CHAPTER 142: CHAPTER 142: WHAT ARROGANCE!

With a hint of doubt in her heart, Seraphina Thorne stepped into the VIP lounge.

Inside the lounge, it was brightly lit.

In front of the lavishly decorated backdrop, a man in a suit stood by the window with his back to her.

Beside him stood a young man in his early thirties, seemingly an assistant of sorts.

Seraphina recognized that the person with his back to her was the real master here.

So, she shifted her gaze, observing intently.

That silhouette bore some resemblance to Ethan Sterling.

However, Seraphina quickly discerned that it wasn’t Ethan Sterling.

The man’s hair had already grown a few strands of gray, his physique was well maintained, but compared to Ethan Sterling in his prime, he was lacking a bit.

Seraphina surveyed the man at the window, already guessing a few things.

"Mr. Sterling, Miss Thorne has arrived," the assistant softly reminded.

Arthur Sterling, standing by the window, slowly turned around, his gaze assertively meeting Seraphina’s eyes.

The man’s gaze was so strong that when their eyes met, Seraphina instinctively swallowed.

But soon, she straightened her back again and lifted her chin.

"May I ask, who are you?"

The man before her was likely Ethan Sterling’s father, Arthur Sterling, she couldn’t show weakness in front of him.

Noticing her small gesture, Arthur Sterling narrowed his eyes slightly.

Confronted by a young girl who dared to be so audacious, he was somewhat surprised.

"Miss Thorne, right?" Arthur Sterling’s tone was icy, "Let me introduce myself, I am Arthur Sterling."

As expected, it was him!

A man who had dominated the business world for years, his powerful presence made it slightly hard for people to breathe.

Seraphina tightened her grip slightly on her violin, striving to keep a composed expression.

"What can I do for you?"

"I just watched your performance. Musically, you have exceptional talent. I believe Miss Thorne will certainly have a brilliant future."

"Thank you for your compliments, but..." Images of Ethan Sterling’s pained expression last night while drinking flashed before Seraphina’s eyes, her tone sharp, "You certainly didn’t seek me out just to praise me, did you?"

"Miss Thorne is a smart person." Arthur Sterling nodded slightly, "Indeed, I came to ask you to leave Ethan Sterling."

This Mr. Sterling was exceedingly straightforward and assertive.

Seraphina nodded, "How much?"

Arthur Sterling was slightly taken aback.

Before coming here, he had certainly investigated Seraphina, knowing the background of the Thorne Family and her details.

Arthur Sterling could see that Seraphina wasn’t the kind of girl who would sell herself for money.

He originally thought it would take some effort to make Seraphina leave his son.

Little did he expect her to be so straightforward!

"How much do you want?"

Seraphina furrowed her brow, thinking seriously.

"One hundred billion."

One hundred billion?

Even the assistant, let alone Arthur Sterling, couldn’t completely control his expression.

"You think you’re worth one hundred billion?" Arthur Sterling scoffed, "At most, I can give you ten million."

"Of course I’m not worth it, but... Ethan Sterling is." Seraphina smiled faintly, "So, Mr. Sterling, why should I give up one hundred billion for ten million?"

She did it on purpose!

This young girl dared to challenge his authority.

Arthur Sterling furrowed his brow, his gaze growing colder.

"I came personally as a sign of respect. I hope Miss Thorne understands the value of my respect."

"I’m still standing here only because you’re Ethan Sterling’s father, that’s my respect for you." Seraphina raised her face, "Of course, this is the first and also the last time. When you suggested I leave Ethan Sterling, you lost my respect."

Turning, Seraphina strode towards the exit.

Arthur Sterling took a deep breath, suppressing his anger.

"I know, you don’t care about money, but please remember, Miss Thorne. Everyone has their weaknesses, including you. Once I find yours, you’ll have lost."

Seraphina wasn’t a fool, she could easily detect the threat.

Did she have weaknesses?

She was practically full of weaknesses.

However, she couldn’t lose.

Biting her lip, Seraphina turned her face back.

Her smile still bright.

"In that case, doesn’t Mr. Sterling also have weaknesses? You better hide them well, so I don’t find them."

Carrying her violin, Seraphina strode out of the VIP lounge.

"Mr. Sterling?" The assistant stepped forward, "Should we stop her?"

Arthur Sterling shook his head gently, "No need."

Tonight, Seraphina had surprised him.

From this young girl, Arthur Sterling seemed to see a familiar figure.

He once knew a girl with a distinctive talent for the piano.

She seemed soft and weak but had an unyielding spirit.

Even he never managed to conquer her.

That girl was Ethan Sterling’s mother.

That stubborn, strong woman would’ve never told him she had borne him a son if not facing her end.

The Seraphina standing before him was quite similar to Ethan Sterling’s mother back then.

Not in appearance, but in an innate similarity.

Remembering that, Arthur Sterling seemed to suddenly understand why Ethan Sterling became infatuated with Seraphina.

"Mr. Sterling," the assistant lightly coughed, "If money isn’t effective, or perhaps we could start with Caleb Thorne or Theodore Thorne. I believe... she will certainly compromise."

Arthur Sterling had thoroughly investigated Seraphina’s situation.

With his power, if Arthur Sterling wanted to take action against Caleb in prison or Theodore in the hospital, it would be a breeze.

Arthur Sterling furrowed his brow, "Let’s wait a bit, I’ll think it over."

Before seeing Seraphina, he had made up his mind.

For his son, he could use any despicable means.

However, upon truly meeting Seraphina, Arthur Sterling suddenly hesitated.

"If you’re worried the Third Young Master will be upset if he finds out, I can arrange it. You won’t know anything about it," the assistant whispered.

"None of that matters, whatever I do or don’t do, that child will hate me to the bone," Arthur Sterling gently shook his head, "I just want to see how she plans to find my flaw."

Flashing before his eyes was the forced smile of the young girl, and Arthur Sterling rarely pulled the corners of his lips.

This little girl even dared to speak such words to his face.

Indeed...

Such audacity!