Chapter 394: Mr. Grant Makes an Appearance (Part 2)

Chapter 394: Chapter 394: Mr. Grant Makes an Appearance (Part 2)

Aiden Faulkner’s expression turned ugly. To think that she, a woman already in the professional world, was being lectured by a mere college freshman! It made her look incompetent. "Of course I know that acquiring a jewelry company is the fastest way, and I’ve already identified an acquisition target! But after The Faulkner Group successfully acquires it, we’ll still need to develop our own unique brand. Ancient Charm Porcelain Ornaments is the best choice! We’re all family. Since you can license it to other companies, you can license it to The Faulkner Group, too!"

"We’re all family?" Seraphina Sterling raised a delicate eyebrow. "My surname is Sterling, and yours is Faulkner. Since when are we family? You’ve been working for so long, are you still clinging to the naive idea that emotions trump all? Let me tell you, the business world is a massive battlefield for profit. In war, there are no fathers and sons. Do you really think a connection between a Faulkner and a Sterling, whose families are worlds apart, is of any use?"

Seraphina’s usually soft voice was especially resonant in the living room, and everyone was startled when she suddenly raised it. A corner of Seraphina’s lip curled as she glanced at the stunned Aiden Faulkner. "Don’t give me that ’we’re family’ nonsense. I, Seraphina Sterling, am not falling for it. And don’t you dare use such an entitled tone with me. It just makes me think you’re an idiot! It’s a good thing The Faulkner Group only put you in charge of the jewelry division. If you were in upper management, it probably wouldn’t be long before the Faulkner name disappeared from Aethelgard entirely!"

Seraphina showed no mercy, belittling Aiden Faulkner right in front of everyone. Even with Aiden’s fiancé, Justin Hale, present, Seraphina didn’t hold back. ’I still remember what happened at the club,’ she thought. ’How Aiden fanned the flames in front of Shannon Gable, adding insult to injury and goading me into a horse-riding competition with her. I almost got seriously hurt! I haven’t forgotten that grudge. And now she has the nerve to show up at my door, wanting to partner with me? Has she lost her mind?’

"Seraphina Sterling—" Aiden Faulkner was shaking with a rage she couldn’t vent. Her eyes were practically shooting fire, and she ground her teeth, wishing she could march right over and slap Seraphina across the face!

"If there’s nothing else, I’m heading back to school. And as for Ancient Charm Porcelain Ornaments, don’t get your hopes up. I won’t be licensing it to any more companies!" Having finally vented, Seraphina felt a wave of relief wash over her, body and mind at ease.

"Mr. Sterling, don’t you think Seraphina Sterling’s actions are a bit excessive? Are you not going to step in?" Justin Hale, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. He couldn’t just stand by and watch his fiancée be humiliated in public.

Walter Sterling looked at Seraphina, his expression thoughtful, but he said nothing.

"Seraphina’s home, and we have so many guests! Jasmine, tell the kitchen to prepare some extra dishes for dinner tonight!" Owen Sterling had just gotten home from work, and just like that, Seraphina’s exit was foiled.

When Aiden Faulkner saw Owen Sterling, a spark of hope ignited within her. She put on a deeply wronged expression and said, "Uncle, please don’t trouble yourself. I couldn’t possibly eat a meal in your home. I consider your family to be my own, but someone here clearly doesn’t see me as family. I think it’s best if I don’t visit the Sterling estate anymore, lest people think I’m just trying to freeload off the connection!"

"Aiden, why would you say such a thing?" Owen Sterling said with a smile. "I’m your uncle; of course we’re family. You should come visit more often when you have time. You can keep Maple and your aunt company! Family should always stay in touch."

"I’d better not," Aiden said with a sigh, looking utterly helpless and heartbroken. "Seraphina just finished saying how distant our connection is. She doesn’t see me as a relative at all. She’ll license Ancient Charm Porcelain Ornaments to completely unrelated companies, but she refuses to license it to The Faulkner Group. How is that treating us like family!" Her performance was so convincing that anyone watching would have thought Seraphina was completely in the wrong.