Chapter 403

The tension between them was palpable, even without physical intimacy. Every corner of the mansion seemed to hum with the unspoken passion that made Seraphina's cheeks flush and her pulse race.

Margaret prepared their meals three times a day. Seraphina, unwilling to let her shoulder the burden alone, insisted on helping. But both Margaret and Nathaniel stopped her.

"You're allergic to smoke, Seraphina. Stay out of the kitchen. I'll help Margaret. You can just wait for the meal," Nathaniel said. He stood behind her, his arms encircling her waist, his chin resting on her shoulder. Unable to resist, he pressed a kiss to her flushed earlobe.

In front of Margaret, Seraphina turned as red as a ripe strawberry, squirming in his embrace. "Don't act all heroic, Nathaniel. You're a pampered CEO. What can you even do?"

"I can learn," Nathaniel replied, a smirk playing on his lips. He leaned in, whispering in her ear, "I'm a fast learner, Seraphina. The other night... well, you know exactly how well I performed."

"You—stop it! If you keep talking like that, I'll step on your foot!" Seraphina's face burned, but there was nowhere to hide. Nathaniel had her completely wrapped in his arms.

Margaret watched with a warm smile, her heart swelling as if witnessing her own children sharing a tender moment.

In just a few days, Seraphina and Nathaniel's relationship had heated up rapidly.

They exchanged good mornings and good nights. They did chores together, even grocery shopping at the nearby supermarket.

To avoid unwanted attention, they wore hats and masks when they went out. After all, if the CEO of Vanderbilt Industries and the heiress of the Sinclair family were spotted together like an ordinary couple, the tabloids would explode. The shockwaves would rival two A-list celebrities announcing their engagement.

Not to mention the business world would be thrown into chaos, potentially affecting stock prices and major projects for both families.

These days, Nathaniel had swapped his usual tailored suits for comfortable business casual wear. But even in relaxed attire, he still stood out in a crowd, effortlessly commanding attention.

Today, the couple was at the supermarket, picking out groceries. It was a large warehouse-style store, and since it wasn’t the weekend, the crowd was sparse.

Seraphina had cooked for Nathaniel for years and knew his tastes well. She carefully selected ingredients that catered to his preferences.

Despite her sharp tongue, her actions betrayed her feelings for him.

Nathaniel felt this was the happiest, most fulfilling time of his thirty years.

He should have had this happiness three years ago, when he still had the right to it.

He followed silently behind Seraphina, watching her examine products on the shelves—checking ingredients, expiration dates. Her meticulousness showed no sign of a spoiled heiress. She was thorough, considerate.

His wife.

She might not be his wife now, but she would be.

Suddenly, a mother walked past them, pushing a cart with a little boy perched inside. The two were laughing, chatting happily.

"Seraphina," Nathaniel called, his eyes gleaming.

"What?" she asked, glancing at him.

He pointed at the shopping cart. "Get in. I'll push you."

Seraphina blinked.

"You've been walking for a while. It'll be easier for you. Just point out what you want, and I'll grab it."

"No way, that's ridiculous!" Seraphina took a step back, horrified.

"Come on. Don't worry about me. I won't get tired."

Nathaniel was growing bolder, more assertive—more like the CEO he was.

"I'm not worried about you! I just think it's embarrassing. Look around—do you see anyone over ten sitting in a cart?"

Seraphina shot him a disdainful look, turned on her heel, and walked away.

The moment she turned, her cheeks burned, her lips pressed together.

Nathaniel followed obediently, sighing inwardly.

Even though they had crossed certain lines, he could tell she hadn’t fully accepted him yet. The natural intimacy of a couple wouldn’t happen unless he initiated it.

She had given him her body, but her heart had only cracked open slightly.

Nathaniel clenched his fist, determination burning in his chest.

It’s fine. Things are getting better.

"Wow, look at that couple! They're stunning! The woman is gorgeous, and the man is so handsome! Are they models?"

A pair of passersby whispered excitedly.

"They're dressed so well. How can you even tell they're attractive?"

"Just look at their posture, their aura, their perfect proportions. Their faces have to match!"

"Who knows? The woman might have a face like a gargoyle, and the man might be a 'shrimp boyfriend.'"

The words reached the couple in question.

Seraphina gritted her teeth, itching to rip off her mask and shove her flawless face in theirs.

"Seraphina, what's a 'shrimp boyfriend'?" Nathaniel asked, curiosity flickering in his dark eyes.

"When you eat shrimp, what part do you not eat?" she snapped.

"The head."

"Exactly. It means a man who's only good for his body—implying he's ugly."

"Ah." Nathaniel nodded, as if filing away this new knowledge. "You're so clever, Seraphina."

Her mind was always full of sharp wit and fresh perspectives. Sometimes, he wished he could peek inside her brain just to understand how she thought.

Just then, the passersby continued.

"Ugh, what a waste. A guy that handsome, and he's already taken? Such a waste of resources!"

Seraphina's fists clenched.

How was she the waste? If anything, he was the lucky one!

"How do you even know they're together? They've kept their distance this whole time—not a single touch. Maybe they're siblings?"

"That's called couple's resemblance. You wouldn't get it!"

Nathaniel's brow furrowed, his jaw tightening.

"Come on, let's go. Margaret's waiting for us to start dinner," Seraphina nudged him, about to walk away—when suddenly, his hand closed around her wrist.

In the next second, she was pulled into his arms, his chest rising and falling like stormy waves.

