Chapter 72: Chapter 72: No Dating Rich Scions
Hughes once again wore his standard, deadpan expression as he stood dutifully behind Terrence Grant. ’Weren’t we just going for a drive? How did we end up at someone else’s dinner table!’ No matter how active his mind was, not a trace of it showed on his face.
"What a coincidence," Justin Hale said, though he was furious. ’My meticulously planned date has been completely ruined!’ Suddenly, his heart skipped a beat. ’This is just a simple business negotiation. Why am I thinking of it as a date?’
"It certainly is a coincidence." Terrence Grant was having a grand time with his own meal, completely oblivious to the fact that he was interrupting someone else’s.
"Miss Sterling, I’ve answered your previous question. Now, what about Philip Hale’s assets?" This was what truly concerned Justin Hale.
However, before Seraphina Sterling could even speak, Terrence Grant cut in.
"So, Mr. Hale’s goal is Philip Hale’s assets! But it looks like my student is still a cut above!"
Seraphina Sterling completely ignored this teacher who had appeared out of nowhere. "I never promised I’d sell you the assets I hold."
Justin Hale’s expression faltered. "Don’t think you can be so brazen just because you have Mr. Grant backing you. I, Justin Hale, am not someone to be trifled with!"
"Mr. Hale, Seraphina Sterling is my, Terrence Grant’s, one and only student. With me backing her, is there anything she can’t do?" Terrence Grant acted as if this was his own turf. His sheer, unrestrained arrogance made one want to punch him.
Seraphina Sterling glanced at Terrence Grant. ’Did he take the wrong medicine today? Or is he just itching for a fight?’
Even someone like Justin Hale found it impossible to maintain his gentlemanly smile. But even so, he didn’t dare to be presumptuous. "Mr. Grant, a person shouldn’t go too far. I’ve shown you respect by not moving against Seraphina Sterling behind her back. Isn’t what Miss Sterling is doing now a bit out of line?"
This time, Seraphina Sterling didn’t let Terrence Grant speak before her. "Mr. Hale, I went to great lengths to acquire Philip Hale’s assets. You show up and want to take it all, which would mean all my effort was for nothing! However, out of consideration for your decent relationship with Teacher Grant, I can agree to sell you a portion of the assets I hold. That’s the most I can do!"
A sharp glint flashed in Terrence Grant’s deep eyes. He then went back to enjoying his steak, clearly having no intention of saying anything more.
Justin Hale didn’t want to get on Terrence Grant’s bad side. With him here, it was impossible to acquire all of Philip Hale’s assets. He didn’t object to Seraphina Sterling’s proposal; resolving this peacefully was, of course, the best option.
"I want the jade business! You spent sixty million to acquire all of Philip Hale’s assets. I only need that part of it, and I’ll also pay sixty million! Miss Sterling, you’re not losing out on this deal!"
This time, Justin Hale didn’t bother with the gentlemanly act of asking for her opinion and stated his objective directly. After all, he had only ever wanted Philip Hale’s jade business; he couldn’t care less about the rest.
"Fine! Since Mr. Hale himself requested it, if any problems arise later, don’t you dare pin the blame on me. Also, since you’ve achieved your goal, I hope you’ll stop doing things like ambushing me at the school gate. I prefer peace and quiet!"
After speaking, Seraphina Sterling elegantly wiped her fingers, stood up, and left without a backward glance, completely ignoring Terrence Grant, who was still happily eating at the side.
Seraphina Sterling made a cool, graceful exit, leaving two grown men alone. The sight of them on such a beautiful, sunny day was, by any measure, bizarre.
Seraphina Sterling became famous!
Incredibly famous, in fact.
Such a handsome man, such an eye-catching sports car, and being gawked at by a crowd for so long—it would have been harder *not* to become famous.
The most immediate result of Seraphina Sterling’s newfound fame was a crowd of people swarming Kimberly Jennings, demanding details. The moment Seraphina returned home, she faced another interrogation from the Empress Dowager.
"Seraphina, didn’t you promise me you’d stay far, far away from those wealthy scions? What was all that about this time? Justin Hale, making such a public scene? Is he pursuing you? Are you two dating?"
"Mom, you’re letting your imagination run wild! If I were still a Miss of the Sterling Family, Justin Hale might have pursued me. But now, I’m just a girl from an ordinary family. Why would a rich young master like him ever be interested in me? Besides, I will absolutely, never in my life, marry into a wealthy family!"
Seraphina Sterling explained softly.
Kimberly Jennings started, "Then why was Justin Hale..."
"Mom, he was after Philip Hale’s assets! I acquired them, and Justin Hale wants them too. He was just trying to talk business with me!" Seraphina Sterling selectively told Kimberly Jennings a version of events—how she used the 1.5 million from the demolition compensation to gamble on raw stones, made a profit, and then acquired Philip Hale’s assets. She conveniently omitted all the hardships involved.
After listening, Kimberly Jennings just frowned. "Seraphina, I don’t object to you being interested in business. But there are two things you must promise me. First, your grades absolutely cannot slip. Second, you cannot date boys from wealthy families!"
Seraphina Sterling rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager, your daughter is only seventeen! Isn’t it a little early to be talking about dating?"
Seeing Seraphina Sterling finally act a bit more like a seventeen-year-old girl, Kimberly Jennings felt her worries ease. "It is a little early!"
"Mom, I have to go into the city with Teacher Grant tomorrow, so I’ll be back a bit late." Seeing her mother in a good mood, Seraphina Sterling quickly brought up her plans. Just as she expected, Kimberly Jennings agreed without a second thought.
With that major concern settled, Seraphina Sterling returned to her room and packed her things for the trip.
