Chapter 9: The Bird That Wants to Escape

TerraVantage Group’s year-end party was held at the company’s own five-star hotel, with plenty of local celebrities and suppliers in attendance. The celebrities added glamour, while the suppliers brought their wallets. Even the employee raffle prizes were generously donated by the vendors.

After the chairman’s speech, it was time for Leon Everhart, the general manager, to address the audience. Clad in a perfectly tailored suit, his tall and striking figure, combined with his wealth, elegance, and overseas education, made him the center of attention. His single status only added fuel to the dreamy gazes of countless beautiful women in the room.

Such events were typically organized by the administrative and logistics departments, with Mia from the executive office drafting Leon’s speech for Seraphina Arden to deliver. Seraphina’s job was to follow closely behind Leon, relaying his instructions to Sophia, who coordinated with the respective teams.

Throughout the evening, Seraphina stuck to Leon like glue, drawing envious looks from colleagues and guests alike.

Out of the company’s 5,000 employees, approximately 2,000 attended the event. Between performances, raffles, and various awards—such as “Outstanding Employee” and “Best Team”—Leon was constantly occupied. And where Leon went, Seraphina followed.

By the time the event transitioned to dinner, Seraphina felt like she’d lost at least five pounds. She escaped to sit beside Sophia and Mia, muttering, “I’m starving. My legs are shaking.” Mia immediately handed her a duck leg. “Here, eat this!”

Leon’s eyes instinctively drifted toward Seraphina. Watching her devour her meal with unreserved enthusiasm, he frowned deeply, thinking, Her table manners are atrocious.

Meanwhile, Ava and Amelia kept their eyes locked on Leon, noticing his disdainful expression directed at Seraphina. They exchanged knowing smiles, secretly amused.

If Seraphina had known her eating habits were such a spectacle, she might’ve chewed even louder just to spite them.

After the party, the company officially began its holiday break. Leon planned to spend Christmas with his father back in their hometown, meaning Seraphina didn’t have to chauffeur him. Seizing the opportunity, she made plans to leave immediately after dinner.

Anticipating her long day by Leon’s side, Seraphina had bribed her cousin Lucas with $800 to pick her up from the event and put on a show.

When she exited with her colleagues, Lucas was already waiting at the elevator, holding a bag of snacks for her. Playing his part to perfection, he took Seraphina’s hand as they walked into the elevator together.

Once in the car, Lucas whipped out his phone. “Transfer the money.”

Seraphina smacked his head. “Can’t you wait?”

“Nope. You always stall.”

Rolling her eyes, Seraphina transferred $2,000 to him. Lucas grinned, kissed her hand theatrically, and declared, “Your Majesty, I am at your service for the evening.”

“Gross,” Seraphina muttered, wiping her hand on his jacket. “Just drive me home, you idiot.”

Lucas saluted dramatically. “As you wish, Your Highness.”

While money wasn’t everything, in this sibling-like relationship, it was certainly the glue that held them together.

Their playful exchange was caught on camera by a nosy colleague and quickly shared in the company group chat with the caption: Seraphina and her boy toy.

Lucas’s youthful face and slight awkwardness gave him away immediately—everyone could tell he wasn’t her boyfriend.

This year had been grueling for Seraphina, working under Leon Everhart. Yet the money was undeniable: with an average monthly salary and overtime bringing in nearly $3,000 and a year-end bonus of $10,000, she earned more than her parents combined. No matter how tough it got, she was determined to keep her job—as long as Leon didn’t fire her.

Still, she couldn’t afford unnecessary drama. Her staged act with Lucas was meant to deter Amelia and Ava, ensuring they wouldn’t see her as competition.

During the holiday, Seraphina returned to her hometown and let loose. With a big family—her mother was one of six siblings, and the household was packed—Seraphina and Lucas were the leaders of the kids' pack. She treated everyone to food and fun, fully embracing her role as “Queen.”

On the second day of Christmas, as Seraphina was enjoying a barbecue with her cousins, her phone rang. It was Leon.

“Seraphina, Merry Christmas,” he began.

With her mouth full, she mumbled, “Merry Christmas, Mr. Everhart! I’m in my hometown. Uh-huh, yeah, I really can’t make it back.”

Before Leon could respond, one of her cousins hurled a crab at her, making her shriek. Leon moved the phone away from his ear and sighed before hanging up.

“Good boy,” Seraphina said, tossing the mischievous cousin a couple of steaks. She grumbled under her breath, “Damn capitalist! Can’t even let people enjoy Christmas in peace.”

Meanwhile, Leon couldn’t help but imagine Seraphina surrounded by food, likely cursing him under her breath. He chuckled to himself and shook his head.

At Ava’s home, her mother delivered a harsh dose of reality.

“Leon may seem kind, but his world is full of problems. He’ll never marry you, Ava. His family will demand he marries a wealthy socialite. At best, you’ll be a mistress, like Olivia’s mother. And what did that get her? Cast aside with nothing but heartbreak.”

Ava remained silent, her mother’s words hitting hard.

“You’re beautiful, Ava,” her mother continued. “You can find a good man. You’ve spent your youth chasing Leon’s shadow. For what? He’s cold and unfeeling. We’ve saved enough. Move on before it’s too late.”

That night, Ava sat alone, replaying her mother’s words. At seventeen, she had devoted herself to Leon, building an attachment she couldn’t easily sever. But deep down, she knew her mother was right.

Leon Everhart would never choose her. He was icy and ruthless, and even when she’d carried his child, he’d forced her to give it up.

With tears in her eyes, Ava made a decision: it was time to fly away before the cage became her grave.