Chapter 52: Chapter 52

The path leading from the garden to the villa was covered with a large white plush carpet.

Artificially scattered rose petals adorned the surface.

Ethan Sterling sat on the left side of the carpet, dressed in a black shirt with loosely fastened buttons, revealing his elegant collarbones and the faint outlines of his muscles.

His long legs stretched out, holding a notebook as he browsed through files, occasionally teasing the girl beside him like one would a cat.

Seraphina Redgrave lay on the carpet, her head resting on Ethan Sterling’s legs, clutching a newspaper from this morning.

Every now and then, Ethan Sterling pinched Seraphina Redgrave’s cheek or gently stroked her seaweed-like hair.

It was a scene of tranquility.

The sunlight wasn’t blinding, casting a gentle serenity over the two in the garden.

In truth, Seraphina Redgrave was not there voluntarily; she had been forcibly dragged onto the carpet by Ethan Sterling into this position.

With Ethan Sterling staying at Hibiscus Garden, Seraphina Redgrave had no way to sneak out.

Yet, even though Ethan Sterling treated her like a pet cat, occasionally pinching her cheeks and patting her head, he hadn’t done anything truly outrageous.

Now, she needed to continue plotting her next move.

She had to think about how to deal with the Redgrave Family and how to leave Ethan Sterling to survive.

As for the Redgrave Family, Hector Shaw had promised to keep her updated on all matters concerning the family, clearly setting things on the right path.

The latter, however, required money. Hector Shaw suggested transferring money directly to her account, but Seraphina Redgrave refused, preferring to earn it herself as it was more enjoyable.

However, the method of making money...

Seraphina Redgrave scanned through various information in the newspaper, suddenly noticing a large advertisement:

"The world-renowned art competition, the Star Burning Cup, is back, calling for submissions from painters worldwide. With lucrative prizes, act fast and join the battle!"

Seraphina Redgrave glanced at the substantial prize: one million dollars.

She narrowed her eyes; truly worthy of a world-class contest, the prize was indeed generous.

Seraphina Redgrave had an idea. Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on Novᴇl_Fire(.)net

"Doesn’t my Little Rose like Hibiscus Garden? Why are you constantly thinking about the outside scenery?"

Ethan Sterling’s low voice pulled Seraphina Redgrave back to reality.

Seraphina Redgrave subconsciously paused, trying to control herself from looking towards the source of the voice, Ethan Sterling, as she stared blankly at the newspaper.

Ethan Sterling set aside the computer, casually waved his hand, prompting the hidden bodyguard to contact the executive assistant, Nathan Ayers.

Soon, Nathan Ayers emerged from the villa and stood in front of Ethan Sterling, "Young Master Sterling."

"When does the Star Burning Cup start?" Ethan Sterling asked.

Seraphina Redgrave suspected Ethan Sterling had installed some monitoring system in her brain.

How else would he ask his assistant about the Star Burning Cup immediately after she showed interest in it?

"In a month. The organizer has collaborated with Sterling to rent The Westmoore Art Gallery for the finals." Nathan Ayers paused, "They sent an invitation letter. Are you interested, Young Master Sterling?"

Ethan Sterling had never cared to attend such dull competitions.

He originally planned to send someone else to handle it casually.

"I’ll bring her to have a look, or she might sneak out again if confined for too long."

Ethan Sterling gently ruffled Seraphina Redgrave’s hair—a technically warm gesture, yet Seraphina Redgrave felt a sense of threat.

He disliked Little Rose wandering out of his sight.

Suddenly, Seraphina Redgrave felt the idea of being confined at Hibiscus Garden seemed appealing, as long as she wasn’t with that pervert.

"Alright, Young Master Sterling, I’ll arrange your itinerary. The organizer previously mentioned a speech on stage, but..."

"I’m just taking my Little Rose for a look."

Implying that he didn’t want any unnecessary arrangements.

Nathan Ayers, realizing Ethan Sterling had no additional instructions, returned to the villa.

With no one else bothering her, Seraphina Redgrave refocused on the newspaper; the competition in a month, and the artwork had to be submitted by this Sunday.

Seraphina Redgrave sank into contemplation.

Mia Redgrave locked herself at home for an entire week, seeing no one.

The birthday party incident had made it impossible for her to assume her usual dignified presence, not to mention that everyone in their circle knew she offended the benefactor of the Shaw Family, making everyone avoid her.

Those who once held her in the limelight had all vanished.

Footsteps echoed from outside, followed by the sound of knocking on the wooden door.

Lena Lynch, unable to watch her once lively daughter in such a state, called out at the door, "Mona, won’t you eat something? Mommy asked someone to cook your favorite dishes."

"Mona, your class teacher has contacted the family several times. You’re an excellent student who should be bringing glory to the school. You can’t stay home indefinitely." Lena Lynch spoke anxiously.

Mia Redgrave curled up in her blanket, listening to Lena Lynch’s nonstop words outside, finally couldn’t bear it and threw the alarm clock at the door, shattering it to pieces: "Stop calling me! I’m not going to school! Everyone knows I kowtowed to Seraphina Redgrave on my birthday, so what’s the point attending school? To be laughed at?"

Lena Lynch lost count of how many sighs she’d uttered these days.

"You go back, I’ll talk to her." Jonathan Redgrave approached Mia’s bedroom, his expression somber, his voice grave, "Mona, come out. Let’s chat."

"I don’t want to! I won’t come out!"

Mia Redgrave shouted.

When had she ever endured such grievances? Not just on that day, but later as well, she was furious with no outlet.

From Sylvia Shaw’s demeanor and various aspects, it was obvious she was Seraphina Redgrave, yet capturing her red-handed seemed impossible, plus all previously dispatched bodyguards to follow her ended up in the hospital.

She had no leverage over her.

How could she face people? Having lived for twenty-one years, basking in praise and privilege, when had she ever been treated ?

"Mona, this isn’t entirely unsolvable. Do you want to know what can be done?" Jonathan Redgrave asked.

At these words, Mia Redgrave perked up, hurriedly shedding the blanket, and rushed to the bedroom door to open it: "Daddy, are you going directly to the restricted area to check on that bitch Seraphina Redgrave? Or secretly to kill Sylvia Shaw?"

Mia Redgrave hadn’t stepped out of her bedroom for days, appearing filthy and disheveled, lacking any semblance of a wealthy heiress.

Jonathan Redgrave looked displeased: "The restricted area isn’t that easily accessible. Do you think I’d personally check it, risking my political career to have it run too smoothly?"

This was thoughtless speak.

Is the restricted area their family’s possession? To enter whenever desired, to inspect at will?

Upon hearing this, Mia Redgrave reverted to her uninterested demeanor: "What else can be done then?"

Without slaughtering Seraphina Redgrave, how could she resolve her inner hatred?

Jonathan Redgrave spoke slowly.

Mia Redgrave felt a jolt, like electricity coursing through her body. She looked up at Jonathan Redgrave, "Daddy, what’s this?"

Why would Ethan Sterling’s name be involved in this?

"Freshen up, what does such desolation look like? Is it worth letting you become this over someone like Seraphina Redgrave?" Jonathan Redgrave snorted coldly, turned, and headed to the living room.

Mia Redgrave froze at her bedroom door.

Soon after, Ethan Sterling’s name reverberated in her mind, unable to be shaken off.

She turned and dashed to the bathroom.

An hour later, Mia Redgrave finally returned to her usual appearance, running to the living room, sitting down beside Jonathan Redgrave, eagerly speaking: "Daddy, why mention Ethan Sterling?"