Chapter 298 All Women, Stop Pretending
Sarah was about to speak, but the interruption came swift and relentless. The newcomer, bearing a pile of gifts, launched into a barrage of words, giving her no chance to interject.
"I am deeply saddened by Chairman Jerrett's condition," he declared, "but rest assured, I will engage the best experts, both domestically and internationally, to treat his illness."
The middle-aged man, in his haste, failed to recognize that she wasn’t Serene.
"For years, we have been under the benevolent care of Chairman Jerrett. Without him, our modest businesses would have been swallowed by larger corporations long ago..."
Sarah felt a sense of helplessness. Why wouldn't this man let her speak?
"Upon first glance, I knew you were Chairman Jerrett's flesh and blood. The striking similarity in your features and aura is uncanny. You are the spitting image of him...a true testament to the saying, 'Like father, like daughter'!"
"Sir, you are mistaken..." Sarah began, but was interrupted by Antonio's return.
"Sarah, who is this gentleman?" Antonio asked.
Relief washed over Sarah at the sound of Antonio's voice. She quickly gestured towards Serene, correcting the middle-aged man, "This is Serene, you've mistaken me for her."
The man was taken aback, quickly apologizing, "Oh, I am terribly sorry. I was overexcited and didn't expect to make such a mistake. I apologize..."
Sarah retreated, positioning herself next to Antonio.
"It's alright, go ahead and speak with Miss Jerrett."
The middle-aged man nodded, though he still appeared somewhat puzzled. "Even if you're not Chairman Jerrett's daughter, you must be a relative, right? You bear a striking resemblance to him...no wonder I was mistaken."
Upon hearing this, Serene's expression flickered momentarily before she quickly composed herself.
"No, I have no connection with Mr. Jerrett."
Sarah found this odd and couldn't help but glance back into the ward. Did she truly resemble Mr. Jerrett that much?
The man chuckled awkwardly. "I see. Well, then you two must share quite the destiny."
He turned to Serene, apologizing once more, and repeated his earlier sentiments in a more concise manner.
Serene responded with stiff gratitude, exchanging a few polite words before bidding the man farewell.
Antonio studied Sarah's face, cupping her chin. "You know, upon closer inspection, you do bear a resemblance to Mr. Jerrett."
"Don't be ridiculous. How could I possibly resemble him? Everyone says I take after my mother. I'll show you some photos when we get home," Sarah dismissed the idea without a second thought.
There were many people in the world who bore similarities, some even claimed to resemble certain celebrities.
Yet, Serene's eyes darkened, her teeth gritted in suppressed rage, as if she wanted to tear Sarah apart...
Releasing Sarah's chin, Antonio turned to Serene, "Miss Jerrett, your father's condition is currently stable. Is there anything else you need assistance with?"
Antonio glanced at Serene, a hint of helplessness crossing his face.
"My father's health..." Serene began, her voice trailing off. "Given his illness, I am in turmoil. As his daughter, I need to stay by his side in the hospital. I was thinking of having you temporarily act as the acting president of Jerrett's Group to help the company navigate this difficult time."
Both Antonio and Sarah were taken aback. They had expected Serene to ask Antonio for financial aid, not to request Antonio to step in as Jerrett's acting president. Weren't they afraid Antonio might seize the opportunity to take over the company?
Sarah glanced at Antonio, then turned to Serene, "Miss Jerrett, have you discussed this with the other shareholders? Isn't this somewhat inappropriate?"
"Don't worry, I still hold that authority. I just need to write a letter of proxy," Serene assured them quickly, adding, "Antonio, I won't let you work at the company for nothing. As a reward, I will give you some shares of Jerrett's Group."
Antonio nodded. Being an acting president was not a big deal. Although Jerett Group was a large corporation, it didn't mean much to him. It was, at most, a business trip.
"Well, Miss Jerrett, my wife assists me in my work. Wherever I go, she accompanies me. So this time, Sarah will have to join me at the company as well."
Faced with Antonio's request, Serene gritted her teeth in silent fury, but she maintained a calm facade.
"Of course, no problem, do as you please," she replied, her smile betraying no hint of her true feelings.
"That's good. Oh, by the way," Antonio suddenly remembered, "you will keep your promise, right? After I help you, we'll be even."
Serene's mouth twitched. She hadn't expected Antonio to confirm their agreement again. Was he really trying to draw a clear line between them?
"Of course, I always keep my word." Serene forced a smile. "You don't have to worry about the company. I have already made arrangements in advance."
Sarah raised an eyebrow. "Miss Jerrett is indeed thoughtful. She made arrangements for the company before we even agreed."
Ever since Sarah saw Serene comforting Antonio by the lake, she had harbored an inexplicable distaste for Serene. She was convinced that Serene had ulterior motives. After all, as women, they could see through each other's pretenses.