CHAPTER 71: CHAPTER 71: A RUTHLESS SLAP ACROSS JULIAN LAWSON’S FACE

The warmth of his body seeped through her clothes, his strong arm encircling her waist.

Serena steadied herself and pushed Julian Lawson away.

She was just a bit dizzy, not drunk.

They got into the shuttle bus and headed together to Julian’s villa.

The journey was silent.

Neither of them spoke until the shuttle stopped outside a small grove.

"Young master, young mistress, the old lady just asked me to remind you, that tomorrow morning the old master wants to see you, so you must stay overnight at the estate this evening."

Butler Wyatt sighed, looking at the unfamiliarity between them.

"Young master, young mistress, the elderly have been concerned about your affairs for a long time. Staying overnight is secondary. Their main hope is for you two to have a good talk and clear the air."

Wiping away tears, the butler continued, "I still remember vividly the scene when the young master brought the young mistress home. You were clearly so in love at that time, how did it come to this?"

"Have a good talk."

"Clear everything up and it’ll be better."

After saying all this, Butler Wyatt let out a long sigh, wiped his tears, and left.

At night, the lights were on.

Walking a dozen meters forward, through the small grove is Julian Lawson’s residence in the estate.

Julian walked into the grove first, while Serena stood still.

"What’s the matter?" Julian asked.

"I’ll go back first and come back tomorrow morning," Serena said.

She turned to leave, but the next moment her wrist was grabbed.

"Serena," Julian’s calm voice came from behind her, "we haven’t seen each other for many days. I think we should talk."

Talk?

Not far away, moonlight poured like flowing water at the lakeside, shimmering on the lake’s surface.

Is there still a need for them to talk?

"At least regarding the child’s matter, I think you need to explain to me," Julian’s cold and hard voice came again, "so I can also explain to my grandparents."

Serena withdrew her gaze.

That child...

After leaving Shayla Randall’s place, she was confused for a while.

Later, Jasper Ford mentioned that the charity auction funds she participated in were being used, and asked if she wanted to see.

Serena wanted to see where the Tanzanite funds were used, so she agreed.

Because she previously acquired a painting by little Seraphina, the place Serena went was Aeston Welfare Home.

Perhaps it was destined.

Or perhaps the child who had left wanted another person, or another way to stay by her side.

Tanzanite, charity funds, and a painting acquired by chance.

All this led Serena to meet Seraphina.

Seraphina was sent to the welfare home years ago, abandoned by her biological parents because of her illness.

Due to various reasons, Seraphina’s illness hasn’t been well-treated, and this charity fundraising was a very coincidental opportunity.

After just a few meetings, Serena felt there was a sense of destiny.

So, Serena decided to adopt Seraphina, to treat her, let her attend school, and accompany her growing up.

Since Serena was not yet 30, she hadn’t reached the age to adopt, so she approached her mother.

That day, Serena stood outside her mother’s shop, watching her from afar, calling "Mom" for the first time in years.

The subsequent procedures were handled by her mother, although it takes time to complete them, they are already underway.

Legally speaking, Seraphina will be her sister in the future.

But both she, her mother, and Seraphina are clear about the situation.

Seraphina wanted to attend school, so Serena found a private preschool with good confidentiality in Aeston for her.

Perhaps due to being abandoned early on and living in a welfare home for years, combined with her young age, Seraphina didn’t know what to do.

So that day, at the preschool entrance, Seraphina hesitated.

"What’s wrong?" Serena squatted down, took off her mask used for disguise, and looked at Seraphina earnestly and gently, "Are you scared?"

Seraphina nodded, then shook her head.

Serena didn’t rush Seraphina to speak, waiting patiently.

After hesitating for a long while, Seraphina looked at Serena and said, "Mom."

She then quickly lowered her head, not daring to look at Serena.

"Should I call you that?" Seraphina’s voice was small.

Serena smiled, gently stroking Seraphina’s head.

"Whatever you prefer," she said, "if you’re not used to it, you can call me Aunt Winters first."

Seraphina breathed a sigh of relief, nodding vigorously.

"Aunt Winters," Seraphina called softly, hugged Serena, and then ran towards the preschool.

Serena stood where she was, watching as Seraphina ran to the classroom door and waved at her before going inside.

The paparazzi captured the moment when Serena took off her mask.

She was very cautious but still got photographed.

Because the adoption procedures haven’t been completed, Serena can send her to preschool, but can’t yet bring Seraphina home overnight.

But it won’t take long, generally within thirty working days to complete.

With this in mind, Serena said:

"That child has nothing to do with the Lawson Family."

She said, "She won’t be on our household registration, so it doesn’t relate to any property of the Lawson Family."

Serena freed herself from Julian Lawson’s grip. A gust of wind blew, and the alcohol effect surged again.

Serena removed her high heels, stepping on the ground barefoot, back facing Julian. She said, "That’s about it, I think you understand enough, I’ll tell Grandpa and Grandma the same thing tomorrow."

"If you don’t believe me, you can check."

"There’s no need for me to lie about this."

After speaking, Serena composed herself, lifted her foot, and walked away.

"Serena!"

His voice came from behind, "Do we really have to be like this?"

Serena didn’t pause.

She had already made up her mind.

"We once had a child."

"You let her call you mom, but what about me?"

Julian’s voice carried over, perhaps lingering by the grove, with a touch of deep solemnity.

"Or rather." In that depth, suspicion colored his voice, sounding cold and raw. "You’re doing this on purpose."

Purposely bringing a child.

Purposely letting the paparazzi capture the child calling her mom.

So they would have to meet at the old residence.

Serena halted.

Something churned within her chest.

Anger, or sorrow?

Or maybe both.

"Serena, I’ve never asked you. Back in Frelia, in the ten minutes I left, what did you say to him?"

"Back then we lost our child."

"Serena, I was also in pain."

"The reason I’ve wanted a child so much for all these years, you know."

"So, Serena, why use a child to set up a scheme?"

Julian’s steady voice came.

No yelling, no hoarse shouting.

Just a calm tone.

But it spoke cruel words.

Emotions seemed to wield great power, crashing with her blood, pounding through Serena’s veins.

It pounded at her heart, making it ache.

How could he say such terrifying things...

Serena turned around, looking at Julian standing in the grove under the moonlight.

Perhaps because of the distance, at this moment his appearance seemed unfamiliar.

Is he Julian Lawson?

Why does he have Julian’s face but resembles a demon?

How can he...

Unable to restrain herself any longer, Serena quickly walked a few steps to stand next to Julian.

"Slap!"

A hard slap hit Julian’s face.

Making her palm go numb.