed immediately by nervous anticipation.
What exactly had I gotten myself into?
