Chapter 6

The next day, I attended Hayes Industries’ anniversary banquet as planned. And ran straight into Seraphina and Jaxon.

“Liam, what are you doing here?” Jaxon gasped, clinging to Seraphina’s arm, covering his mouth. “You’re not… stalking us, are you?”

“Liam, I don’t know how you snuck in here,” Seraphina said impatiently.

“But this is a major industry event. It’s not appropriate for a small employee like you to be here. Go home before I get angry!”

I sneered, staring at Jaxon. “What about him?”

“Compared to me, Jaxon isn’t even an employee, is he?”

Jaxon’s face changed. But Seraphina shielded him behind her. “Liam, I’m warning you, don’t embarrass me here. I— ”

She stopped mid-sentence as Vivian Hayes, the CEO of Hayes Industries, approached and took my arm.

“Liam, there you are.” Vivian noticed the shocked expressions on Jaxon and Seraphina’s faces and asked, puzzled, “Do you know Seraphina?”

I shook my head. Seraphina’s face turned ashen. Jaxon’s gaze darted between Vivian and me. He suddenly seemed to understand and mocked, “Oh, so *that’s* why you’re here. You’ve hooked up with someone else, huh?”

“Shameless! Your mom’s still in the hospital, and you’re out here having a good time?”

Jaxon’s voice wasn’t quiet. People around us slowly started to gather. Seraphina tried to explain, but I cut her off.

“My business is none of yours,” I said coldly.

“None of my business?” Seraphina’s face darkened. “You’re my husband. How can your business be none of mine?”

“I get it. You’re throwing a tantrum again.” She frowned, rebuking me.

“Now, get your butt home, or don’t blame me for cutting our agreed time short and severing your mother’s medical resources!”

I shrugged indifferently. “Whatever makes you happy.”

Seraphina froze, then frowned. “Liam, you don’t actually think hooking up with Hayes Industries will save your mother, do you?”

“With one word from me, who would dare interfere?”

She leaned closer, whispering to me, “Just humble yourself, and I’ll let you stay my husband. Our mom will be fine too.”

“No thanks.” I recoiled in disgust. “I don’t want it.”

“You— ” Seraphina gritted her teeth and slapped me. I frowned, ready to retaliate.

But Jaxon suddenly lunged out from the crowd, kicking me to the ground.

He shielded Seraphina and yelled, “It’s your privilege to be slapped by Seraphina! And you dare try to hit back?!”

Seraphina backed away with a cold expression, showing no intention of helping me up.

“Are you okay?” Vivian helped me up, indignant. “They’re absolutely outrageous.”

“Let’s go.” I shook my head, not wanting to get dragged into it any further.

“Liam, you stop right there!” Seraphina commanded loudly.

I ignored her, so she quickly stepped in front of me, blocking my path.

“I told you to stop! Are you deaf?”

“I’m telling you, it’s still not too late to beg me for mercy. Otherwise, your mother—”

Her words were cut short as Seraphina’s secretary walked into the banquet, looking frantic.

“Seraphina, it’s bad! Something terrible has happened!”

“What’s the rush?”

“That…” Sarah glanced at me, swallowing. “Since this morning, a lot of shareholders have collectively withdrawn their investments, and also…”

Seraphina’s face went white. “Also what?”