The Heiress's Revenge - A Bloody Affair - Chapter 64

Chapter 64: [64 – The Calculated Charms]
The smile on Seraphina’s face did not even dull for a moment when she shook hands with Marcus and said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Grayson. Elijah has told me a lot about you.” she placed her hand gently over Elijah’s chest making sure that Mia was looking their way.

This was her way of not so subtly informing Mia that Elijah was hers. Hers to be used as a pawn, hers to punish and for that Mia needed to stay away from his as far as possible.

Elijah, on the other hand, was completely smitten over this show of affection. He could not describe it in words about how good even the slightest of her touch feels, so he settled on smiling and staring at Seraphina.

His reaction did not go unnoticed by Marcus and Katherine, who shared meaningful smiles before Marcus asked, “I hope all of those were good things.” he chuckled and sat down while Elijah pulled out a chair for Seraphina.

“Thank you.” she smiled before sitting down and said, “Of course, Mr. Grayson.” she replied smoothly, her gaze flicking momentarily to Elijah, who pulled his chair closer to hers, “Elijah speaks very highly of you. Also, I am quite familiar with your work and needless to stay you have my utmost respect.”

Marcus’s smile widened, he was quite pleased by the compliment, “It’s good to hear that.” he responded, his eyes twinkling with pride, “And it’s wonderful to finally meet you, Seraphina. I have heard quite a bit about you as well. From the same source, of course.” he laughed making Seraphina chuckle.

Seraphina looked at him directly into the eyes, trying her best to not let her murderous intent show, “All good things, I hope.” she said, echoing his earlier sentiment.

“The best.” commented Marcus as if he was sharing a secret with her. Seraphina giggled shyly and leaned into Elijah who welcomed her with open arms.

It was at that moment that Asher arrived. Greeting everybody with a smile, he took a seat beside his father. From his vantage point he could easily keep an eye on Seraphina. He frowned, not liking the way Elijah was being so touchy with Seraphina and the fact that Seraphina was letting him do that.

She might be his cousin, but to Asher she was more of a sister than his own biological sister, Camille could ever be. He was not in agreement with her about using Elijah like that but Seraphina had always been adamant about it so he let it go only at the condition that if things get too dangerous or out of control then she would stop this immediately and go for a different strategy.

She was his sister and it was his responsibility to keep her safe. He had already failed once but he was not going to fail her again. Last time, it was perhaps their good luck, and may be it was the God’s will that Seraphina survived. Asher did not want the same thing to happen again. That is why he was apprehensive of this particular plan of Seraphina’s.

Asher was brought out of his thoughts and to the reality when Elijah began introducing Seraphina to the rest of his family and his extended family. Asher put on a polite smile and continued to act as if he too was a part of this so called family that was nothing but a group, a gang of criminals, one worse than the other.

As the introductions flowed seamlessly, Elijah felt a sense of pride envelop him on seeing Seraphina blend so effortlessly with his family. He watched her take part in engaging conversations with everyone. She spoke about her art, her life, and her career confidently and with passion. Everybody seemed to be enamored of her.

Elijah caught Marcus’s approving gaze, his approval meant a lot to him, his confidence in his and Seraphina’s relationship deepening.

“I can see why my son is drawn to you, Seraphina.” Marcus said with warmth in his voice that was so strange for Seraphina and it made her skin crawl, “You are a very smart woman, intelligent, and capable as well. You fit right in with us.”

Asher hid his smirk behind his glass of wine while Seraphina’s eyes lit up with amusement, “Thank you, Mr. Grayson. It’s not just me, you all are wonderful people just as Elijah had told me. It feels great to be here.” she replied with a smile on her face.

Meanwhile, Mia remained seated silently, a strained smile curved upon her lips. She felt her heart break into millions of pieces once again. She had never seen Elijah smile so brightly as he did with Seraphina around. His unwavering attention on Seraphina, the cheerful chatter at the table felt like a dagger in her heart, twisting deeper and deeper at an excruciatingly slow pace with every passing second.

Seeing the love that she had hoped for herself being showered upon someone else was very painful. Not able to handle it anymore, Mia made an excuse and quickly left the table.

Only Daniel knew why she did that while the others continued talking with Seraphina. Seeing her connect with the Grayson especially Marcus and Elijah, Daniel felt the tension rise within him.

It cemented his decision of taking her out as soon as possible because if he let her be then in no time Seraphina would ingratiate herself deeply with the Grayson family, ensuring she became an indispensable part of their lives.

And Daniel could not let that happen. Not on his watch.

‘Don’t get too comfortable too soon, Seraphina.’ he thought, his eyes trained on Seraphina. A cunning smile crept across his face as he watched Seraphina interact with the Grayson family.

He had no personal enmity with her. Seraphina’s only fault was that she came between him and his plans accidentally, he knows but that did put a hindrance in his plans, right. That is why, she had to go.

He smirked and quickly typed a message;

Have you settled?

Be prepared, I will let you know when to act.

Daniel was confident that his plan would work. But perhaps he was a bit overconfident about this.