However, Serena recognized that this mysterious man was actually Hayden Crawford himself.
What on earth is he up to?
Serena had a feeling that Hayden must have recognized her, but now he’s tangled up with Melody Ashworth instead. What’s going on?
These past few days, Melody hasn’t come to trouble her, probably because she’s forgotten about Serena. Melody’s been busy dating Hayden every day, living a blissful life.
Just then, a melodious ringtone echoed—someone was calling.
Speak of the devil, it was a call from Melody Ashworth.
Serena answered the call, and Melody’s smug voice quickly came through, "Hey, Serena, feeling better now?"
It hasn’t been long, and Melody’s suddenly so considerate—probably up to no good.
Serena replied, "Do you need something?"
"Of course, the Crawford Group’s annual corporate event is coming up in a few days. There’ll be a grand party, and Hayden has invited me to be his date. You should come too, how can I be without a little handmaid beside me?"
Serena knew Melody intended to flaunt their relationship in front of her. Actually, she didn’t want to go, but she had to meet Hayden.
She felt that something about Hayden was strange and abnormal.
"Alright, I’ll be there on time."
The Crawford Group’s annual party.
Serena arrived at the Crawford Group; as the leading conglomerate, it commands the economic lifeline of several continents, towering into the clouds. Just glancing at it from the outside was awe-inspiring, and walking inside, the opulence, understated luxury took Serena’s breath away. Official source is novel⦿fire.net
Serena realized that Hayden had become synonymous with wealth and power. She knew he was rich, but she hadn’t expected this level of wealth.
Serena arrived at the elevator entrance, waiting.
At that moment, the sound of high heels announced Melody’s arrival.
Today, Melody was dressed in a sparkly evening gown, her makeup meticulously applied. With high heels, she sashayed like a peacock about to take flight.
"Little handmaid, you’re here?" Melody greeted cheerfully.
Serena’s clear, bright eyes fell on Melody’s face. She could tell Melody was genuinely happy; it looked like Hayden really had been dating her recently.
Serena’s gaze was cold, and she didn’t respond.
Just then, Melody took out her phone and dialed a number.
Soon it connected, and Melody’s coquettish voice chimed, "Hayden, I’m here already... no need for you to pick me up personally, my driver brought me... I’ll wait for you, so hurry over."
Melody ended the call.
She had been speaking with Hayden.
"Serena, you saw, didn’t you? Now Hayden dotes on me, he treats me as if I were you, but even deep emotions can’t withstand the Demon Bell Charm Skill of our Merfolk Clan. The ancestors of Westria couldn’t resist, and neither can Hayden. You’ve staked everything on Hayden in this grand wager with us, but it’s a pity, you’re destined to lose."
Melody walked over and whispered smugly by Serena’s side.
In fact, a few days ago at The Manor of the Ninth Spire, Melody had been quite embarrassed, climbing out of the pond herself, while Serena had been carried out by Hayden.
At the time, Melody thought she had lost, planning to discuss with her mother, Consort Willow, what to do next, whether to go all-in. But suddenly Hayden’s attitude made a 180-degree turn, and he started dating her on his own initiative.
Melody was utterly surprised and conceited by this unexpected favor.
Listening to these provocative words, Serena showed no emotional fluctuation, though she furrowed her brows slightly.
At this moment, steady footsteps approached, along with the exceptionally respectful voice of an attendant, "President."
Serena looked up and quickly saw Hayden Crawford ahead.
Hayden had just stepped out of a Rolls-Royce. Today, he wore a custom-made black suit, tall and imposing. He strolled in with steady steps over the red carpet, exuding an aloof air of unattainable nobility.
Melody’s heart bloomed upon seeing Hayden, "Mr. Crawford, you’re here~"
Hayden walked over, his deep-set eyes landing on Melody’s face, nodding once, "Mm."
"President, the VIP elevator is ready for you." At this point, a private secretary opened the exclusive elevator.
Hayden glanced at Melody, "Let’s go in."
Melody immediately took Hayden’s strong arm, "Mm."
The two of them walked towards the VIP elevator.
Serena stood frozen in place, still waiting for the regular elevator while he had taken Melody to the VIP elevator.
She originally wanted to have a good talk with him, but seeing his intimate behavior with Melody now, she lost all interest in talking.
Earlier, he hadn’t even looked at her, treating her like air.
Just then, Melody seemed to remember Serena and turned around, "Little handmaid, come along."
Melody then lovingly looked at Hayden, "Mr. Crawford, she is, after all, my little handmaid, let her ride the VIP elevator with us. You wouldn’t mind, would you?"
Hayden looked up, casting a faint glance at Serena, "That’s fine."
Serena stepped forward, and the three of them entered the elevator together.
Inside the VIP elevator.
As the elevator ascended, Serena quietly stood in a corner. Hayden and Melody stood together, with Melody’s coy voice saying, "Mr. Crawford, I heard today’s party will be lively, with lots of little games planned."
Hayden nodded, his voice deep and indifferent, "Those were arranged by the staff."
"However, I heard the highlight of today’s event will be your first dance. As the head of the Crawford Group, you’ll draw a lucky number from the attending female guests to dance the first dance with you tonight."
Now Hayden’s first dance had spread everywhere, with all the society ladies hoping to be that lucky one to dance with him.
Many were already quietly pulling strings, trying to get a matching number. But when it came to this, how could Melody settle for less?
Hayden’s first dance had to be hers.
Tonight, she wanted to be the most dazzling star in the crowd, envied and admired by all.
Hayden stood with one hand in his pocket, tall and erect. His deep eyes looked through the glass at Serena behind him.