Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 97

Chapter 97: A celebration to remember

Orabela sat in the chair, her gaze fixed on the door as she waited for Seraphina to enter. A glass wall separated them, riddled with small holes to allow sound to pass through.

The door finally opened, and a prison officer escorted Seraphina into the room. Her hands were cuffed, and bruises marred her forehead—a clear sign the inmates had not made her time easy. But Orabela’s face remained impassive; Seraphina’s suffering was the least of her concerns.

Seraphina’s face lit up at the sight of Orabela. “Are you well?” she asked, her voice laced with a forced brightness. “Today is your birthday. You shouldn’t have come. I… I don’t even know if I deserve to wish you a happy birthday,” she added, her gaze dropping in shame.

Orabela’s eyes hardened. “You’re right,” she replied coldly. “You lost any right to wish me anything. Because of you, my life is on the verge of destruction. You destroyed everything with your reckless decision to kill your own daughter.”

Seraphina’s expression crumpled. “I regret it every day,” she whispered. “Please, if you see Layla, ask her to visit me—just once.”

Orabela let out a harsh laugh. “Layla? She wants nothing to do with you. And you know what? She’s thriving now, using your downfall as her chance to rise. You always assured me I’d never have reason to feel insecure by your daughter. And yet, here we are.” Her voice tightened, her jaw clenching in fury. “Tell me, how do you plan to answer for that?”

“What did Layla do?” Seraphina questioned.

“She’s going to be the Director soon,” Orabela replied. “I was meant for that position. How dare you and your daughter snatch my happiness forever? You seduced my Dad and destroyed my mother’s life. At least, you should have done everything in your capacity to take Layla’s life since you hate the very existence of hers,” she bitterly told Seraphina.

“I’m sorry. I never meant to do that,” Seraphina said as tears brimmed in her ears. “Is there any way her succession can be stopped?” she inquired.

“There’s only one way for that. You should appeal for the case to reopen. If you want to lessen your sentence, then tell in your statement that Layla asked you to lie. It was Lucius and her plan. I suppose you can do that, no?” Orabela inquired.

Seraphina wiped her tears quickly. “Can I do that? Will I be out of the prison then?” she inquired.

“Yes, you can,” Orabela said. “I’ll provide the lawyer support to you. So, it’s better for you to end Layla completely if you want your own safety and my happiness,” she affirmed.

The prison official opened the door. “The time is over.”

“I’ll do it,” Seraphina said before walking away.

Orabela smirked and picked up her handbag before walking out of the prison. ‘While today Layla won’t be declared as the Director, her own mother would destroy her completely by lying. This is going to be fun,’ she thought and entered her car. Wearing the seatbelt, she started the engine and drove off.

~~~~

“Orabela was in the prison. She’s plotting against Madam Layla,” Roger reported, watching Lucius as he sat back in his swivel chair. “That woman is unbelievable. Boss, she’s as cunning as her grandmother,” he muttered, his tone laced with anger.

Lucius’s gaze sharpened. “What’s she planning?”

Roger took a deep breath before answering. “She urged Seraphina to reopen her case, claiming she could reduce her sentence by saying that Madam Layla conspired with you to secure a position in Rosenzweig Group.”

Lucius let out a laugh, catching Roger off guard. “Are the DNA results still not out?” he asked, amusement lingering in his eyes.

“Not yet, Boss,” Roger replied, though he couldn’t hide his irritation. “But honestly, the way Seraphina follows Orabela’s lead… it’s obvious they’re mother and daughter. I still can’t believe even Madam Layla’s mother didn’t catch on to that,” he sighed, shaking his head in disbelief.

Lucius smirked. “It’s astounding how deeply people can be blinded by their own expectations. Let them play their games. We’ll be ready for the results.”

“Don’t worry, Roger. Layla’s reputation will remain untarnished,” Lucius said firmly.

Just then, Layla’s voice broke into their conversation. “Lucius, are you supposed to attend this evening’s meeting?” she asked, holding a tablet as she entered the office.

Lucius rose from his seat, his expression softening as he looked at her. “Cancel the meeting. We have more important plans to celebrate your birthday, my wife.”

Roger, catching the shift in the air, smiled and quietly left the office, leaving the two of them alone.

Layla raised an eyebrow, glancing at the details on her tablet. “This meeting is with a very important client. Are you sure you want to cancel it?”

Lucius stepped closer, gently taking the tablet from her hands and setting it aside. “Let them wait. Tonight is about you, Layla,” he said, his voice warm. “Clients may come and go, but celebrating with you is what matters most to me.” He circled an arm around her and pulled her close.

“Yes, but as I said it’s an important client of yours,” Layla stated.

“No one is more important to me than you,” Lucius murmured, his voice a warm whisper close to her ear. “I wanted to spend the entire day with you, to celebrate properly. But here we are, working… That’s no way to celebrate a birthday,” he added, letting his lips brush softly against her earlobe before he began trailing kisses down her neck.

“Lucius…” she breathed, his touch already making her feel light-headed.

He turned her around, lifting her to sit on the edge of the table, and with a gentle touch, he undid the top button of her shirt, pressing a kiss to her collarbone. His hand rested on her thigh, drawing her closer.

“Our work is finished now,” Layla managed, her voice catching as she tried to gather her thoughts. “We could go out and spend time together… but perhaps you should speak with Mr. Lawrence first, just to keep things smooth,” she suggested, letting out a small gasp as he nipped at her neck.

Layla gently pushed him back, her cheeks flushed. “Anyone could walk in, Lucius,” she chided with a soft smile, trying to catch her breath. “Control yourself.”

Lucius smirked, his gaze mischievous. “Very well, but don’t think I’m done with you just yet. Tonight will be a celebration to remember.”

“Sure,” Layla replied.