Addiction to Temptation: His Mischievous Sweetheart Captivates Him-Chapter 193: Seraphina Sutton Toying with Serena Blackwood
Thorne Group, 3 PM.
Serena Blackwood, wearing sunglasses, got out of the car accompanied by her agent, and only after entering the building and explaining the purpose of her visit did a staff member lead them into the reception room.
The employees of the Group were all busy with their tasks, not giving Serena Blackwood even an extra glance.
Being accustomed to being the center of attention everywhere and praised by everyone, this kind of treatment made Serena Blackwood a bit uncomfortable. However, uncomfortable as it was, the Thorne Group was like a lifeline for her now.
No other endorsements mattered; once her name was tied with Thorne Group, her ability to attract deals would naturally return.
But after being led to the reception room, aside from someone bringing in snacks and tea, no one else came. Serena Blackwood waited for a full hour, long past the agreed-upon time, and finally, she could no longer endure it.
"Go and ask what’s happening."
Serena Blackwood’s agent was an arrogant individual who threw his weight around because of Serena Blackwood’s prominence, placing himself high up in the industry these last few years, with others being willing to compliment him.
Now, feeling snubbed, his spoiled temper quickly flared up, and he started scolding a staff member as soon as he caught sight of one. When Seraphina Sutton hurried over after finishing her work, this was the scene she walked into.
Her expression turned cold as she approached and asked coolly.
"What’s going on?"
Having been by Director Thorne’s side for so long, Seraphina Sutton had learned a bit of his imposing manner, and even a fraction of it was enough to make an impression on ordinary people.
The dirty words on the agent’s lips were suppressed upon seeing Seraphina Sutton.
Hearing the commotion, Serena Blackwood couldn’t sit still and came over.
Seraphina Sutton glanced at the agent, then fixed her gaze on Serena Blackwood, speaking coldly.
"Actress Blackwood?"
Serena Blackwood, having faced many situations with the Blackwood Family, remained calm in the face of Seraphina Sutton’s unrestrained pressure.
"Yes."
Seraphina Sutton told the scolded employee to return to their station.
"I was in a video conference with the boss just now, came late, sorry."
Hearing the word "boss," a glimmer of light appeared in Serena Blackwood’s eyes. Seraphina Sutton, with her discerning eye, saw right through Serena Blackwood’s thoughts.
It seemed the madam was right; this Actress Blackwood indeed had ulterior motives towards the boss.
Seraphina Sutton’s lips curved into a deft, businesslike smile as she extended her hand.
"Actress Blackwood, let’s talk inside."
Hearing something related to Zane Thorne, Serena Blackwood’s mind was slightly fluttering, which made her overlook the coldness in Seraphina Sutton’s eyes.
"If you don’t mind, you can just call me Serena."
Seraphina Sutton’s mouth barely moved.
"Miss Blackwood, please."
The aura surrounding Seraphina Sutton was different from the other staff members, and coupled with what she just said, Serena Blackwood more or less guessed her identity.
She must be Zane Thorne’s assistant or secretary.
She did not expect that negotiating this collaboration with Thorne Group would warrant a personal visit from Zane Thorne’s assistant; could it mean that Zane Thorne was aware of this matter? Maybe... maybe he only spoke that way in front of Natalie Vaughn that day; perhaps he still remembered her.
Thinking of this, Serena Blackwood felt a great joy well up inside her. Her gaze towards Seraphina Sutton also became more enthusiastic.
Seraphina Sutton, ever professional, briefly explained the benefits of working with the Thorne Group and then asked Serena Blackwood what made her suitable for the role.
Serena Blackwood was well-prepared, and her agent did not falter at this moment. Usually, such talks would involve both parties bringing professional lawyers, but the Thorne Group hadn’t given any positive response previously; whether this collaboration would succeed was still uncertain. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞
Before coming, Serena Blackwood was extremely apprehensive, but Seraphina Sutton’s arrival gave her an eighty percent confidence boost.
Seraphina Sutton kept a straight face, quietly observing Serena Blackwood’s expression, and seeing her still immersed in joy, Seraphina Sutton’s disdain for her increased.
What kind of "perfect woman," what kind of "goddess," turned out to be someone with corrupted ethics, coveting a man who already had a wife.
Fortunately, the madam was better, her family matched the boss’s status, her nature was genuine, and her methods were what Seraphina Sutton liked more. Just now, she hadn’t had a video conference with the boss but said so based on the madam’s words.
As expected, Serena Blackwood assumed that the boss she referred to was Zane Thorne and started feeling pleased with herself. Isn’t there a saying? The higher the expectation, the greater the disappointment.
The madam’s move was truly high, truly brilliant.
Serena Blackwood’s credentials had already been thoroughly reviewed, and even without the madam, her qualifications would have required a rigorous evaluation, but now there was no need.
She wasn’t suitable, and even if she were, she wouldn’t be used.
After Finn Blackwood finished his introduction, Seraphina Sutton closed the documents and placed them on the table, unwilling to utter even a formal word.
"Sorry, Miss Blackwood."
Serena Blackwood’s heart plummeted from a high place down to the ground harshly.
"What... what do you mean?"
Seraphina Sutton lightly curved her lips.
"We understand your situation. It’s said that many companies have been terminating contracts with you recently, yet you didn’t mention it earlier. I won’t ask for the specifics, but the Thorne Group rigorously examines every spokesperson, no matter how minor."
Serena Blackwood was completely floored by these words from Seraphina Sutton. The contract terminations were something she hadn’t let slip because it was too sudden. The brands hadn’t made any announcements; how did Thorne Group know?
Seraphina Sutton stood up.
"I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave."
With that, she was about to walk out of the meeting room.
If the Thorne Group partnership fell through, she might really have nothing left.
Serena Blackwood suddenly called after Seraphina Sutton.
"Wait, Miss Sutton."
Seraphina Sutton halted, turned around, and saw Serena Blackwood tightly clutching her purse, her expression tangled.
"I... I know your boss."
Upon hearing this, Seraphina Sutton raised an eyebrow.
"You know Director Thorne?"
Serena Blackwood’s pupils suddenly widened; wasn’t her boss Zane Thorne?
Seraphina Sutton sneered inwardly, yet maintained her businesslike smile.
"No... I know your President Thorne, Zane Thorne."
Seraphina Sutton seemed to come to a realization.
"President Thorne is also my boss."
Serena Blackwood seemed to grasp a lifeline.
"Yes, President Thorne and I were high school classmates, we..."
Serena Blackwood couldn’t continue, not because she was being mysterious but because she truly didn’t know how to go on. She was thoroughly confused now—did Zane Thorne still remember her or not?
But Seraphina Sutton appeared to understand, nodding knowingly, directly pointing out Serena Blackwood’s intentions without mercy.
"Does Miss Blackwood believe being President Thorne’s high school classmate would influence this collaboration?"
Serena Blackwood opened her mouth but said nothing.
Seraphina Sutton, however, smiled.
"Miss Blackwood might be overthinking it; this collaboration is very minor for the Thorne Group, and President Thorne didn’t even know about it."
"Then why did you..."
"Why would I come here?"
Seraphina Sutton’s smile deepened.
"I was acting on the madam’s orders to handle this matter."
The madam?
Serena Blackwood’s pupils constricted, her mind momentarily unable to function.