Before she could react, his warm hand slid to her waist, gripping her possessively.

As she looked up in shock, Nathaniel's lips—hot and demanding—crushed against hers, ignoring the gasps around them.

The bystanders couldn’t help but sigh at the romantic display.

Even through the masks, the passion was undeniable.

Seraphina's small fists, pressed against his shoulders, slowly relaxed. Her tense body melted into his.

The onlookers eventually dispersed, embarrassed at witnessing such a public display.

When they finally pulled apart, Nathaniel's gaze was dark with emotion.

"You—you're too bold," Seraphina breathed, her lips tingling.

"I wanted to, so I did," Nathaniel murmured, adjusting her slightly mussed hair. "I didn’t think about it."

"What if someone recognizes us?"

"If they were going to, they would’ve the moment we walked in."

He wasn’t a saint. He had possessive instincts, especially when it came to the woman he loved. How could he stay silent when others spoke like that?

Seraphina, sharp as ever, saw right through him.

Teasingly, she pursed her lips. "What if people assume we're a couple now?"

Nathaniel stared at her, his gaze intense. Then he leaned in, his lips brushing her ear.

"I didn’t kiss you to let them know you're mine. I did it to tell them I am yours."

Seraphina's heart pounded, her cheeks burning beneath the mask.

She playfully punched his chest and left it at that.

Just then, her phone rang.

A second later, Nathaniel’s chimed in sync.

They took their calls separately.

"Hello? Adrian?"

"Seraphina, Cassandra’s autopsy is complete. The funeral is tomorrow." Adrian’s voice was somber.

Seraphina inhaled deeply. "Okay."

"Also, Sebastian and Dominic convinced her grandmother to stay at our rehabilitation center in Skyrim. It was her choice. After all, Elmsworth is where Cassandra died. Skyrim is by the sea—better climate, and it’s our territory. Easier to care for her."

"Good. I think Skyrim is best for her. Thank you."

Seraphina’s eyes glistened with sorrow. "I’ll be at Cassandra’s funeral first thing tomorrow. But keep it low-key. We don’t need media swarming and distressing the elderly."

"Don’t worry. The police have sealed the case. Sebastian used his influence to suppress the news. We’ve got it handled."

On Nathaniel’s end—

"Bro! We’ve got a lead on that bastard Dominic! He’s already smuggled himself into Country T, landed last night!"

"Keep eyes on him. Don’t lose him." Nathaniel lowered his voice. "What about the police? Are they in Country T yet?"

"Not yet. My men got there first!"

"Good. Tomorrow, you’re coming with me to Country T." Nathaniel’s eyes burned with fury.

"What? So sudden!"

"If you can’t leave Genevieve, send someone else. I’ll go alone."

"No, no. If you’re going, I’m with you. My biggest regret was not joining you on the battlefield back then. Well, that and letting my damn sister come back from Aetheria!"

Whenever he thought of Arabella, frustration boiled in him.

"I want Dominic before the police get him."

Men in love had a competitive streak.

They ended their calls almost simultaneously and turned back to each other.

"Tomorrow morning, we’ll attend Cassandra’s funeral together," Seraphina said, her eyes red-rimmed.

"Okay. Together."

Nathaniel hesitated, then—like a husband about to leave for a business trip—pulled her close.

"Seraphina, tomorrow I have an important meeting at the company. As CEO, I have to be there. I’ll be gone a few days."

"How many?"

"Five. Maybe ten."

Nathaniel felt guilty lying, even if it was a white one.

Seraphina’s eyes gleamed. "Where?"

"Aetheria." The word slipped out before he could stop it.

"Alright. Safe travels." Her expression remained calm.

Suddenly, Nathaniel hugged her tightly, reluctance thick in his voice. "Seraphina, wait for me to come back."

She didn’t answer—but slowly, her arms wrapped around him in return.

That was answer enough.

The night was misty, the moon hanging low.

Even though it was early spring, the recent rain had kept the air unusually cold.

"Tomorrow morning, the maid from the Vanderbilt family will be laid to rest."

In the lavish room of The Velvet Haven, Reginald sat on the sofa, swirling red wine, his back to Lawrence.

"Oh?"

"Ms. Seraphina will definitely go. After all, the maid took a bullet for her. And if Ms. Seraphina is going, won’t Nathaniel follow?"

Lawrence stepped closer. "Will you attend?"

"It’s just a maid. Even if she saved Seraphina, is it worth making a fuss?"

Reginald sipped his wine, his glasses hiding his cold, mocking gaze. "If she hadn’t taken that bullet, she’d have died a nobody. But now? Because of her choice, she’s Seraphina’s savior. Seraphina’s kindness will remember her forever. Her family will live comfortably off her sacrifice. However you look at it, her death was worth more than her life."

Lawrence listened silently, a chill running down his spine.

That was Reginald—twisting even the cruelest words into something that sounded reasonable.

His cruelty was subtle.

He always smiled gently, making people feel at ease—until they crossed him. Then he struck like a snake, ensuring they suffered before they died.

Reginald drained his glass, sorrow weighing on his heart.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to go. He missed Seraphina—missed her so much it kept him awake at night.

But showing up unannounced would only deepen her resentment.

He had already lost to Nathaniel once. He couldn’t afford to lose again.

Just then, the door opened.

Audrey walked in, head bowed, holding a brown envelope.

"Mr. Vanderbilt, the man you sent has returned with something."