Chapter 3

3

That evening, Seraphina called―but she didn't call me. She called Julian directly.

“Julian, it’s Natalie’s mother.” Her voice was soft, like a spring breeze. “Let’s meet tomorrow at three, just the parents, to talk this over. All right?”

It wasn't a request.

It was an order.

Julian looked at me. I nodded.

The next afternoon, we arrived at the private club Seraphina had booked.

Seraphina sat at the head of the table in a Chanel suit, flanked by my parents―my birth parents. Thirty years had passed; their hair was white, but their arrogance remained untouched.

Seraphina looked at me with a polite smile. “Ms. Lana, it’s an honor.”

She bypassed me entirely to look at Julian. “Julian, I know you love Natalie. A man should have his own mind, right? Don't just listen to your mother.”

Julian didn't respond.

My mother―the woman who birthed me―finally spoke up.

“Ms. Lana, our family has three generations of prestige. Natalie marrying your Julian is, frankly, a step up for your family. But since you seem reluctant, we can discuss terms.”

She pulled a file from her bag.

“Lumin Tech is applying for a regional tech certification, isn't it? Silas can help with that. And our influence in the city’s education system would be a great asset for your son’s future children―”

I cut her off.

“Mrs. Shen. Is the Shen family’s capital chain still holding up?”

Her smile froze.

“What do you mean?”

I said, “The Shen Education Group has been defaulting on supplier payments since last month. Three bank loans have matured, and all your requests for extensions were denied. I hear the Deputy Justice has been scrambling to find favors lately.”

Seraphina’s face shifted.

She set her cup down, the clatter against the saucer sharp and piercing.

“Ms. Lana, it seems you’ve done your homework.”

“Not really. Just enough to see your family’s current situation.”

My father slammed the table.

“You’re just a business owner. Who are you to point fingers at our family? Don't think a little money makes you somebody. Our family’s foundation in this city for thirty years isn't something a parvenu like you can shake.”

I looked at him.

Thirty years of foundation.

That foundation was built on a brick with my name carved into it. They had pulled it out to build the walls of the Shen family home.

I stood up.

“Julian, let’s go.”

Seraphina called out behind me. “Ms. Lana, we aren't done!”

I turned back.

“We’re done.”

“I’m not interested in your terms. And my son’s marriage is not for you to decide.”

Seraphina’s expression darkened completely.

“You’ll regret this.”