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Playtime's Over, CEO: She's Really Done With You-Chapter 455: Top of the Universal Scumbag Rankings
But Isla Lawson didn’t say anything and remained in a daze.
In the end, Secretary Langley could only follow Caleb Lawson’s instructions and send Isla Lawson back to Moonlight Manor first.
Caleb Lawson looked at her and couldn’t even be bothered to scold her; he just went on to handle the matters outside.
Caleb Lawson felt a headache coming on.
It’s truly a scandal!
Those old folks could hardly wait to laugh at him!
Finally, the Lawson Family gave an explanation, stating that they would offer discounts in the upcoming quarter.
Only then did they manage to quell the situation.
But that was only a temporary fix; as time went on and the matter spread, more people became aware of Serena Sterling’s situation.
Everyone marveled at Serena Sterling’s abilities.
The surprising part was—"She helped Julian Lawson build up The Lawson Corporation, and yet she left with almost nothing?"
Considering Serena Sterling’s contributions, taking half of The Lawson Corporation would have been perfectly justified.
But she only took her own things and those belonging to the Sheridan Family.
She didn’t even mention anything about the past.
"That’s truly righteous."
"I used to think Serena Sterling was beneath the Lawson Family, but now it seems Julian Lawson had Serena Sterling yet flirted with Vera Hansen, and even left Serena Sterling with almost nothing while keeping hold of the Sheridan Family’s belongings—what a jerk!"
"Julian Lawson has long been at the top of the jerk list."
"No, I need to upgrade Julian Lawson’s title; from today onwards, Julian Lawson is the [Universal Jerk List Leader]!"
"Indeed, the Earth can’t contain him anymore; it has to extend to the whole universe!"
...
By evening, the big shots gathered in advance.
This time, they met at a different private club.
Because of the last bet, Percival Ford, Clara Huxley, and Matriarch Quentin were all quite pleased.
Especially Clara Huxley.
Serena Sterling was her future daughter-in-law, which made her proud.
What? Serena Sterling once loved Julian Lawson?
What’s the problem with that?
It’s normal to encounter a jerk or two in one’s life.
Isn’t she now with Silas Hawthorne?
In the elegant and antique hall, Mr. Zink’s face was the worst.
After all, he had been the one leading the sarcastic remarks about Serena Sterling last time.
"Chairman Zink, do you have anything more to say now?" Clara Huxley immediately went over to ask upon seeing Mr. Zink.
Wearing a golden cheongsam, she looked exceptionally glamorous.
She was still quite displeased about the previous incident.
Smiling sweetly, she said, "Today’s big treat is on you, Chairman Zink."
Her words seemed completely non-offensive, yet they were a slap in the face.
Mr. Zink glared at Clara Huxley, then turned his head to look at the carved wooden lion beside him.
"It’s not yet clear who’s the winner or loser here!" Mr. Zink said defiantly, "Serena Sterling, when you get down to it, is just a youngster!"
"But this youngster participated in The Lawson Corporation’s complete transformation and even played a crucial role." The speaker was someone behind Mr. Zink.
Clara Huxley looked over.
She found it was Mr. Lloyd, leaning on a cane.
"Director Lloyd!" Clara Huxley immediately went over to support Mr. Lloyd.
Anyone who spoke for her future daughter-in-law was someone she liked!
"Mr. Lloyd, what are you mingling in again!" Mr. Zink said disgruntled.
Mr. Lloyd’s aged hands gripped the cane as he slowly made his way over; he declined Clara Huxley’s support, saying he could manage on his own.
He walked up to Mr. Zink.
"Admit it, old Zink," Mr. Lloyd said, "Among the next generation, Evan Sheridan is unmatched, and in this generation, even if Serena Sterling doesn’t yet have the highest achievements, she is still very formidable."
"In fact," Mr. Lloyd stopped Mr. Zink from interrupting, "Serena Sterling doesn’t have as many resources as her peers."
At this point, a number of people had gathered around, and upon hearing Mr. Lloyd’s words, they nodded in agreement.
Their own grandchildren managing to hold on to the family business was already impressive enough, but Serena Sterling was different—she was a pioneer.
Clara Huxley nodded even more vigorously.
"Old Zink, don’t overthink it. Whatever happened between your daughter and Evan Sheridan was from Serena’s parents’ generation, Serena might not even know about that stuff."
"Right, what’s past is past; let’s just forget about things that happened before."
"I think Serena Sterling is quite capable, certainly more so than my own grandson."
...
The crowd continued chatting, discussing Serena Sterling’s recent actions, and they all nodded in agreement.
Especially when they talked about the things Xander Linton had revealed.
"Mr. Lawson is really sly, never told us about such things before." In the crowd, someone said this.
Clara Huxley thought the same, but since she was from a younger generation, she didn’t dare speak up directly, only asking, "Where is Chairman Lawson? Why isn’t Chairman Lawson here?"
"Mr. Lawson is probably busy with The Lawson Corporation’s matters right now, and besides, how could he have the face to come here?" someone said, though they soon dared not say any more, given The Lawson Corporation was still one of the top three giants in Aeston.
But the scandal they pulled this time was truly disgraceful.
It would certainly be a laughing stock for many years to come.
Just as the crowd was discussing, Percival Ford approached, also leaning on a cane.
"Why is everyone here?" Percival Ford asked, dressed in a comfortable casual outfit.
Clara Huxley seized the opportunity.
"We were just talking about the bet from last time." Clara Huxley immediately said, "Chairman Zink hasn’t conceded yet, insisting Serena Sterling hasn’t won."
Percival Ford walked over, and the crowd made way for him.
Seeing Mr. Zink’s soured expression, Percival Ford smiled, "I think it’s only natural for Serena Sterling to win."
Then he reached out and patted Mr. Zink’s shoulder to indicate.
Mr. Zink glanced at Percival Ford, then shook his head and sighed.
"Today I’m treating." Mr. Zink admitted defeat, backing down, "Feel free, everyone."
Percival Ford smiled and nodded, leading the applause.
The rest followed suit.
Everyone was a notable figure in Aeston; this matter could just pass like this.
It was just a bet on the younger generation, no need to take it too seriously.
Since Mr. Zink was willing to admit defeat, they decided to let it go.
And Serena Sterling was destined to become a rising star in Aeston.
Some were happy, some were worried. As Serena Sterling’s fame spread, in the shadows, someone scrutinized the reports about Serena Sterling, deep in thought.
...
Time passed slowly.
Night fell.
Serena Sterling and Silas Hawthorne had already returned after eating some desserts.
They also arranged for Susan Summers, the store owner, to deliver some to Hawthorne Manor earlier than usual.
After a busy day, Serena Sterling felt exhausted and wanted to rest well.
She considered whether to bring a cake to Sheila Jenkins but, seeing the injuries on her face, didn’t want her mother to see, even though Sheila Jenkins might not worry about her anyway.
Nevertheless, she ultimately decided to have Susan Summers deliver it instead.
Once her face healed a bit, she’d visit her mother.
After bathing, Serena Sterling changed into her pajamas and lay on the bed.
She opened and closed her eyes several times before gradually drifting into sleep.
On the other side, Sheila Jenkins took the cake from Susan Summers and learned about Serena Sterling’s facial injuries through her.
"Oh dear, who knows who did that, it must hurt you a lot!" Susan Summers said.
But Sheila Jenkins just stared at the little dessert, lost in thought.







