CHAPTER 145: CHAPTER 145: YOU SHOULD CALL ME DAD

The room was large enough, but not crowded with people.

Serena Jennings saw Arthur Lockwood; she wasn’t particularly 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 black suit just like the bodyguard, his aura from head to toe was even more formal.

Serena guessed this person must be Arthur Lockwood’s lawyer.

"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 not come.

"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, the lawyer behind him timely presented a document in front of Serena.

Serena looked down and quickly glanced 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 popularity and prestige. However, the Lockwood Family could unilaterally terminate the contract early, but she didn’t have that right.

"The bottom is blank; feel free to propose conditions—whether it’s money or resources, The Lockwood Family can provide... Oh, and your uncle, whatever his name is, his company 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..."

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

"As for Ben Jennings, I don’t recommend you invest in his company. He’s selfish, profit-driven, and lacks competence. Investing in him would lead to a total loss... Moreover, 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, 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 popularity 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 becoming difficult to catch a moment with you."

Peter quipped.

"Who says? My schedule is always open for you."

Serena said with a smile.

Being with Peter was far more relaxed 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."

Peter comforted her, reaching out to rub her temple.

Serena was taken aback just as Peter withdrew his hand.

Across from The Jade Pavilion, through clean glass 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 flattering!"

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 between laughter and tears.

She was indeed reluctant to claim 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 newcomer. 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 a commotion rose in the store.

"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 my company, 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 my company collapses, 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 flash continued to flicker.

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

Serena felt Ben was truly a persistent nuisance.

That night, gossip accounts exploded with news of Serena betraying her privileged roots post-marriage, neglecting relatives on the brink, which even climbed the trending list.

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

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 Lockwood lay 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.