Inherit Billions Novel by Larissa Pearce

Chapter 35 Drugged

Arriving at the private club, they went to their reserved private room. Julia leaned in to kiss the cheeks of a greasy man with a big tummy who had already waited for them in the private room. Seraphina felt a w

of nausea when she saw the scene.

Out of politeness, she still walked over gracefully to greet him. Mr. Marx’s eyes lit up at the sight of Seraphina. She felt sick at the barely concealed greed in his gaze.

“And this must be the one you’re talking about? I’ve heard so much about you, and you’re just as beautiful as the rumours.”

Mr. Marx extended his hand. Seraphina nodded slightly to greet him and then sat down. She said, “Mr. Marx, you’re flattering me. It’s your reputation that’s truly renowned.”

Julia gave Seraphina a meaningful look and introduced herself: “Seraphina just joined Cross Group, so she might not know that our company has an old affiliation with Gaia Group. There shouldn’t be any issues with our cooperation. How about we show Mr. Marx the contract? If everything is fine, we can sign it.”

Seraphina froze a little at the suggestion. She raised an eyebrow and took out the prepared contract, saying, “Sure, Mr. Marx, you better take a good look at the contract.”

The greasy man took the contract and glanced through it casually, as if he already knew its contents. He only paused slightly at the numbers; his complexion darkened instantly.

“Why is the commission thirty percent higher than what we agreed upon?” he questioned.

Julia was taken aback. She quickly grabbed the contract, and her expression changed upon seeing it. “Who changed this?”

“I did.” Seraphina lowered her gaze and smiled faintly.

“Since I’m handling this project, I get to make the call. We’ll go with these terms, or there’s no deal.”

Everyone knew that raising it by thirty percent would mean several million more in upfront investment for Gaia Group, which was an amount that an almost bankrupt shell company couldn’t afford.

Julia’s face turned pallid due to her rage. She questioned, “Seraphina, what gives you the right to change it?”

“I’m, Ms. Lane, the Vice President, and I’m looking out for the company’s best interests. Why are you upset? Actually, you should be happy. Are you in the Cross Group or Gaia Group?” Seraphina looked at her and asked a pointed question.

Julia’s expression soured with her questi

She said, “I … I’m with Cross Group, of course, but doing business requires integrity. Once we agree on a number, we shouldn’t change it!”

“Until the contract is signed, everything can change.” Seraphina gave Mr. Marx, who was fuming, a playful look. She said, “Or did you two have some private agreement?”

That question surprised both of them. Mr. Marx suddenly displayed a dark, knowing smile. He picked up the wine bottle by his side and poured a glass of Seraphina.

“Since we’re negotiating the terms, I’m willing to negotiate because of my sincerity. I think – you should take a look at this document. As long as you sign it, I won’t let you down.”

Mr. Marx pulled out a document from his bag. It was almost identical to the one Seraphina had, but ten percent lower than what Julia had set.

Julia’s eyes darted around as she tried to persuade Seraphina. She said, “What’s the point for you to rely on Sivir? You need up by placing you in this poore people backing you up. Sivir obviously wants to set you without support. What can you gain from him? He can’t make you his wife.”

Seraphina ignored Julia’s attempts to sow discord. This woman had probably assumed there was a romantic relationship between Seraphina and Sivir.

Was this Julia’s attempt to persuade her to jump ship?

“Look at your clothes; they’re brandless and probably bought online, right? How do you get to work? By taxi?”

Julia sneered at Seraphina’s plain attire. She tugged at her Chanel suit and let out a smile.

“I’ve been around; I wouldn’t lie to you. Stick with Mr. Marx, and you won’t regret it. He’s got

…” a used Audi ready for you. With his help on projects, you’ll secure your position …

As Seraphina was quietly pondering, Julia thought she had convinced her. Satisfied, she gave Mr. Marx a meaningful glance before she stood up and pretended she was a little tipsy. Julia said, “I need to go to the ladies. You two can keep talking.”

Once out the door, a sharp look crossed Julia’s eyes. She saw a familiar figure stealthily linger around the ladies. She grabbed on to that man and asked, “Is everything ready?”

The waiter answered in trepidation, “The drug is already in the wine.”

“Good.” Julia smiled with satisfaction.