CHAPTER 198: CHAPTER 198: IF THIS CONTINUES, CAN YOU STILL MAKE UP?

Vera thought about it and immediately messaged Connor.

Connor received the message and acted immediately.

He guided the narrative in several directions:

First, Vera did not get help from The Lawson Corporation, yet Serena comfortably received help from the Hawthorne Group. Is this fair? After all, everyone knows Silas has been pursuing Serena lately.

Second, Vera just wants a wedding.

Third, support Vera’s luxury villa floral series.

This reasoning quickly changed the online sentiment.

Countless people began to sympathize with Vera.

The comment with the most likes was—

"Serena has space to shine only because of the Hawthorne Group’s endorsement, while Vera relies entirely on herself. Whether it’s ’Micro Love’ or the luxury villa floral series, it’s all Vera’s own business. What does Serena have to compare with Vera?"

Suddenly, the internet was in chaos.

Serena looked at Vera’s actions and smiled indifferently.

She knew Vera wouldn’t just sit back and do nothing.

In a small group chat, Quinn started mobilizing vigorously.

Serena thought for a moment and typed a line—

"Focus: Protect consumers; purchasing is their right. Consumers shouldn’t be morally coerced."

Quinn acted immediately.

Main points were:

Firstly, although Serena is collaborating with the Hawthorne Group, it’s a normal business collaboration. The win was achieved through her victory in ’Heavenly Sound’, which is evident to all. These designs were prepared diligently by Serena and her efforts shouldn’t be disregarded.

Secondly, consumers buy products based on their preferences and should not be criticized.

The Hawthorne Group also issued a statement emphasizing strong support for consumer protection.

...

Because many people had already purchased products from the Blue series, with the brand’s protection, netizens felt somewhat relieved.

In particular, some passersby who were labeled as Serena’s fans simply because they bought the products were quite annoyed.

"I’m just passing by. Found it attractive and bought it to check in. I don’t know Serena or Vera, yet I’m being categorized as a fan because I bought something—so overwhelming."

"Want a wedding? Just do it. Don’t know why people don’t arrange a secret one overseas when elders disagree in the country."

Passersby still dominate; many people don’t care about online matters, focusing only on their own lives.

Finally, Old Master Lawson stepped in.

Poor Old Master Lawson, at his age, even recorded a video.

"What I offered to both sides is very crucial to them. Losing will entail great costs. If it weren’t absolutely necessary, neither Serena nor Vera would participate."

"This competition is all about capability."

Old Master Lawson released part of Serena’s contract.

Serena needs to pay three times the cost to buy back what she wants.

Although Caleb Lawson didn’t let people see specific items from the Sheridan Family written on the contract, everyone knew they must be quite valuable to be part of the competition conditions.

Thus, the online uproar calmed down slightly.

Time quickly passed midnight.

The next day’s voting started.

Within moments, the votes surged rapidly.

Unlike Serena’s overwhelming victory yesterday, today, her votes and Vera’s are almost neck-and-neck.

...

Serena watched all this unfold.

Vera is still formidable.

Though she knew Vera would focus on ’Micro Love’, this luxury villa floral series...

This was the reason Vera’s Vivian’s Floral Studio became popular, and Vera’s personal brand took shape.

Though they both understood, the actual monetization capabilities of the luxury villa floral series can’t compare with others.

Moreover, there are limitations in the required conditions.

Luxury villa floral series, meaning first, there’s a need for luxury villas.

Back then, Vera was nourished by resources fed by Julian Lawson.

Not many wealthy individuals like publicizing the interior conditions of their homes.

Afterwards, it’s uncertain where Vera’s luxury villas can come from.

Will Julian Lawson still provide her with resources?

Serena lowered her eyes slightly, this isn’t something she should be concerned about.

What she needs to do is win every upcoming round.

"Buzz buzz."

As she pondered, Serena’s phone vibrated.

She unlocked her phone and saw a message from Silas.

Silas: Don’t be upset, look at this.

Then came a video.

The focal point of the video was the plump ragdoll cat from Silas’s home.

The cat was lying on the sofa with its four paws facing the sky.

Each paw had a rubber duck placed on it.

If it weren’t for the tail twitching continuously, Serena would have thought the cat was fake.

Beside it, Silas, dressed in home attire, pressed a rubber duck.

The duck made a squeaking sound.

"Meow!"

The ragdoll cat meowed, its tail wagging more cheerfully.

Serena couldn’t help but laugh.

This cat was truly talented.

And human-like.

Serena contemplated, replied to the message—"Seraphina would love this."

She paused for a moment and added—"I also love it."

Watching the video, Silas in his home wear.

Unlike the usual meticulous demeanor, he appeared more gentle and homely.

"Buzz buzz."

As she was thinking, the phone vibrated again.

Silas replied—"Yes, I also love it."

Unexpectedly, she felt his words carried deeper meaning.

But she didn’t fully understand.

Unable to figure it out, she decided not to dwell on it.

Serena smiled as she put down the phone, ready to sleep.

Though slightly upset earlier due to Vera’s actions, now her mind was entirely at ease.

She even felt like playing with the cat.

Serena had already drifted off into slumber.

Meanwhile elsewhere.

Julian Lawson was looking at the things on his phone.

He was in PIH the entire time.

At this moment, sitting beside him was Ian Yates.

Ian also saw Vera’s live broadcast.

"So this is the reason you mentioned earlier for lending Vera the villa for her broadcast?" Ian asked.

Julian nodded.

Ian sighed deeply, taking a sip of his drink.

"Honestly, the more you help Vera now, the harder it’ll be to reconcile with Serena later," Ian advised, "Are you really going to do this?"

Julian looked at the drink beside him, recalling Silas’s earlier words.

"How do you know she’s the one I can’t let go?"

Julian picked up the glass, downing a big gulp.

"I know Vera is becoming increasingly impulsive," he said, looking at the pendant light.

"But I have no choice but to help her."

"I can’t let Serena win."

If Serena wins, grandfather would give her the Sheridan Family’s belongings.

Without the Sheridan Family’s assets as leverage, she might really leave.

She wouldn’t even give him a chance to explain.

"But you guys now... Like this, can you really reconcile?"

Ian probed the key issue.

Julian didn’t know how to respond.

The lights flickered.

Vivid colors.

Yet at this moment, his heart was gray.

Unable to answer, he could only firmly believe in his original decision.