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Chapter 11: Testing Boundaries

Penulis: Echo Nightfall
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2024-12-10 22:12:06

 

Using Leon Everhart’s name to give Noah a subtle warning was not Seraphina Arden’s usual style, but in this case, it seemed harmless and effective enough to prevent unnecessary trouble.

With spring came an avalanche of work. Leon Everhart was so overwhelmed that he began experiencing shortness of breath and heart palpitations. Concerned, he scheduled an appointment with a doctor. The results were swift and clear: Leon was dangerously overworked and needed to rest to avoid risking his life.

Watching the director of the hospital personally attend to Leon made Seraphina sigh. “Rich people truly live in a different world. No waiting in line, and results come out instantly.” Then she thought to herself, “But these people… no matter how much they earn, when will they think it’s enough? What’s the point of money when you lose your life? Who would even enjoy it after they’re gone?”

As the doctor assured them that Leon was not in immediate danger and simply needed rest, Seraphina exhaled deeply. After all, this was the man who signed her paycheck—she had no interest in him being sidelined by illness.

Exiting the hospital together, they reached the parking lot when Leon suddenly paused.

“Mr. Everhart, are you okay?” Seraphina asked, startled.

“Seraphina, come here and help me. I’m feeling a little dizzy,” Leon said, leaning slightly toward her.

Alarmed, Seraphina immediately grabbed his arm. “Mr. Everhart, should we go back and see the doctor?”

Leon reached out and gently grasped her hand. Her hand was soft and plush, warm to the touch. When she looked at him with genuine concern in her eyes, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of something unfamiliar. She was so close—her pale skin was almost luminous, with faint veins visible under the surface. Her scent carried a faint sweetness, like cream.

Placing his head on her shoulder, he murmured, “No need. Just let me lean on you for a moment; I’ll be fine soon.”

The intimate posture was undoubtedly inappropriate, especially in a public space. Seraphina froze, then stiffened. She promptly pushed him away with surprising force. “Mr. Everhart, if you’re feeling unwell, please sit here while I call for a doctor.”

Leon was momentarily stunned. He had only wanted to test the waters, but Seraphina’s reaction was unexpectedly fierce. Her sharp response shattered his plans.

Sighing, he slowed his steps dramatically, still pretending to be weak. He eventually followed her into the car, keeping silent with his eyes closed for the remainder of the journey.

Had Seraphina not reacted so strongly, Leon had intended to escalate his advances. Perhaps he would’ve reached for her hand in the car, and by nightfall, she might’ve been in his bed. But her quick rejection had doused his ambitions entirely. She had pushed him off like one would swat at a bothersome insect. Her clear look of wariness and mistrust made one thing apparent—she would run at the first sign of disrespect.

Leon resigned himself to patience, knowing full well that Seraphina’s loyalty as a secretary was invaluable. For now, he’d need to recalibrate his approach.

Following the doctor’s orders, Leon began taking short midday naps in his private office. It was a routine he couldn’t avoid, though his attempts to bring Seraphina closer faltered at every turn.

The next significant shift came when Harper arrived.

Harper, the youngest daughter of Henry, the owner of the city’s largest aluminum factory and a smaller real estate company, walked into the office one day with poise and elegance. Her straight hair framed a soft, radiant face, and her demeanor exuded quiet charm.

“Excuse me, beautiful, is Mr. Everhart available?” Harper asked Mia, her voice as gentle as a breeze.

At that moment, Leon emerged from his office and was visibly taken aback. “Harper? What brings you here?”

He ushered her into his office, leaving everyone outside buzzing with curiosity. They were in there for an unusually long time, delaying an important meeting.

Seraphina eventually had to knock on the door to remind Leon. Inside, she found Harper seated comfortably in Leon’s chair, the two of them chatting with unmistakable familiarity.

When Leon finally exited, he instructed Mia, “Prepare some fruit and snacks for Harper.”

This was unprecedented—Leon Everhart had never made such a gesture for anyone.

The message was clear: Harper was no ordinary visitor.

Everyone in the office understood—Harper was the boss’s real girlfriend.

