CHAPTER 20: CHAPTER 20: SENDING HIM A SWIMSUIT PHOTO

Ten years ago, in the city of Bayside, there were not only tales of Serena in the south and Leah in the north, but also tales of the golden couple, Serena Sterling and Seth Sullivan.

So everyone present knew that Serena Sterling was once Seth Sullivan’s fiancée. However, a man’s feelings can change as quickly as turning a book’s page — now Vanessa has become Seth’s fiancée, the future young lady of the Sullivan family. Everyone quickly adapted to the situation, saying that "the past is just a fleeting cloud."

Earlier, in the party hall, Serena had already made a beautiful comeback, but now with Seth’s sudden appearance, although these VIPs sympathized with her, their actions were telling, siding with Vanessa instead.

As a result, the three members of the Sterling family were practically over the moon.

Serena stood there with her delicate frame, elegant and captivating. As the crowd’s eyes lingered on her, she slowly curled her red lips, "Although seeing someone pick up the things I’ve discarded and treat them as treasures is quite humorous and ridiculous, I still wish you both everlasting happiness because you truly are a perfect match."

After speaking, Serena turned and left.

The crowd was...

Comparing young master Sullivan to something she’s used and discarded — Miss Serena really doesn’t hold back with her words.

Vanessa’s triumphant expression froze; she didn’t know whether to feel proud or not anymore.

...

Serena walked out of The Sovereign Hotel, just as Seth, with Vanessa in his embrace, came out. Vanessa quickly clung to Seth’s strong arm, acting coquettishly, "Brother Seth, poor Serena didn’t even have a car to pick her up. Why don’t we take pity on her and give her a ride?"

Seth glanced at Serena, "Since Vanessa suggested, get in the car, I’ll give you a ride."

Serena refused, "No need."

"Why not?" Vanessa, feeling like the true little princess now with Seth’s backing, turned her head to look at Gregory in great grievance, "Dad, I kindly invited Serena to join us in the car, but she refused. Later, Brother Seth and I are going for a candlelight dinner. Is Serena doing this on purpose?"

Gregory indeed treated Vanessa like a princess because he desperately needed a golden son-in-law like Seth. His demand for his daughter was to marry into one of the four great families of Bayside, and no one could ruin this marriage, especially not Serena.

Gregory spoke sternly, "Serena, what young lady’s tantrum are you throwing? Get in the car quickly, don’t waste young master Sullivan and Vanessa’s time!"

Lillian Sterling was the most complacent of them all. She laughed, "Serena, this is The Sovereign Hotel, you can’t get a taxi at the entrance. Stop fighting for that little bit of face, just let young master Sullivan and Vanessa give you a ride."

Serena thought this family was truly bizarre. She smiled, gave Vanessa a meaningful glance, "Even though I can’t produce a 500,000 check, I still have my ways to get back. I advise someone to avoid me if they see me, otherwise, I might..."

Vanessa’s face suddenly changed, Serena brought up the 500,000 check incident!

If Seth and her parents knew that she had taken a 500,000 check trying to keep a gigolo like Serena, not only did she fail, but was also humiliated by a few ruffians afterwards, she’d be in big trouble.

Vanessa admitted she was once infatuated by that gigolo, but she had always admired and vowed to marry Seth, to marry into the Sullivan family and become a young mistress of a prominent family.

Seth is her ultimate goal.

With Serena holding this over her, Vanessa quickly lost her earlier haughty spirit. She tugged at Seth, "Brother Seth, let’s go."

At that moment, the manager of The Sovereign Hotel came out and politely asked, "Excuse me, which one of you is Miss Sterling?"

The manager’s sudden appearance startled everyone.

Everyone knew that The Sovereign Hotel was a property under The Crawford Group, the number one influential family in Bayside. The Crawford family lived in legendary tales, extremely mysterious and low-key. Even a hotel like The Sovereign required officials and dignitaries to reserve in advance due to its international top-notch services. Naturally, people rarely got to see the manager of The Sovereign Hotel.

Lillian Sterling was the first to react, quickly grabbing Vanessa, "Hello, manager, Miss Sterling is here!"

