CHAPTER 21: CHAPTER 21: FLIRTING WITH ME?

She sent a photo of herself in swimwear to Hayden Crawford!

There was a peace agreement between the two, so they exchanged contact information. She remembered asking if they should add each other on WeChat?

At that time, Hayden, the business mogul, slightly furrowed his brow, clearly unfamiliar with this app. However, that night when he returned, he had a new WeChat account and added her.

What was she doing?

Was she being careless?

Serena Sterling quickly thought of recalling the message, but it was too late; the time had passed.

She was really going to go crazy.

And then Leah Thorne’s WeChat came through again, sending some pictures saying: let me see if your figure has changed. Recently, Victoria’s Secret released several sexy new nightgowns. Check what your mogul prefers?

How about this one, a bit of fresh amidst the waves.

And this one, innocent but burning?

Serena Sterling, ...

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in a foreign country, on the highest floor of the financial street’s business office building, executives with blue badges around their necks sat on either side of the long conference table in the VIP meeting room, as the CFO reported the year’s sales figures.

Everyone held their breath and listened attentively but couldn’t help sneaking glances at the man sitting in the head seat.

Hayden Crawford was dressed in a tailored black suit today, with a white handkerchief folded in the pocket. His fringe was pushed up, revealing his refined and handsome features as he focused on reading documents, exuding the charm of a successful businessman with every move.

Noble, mature, powerful, able to turn things around.

The VIP meeting room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, and suddenly there was a "ding" sound; a phone rang.

Everyone’s eyes instantly fell on Hayden Crawford—his phone was ringing beside him.

Hayden raised his eyes; the phone indicated a WeChat message.

He had his secretary download WeChat, adding only one person.

That person was Serena Sterling.

At that moment, his personal secretary Ivan Yarrow approached and bent down to inquire about the situation.

Hayden gestured for Ivan to step back and motioned for the CFO and other executives to continue the meeting.

Once everyone’s attention shifted away, Hayden opened WeChat on his phone and saw the photo Serena Sterling had sent.

Serena Sterling had just come out of the hot spring, wearing a grass-green floral swimsuit. Her long silky black hair was wet, draped over her fragrant shoulders as she held onto the ladder, climbing ashore.

It wasn’t a frontal photo but a side one; her beautiful profile line was partially obscured but gave a hint of a rare beauty.

The bathing beauty photo, quite limited.

Since they met, Hayden Crawford had never seen her wear such bright colors or so little fabric. Even though they shared a room every night, she always covered herself thoroughly.

Though, he knew how great her figure was.

Hayden sent a WeChat message: flirting with me?

Flirting with me?

Serena Sterling quickly received those two words, her pretty face turned crimson with embarrassment. She could almost imagine what kind of deep magnetic voice this man used to say those words.

Then, Hayden sent another WeChat message: it’s still daytime here.

Time zone difference; it’s night for her but daytime for him.

Serena Sterling touched her face, feeling both flushed and hot. What difference does it make whether it’s daytime or not? Naughty!

Is he hinting at flirting at night?

Serena Sterling quickly replied: if I say I sent it by mistake, would you believe me?

Hayden furrowed his brow: then who were you supposed to send it to?

Serena suddenly felt captured red-handed; she could only send a screenshot of her chat with Leah Thorne: see for yourself.

Hayden saw the nightgowns; he raised his brow, his long narrow eye corners exuding a mature male charm.

He replied: I saw them; you can buy them all and try them on for me. Then I’ll tell you which one I like.

Serena sat up from the bed, looking at his reply back and forth three times, finally trembling as she typed: rogue!

Seeing the word "rogue," Hayden raised his brow with a low and pleasant chuckle coming from his throat.

She was intelligent and calm, rarely losing her temper. He knew he was truly pushing her buttons.

Hayden replied leisurely: calling me names? I’ll deal with you when I get back!

...

Serena lay back on the bed; she felt like a boiled shrimp, turning red completely. She couldn’t deal with his last line, "I’ll deal with you when I get back."

She forcefully closed her eyes, trying to shake off Hayden’s annoying handsome face from her mind, focusing on the real business.

Clearly, Seth Sullivan was out to oppose her upon returning this time. He’s now among the top four influential families in Bayside—powerful and challenging to deal with.

This situation was significantly unfavorable to her.

And one thing was weird, why did Seth say she was dirty and call her worn-out shoes?

Serena discussed this topic with Leah Thorne, who said: "Pervert Sullivan’s just talking nonsense; my Serena is still untouched."

Serena asked: But why would he say that?

Leah replied: Go ask him.

Serena realized this made a lot of sense; guessing here by herself was pointless; she needed to find an opportunity to ask him face-to-face.

Leah continued: Honestly, Pervert Sullivan isn’t as hard to deal with as he seems. He likes you; if you’d like, there’s a way to handle him.

Serena didn’t reply; she clearly understood what Leah meant. Regarding the man who likes her, there are indeed many ways to turn passivity into initiative.

...

At night, Seth Sullivan brought Vanessa to the presidential suite of The Sovereign Hotel.

Seth had just showered, with a white bathrobe draped over him as he poured some red wine into a goblet, elegantly sipping it.

At that moment, Vanessa hugged him from behind after finishing her bath, "Brother Seth, do you think my dad really loves Serena’s mom, never forgetting her after all these years?"

Seth gazed at the neon lights outside the floor-to-ceiling window, curling his thin lips, "Why do you say that?"

"I know my dad always keeps a picture of Serena’s mom in his wallet. He treasures that photo immensely, never letting anyone touch it. Over the years, my dad forbids anyone from speaking ill of Serena’s mom. Today, when my mom did, he was like a changed man. Even though he’s a prideful person, he wouldn’t let anyone see him as a joke in public, yet he slapped my mom outside the hotel."

Seth’s mind conjured up a stunning face as he softly remarked, "Serena’s mom was a legendary woman."

Vanessa had never met Serena’s mom since she passed away a decade ago. She seemed to have vanished from the world, and it’s difficult to hear any news about her life.

Vanessa pondered over the idea: to wipe out all traces of someone in Bayside would require a massive hand, an incredible force.

Whenever she thought of this, Vanessa would feel afraid.

"Brother Seth, my mom wasn’t entirely wrong, Serena’s quite adept at seducing men. She married into Orchid Court for luck, then kept a young guy outside, and now she’s involved with The Sovereign Hotel. Who knows how many men she’s had!"