For Seraphina, this revelation brought immense relief. She could finally lower her guard and convince herself that Leon’s previous behavior had been unintentional, merely a misunderstanding rather than a deliberate advance.

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  • The Playboy CEO’s Curvy Obsession   Chapter 12: Babi

    Leon Everhart’s feelings for Seraphina Arden were markedly different from those he had for Ava.To him, Seraphina was in a league far above Ava. Seraphina’s skill in managing tasks, her ability to navigate complex situations, and the unspoken understanding they shared made her indispensable. While she appeared unassuming, her keen attention to detail and capacity to maintain control were unmatched. Even if Leon were to marry, he could easily see Seraphina as his “second.” Leon had made up his mind—he would have Seraphina.Ava, on the other hand, was nothing more than the daughter of a household maid. Despite her looks, she lacked substance. Her tactics were petty, her ambitions shallow. Though she had a few years of college education, she hadn’t gained any true knowledge or sophistication. Ava’s shallow mindset irritated Leon; her desire to bear his child was laughable at best. She was a phase—someone he would inevitably discard.Meanwhile, Harper, Henry’s youngest daughter, had enter

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-10
  • The Playboy CEO’s Curvy Obsession   Chapter 13: The Puppet

    Harper was the daughter of Henry’s second wife. Henry also had three children from his first marriage: two sons and one daughter. One son managed his real estate business, while the other oversaw the aluminum profile factory. His eldest daughter was a disappointment in Henry’s eyes—uneducated, unskilled, and infatuated with a minor celebrity. But she was Henry’s firstborn, cherished and spoiled. Unable to bear seeing her suffer, Henry demanded that his sons allocate shares from their businesses to support their sister. The dividends alone were enough to fund her extravagant lifestyle.Harper’s mother, on the other hand, was a young, beautiful, but shallow woman. To Henry, she was merely a decorative trophy wife to boost his image. Harper, their daughter, was groomed by Henry for a purpose—to be a valuable asset in his business dealings.Henry spared no effort or expense in Harper’s upbringing. She received private lessons in music, art, etiquette, and all the qualities of a well-bred

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  • The Playboy CEO’s Curvy Obsession   Chapter 14: Seraphina’s Handsome Ex-Boyfriend

    Babi made it a habit to invite Seraphina Arden for lunch every day, slyly probing for information about Leon Everhart.“Boss is a good boss,” Seraphina replied. “He pays for the overtime and hard work, but he’s not a good man. Don’t be like the other women swooning over him. He’s young, rich, and charming—do you really think a man like that wouldn’t have a girlfriend?”When Babi pressed further, asking who Leon’s girlfriend was and if she worked at the company, Seraphina found herself at a loss for words. She truly believed Leon Everhart wasn’t someone worth getting attached to. He had Ava, Harper, and probably a host of other women she didn’t know about.Sometimes, Seraphina would drop Leon off at nightclubs or luxury spas. He never let her come inside; she could only wait in the car. Neon Haven and Crystal Palace were among his regular spots. When he returned, he often reeked of expensive perfume. Only a fool would believe he wasn’t up to anything.Later, she learned that both Neon

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  • The Playboy CEO’s Curvy Obsession   Chapter 15: Caught in the Act

    Seraphina Arden might come across as a classic mama’s girl. She shared everything with her parents—details about her boss Leon Everhart, his girlfriends, his private life, and even her work challenges. Whenever she encountered a problem, her go-to move was to consult her parents for advice.Elijah and Chloe, open-minded and deeply devoted to their daughter, were her unwavering support system. Regarding Leon’s personal affairs, they advised her: “Stay out of it. Don’t talk about it, and if you come across anything, act like you didn’t see a thing.”When Seraphina hinted at wanting to change jobs, Chloe was firm:“Every job comes with its own problems. Life is never perfect—if it’s not an issue here, it’ll be a flaw there. What matters is solving problems, not running from them. Think it through. If it becomes unbearable, of course, we’ll support you. How much could you possibly spend? Your dad and I can afford to take care of you.”Elijah added, “The purest water holds no fish. Some th

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  • The Playboy CEO’s Curvy Obsession   Chapter 16: The Runaway Lover

