Serena Sterling gathered her thoughts, telling herself not to overthink. First, she needed to pick up Seraphina to take her to kindergarten, or she’d be late. Moreover, Jasper Ford would also need some time to handle certain matters. He had already sent a message saying it was resolved, so she didn’t need to rush. With this in mind, Serena’s mood steadied, and she drove off towards Seraphina’s place. But Seraphina seemed a bit unusual this morning, as if she wanted to say something to her. The principal also appeared hesitant, as if trying to hold back words. Serena glanced at Seraphina, then at the principal. Waiting for them to speak. But in the end, neither Seraphina nor the principal spoke up. Hence, Serena didn’t ask, assuming they had their considerations and the freedom to keep secrets. "Shall we go?" Serena said. Seeing Seraphina nod, Serena picked up her backpack, and the two headed to the kindergarten together. "Aunt Winters, can you pick me up this afternoon?" Seraphina suddenly asked before entering the kindergarten. Most of the time, it’s Serena who picks her up. If something comes up, someone Seraphina knows will come, like Bianca Lynch and her siblings, Justin Jennings and his brother, or Jasper Ford. Usually, Seraphina wouldn’t ask, so if she did, it meant she wanted Serena to come. Thinking about it, Serena patted Seraphina’s round little face. She squatted down, meeting Seraphina’s eyes, and said, "I’ll try my best to come. If I can’t make it, I’ll visit you in the evening and make sure to see you, okay?" Seraphina beamed, her eyes curving, nodding vigorously before heading into the kindergarten. She took only a couple of steps before remembering something and ran back to give Serena a peck on the cheek, before running off to school with a smile. Serena touched her face, filled with a smile in her eyes. The bond between her and Seraphina was growing stronger. This left Serena feeling sweet inside. Watching Seraphina enter the classroom, Serena drove on to Ford Entertainment. At 8:30, Serena parked under the Ford Entertainment building, disguised herself, and went inside. Since the incident with the photos of her and Jasper Ford leaked, she was more cautious about visiting. She reached the most secluded conference room, entered, and removed her mask. "I’ll be there around 9," Jasper’s voice message came through. Serena nodded, picked up a notepad, and started sketching. There were details to finalize for the "Heavenly Sound" competition. Time flew by, and soon the meeting room door opened. Serena looked up to find Jasper Ford. Jasper wore a rather complex expression. He closed the door and sat across from Serena. "What’s going on?" Serena asked, watching Jasper’s eyes, noticing his strange expression. Jasper’s fingers gently tapped on the solid wood table, seemingly trying to choose his words carefully. After all, Jasper Ford was known for his fiery temper. What could have prompted such cautiousness in him? With this thought, Serena couldn’t help but ask. "You think I don’t contemplate things?!" Jasper groaned, recalling how the old man had called him brainless last night. "Sigh, forget it, I’ll just tell you straight." Jasper decided to come clean, "This morning at the old Ford estate..." Jasper Ford had been surreptitiously observing. Whenever the eldest or Alexander Ford appeared, he would stir the waters. Those two wolves couldn’t wait to bring him down and would undoubtedly seize this opportunity. Pressuring the sponsors to force Irene to withdraw from the competition was their best bet at the moment! Although Ford Entertainment could still profit from "Heavenly Sound" down the line, Irene’s commercial value would be utterly destroyed. "Heavenly Sound" was important, but not crucial. The most important aspect was Irene’s future deals, endorsements, and sponsorships—that’s what truly mattered! Destroying Irene equated to Jasper’s efforts going to waste. So, these two brothers were causing trouble for Jasper during this critical time. They’d make snide remarks, talk to others, offer covert deals, and more. And Percival didn’t intervene at all. "It’s all about survival of the fittest; if you’re outmaneuvered, you can only accept it," was his approach. Finally, when everyone gathered, Jasper pulled himself together, entered the meeting room, and began talks with the others. The room was filled with people from various allegiances, many siding with the eldest and Alexander Ford. The last time Serena persuaded Old Master Ford, Jasper still needed time to sway those present—this was why. "Third Young Master, we called you many times last night, and you never answered. You must give us an explanation today." Just as he entered, someone spoke up. "Yeah, this project involves us all. If it gets axed, we’d lose everything, something you can’t afford to shoulder alone!" "Actually, I messaged you earlier with a plan—getting rid of Irene would solve it. Other shows have done the same, haven’t they?" "Right, remove the problematic ones, and we can continue. We’ve blacklisted top artists before; it’s not about you, Third Young Master." The crowd erupted in chatter, each seemingly pressing Jasper to take a stance. Gritting his teeth, Jasper observed them. Discover more novels at novelFɪre.net Despite the standard practice of dealing with such situations, many were enjoying the spectacle, and Jasper knew this well! Thankfully, Serena had devised a plan, or he’d be torn apart today. "Ahem..." Jasper cleared his throat, preparing to make his usual excuses. But just then, Orion Hawthorne, who had been engrossed in his phone, suddenly knocked on the table. "Everybody, listen to me!" Orion slipped his phone into his pocket and spoke. The Hawthorne Family was one of Aeston’s three giants, differing from the Fords—this generation’s Hawthorne siblings shared good relations, so no one dared underestimate Orion. "Regarding Irene, we at the Hawthorne Family have something to say," Orion began. All eyes turned to Jasper Ford. Everyone was aware that the Hawthorne Group had just become the show’s sponsor, and now, with such significant issues arising, they were due an explanation. With representatives of major sponsors present, if Orion said anything unfavorable for Jasper Ford, it would spell the end for Ford Entertainment! Thus, many were watching Jasper eagerly, as if anticipating a downfall. Sitting at the table, the other two members of the Ford family exchanged sneering glances at Jasper. Since the Hawthorne Group had taken on sponsorship so late in the game, it meant there was no private relationship between them and Jasper. "We at the Hawthorne Family..."