CHAPTER 9: CHAPTER 9: EVEN AFTER ALL THE INTIMACIES

Jasper Ford was a bit surprised.

But actually, this is also what he hoped for.

He called Serena Sterling over, partly with this in mind.

He is only the third son of the Ford Family, while Julian Lawson is the leader of the entire Lawson Group.

If it wasn’t necessary, he also didn’t want a fierce conflict between both parties.

However, Serena agreeing so readily was indeed beyond his expectations.

He had been prepared to persuade Serena privately.

Thinking this, Jasper Ford frowned slightly, carefully observing Serena Sterling, trying to discern her thoughts at that moment.

But Serena’s large sunglasses concealed all her emotions, leaving Jasper Ford guessing.

"Let’s follow the procedure."

Serena did not explain in front of the other two; she slightly lowered her eyes, looking at the fine hardwood desk in the Ford Entertainment office, with its rings of yearly patterns, yet her heart was devoid of waves.

"My song will be fully represented by Ford Entertainment, following the agency process."

After speaking, Serena looked towards Jasper Ford.

Jasper Ford immediately understood, waving for the relevant personnel to handle the transition with Vera Hansen.

Vera Hansen looked at Serena, a flicker of contempt in her eyes.

"Miss Sterling’s decision is truly peculiar," Vera Hansen said, with her words implying criticism of Serena for constantly asserting not selling, yet ultimately agreeing.

Serena simply smiled, without explanation, then stood up and left the office.

She walked down the corridor, pouring herself a cup of coffee.

Jasper Ford caught up to her.

"Serena," Jasper Ford called her.

Serena turned around, nodding slightly: "Mr. Ford."

Jasper Ford had a complex expression, thought for a moment, and finally asked, "Why?"

Serena smiled.

She looked into Jasper Ford’s conflicted eyes, saying, "Did you hear? She said she’s going to participate in ’Heavenly Sound’."

Jasper Ford didn’t quite understand, but based on the information he had, he nodded and said, "Yes, I heard Vera Hansen is going as a guest, not a contestant, sort of like a flattering judge."

Serena’s smile deepened.

She placed her coffee aside, saying, "So, Mr. Ford, don’t you find it quite exciting?"

Jasper Ford looked puzzled.

"Julian Lawson and I have already filed for divorce; we just need a 30-day cooling-off period to get the divorce decree."

Serena explained to Jasper Ford, "The reason he gave me was to get married to Vera Hansen."

"Didn’t they say the song will be used as a headline? Someday, everyone will know I wrote the song. Isn’t that interesting?"

Serena looked at Jasper Ford’s face as he had a sudden realization, and she smiled.

She said softly, "I am waiting for that day to see their expressions."

"Are you doing this to get back at them?" Jasper Ford asked again.

Serena didn’t immediately answer, she just picked up the coffee beside her.

The bitterness of the coffee seeped from mouth to heart.

"No," she said.

"I originally just wanted to sever ties with them and focus on my own things," Serena looked at the trees outside gently swayed by the wind.

"But they insisted on buying without asking, it came upon them, and I..."

"Why not?"

Jasper Ford listened to Serena’s calm explanation with a complex expression.

Once upon a time, the Sheridan Family was influential in Aeston; they were around the same age, so they were aware of each other’s existence from a young age.

One might even say there was camaraderie between them.

Needless to say, the once renowned Miss Serena Sterling was the dream of many men.

But later the Sheridan Family fell, and few remembered Serena afterward.

Interpersonal relationships are indeed pragmatic; if not for the events back then...

Jasper Ford turned his gaze elsewhere, not letting Serena detect his strangeness.

"Divorce might be a good thing." After about three seconds of silence, Jasper Ford finally said.

Serena gratefully looked at Jasper Ford.

"Thank you," she said sincerely.

"Mutual benefits," Jasper Ford also smiled.

This was no lie.

The competition among the Ford siblings for the ultimate control of the Ford Group.

Of course, the one who achieves the most will ascend.

After exchanging a few more words, Jasper Ford promised Serena not to disclose their cooling-off period and went off to handle business.

Later he would discuss matters related to ’Heavenly Sound.’

Serena stood alone at the original spot.

Holding her coffee, she looked at the trees outside, swaying in the wind.

It was unknown how much time had passed.

A sound of footsteps approached.

A familiar shadow first encroached on Serena’s domain.

She knew it was Julian Lawson.

So, she pulled up her mask, turning her back towards his direction.

"Why do this?" Julian Lawson’s voice came from behind before Serena could leave.

Steady, calm, with a sense of noble dignity that time and authority had cultivated in him.

Brought by the wind was also the familiar woody fragrance mixed with tobacco from his scent.

Tom Ford Oud Wood.

It’s his usual scent.

"Your composition and lyrics reveal an accomplished literary foundation; you’re a talented person, why trouble someone on the brink of demise?"

Listening to Julian Lawson’s words, Serena felt somewhat uncomfortable.

Serena slowly turned around, looking up at Julian Lawson who was frowning at her.

"I." Serena met his eyes, softly saying, "Am I really talented?"

A flicker of confusion flashed through Julian Lawson’s eyes.

"Yes," he responded.

That’s an objective fact.

But Serena laughed.

Talent?

A flash in her mind came from a year ago, on their wedding night.

He lit a cigarette in their bridal room and spoke to her.

"Serena, grandpa’s situation isn’t great, I can’t help but worry."

That day he said: "Put aside your whimsical compositions and lyrics in the industry, care for grandpa and grandma properly for me."

The curling smoke was like his attitude then.

Light and indifferent.

Back then she said she could manage both caring for the elders and her music work.

But he frowned.

"Serena, our Lawson Family does not need you doing such public work."

In the end, she agreed.

She told herself that Old Master Lawson’s condition was indeed poor, requiring her attention.

But in her heart, she knew his words...

Did he not want her to be exposed to the public, or did he never value her work, her ’talent’?

He never explained these things to her.

Even though they were married, despite having performed the most intimate act in the world.

Julian Lawson looked at the woman in front of him.

Her presence always gave him a familiar feeling, as if he had seen her somewhere before.

But looking at her chest-length hair, the avant-garde yet tasteful ensemble, along with the high heels that accentuated the legs’ elegance gave him no impression.

Suddenly, he felt a bit annoyed.

Because inexplicably, he felt the woman before him was somewhat like Serena Sterling.