    When Seraphina Arden visited the budget department to meet with James, a former colleague exclaimed, “Wow, Seraphina, you’ve lost so much weight!”Seraphina beamed. “Really?”The colleague grabbed her hand, inspecting her face closely. “Your face is so much slimmer! What’s your secret?”Seraphina sighed dramatically. “My mom makes me drink this ‘seven-day slimming soup’ every night. I thought it was just for a week, but she’s been making it every single day! And she doesn’t let me eat dinner either. The other night, I got so hungry that I raided the fridge in the middle of the night. My dad caught me and only gave me one measly egg! I swear, I’m going to starve to death at this rate. Tonight, I’m eating before I go home.”The group burst into laughter.Babi, sitting nearby, watched Seraphina with a small smile. Seraphina noticed her and went over to hug her. “Babi, let’s grab some late-night snacks tonight, okay?”Babi shook her head, still smiling. “Can’t tonight—I have plans.”Serap

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  • The Playboy CEO’s Curvy Obsession   Chapter 17: The Childhood Sweetheart

    Leon Everhart’s gaze toward Seraphina Arden had softened significantly. With Ava gone, at least Seraphina was still by his side.Seraphina had lost a noticeable amount of weight and looked much better now. However, despite her physical transformation, she maintained a strictly professional relationship with him. She adhered to boundaries and treated everything with a businesslike approach.Leon’s subtle gestures of warmth and hints of intimacy fell flat. Seraphina either didn’t notice or intentionally ignored them.One night, after Leon had a bit too much to drink, he asked Seraphina to help him upstairs. She refused outright. “Mr. Everhart, you’re too tall and heavy. I can’t carry you. Hold on, I’ll call security to help.”Leon was left speechless. A direct confession would certainly result in rejection. She’d made her standards clear before—her husband must have eyes and a heart for only her. If he were unfaithful, she’d “find a thousand ways to destroy him.” Just thinking about it

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  • The Playboy CEO’s Curvy Obsession   Chapter 18: Ethan’s Obsession

    Ethan’s father, Sebastian, was the head of the city’s Urban Development Bureau, and Seraphina Arden’s father, Elijah, was his chauffeur.When Ethan was eleven, his mother passed away after a prolonged illness. His grandparents were elderly and frail, and Sebastian, overwhelmed by his responsibilities, hired housekeepers, but none could truly take care of Ethan.Ethan, a proud and reserved boy, didn’t like being around others. He often sat alone in his father’s office, waiting late into the evening for Sebastian to finish work.One day, Elijah suggested to Sebastian: “Mr. Sebastian, why don’t you let Ethan come to my house after school? My wife Chloe cooks very well, and my daughter Seraphina is still young. They can keep each other company.”Sebastian looked at his scrawny son, barely holding it together, and asked gently: “Would you like to go to Uncle Elijah’s house after school? Daddy will pick you up later.”Initially, Ethan was reluctant. But after Elijah coaxed and cajoled him,

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  • The Playboy CEO’s Curvy Obsession   Chapter 19: Better Not to Meet

    When Seraphina Arden got accepted into college, Elijah and Chloe couldn’t contain their joy. They were so thankful to Ethan for helping their daughter that they wanted to give him anything they could find at home as a token of appreciation. Elijah even went out of his way to find unique and thoughtful gifts from remote places to send to Sebastian. This habit of sending gifts during holidays continued for years and never stopped.That summer was one of the happiest times for Seraphina Arden. Ethan took her and Lucas to Florida. They visited Miami, saw the ocean, and even watched a basketball game. Seraphina, standing beside Ethan and brushing shoulders with him, felt nothing but pure joy.At eighteen, Seraphina was experiencing her first feelings of love, and in her heart and mind, there was only Ethan.After Sebastian remarried, he moved out of the neighborhood, but everyone in the area still recognized Ethan. They often saw him visiting the Arden household or taking Seraphina out for

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  • The Playboy CEO’s Curvy Obsession   Chapter 107: Epilogue

