45 Chapter 145: You Should Call Me Dad


    The room wasrge enough, but not crowded with people. 1


    Serena Jennings saw Arthur Lockwood; she wasn’t particrly surprised.


    Behind Arthur Lockwood were two men in suits, one of whom she recognized as Arthur’s bodyguard.


    The other one she didn’t recognize.


    Although he was dressed in a ck suit just like the bodyguard, his aura from head to toe was even more formal.


    Serena guessed this person must be Arthur Lockwood’swyer.


    “Serena, have a seat!”


    Arthur wore a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.


    Serena thought Arthur must have asked Caleb to invite her because he was afraid that if he reached out directly, she might note.


    “Serena, I’ll be blunt, I don’t want you and Caleb to get divorced, at least not at this moment, so name your terms…”


    As Arthur spoke, thewyer behind him timely presented a document in front of Serena.


    Serena looked down and quickly nced over it.


    It was an agreement, with unchangeable terms in the front requiring her to cooperate with Caleb as a qualified socialite wife for half a


    year, to boost the Lockwood family’s poprity and prestige. However, the Lockwood Family could unterally terminate the contract


    early, but she didn’t have that right.


    “The bottom is nk; feel free to propose conditions–whether it’s money or resources, The Lockwood Family can provide… Oh, and


    your uncle, whatever his name is, hispany isn’t doing well these days, I’m aware of that. I can invest and help him through tough


    times, as long as you cooperate during this period.”


    Arthur’s tone wasn’t forceful, yet his words were filled with the arrogance of an authority figure.


    Serena sighed.


    “Mr. Lockwood…”


    This title made the fake smile on Arthur’s face instantly fade.


    “You’re still married to Caleb. You should call me Dad”


    Arthur’s voice was full of displeasure now.


    Serena heard it but didn’t change her address.


    “Mr. Lockwood, I appreciate your kindness, but I don’t need The Lockwood Family’s charity. I’m doing quite well on my own…”


    “Serena…”


    10.03


    115


    Without giving Arthur a chance to interject, Serena waved her hand and continued:


    “As for Ben Jennings, I don’t rmend you invest in hispany. He’s selfish, profit–driven, andckspetence. Investing in him would lead to a total loss… Morcover, he’s long cut ties with me and my mom. Whether you help him or not won’t change my resolve to divorce Caleb… If anything<b>, </b>The Lockwood Family should divorce me as soon as possible to sever ties, lest Ben clings onto your


    resources.”


    Serena watched Arthur’s face turn gloomy as she spoke with unwavering demeanor:


    “I’m not a celebrity, just a designer. My poprity is temporary, but someone like Ben is a bottomless pit and once clinging on, will never


    end. As a businessman, Mr. Lockwood should know what’s cost–effective without me teaching”


    After saying this, Serena pushed the agreement back.


    “Then, I’ll take my leave.”


    No matter what Arthur thought, she had said what needed to be said and turned to leave the Capital Grand Hotel.


    Sitting in her white BMW Series 3, Serena took a deep breath.


    She hoped Arthur could heed her words.


    Serena turned and pulled out a document from her briefcase on the passenger seat.


    This document was the divorce agreement Caleb had given her.


    She’s been carrying it with her recently.


    Her phone suddenly rang; it was Caleb calling.


    Serena answered the phone.


    “Finished talking to my dad?”


    “Finished.”


    “Changed your mind?”


    “No.”


    “Good.”


    The conversation was very brief.


    Serena wasn’t sure why Caleb called her.


    Before Serena could finish speaking, Caleb had already hung up.


    Serena drove to The Jade Pavilion.


    Peter had arranged to meet her here for afternoon tea and discuss business.


    “You’re quite busy these days; it’s bing difficult to catch a moment with you.”


    10.04


    215


    Peter quipped.


    “Who says? My schedule is always open for you.”


    Serena said with a smile.


    Being with Peter was far more rxed than facing the Lockwood family. Serena felt the tension in her head finally ease up, her shoulders


    naturally loosening.


    “Work is important, but so is your health. Don’t overwork yourself.”


    Peterforted her, reaching out to rub her temple.


    Serena was taken aback just as Peter withdrew his hand.


    Across from The Jade Pavilion, through clean ss windows, someone was holding a dark camera.


    Inside the pavilion, Peter poured a cup of herbal tea for Serena.


    He could see her fatigue wasn’t due to work.


    But he didn’t want to discuss Serena’s personal matters; mentioning them would only add to her stress.


    “The project isn’t confirmed yet, but there’s interest, so they contacted me first to have you prepare.”


    Peter handed the project documents to Serena.


    “The Queen of Ydris?”


    Serena was shocked.


    Peter smiled, “Yes, a royal project… restoring an old crown and crafting a new one.”


    “Such a high–level project offered to me? That’s too ttering!”


    In Serena’s understanding, royals would typically have their own traditional craftsmen.


    *Originally, the Queen favored Master BYC, but couldn’t reach him. As for why you couldn’t reach him, you know better than I.”


    Peter teased her deliberately, and Serena was at a loss betweenughter and tears.


    She was indeed reluctant to im the BYC identity.


    “The Queen saw your performance at the LD Jewelry Fashion Week and believes you can surprise her… But considering the crown


    represents the royalty’s face during formal events, they’re still hesitant if they should entrust it to a neer. The Queen suggests you


    start preparing


    “Alright, I understand.”


    “Keep the project book handy, look over it when you return; I think it’s almost a sure thing…”


    “Okay.”


    Serena had just stored away the project book for the Ydris royal family when amotion rose in the store.


    10:04


    “You ungrateful traitor!”


    Ben Jennings stormed over to Serena and Peter’s table, pointing at Serena’s nose, scolding her.


    “I finally found you. The Lockwood family agreed to invest in mypany, but you backstabbed me, refusing to help and even kicking me while I’m down. Ungrateful brat, what a waste of us Jennings raising you! If mypany copses, I’m not finished with you!”


    Peter immediately shielded Serena and asked the store’s security to throw Ben out.


    Across from The Jade Pavilion, the camera’s sh continued to flicker.


    Peter, feeling uneasy for Serena, personally drove her home.


    Serena felt Ben was truly a persistent nuisance.


    That night, gossip ounts exploded with news of Serena betraying her privileged roots post–marriage, neglecting rtives on the


    brink, which even climbed the trending list.


    Serena knew instantly it was Ben’s doing, trying to pressure her through the inte.


    She turned off her phone and pulled out the project book to focus on work.


    Such news, if ignored, would lose its heat in a couple of days.


    The Jade Pavilion.


    Caleb Lockwoody on the bed.


    It was the bed they bought when they married.


    With only one person lying on it, the bed seemed overly spacious.


    He was scrolling through his phone.


    His fingertips just swiped onto a trending post.