Time flies quickly, and on the other side, Vera Hansen is unaware of the happenings of this day; her entire focus is on Irene’s matters. But a day has passed, and the issue between Serena Sterling and Jasper Ford has already escalated greatly, yet Irene still hasn’t reached out to her. Is it because she hasn’t seen it or is she too embarrassed to lower her head? Thinking of this, Vera Hansen sent a message to Irene’s number. On the other side, Serena, who just dropped Seraphina off, is driving home alone when her phone vibrates. It’s a red light ahead, Serena stops and glances at her phone. It’s a message from Irene’s number. [Have you seen the news online? This proves that what I told you before wasn’t false. This is your last chance; if we collaborate, I’ll protect you till the end.] The streetlight beside flickers due to some issues. A buzzing sound of electricity surges, flashing dimly on and off. Serena ignores Vera Hansen’s message. Instead, she turns to look at another message in her inbox. It’s a message from Isla Lawson. Initially, Serena was thinking of finding an excuse to skip Isla Lawson’s wine tasting event. She has a strong premonition that it’s not just a simple gathering. But just as she’s thinking of reasons, Isla Lawson sent her a message. [You must attend the wine tasting, Serena. If I were you, I wouldn’t miss it. Don’t forget what I learned in Frelia; the past business of the Sheridan Family is still with The Lawson Corporation—you understand what I mean.] The streetlight continues to flicker. The car is also swaying between light and dark. The red light turns green, Serena retracts her gaze, starts the car, and drives smoothly forward. She understands that this wine tasting event cannot be avoided. Even if it’s a feast with hidden agendas, she must attend. At least at the wine tasting, she can devise countermeasures as needed. Isla Lawson’s image flashes through Serena’s mind. In the years with Julian Lawson, she has gained some insight into Isla Lawson. Isla Lawson is proud and headstrong, but she has the confidence to support that pride. In the past, they never interfered with each other’s affairs; she wonders what has transpired with Isla Lawson in Frelia over the years. If it involves her, it’s likely one of those few things. Serena feels a bit weary. And... she also needs to resolve the troubles with Julian Lawson. The late night in Aeston becomes windy again. The dark night, intersecting traffic, and the points of light scattered in the world all seem stirred and hidden beneath something. Clouds at the horizon flow swiftly, indicating that something might be about to happen. Time flies, and two more days pass. Soon, it’s the night of Isla Lawson’s wine tasting event. This wine tasting is held at the most luxurious hotel in Aeston; Isla Lawson has rented it for her reintroduction ceremony. To be honest, this is rather casual. Usually, introduction ceremonies of the Lawson Family’s level take place in private estates, like villas, manors, yachts, or other secret clubs. Low-key yet extravagant, separating from common folks. Such grandeur isn’t their style. Serena drives to the hotel and meets Julian Lawson at their prearranged spot. Julian Lawson slightly frowns upon seeing the dress she’s wearing. She didn’t wear the dress he prepared for her. Updates are released by novelꞁire.net Serena glances at Julian Lawson and knows what he’s thinking. She is wearing the dress borrowed from Jasper Ford. She doesn’t want any connection with Julian Lawson. Serena doesn’t want to explain further; they enter together. The hall’s temperature is pleasant, the soft yellow lighting creates a comfortable feeling, and elegant piano notes resonate. Numerous people dressed in evening attire chat softly, holding wine glasses. Since it’s a wine tasting, the air is filled with a rich aroma of wine. Wherever Julian Lawson goes, he’s the center of attention; just as they enter, countless eyes focus on him. Reporters are also capturing the moment. Soon, news of [Serena and Julian Lawson attend Isla Lawson’s introduction wine tasting together] spreads rapidly. After all, Julian Lawson has always appeared with Vera Hansen; this is the first time in many days that the actual couple attends together. There’s all sorts of speculation online. "It’s rare; they’re attending together again." "What about Vera Hansen? Hasn’t Julian Lawson been with Vera these days?" "You upstairs, do you not realize what occasion this is? This is Isla Lawson’s reintroduction ceremony; she’s a Lawson Family member; bringing Vera Hansen wouldn’t be appropriate, would it?" "But didn’t Julian Lawson bring Vera to the last charity gala?" "Oh come on, you must not know; Vera Hansen has been feeling unwell recently. She’s busy with the mini drama of ’Micro Love,’ rumored to be ill again, how could she attend this wine tasting?" "Right, wine tasting means drinking wine; Vera Hansen is in late-stage stomach cancer, letting her attend a wine tasting? Isn’t that a joke? Do you think her life stretch is too long?" "True, that does make sense." In the end, Vera Hansen’s fans strongly defended her. "Serena is just taking advantage; she has no limits. She can endure anything for the prosperity of the Lawson Family; I bet she’s just waiting for more than five months until Vera passes, so she can continue slyly navigating through this." "Yes, anyway, only wait for half a year, Vera will die naturally, and she’s still Mrs. Lawson, why not enjoy that?" "Right, with all the rumors spreading wide about Julian Lawson and Vera Hansen, she still agrees to appear with Julian; it shows how unwilling she is to part from the Lawson’s wealth, what a joke." "Brother Julian!" Isla Lawson saw the two in the hotel and greeted them. She raised her glass slightly towards Serena but didn’t call her sister-in-law. The server brought a tray by their side. Serena and Julian Lawson each took a glass. Since they are from the younger generation of the family, Julian Lawson chatted with Isla Lawson for a bit. "...Yes, Brother Julian, I’ll be joining The Lawson Corporation soon, you better not treat me badly," Isla Lawson said, her smile profound, glancing at Serena as well. Julian Lawson’s expression remained unchanged, just nodding slightly. "Have you decided? Taking over your father’s matter or going to another department for experience?" Julian Lawson asked. "I’ll tell you later." Isla Lawson gestured mysteriously. After greeting Julian Lawson, Isla Lawson went off to talk with others. Julian Lawson took the opportunity to lead Serena to an obscured seat. As they left, Isla Lawson glanced at them, something briefly flickered in her eyes. Serena followed Julian Lawson and sat on the sofa. But both remained silent. Quietly, without words. As if they were strangers. "Your damage from the fall down the stairs..." Julian Lawson eventually spoke first. But as soon as he did, he realized he had pried too much. Under the dim light of the secluded seat, Julian Lawson noticed Serena’s exposed skin, which no longer showed marks from the fall. Indeed, after so many days, perhaps she had healed. Looking up, Julian Lawson found Serena was gazing at him. Her expression was calm. "Seraphina mentioned your injury to me that day," Julian Lawson added. "It’s already healed," Serena replied. Though the physical injuries can heal, what she has lost will never return. "That day, I didn’t do it on purpose." After a long pause, Julian Lawson spoke again. The situation was chaotic that day, when she fell down the stairs, all he saw was his own hand. This time, Serena didn’t respond, she simply lowered her gaze to the wine on the low table. No matter if he did it intentionally or not. The child is ultimately gone. Feeling a bit sorrowful, Serena sipped the wine to suppress the bitterness in her heart. Thus, they returned to silence. No one spoke, time drifted by slowly. Julian Lawson felt somewhat irritated. She’s been recently, constantly neglecting him. This anger of hers, how long will she hold onto it? Yet seeing her frail figure, the slightly melancholic side of her calm face, he couldn’t help but feel reluctance. "I’ve transferred money to your account," he said, "Now that you’ve healed, take good care of yourself." He genuinely doesn’t want to see her remain so thin. That day at Moonlight Manor when he held her, he realized she was very thin. Light as a feather, with a gentle lift, he could hold her.