The Abandoned Heiress Reborn to Be Cherished (Seraphina) novel Chapter 280

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Oberon frowned but chose not to reprimand Aidan. Sensing his father’s reaction, Aidan even more smug. In the past, he’d tread carefully, knowing he was just an adopted son. But now, armed with the knowledge of his true lineage, his restraint was gone. Confidence radiated from him, bold and unchecked.

Oberon leaned back in his chair, his tone calm. “Let’s hear it.”

“Isn’t the center spot always the property’s crown jewel?” Seraphina countered with a calm question.

A faith chuckle escaped Oberon as he shook his head slightly. A daughter will always be just that- a daughter. She’ll never compare to a son, he thought.

Aidan’s smirk widened, dripping with mockery.

Pointing at the map, Oberon gestured toward a few plots of land. “Aidan’s right. The prime piece is by the riverfront, followed by this one in the back left corner. As for the spot Seraphina mentioned, it might work somewhere else, but not here.”

Aidan shot her a smug, taunting glance, clearly reveling in his perceived victory. Seraphina, however, didn’t bother to acknowledge him.

Oberon continued, systematically outlining the strengths and weaknesses of each plot. Finally, he rested his finger on the riverfront property. “This land is our target. We’ll secure it.”

Aidan grinned confidently. “Don’t worry, Dad. I’ll get it done.”

“Good.” Oberon’s gaze softened as it shifted between his son and daughter. “Remember, the two of you need to work together. Stay united. Is that clear?”

Although Aidan desperately wanted to edge Seraphina out, he knew it wasn’t possible. Recognizing the futility, he wisely kept his thoughts to himself.

As they exited the study, Aidan turned to Seraphina with a smirk. “For this auction, just sit back and watch. I’ll handle everything else. Try not to get in my way, okay?”

Seraphina barely glanced at him before heading back to her room. Once inside, her phone buzzed–it was Ronald.

“Ms. Seraphina,” his voice was steady, “I’ve taken care of the task you gave me. However, entering the auction requires sufficient funds. We’ll need a one–hundred–million deposit.”

“I’ll transfer the money to you,” she replied, her tone steady. “At next week’s auction, follow my

lead.”

“Understood.” Ronald’s voice carried a note of assurance before the call ended.

The auction was set to take place at the Ethereal Hotel, in the grand ballroom on the thirteenth floor. Oberon had arranged for his secretary, Mr. Wilson, and an experienced appraiser to accompany Aidan and Seraphina. In truth, the event’s success would largely depend on the appraiser’s expertise and Mr. Wilson’s judgment. Aidan’s role was mostly symbolic–a chance to gain exposure and polish his image in preparation for a future leadership role in the Whitewood Group.

When the four of them entered the buzzing venue, a wave of executives and CEOs turned their attention toward them. Surprisingly, though, it wasn’t Aidan they approached. All eyes were on Seraphina.

“Seraphina, you’ve blossomed into such a stunning young woman!”

“You’re growing more beautiful by the day!”

Aidan stood off to the side, utterly ignored as if he didn’t exist. His fists clenched involuntarily, frustration bubbling inside him. I’m the future heir of the Whitewood family, and yet they’re fawning over a woman married into another family. Just wait–one day, you’ll all regret this.

Fuming silently, he dropped into a seat, his mood sour. Meanwhile, Mr. Wilson and the appraiser exchanged knowing glances, pretending not to notice his sour demeanor.

After finishing her greetings, Seraphina returned to her seat beside Aidan. He let out a cold huff, a deliberate display of his displeasure.

She ignored his pettiness, scanning the room instead. In a back corner, her eyes landed on Ronald and his assistant. Both sat inconspicuously in the back corner, drawing no attention to themselves.

The auction began promptly, with the auctioneer starting with two smaller plots of land. These warm–up properties were unremarkable, attracting bids primarily from mid–sized and small real estate firms, whereas the larger companies remained silent, clearly waiting for bigger opportunities.

The opening lots were quickly sold to two companies, one of which wasn’t even in real estate. But since these plots weren’t major targets, no one seemed to care.