CHAPTER 917: CHAPTER 917: STEALING COUNTLESS LITTLE JOYS

Compared to counting money, Seraphina said she would never admit defeat. How could she possibly admit defeat?

"Alright, alright," Julian Rathborne’s kiss landed on her earlobe, filled with affectionate tenderness, "You’re even better than a money-counting machine, okay?"

...

The next morning.

Julian Rathborne was awakened by a string of melodious phone rings. His phone was ringing; a call had come in.

Julian Rathborne opened his drowsy eyes. It was already eight in the morning, and the brilliant morning light outside the window bathed the room in warmth.

He rarely woke up this late. Over the years, busy with work and charity, he would usually wake up very early.

Today, waking up so late, the sensible servants didn’t come to disturb him either.

Julian Rathborne shifted a little and found a soft, fragrant little thing in his arms. He lowered his gaze and saw Seraphina burrowed in his embrace, her hands tightly holding his waist, clinging to him like a docile and affectionate kitten.

Memories of last night came flooding back in an instant.

Julian Rathborne’s eyes reddened slightly. Only when a man reaches his forties does he truly understand the taste of love and affection, and it’s... a penetratingly unforgettable taste.

In the past, he didn’t know the allure of love, but now that he’s had a taste, it’s like a beast that broke free from its leash, even he can’t control himself.

Julian Rathborne gazed deeply at the small woman in his arms. He didn’t know how the world could produce such a person who could captivate him so thoroughly. She’s such a perfect match for him, bringing him immense joy even in their most intimate moments.

In such a morning, waking up with her entwined in his arms, Julian Rathborne felt his heart full, stealing half a day’s leisure and joy.

She was still sleeping, probably exhausted from last night, unaffected by the noise.

Through her collar, Julian Rathborne glimpsed a trail of hickeys, all left by him the previous night.

He had restrained his strength, afraid of hurting her, yet he still left his marks.

Julian Rathborne reached out and affectionately tapped her nose.

Mm.

In her sleep, Seraphina mumbled and moved her soft body, clinging to him even tighter. Her silky hair slipped through his arm, and she sleepily lifted her head, her red lips landing on his chest and moving to his handsome face, "Julian Rathborne, stop teasing me, I’m so sleepy."

Julian Rathborne’s lips curled from her kisses. Her playful and lively nature extended even to their intimate moments... as passionate as fire.

Julian Rathborne lowered his head and kissed her red lips.

Mm!

The woman in his arms frowned, showing signs of waking up.

Julian Rathborne quickly let go of her, then lay flat, pretending to sleep.

She remained still, so Julian Rathborne sat up and stole another kiss from her.

After a few such playful exchanges, Julian Rathborne restrained himself and let go because the phone on the bedside table kept ringing, and he needed to take the call.

He picked up the phone, it was his daughter Serena Sterling calling.

"Hello, Serena."

...

When Seraphina woke up, the side next to her was empty; Julian Rathborne was no longer there.

She got out of bed to wash up and walked out. The maids in the villa had been replaced, all older and more competent.

The maid was very respectful to Seraphina, "Miss Linden, you’re awake. I’ll go heat up your breakfast."

Seraphina felt as if she were dreaming. Last night, she had still been a maid here, but now having slept with the master of the house, it seemed as though she had become the mistress herself?

Seraphina felt a sense of elevation.

"Where is your Mr. Rathborne?" Seraphina looked around, but didn’t see Julian Rathborne.

To be honest, when she didn’t see him upon waking up, she felt a little disappointed.

What was it, eat and run?

"Miss Linden, Mr. Rathborne just went out. He said he’s a bit busy lately and has to go on a business trip."

He went on a business trip?

And he didn’t even inform her?

Seraphina, "Oh."

"Miss Linden, let’s have breakfast."

Seraphina stayed in the villa for several days, waiting for Julian Rathborne to return, but he never did, and didn’t contact her even once.

He seemed to have suddenly vanished from her life.

During these days, Seraphina ate and slept. A once-busy life abruptly paused because of one person, and she felt like a soulless creature.

She looked at her phone, which was empty—he hadn’t called or messaged her once.

Seraphina, bored, lay on the windowsill, a bit angry, wondering what he meant by this.

Could it be that she didn’t satisfy him that night, making him lose interest?

No, that can’t be right.

Her mind wandered back to that night, seeing the usually dignified and restrained man drenched in sweat, his eyes filled with burning desire.

In the end, he collapsed on her, still breathing lightly by her ear, his voice hoarse as he called her name, "Seraphina..."

Seraphina quickly shut her eyes, shaking off those vivid images. She regretted giving him the kidney tonic; it indeed worked like magic!

At this moment, a string of melodious phone rings sounded; a call had come in.

Seraphina’s eyes lit up with joy. Could it be Julian Rathborne?

But her excitement was short-lived. It wasn’t Julian Rathborne; it was Charmaine from the Phoenix Plume Pavilion.

Seraphina languidly lay on the windowsill, looking at the vast lawn outside, hoping that any moment now, a Rolls-Royce would drive into view. She answered the call, "Hello."

"Hello, big boss," Charmaine’s anxious voice quickly came through, "Big boss, how many days have you been gone, and why haven’t you returned? The wedding must be over by now, right? The Phoenix Plume Pavilion is jam-packed every day, and the safe is full of red RMB notes. Aren’t they your favorites, big boss? Are you planning to abandon your favorite things by not returning?"

Seraphina Linden could write a book about herself titled "The Female Simon Shelton."

She had a sharp business acumen, succeeding in every field over the years. The Phoenix Plume Pavilion was now thriving.

Seraphina always believed that passion was the most important part of doing business; one must have a... love of money!

She had done pretty well in that regard, which is why she had never failed.

If it were in the past, Seraphina might have jumped up by now, immediately preparing a private jet to leave!

But at this moment, Seraphina remained lazily sprawled, seemingly uninterested in the RMB, "Charmaine, I’m not going back for now. Keep an eye on things for me."

Charmaine on the other end was dumbfounded, "B-big boss, are you really planning to abandon your favorite things? Could it be that you... are in love?"

What?

The words "in love" struck Seraphina’s nerves, causing her to sit up straight instantly, "Don’t talk nonsense!"

"Big boss, pardon my honesty, but it really seems like you’re in love. Love makes people lazy and unmotivated. You’ve changed; you’ve shifted your affections; you no longer love money. You’ve fallen in love with that man!"