A Warm Marriage After Rebirth

"If you’re inviting someone, shouldn’t they come down personally to show they’re truly sincere?" Seraphina Sterling remained leaning back in her comfortable chair, showing no intention of getting up.

The waiter relaying the message looked troubled, but he maintained his professionalism, smiling as he said, "Miss, I’m only here to relay the message. If you are dissatisfied with the other party’s conduct in any way, you can tell them yourself when you get upstairs!"

Seraphina Sterling shrugged, a barely-there smile gracing her lips. ’Mina Adler is quite impressive. Even a junior waiter is this sharp! It seems leaving Apex Auction House in her hands will be no problem at all.’

Leo Jennings went upstairs with Seraphina Sterling, but he was stopped in front of the VIP room door. "I’m sorry, our boss only wants to see Miss Sterling!"

Leo Jennings took a large step forward, placing himself in front of Seraphina. "I came with Seraphina. If I don’t go in, she won’t either!"

’These people seem off. They’re probably not legitimate businessmen, or they wouldn’t give off such a sharp, intimidating aura! Even if they are legitimate, anyone who can afford bodyguards like these is no simple character! Why would someone like that want to see Seraphina alone? This whole thing feels so strange!’

"Sir, are you in a position to make decisions for Miss Sterling?" The man was completely unfazed by Leo Jennings’s words. He’d seen situations like this countless times. ’Never mind that this guy is just a big kid with no real bite; even if he were a threat, I wouldn’t give him a second thought!’

’What talent!’ Seraphina Sterling thought, observing the bodyguard at the door. ’He’s skilled, has a strong presence, and is quick-witted. If I could have one or two bodyguards like him someday, I’d be set!’

"This is my business, so don’t get involved. Didn’t you already have a target? If you don’t head back now, it’s going to belong to someone else any second!"

Seraphina Sterling stepped out from behind Leo Jennings. ’I don’t need his protection, no matter what his motives are. I just don’t need it! I have to learn to face danger and handle crises on my own! If I can’t even deal with something like this, then there’s no point in talking about the future!’

"Miss Sterling certainly has guts! Please," the man said, a rare smile of admiration appearing on his face. He’d seen plenty of women, but very few who were as calm and composed as Seraphina.

"Seraphina!" Leo Jennings was still extremely worried. He grabbed her hand, trying to persuade her one last time. "You don’t even know who you’re meeting. Isn’t it a bit reckless to just go in like this?"

"Don’t worry, I always make good on my word! Just you wait!" Seraphina Sterling pulled her wrist free. Such close contact made her extremely uncomfortable.

"You think that’s why I’m trying to stop you? That I’m worried about *that*?" Leo Jennings’s expression turned ugly, his voice laced with an anger born from the stifling frustration of being misunderstood.

"Isn’t it?" Seraphina Sterling raised an eyebrow. ’It was the only reason I could think of. Why else would someone I’ve had conflicts with in the past suddenly be so worried about me? That was the only explanation that made sense! But seeing the almost crazed look of anger on Leo Jennings’s face... I must have been wrong.’

"Whether it is or isn’t, it’s meaningless to me! At the end of the day, this is my business, and it has nothing to do with you!" With that, Seraphina Sterling walked directly into the room. ’I have no desire to guess what’s on Leo Jennings’s mind. Whatever he’s thinking has nothing to do with me!’