    Leon’s StoryWhen his eldest daughter was born, Leon Everhart would rush home every day after work and sit by the cradle, staring at his tiny child for a long time.His daughter looked like him, and Mrs. Everhart said, “A daughter who resembles her father will always have food to eat and never worry about her livelihood.”Leon Everhart chuckled, “Then I must work even harder to ensure my little girl never has to worry about food or clothing for the rest of her life.”With just a wife and a daughter, a man who once stood above all others could be pulled into the mortal world, touched by the warmth of ordinary life.When his daughter was just learning to crawl, she could only move a few steps before crying out in frustration. One evening, as soon as Leon Everhart stepped through the door, still in his black dress pants and white shirt, he heard her cries and felt his heart ache.He immediately rushed to her side, lay down on the floor, and said, “Baby, look at Daddy. Crawl like Daddy.”

  • The Playboy CEO’s Curvy Obsession   Chapter 106: Liam’s Side Story

    That night, Liam had a few drinks and decided to stay at the Everhart family’s old mansion.On the first floor, his nieces and nephews were running around, their parents chasing after them tirelessly.Old Mr. Everhart always said, “When children are noisy at home, it means our family is thriving. It’s much better than hearing the sound of mahjong tiles all night.”Liam never called Harper “sister-in-law.”There was something Liam had never told anyone.He lived on the third floor, and one day, when he was coming downstairs, he ran into Harper. She smiled at him and called out in a soft, sweet voice, “Liam, wait for me.”Liam was no fool. He had been through countless encounters with women and had never been caught off guard. What kind of woman hadn’t he seen?The way Harper called him immediately set off alarm bells. His first instinct was that she was trying to seduce him, but he couldn’t quite believe it—after all, she had just married his brother, and on top of that, she was pregna

  • The Playboy CEO’s Curvy Obsession   Chapter 105: Harper’s Side Story

    Harper’s brother brought her back home. As soon as she entered her room, she collapsed into bed and slept.When she woke up the next afternoon, Harper was still in a daze. She let her mother take her to get her hair done, go to the spa, and get a manicure. She moved like a puppet, allowing her mother to maneuver her as she pleased.These used to be part of her daily routine, but it had been a long time since she last enjoyed such luxuries.Ever since Lucas lost his job, Harper didn’t dare spend money recklessly. Once, she got a manicure that cost $480. When she returned home, Lucas’s mother nearly ripped her apart, acting as if every penny Harper spent belonged to Lucas—or rather, to her.When Miliya brought people to beat up Lucas’s parents and Lucas himself, Harper was the only one left untouched.Lucas’s parents blamed everything on Harper. They insisted that if she hadn’t seduced Lucas, he wouldn’t have ended up in such a miserable state.Harper snapped back, “He came to me on his

  • The Playboy CEO’s Curvy Obsession   Chapter 104: Ethan’s Side Story

    When Seraphina Arden said, "I owe you nothing in this life, and I hope we never meet in the next," Ethan knew that there was no way to salvage their relationship.Ethan was born with good looks and intelligence. His maternal grandfather’s family was well-off, and his mother was a beautiful and refined woman.His mother once told him that she had pursued Sebastian—she had chased after his father.Because his mother loved his father deeply, she was always anxious about him. No matter where Sebastian went, she had to ask about it, and if she didn’t get a clear answer, she would sulk.Whenever Sebastian came home late, his mother would pick fights and argue.No matter how exhausted he was, Sebastian would always lower his voice to coax his delicate wife and make her happy.His mother was fragile. Even with a housekeeper managing the home, and even after having Ethan, she paid little attention to him. Most of her time was devoted to her husband, as if she had been born solely for Sebastian

  • The Playboy CEO’s Curvy Obsession   Chapter 103: The Grand Finale

    Leon Everhart and Seraphina Arden’s wedding took place as scheduled. However, Leon Everhart did not grant Seraphina Arden’s wish to keep it simple.In this city, Leon Everhart had some money, but there were many people wealthier and more powerful than him. Compared to them, he was far from being a true second-generation heir. He positioned himself as a self-made entrepreneur, the second generation of a growing business.The Everhart family lacked deep roots, and he was not able to marry a truly influential family’s daughter. Even in the past, the wealthy Henry family had looked down on him, and Harper had treated him the same way.Choosing Seraphina Arden was seen as "marrying down" in the eyes of the Everhart family.But for Leon Everhart, it was the perfect fulfillment of his wishes.If the wedding was too casual, people would look down on Seraphina Arden. Leon Everhart wanted to give her a surprise—he didn’t want to shortchange her in any way.At one point, Everhart’s mother had tr

