Unloved Unwanted Unstoppable (Seraphina and Dominic) novel Chapter 185

Seraphina looked up, finally noticing that the vacant storefront across the street had seemingly transformed overnight. A brand-new sign hung above the door, sporting the exact same blue background and white lettering as Clara's shop.

"The Delight Cafe."

Seraphina's brow furrowed sharply.

She stood up and walked to the entrance, squinting at the rival store.

The renovations were immaculate, grand floral arrangements flanked the doors, and massive, unavoidable price boards were plastered on the windows.

Fifty percent off the entire menu.

A relentless tide of customers flooded their doors, practically breaking the hinges.

It was a blatant, calculated attack aimed directly at them.

Clara watched her loyal customers peel away one by one, a deep crease forming between her brows.

Many of those people were regulars from her old street cart, but lured by the aggressive discounts, they abandoned her without a second thought.

Business was worse than when she was selling out of a pushcart.

The realization made Clara's frown deepen.

Seraphina's hands curled into tight fists at her sides.

She had bought this shop to bring her mother joy, not stress.

Taking a deep breath, she marched straight across the street.

Up close, the promotional poster by the glass doors read in bold letters: "Grand Opening Celebration - 50% Off Everything for Seven Days." In the bottom corner, small print revealed the owner: "Ross Catering."

Her heart plummeted like a stone.

Pushing open the doors, she was greeted by a cashier who clearly didn't recognize her, flashing a heavily practiced, enthusiastic smile.

"Welcome! Everything is half-price today, pick whatever you like."

Ignoring the employee, Seraphina's gaze swept past the counter, searching the back rooms.

Nothing.

She took a slow, measured breath.

Turning on her heel, she stepped out of the shop. As she descended the stairs, she spotted a familiar black luxury SUV pulling up to the curb.

Dominic stepped out of the driver's seat, walking around the vehicle to open the passenger door. Cynthia emerged, looking elegant and composed.

Dominic offered her a hand, his gaze drifting lazily toward the bakery across the street, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

"What is the meaning of what?"

"This shop," Seraphina demanded, jabbing a finger at the building. "You opened it directly across from my mother's, stole her name, and slashed prices in half. You are deliberately targeting her."

Dominic's expression turned frigid.

"My business decisions have nothing to do with you."

"Nothing to do with me?" Seraphina's chest heaved with fury. "That is my mother's shop! You set up a predatory business right across the street to ruin her, and you say it has nothing to do with me?"

Cynthia chimed in, her voice sickly sweet.

"Ms. Sinclair, it's just the free market. Nobody made a rule that says if you open a store, nobody else can open one across the street."

Seraphina snapped her gaze toward her.

"Are you really going to stalk my every move?"

The question wasn't just about the bakery; it was about Cynthia's relentless, obsessive campaign to destroy her life.

Cynthia lowered her eyelashes, her expression retaining its icy, untouchable composure.

Seraphina pressed a finger against her phone in her pocket. The moment she had seen Dominic and Cynthia, she had hit record.