Chapter 428: Sisters
"Mine just happens to be... a bit stronger."
Sean swallowed hard. ’A bit stronger...?’
In his eyes, this was nothing short of miraculous. ’I really... hit the jackpot...’
"I’ll find a job soon," he said quickly, determination filling his voice. "I’ll repay you as soon as possible."
Lana waved her hand again but then paused, as if recalling something.
"I already have a job for you," she said.
Sean blinked. "For me?"
Lana didn’t hesitate.
"I won’t beat around the bush," she continued. "You have a strong talent for management."
Sean froze for a second, then awkwardly scratched the back of his head, a faint blush creeping onto his face.
"I... studied management," he admitted, his voice slightly embarrassed. "But it was from a very low-tier university. It’s not even worth mentioning compared to... somewhere like Shadowridge."
Lana looked at him steadily, as if seeing right through his insecurities.
"It doesn’t matter where your degree comes from," she said calmly. "What matters is your ability."
Her tone was firm, leaving no room for doubt.
"I have a plan for you," she continued. "I want to train you as my assistant. I need someone capable... and more importantly, loyal."
Her eyes lingered on him for a moment.
"I’ll cover your expenses, cure your sister, and support your growth," she added. "In return, you’ll work for me."
Sean’s heart skipped a beat. ’She... believes in me?’
No one had ever said that to him before.
He had approached countless companies and faced rejection after rejection. Not one of them had been willing to give him a real chance.
And yet here she was... offering not just a job, but a future.
"You’ll also continue your studies," Lana added. "I’ll arrange for you to enroll in a prestigious university."
Sean’s head snapped up. "What?"
Before she could continue, he raised his hand slightly, stopping her.
Lana looked at him, puzzled.
"I understand you’re trying to help," Sean said slowly, his voice filled with conflict. "But I... I can’t accept all of this for free. Even if you say you see a brother in me... I can’t be that shameless."
Lana stared at him for a moment. Then she chuckled softly.
"Who said anything about free?" she asked.
Sean froze.
"You’ll work for me for three years," she said plainly. "No salary during that time."
Silence filled the room.
"I’ll cover your education and living expenses," she continued, "but after your studies, you’ll serve me for three years."
Her gaze sharpened slightly.
"And I know about your IQ. It’s been tested before. You’re not ordinary, Sean."
She folded her arms lightly.
"I’m investing in you as a talent. Is there a problem with that?"
Sean hesitated. On the surface, it sounded like a fair deal. But deep down...
’Something doesn’t add up ...’
Yes, he was intelligent... but so were many others. People with better backgrounds, better education, and better connections.
Why him? He couldn’t understand what she truly stood to gain.
Yet...when he looked up and saw the faint shimmer of tears gathering in her eyes again...
His resistance crumbled instantly. "I... agree," he said quickly.
Lana’s lips curved into a subtle smile. ’Works every time.’
From the side, Mr. Crow, who had been silently watching, felt completely speechless.
’She’s used that move twice today ...’
Even though he felt a strange sympathy, he couldn’t help but feel amused.
’She really knows how to handle him ...’
...................
After everything was settled, Lana returned to her mansion.
The following days were busy.
She immersed herself in cultivation, crafted talismans, and quietly arranged every aspect of Sean’s new life.
This time, she chose not to rely on Axel. ’I’ll do this my way,’ she thought.
After visiting several institutions, she finally secured a deal with a prestigious one...
Hellfire University.
Though it didn’t rank globally like Shadowridge, at the national level, it was easily among the top ten.
When Sean heard the news, he was stunned.
"M-my master’s... there?" he stammered.
He knew the fees alone could exceed a hundred thousand dollars per year.
He looked at Lana as if she had just rewritten his entire fate.
Meanwhile, Lana’s attention shifted elsewhere. She glanced at the small figure sitting nearby.
Sean’s sister... Rosie.
The little girl clutched a book in her tiny hands, her big eyes fixed on Lana without blinking. Her cheeks were soft and slightly flushed, and there was an innocent curiosity in her gaze.
When Lana looked back at her, Rosie immediately lowered her head, blushing.
Then, in a soft, shy voice, she said...
"Hello... sister."
For a moment, Lana’s heart melted. A warmth spread through her chest, gentle and unfamiliar.
She crouched slightly and smiled.
"Hello," she replied softly.
"I heard you are Sean’s sister... so that makes her your sister too," Lana said quietly, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "Then why shouldn’t we become sisters as well...?"
Rosie blinked, her large eyes shimmering with innocent confusion.
For a brief moment, she simply stared at Lana, as if trying to process the meaning behind those words.
Then, slowly, she nodded once... then again, a little more firmly this time.
A shy smile crept onto her lips.
Lana reached out and lightly patted her head, her touch gentle and warm.
Then she turned toward Sean. "Give me your account number," she said.
Sean blinked, caught off guard. "My... account number?"
His brows furrowed in confusion, but before he could ask further, Lana spoke again.
"I’ll transfer a hundred thousand dollars to you every month," she said calmly. "That will cover your living expenses."
Sean froze. "A hundred... thousand... every month?"
His throat went dry.
"You can invest it if you want," Lana continued, her tone steady. "But remember... I’ll be keeping track of how you use the money."
Her words carried a faint sharpness, almost like a warning... but there was no real hostility behind them.
Sean understood.
’She’s not threatening me... she just wants to make sure I don’t go astray ...’