  • The Playboy CEO’s Curvy Obsession   Chapter 102: Mother and Daughter at War

    Olivia was now at her wit’s end, isolated and helpless.In her darkest times, the appearance of her biological mother, Miliya, made her feel that there was still warmth in the world, that she still had a mother. She had once been moved and had come to believe that, in this world, only a mother’s love was truly unconditional.During her postpartum confinement, Miliya took meticulous care of Olivia, tending to her and the child with great dedication.Olivia started calling Miliya “Mom.”When Olivia’s child reached one month old, there was no sign of acknowledgment from the Everhart family. Miliya found it strange and asked Olivia, “The Everhart family values bloodline and heirs. Back then, I put such a big scandal on old Mr. Everhart’s head, and he let me go for your sake. He even made me promise never to seek you out again. To ensure I wouldn’t interfere in your life, he gave me a huge sum of money. That house in the village was built with the money that old man gave me. Now that you’v

  • The Playboy CEO’s Curvy Obsession   Chapter 101: The Dress

    Not long after Seraphina Arden's technology company resumed operations, an unexpected visitor arrived—Jerry.Upon hearing that Seraphina Arden had started a tech company in the same field as his, Jerry was furious. Subconsciously, he believed that the reason he wasn’t making sales was because Seraphina Arden had stolen his clients.Jerry stormed into Seraphina Arden’s office, slamming his hands on her desk.Seeing Jerry’s furious face, Seraphina Arden remained exceptionally calm. She showed no sign of worry; instead, she was tranquil. “Mr. Jerry, if you have something to discuss, we can talk it out properly. This is a workplace, and I have surveillance cameras here.”Jerry was fuming. “Seraphina Arden, are you stealing my business?”He ranted continuously, repeating over and over how Seraphina Arden was ungrateful and unethical for selling patents that should have been his.Seraphina Arden didn’t respond. She simply waited for Jerry to tire himself out.Once Jerry had shouted enough,

  • The Playboy CEO’s Curvy Obsession   Chapter 100: Failed Diet

    Seraphina Arden’s tech company closed for a one-week holiday and resumed operations afterward.Before the break, her flamboyant Leon heard that she wanted to give gifts to the professors who had supported her. That evening, he returned home with boxes of presents. The gifts, prepared by TerraVantage Group, were impressive and perfectly suitable for the occasion.Having a resourceful and thoughtful partner like Leon made Seraphina’s work remarkably efficient.Seraphina cherished her job deeply, knowing how hard-earned it was. After all, it was the only condition her father had set when negotiating her marriage with the Everhart family.Yet, over Christmas, Everhart’s mother subtly suggested that she quit her job and become a housewife.At the time, Seraphina had retorted sharply, but the suggestion left a lingering discomfort.When they were alone, Seraphina shared this with her mother, asking, “Mom, what do you think Leon’s mom was thinking?”Chloe responded, “She’s spent her whole li

  • The Playboy CEO’s Curvy Obsession   Chapter 99: Aging Overnight

    This Christmas, Lucas and his family didn’t return to their hometown to visit his grandmother.The household had turned into utter chaos, with no sign of peace or holiday spirit.Over the past few months, far too many things had happened—things Lucas was afraid to even think about.Olivia’s mother, Miliya, was not someone to be trifled with. When she learned that Lucas and Olivia were still married while Lucas was living with Harper, she became furious. Adding insult to injury, Lucas’s parents didn’t care about their daughter-in-law Olivia but went to care for the mistress instead. This sent Miliya into a rage.She went back home, rallied her husband and two sons, and even hired a few extra hands. Together, they stormed into Harper’s house, where Lucas and his parents were staying. Dragging Lucas and his parents out, they began to beat them in public.With the door wide open, Miliya yelled through a megaphone:“Come one, come all! Look at this shameless family! Their lawful daughter-i

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