Chapter 3

"The Vance family has only one daughter, and only one sole legal heir—Serena."

"Richard, if you want to bring your stray dog into this house, then hand back the shares my daughter left you. Take your bastard daughter and get out of my sight with nothing but the clothes on your back. Otherwise, shut up and play your role as the 'house manager' of the Vance family. I don't tolerate trash in my house. Do I make myself clear?"

These words were an absolute slap in the face. Even though he was a gold-digger, Richard was still my biological father and held some company equity. Yet, Grandpa had publicly reduced him to a mere "house manager."

"I understand, Father. I was wrong."

Richard clenched his fists so hard his knuckles turned white. He shot a stealthy, venomous glare at me, keeping his head low as his body shook.

I couldn't tell if it was from fear or pure rage.

"If you understand, then get out. Don't ruin Serena's birthday."

With that, Richard turned and slunk away like a beaten dog.

I smiled and threw one last jab at his back. "Don't forget to send me my birthday gift, Dad!"

As the banquet drew to a close, Grandpa officially announced to the public that I would be entering the family business. He was transferring twenty percent of his shares to me. Combined with the twenty percent my mother had left me, I now held a forty percent controlling stake, officially making me the largest shareholder of the Vance Group.

"Serena, I'm getting old. Your father is useless—no morals, no brains. I will never hand the company to him. You are the only one I trust. You have a sharp mind for business, and you understand me. I trust you won't let me down, right?"

Looking at Grandpa's silver hair, my nose tingled with warmth. I leaned down and hugged him tightly.

"Don't worry, Grandpa. I'll learn fast. I will protect our family legacy."

After the party ended, I finally remembered Julian and Hailey, who had been dragged away.

My bodyguard reported, "We locked them in the basement. Your father went down there earlier to get them out, making a huge scene."

I stopped walking and looked at him.

"Did you let them go?"

"No, boss. We locked your father in there too, so he could cool his head."

I was speechless for a second.

"Good job."

The tall, muscular, gorgeously tanned bodyguard scratched his head, offering a sheepish grin. "Just doing my job, boss. No matter who he is, you're the one paying my salary. As long as you're happy."

I arched an eyebrow, looking at this bodyguard of mine with genuine interest for the first time.

"You're quite loyal."

The next second, my hot bodyguard's cheeks flushed a light pink.

But I didn't have time to admire him. I grabbed a bottle of expensive, high-proof alcohol and headed down to the basement.

The three of them were tied up. In an effort to help each other, they were currently wriggling on the floor like oversized caterpillars.

It was a hilarious sight.

When they saw me walk in, Richard and Hailey started screaming hysterically. Julian glared at me with an arrogant look, expecting me to rush over and untie him.

Annoyed by his face, I kicked him.

Julian let out a sharp yelp, which instantly made me feel better.

My hot bodyguard thoughtfully pulled up a chair for me to sit on. I sat down comfortably, enjoying the sound of their mental breakdowns.

Richard yelled, "How dare you tie me up! You're fired! All of you! Do you hear me?!"

Hailey shrieked, "Serena Vance! You monster! You stole my father for so many years, enjoying all this wealth while I had nothing! You're selfish! You're evil!"

Julian groaned, "Ah! My crotch! Call a doctor! Now!"

I smiled slowly, gesturing for my bodyguard to uncork the liquor.

The bodyguard looked confused, but he did it anyway.

"Are you... planning to drink here, boss?"

I took the bottle. Instead of drinking, I poured the expensive spirit over my hands, using it like sanitizer.

The three of them instantly went quiet.

I winked at my bodyguard.

"Have you ever heard of sanitizing your hands before giving someone a good slap?"

My bodyguard watched as I turned the ring on my finger, twisting the giant, rock-sized diamond so it faced the inside of my palm. He immediately got the idea.

Looking at Richard's wide eyes and dropped jaw, I gave him a sweet, gentle smile.

"Don't worry, Dad. I won't lay a hand on you."

Richard let out a massive sigh of relief, but a second later, he panicked. "Then who are you going to hit?"

A sharp, resounding slap across his daughter’s face was his answer.