Chapter 5

The other relatives were shocked by her behavior at the funeral, faces red with embarrassment, but held back from saying anything out of respect for the occasion.

Some of the more kiss-up distant relatives already started gathering around her.

"Seraphina is so responsible. Grandpa made the right choice."

"Our family will have to rely on Seraphina from now on."

"Exactly! Don't forget about us relatives when you're rich!"

Deep down, they knew Seraphina had a point. Fifty million was more than most people made in a lifetime.

Some even started putting Stella down to butter Seraphina up.

"Seraphina's just being practical. Stella might graduate from an Ivy League, but she'll still be working for someone else. She can't compare."

I smiled faintly, standing quietly in the corner. The opportunities from a top university were worth more than any amount of money to someone with vision. Seraphina had crashed and burned in my past life because even with money, she couldn't buy class—her insecurities always gave her away, making her a joke in high society.

After everyone ate, Seraphina touched up her makeup, smoothed her expensive dress, and walked to the center of the living room like she owned the place.

Meanwhile, I noticed about a dozen people with phones and cameras had quietly joined the crowd.

Seraphina gave them a little nod.

So she'd planned this whole spectacle for Grandpa's funeral.

Seraphina pulled out the pocket watch again. Facing the obvious livestream cameras, she put on a fake cry and spoke in a loud whisper:

"To everyone watching, thank you for sharing this sad moment with me. I just lost my dear Grandpa Arthur, but he left me his love—and about fifty million dollars. Now I can honor his memory without struggling to get by."

"But look at my sister—all she does is study. She'll be stuck in college, just another academic drone with no real future or dignity."

She gave me a pointed look as she said it.

The livestream chat blew up immediately. I couldn't read the comments, but they probably weren't nice. Seraphina didn't care.

She suddenly pointed at me, speaking in a stuck-up tone. "Stella, Grandpa's lawyer should be around organizing papers. Go get him. We'll read the will right now—with all the relatives and viewers watching as witnesses."

I said nothing. Lucas stepped forward, looking annoyed. "Stella, are you deaf? Today's about Seraphina. She's honoring you by asking. With your status, you're not even good enough to shine her shoes. Just run the errand—maybe she'll throw you a bone later."

Some relatives couldn't take it anymore. "Grandpa's barely cold in his grave! What is this?"

"Stealing her sister's fiancé and showing off at a funeral..."

Seeing I wouldn't budge, Seraphina put on a sad-but-strong face for the cameras. "Stella, wake up. Grandpa left me everything. We're in completely different leagues now. I'm giving you a chance by asking nicely."

I checked my watch and said calmly, "We'll wait five more minutes."

Seraphina had no idea what I was planning. She kept up her camera-ready smile. "Fine. But waiting won't change the fact that Grandpa left me his inheritance."

I smiled faintly. We'll see about that.

Just then, a sharply dressed middle-aged lawyer with a serious expression walked quickly in from outside.

He addressed Seraphina, who was surrounded by people, in a deep, firm voice. "Ms. Seraphina, according to the will, your grandfather did *not* leave you his inheritance."