Due to the involvement of The Crawford Group, Gregory was extremely excited, "Yes, yes, Miss Sterling is here, manager, may I know what you need from my daughter?"

The manager walked over to Seth and Vanessa, first greeting Seth politely, "Hello, young master Sullivan."

The manager’s calm demeanor showed no sign of flattery, even in front of Seth, proof that he’s seen much of the world.

Seth nodded with one hand in his pocket.

Only then did the manager look at Vanessa, "Excuse me, are you Miss Sterling?"

Vanessa had no idea what great prize she’d won today, even the manager of The Sovereign Hotel sought her out personally. In her immense pride, she glanced at Serena, then sweetly addressed the manager, "Hello, manager, I am Vanessa."

"Vanessa?" The manager shook his head, "I’m sorry, I’m not looking for you, I’m looking for Miss Serena Sterling."

Upon hearing this, the room filled with gasps.

Looking for... Serena?

Serena blinked in surprise, not expecting them to be looking for her.

Lillian Sterling quickly spoke up, "Manager, you must be mistaken, our Vanessa is the real Miss Sterling here. Why are you looking for Serena Sterling?"

The manager ignored Lillian completely, walking straight to Serena, his previous polite expression turned reverent, "I presume you are Miss Serena?"

Serena nodded, "Hello, I am Serena Sterling, are you looking for me?"

The manager smiled, "Hello, Miss Sterling, since it’s inconvenient to get a taxi here, we’ve prepared a car for you."

As he spoke, a stretch Rolls-Royce Phantom drove up.

With great respect, the manager opened the rear car door, "Miss Sterling, please."

Oh my god.

A Rolls-Royce Phantom.

This top luxury car came to pick up Serena?!

Even Serena looked at the manager with some suspicion. The manager gave a mysterious smile, "Miss Sterling, please, to take you back to Orchid Court."

Under everyone’s gaze, Serena was whisked away in the Rolls-Royce Phantom at high speed.

...

The manager watched the luxury car until it was completely out of sight before turning back. At that moment, Gregory quickly stopped him, "Hello, manager, may I ask what’s going on here?"

The manager reverted to his polite demeanor, "I’m sorry Mr. Sterling, this is a personal matter of our president, I’m not too sure either."

The manager left, but his words carried significant implications.

Isn’t the president of this Sovereign Hotel... the heir to The Crawford Group, Hayden Crawford?

When did Serena Sterling know Hayden Crawford? What is their relationship?

Gregory’s expression instantly became unpredictable, Lillian huffed, "Gregory, Serena just came back from the countryside, how could she be involved with The Crawford Group’s president? But I must say, Serena’s skill in seducing men is really impressive. Not long ago, she just kept a gigolo, and now here at The Sovereign Hotel causing a fuss, she’s really just like her mother."

Lillian’s words barely finished when Gregory raised his hand and gave her a fierce slap.

Lillian was left stunned by the slap.

Gregory’s expression turned sinister and terrifying, he warned through gritted teeth, "Look at what you are, and keep your mouth shut about people you shouldn’t be mentioning!"

Lillian was shocked on the spot, even Vanessa was frightened and at a loss.

Seth remained unemotional, only giving Gregory a glance, then turned his attention in the direction Serena disappeared, his gaze turning distant.

...

The Rolls-Royce took Serena back to Orchid Court, where Serena texted Leah Thorne from her room.

Leah: You’re telling me the president of The Crawford Group sent you back?

Serena: Seems like it.

Leah: Serena, bow before my knees. How many new lovers do you have, is that mysterious president of The Crawford Group already under your spell?

On the way back, Serena was pondering how she got involved with this president of The Crawford Group. Suddenly, she thought of a long-ignored question, Hayden Crawford... isn’t he... surname Crawford?

He... he...

Serena: My ghost husband’s last name is Crawford.

Over there, Leah didn’t respond immediately, likely shocked as well. Two minutes later, Leah texted: Send me a picture, of when we went to the hot spring, you in a swimsuit.

What do you need that for?

Though puzzled, Serena still found the photo and sent it over.

A few seconds later, Serena was stunned by what she’d done — she had sent that photo to... Hayden Crawford!