Playtime's Over, CEO: She's Really Done With You-Chapter 381: You Rascal

Serena’s face still bore a smile.

"Everyone, it’s only the first day of the investment; how do you all know I’ll definitely lose?" Serena said with a smile.

Someone else was about to speak up, but Serena struck that thing hard again, bringing the room back to silence.

"Actually, this is fine." Serena said, "As some of you just mentioned, you’re considering cooperating with me for the sake of others, and now you want to distance yourselves. That’s fine, I, Serena, have no objections."

"I’m just unclear why you’re in such a rush to sever ties, especially when there wasn’t any cooperation to begin with?"

Some people’s eyes flickered.

The haste to distance themselves is, of course, because of Isla Lawson. A little inquiry would reveal what previously happened at Aether—Isla setting a trap for Serena is plain as day, isn’t it?

Then there’s the trending topics Isla bought.

Now, whether people are here to kick someone when they’re down or to distance themselves, it’s all because of Isla Lawson.

However, thinking this in their hearts, no one dared to speak up.

And Serena did not expose them.

"Alright, since you’ve achieved your goal to distance yourselves, you may leave." Serena said, "For those here to kick me when I’m down, you’re not welcome. Please don’t make me call security."

After speaking, her tone softened slightly as she looked at some others: "To those asking about the situation, I understand your feelings. Just wait a bit, and you’ll understand. Time will prove everything; for now, all I can say is the project is fine."

And so, the people were sent off.

In a corner, Quinn Lawson held up a phone and was on a video call with Isla Lawson.

"Did you see that?" Quinn Lawson said with a smile, "She’s something else. I thought there’d be some commotion, but she chased everyone away."

Isla Lawson sneered, "Just putting on a strong front, let’s see how long she can hold out."

With that, she hung up the video call.

Quinn Lawson didn’t mind and only glanced at Serena, put away his phone, and turned to leave.

...

The news quickly went viral.

Photos of disturbances at Aeon started appearing online.

There was much discussion online.

"Earlier, boasted about grand ambitions at the opening, now looks like it’s about to shut down."

"Said Serena is just a trophy wife. Previously went against Vera, claiming to reclaim what belongs to the Sheridan Family, but now it seems she would’ve been better off leaving it with The Lawson Corporation."

"Yeah, how long has it been since she got it back, and without The Lawson Corporation’s protection, she’s about to lose it all in just a few days! Even dragging Jasper Ford down with her."

"A trophy wife is a trophy wife, better to just stay home and be a pampered wife!"

...

Silas Hawthorne had just come out by noon and was immediately surrounded by paparazzi and reporters.

Countless people gathered around, thrusting microphones and cameras in his face, and the flashes nearly blinded him.

"Mr. Hawthorne, what do you think about Serena’s investment failure?"

"Mr. Hawthorne, are you still determined to marry Serena? Will this investment failure affect your wedding plans?"

"Mr. Hawthorne, do you now regret having Serena pursue her investment?"

...

One question after another, all eyes were on him.

The live cameras were focused on him as well.

Silas Hawthorne was carrying a lunch box in his hand; he was planning to meet Serena for lunch, and he carefully protected the lunch box.

Hawthorne Group’s bodyguards immediately stepped in to separate the crowd.

Looking at everyone present, Silas Hawthorne’s expression was calm and unperturbed.

"Firstly, let me emphasize one point." Silas Hawthorne began, "Our wedding date remains unchanged. Regardless of whether the investment succeeds or fails, we will get married."

"Secondly, I’ve never regretted allowing Serena to develop her career. She is a free person, fully capable of deciding what she should do, and I will not limit her. In fact, I greatly admire her."

"Finally."

Silas Hawthorne surveyed the crowd and said, "I don’t believe Serena’s investment has failed."

Everyone looked at each other, not believing Silas Hawthorne’s words.

With the core technical staff leaving and Aether’s valuation halving, how is this not an investment failure?

They thought Silas Hawthorne must have lost his mind.

Someone immediately questioned, "Mr. Hawthorne, I don’t understand what you mean. How hasn’t Serena failed?"

Silas Hawthorne just chuckled softly.

He said, "I’m considering investing in Aether myself, so how could she have failed?"

After saying this, someone else opened the way for him, and Silas Hawthorne waved his hand and left.

Leaving everyone behind in a flurry of discussions.

"What does Silas Hawthorne mean by this?"

"What does he mean by wanting to invest in Aether himself?"

"I get it!" someone suddenly exclaimed, "It means that if Serena really does fail later, Hawthorne Group will take over her shares!"

"Right!" 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

"Or Hawthorne Group might make a strong entry into Aether, find new researchers, and provide money and effort to ensure Serena’s project succeeds!"

The crowd believed this was the most likely scenario.

The same thoughts echoed among those watching the live broadcast.

In an instant, both online and within Hawthorne Group, the news exploded.

The trending topic was—

#Silas Hawthorne in love brain mode, going all out to support Serena#

Everyone in the circle saw this.

Isla Lawson merely chuckled.

"Silas Hawthorne, a gem trader, sticking his nose into the tech industry. He really thinks technical breakthroughs are that easy? Just find anyone and it’s done?" an assistant beside her mocked.

This pleased Isla Lawson further, "Surely Serena couldn’t hold on anymore and sought Silas for help. That’s the kind of woman Serena is."

"And Silas has a soft heart; he’ll regret it later!"

...

Elsewhere, Hawthorne Group was in an uproar.

Everyone gathered in the main conference room.

"We absolutely can’t let Hawthorne Group get tangled in this affair!"

"Indeed, Silas is lovesick, but we can’t all go mad with him."

"Yes, yes, we must stop Silas."

"Serena truly is a femme fatale. Who knows what she did to make Silas so devoted to her!"

"Where is Silas now? What’s he doing? Get him here, and find out where June Hawthorne and Orion Hawthorne are!"

...

Amid the gossip, Serena and Silas were having lunch.

The area was surrounded by bodyguards, ensuring no disturbances.

They were both aware of such scenes.

Seeing the online ferment, Silas glanced at Serena. She touched the tip of his nose with her finger.

"You little scoundrel." Serena said with a smile.

Silas wasn’t annoyed and just served her some food.

The two gazed into each other’s eyes, with an unspoken understanding between them.

They chatted away, discussing various topics, including Seraphina’s education.

It seemed as if the outside turmoil had nothing to do with them at all.