CHAPTER 287: CHAPTER 287: PROPOSING TO HER

Caleb Lockwood held the soju glass in one hand, his thumb rubbing the rim twice.

"Hmm..."

In the end, he didn’t say much more, just gave a simple "hmm".

At this moment, there were only four patrons in the izakaya.

Once all four of them stopped talking, the izakaya instantly became as silent as a graveyard.

Patrick Rhodes and Serena Jennings both had their cars, and Mr. Miller was Caleb Lockwood’s driver.

So out of the four present, Caleb Lockwood was the only one drinking.

"It’s already very late, so I should go now."

Serena Jennings was the first to stand up.

"I’ll take you."

As Patrick said this, Caleb Lockwood grabbed Serena Jennings’s hand.

Caleb Lockwood’s hand was very cold, like a block of ice against Serena Jennings’s hand.

"Can’t you stay with me a little longer before we divorce?"

Caleb Lockwood’s voice was as indifferent as ever, yet his tone seemed to have a hint of pleading.

Serena Jennings lowered her gaze, not looking at Caleb Lockwood.

She didn’t understand what Caleb Lockwood was trying to salvage at this critical moment.

Regardless of whether Caleb Lockwood’s initial love for Claire Shaw was genuine or just a misguided infatuation, from the moment he personally caused the death of their child, their relationship was destined to end like this.

As Serena Jennings tried to withdraw her hand, Caleb Lockwood’s fingers immediately gripped tighter.

Yet the more he tried to hold on, the faster Serena Jennings pulled away.

In the end, Caleb Lockwood was left clutching only a handful of cold air.

Patrick chased after Serena Jennings as she left the izakaya.

"Serena, let me take you home!"

Serena turned her head.

"No need, I drove here."

"But you’re a girl, driving home alone at night is dangerous."

Patrick said earnestly.

Serena saw that Patrick genuinely cared about her.

"Thank you, Patrick..."

Seeing Serena’s grateful smile, Patrick blushed, embarrassedly scratching the back of his head.

"But I think it’s more dangerous for you to drive yourself, next time don’t agree to everything asked of you."

After advising Patrick, Serena got into her white BMW 3 Series.

Patrick watched as Serena’s car drove away, a warm feeling spreading in his heart.

If not for Serena standing up for him tonight, he might have lost all the shares in his family company.

Recalling Serena’s calm and confident aura, Patrick touched his chest, his heart racing.

Inside the izakaya, Caleb Lockwood sat silently drinking.

Though the soju’s alcohol content wasn’t high, Caleb Lockwood drank a lot.

"President Lockwood, you’ve had too much to drink."

Mr. Miller couldn’t help but advise.

After all, the doctors had forbidden Caleb Lockwood from drinking.

Caleb Lockwood already had a stomach condition, and recent stress had led to stomach bleeding. He wasn’t even fully recovered to the point of discharge, yet he was drowning himself in alcohol now.

"President Lockwood, even if you torment yourself like this, Miss Jennings won’t come back..."

In a moment of urgency, Mr. Miller blurted out, only to be met with a fierce glare from Caleb Lockwood.

Caleb Lockwood knew full well that Mr. Miller was telling the truth.

But he didn’t want to hear the truth right now.

Caleb Lockwood spent the whole night at the izakaya, and the next day he received a call from his father.

"You’re in Country C now?"

"Yes."

"Good... your mother and I will be there soon."

Listening to Arthur Lockwood’s words, Caleb Lockwood frowned.

"Next month is Wendy’s birthday. There’s a jewelry auction today at The Meriden Grand Hotel in Country C. Go bid on a piece of jewelry as a birthday gift for Wendy... did you hear me?"

Arthur Lockwood issued his commands arrogantly, but Caleb Lockwood simply hung up the phone.

Meanwhile, Serena Jennings returned to City A and was at The Lockwood Group.

She was inspecting accounts, especially those of the executives with the surname Lockwood.

Meanwhile, Arthur Lockwood and Lilian Young arrived at The Meriden Grand Hotel in Country C.

When they saw Mr. Miller arriving at the hotel entrance in a royal blue Bentley, they breathed a small sigh of relief.

"Looks like Caleb is still following orders." Lilian Young smiled.

"Hmm... with Serena publicly announcing the divorce online, Caleb wouldn’t be foolish. He should seize the opportunity with the Linton Family heiress now."

Arthur Lockwood spoke as he led Lilian Young over.

The four of them entered the auction hall together.

"Caleb, I’ve heard about this jewelry auction—there’s a stunning yellow diamond necklace as the finale piece, a full 67 carats, passed down in the Palmyria royal family. Wendy, being the Linton Family heiress, has seen it all, so ordinary jewelry won’t impress her. You must win this royal heirloom necklace, got it?"

"...Okay."

Caleb Lockwood agreed without hesitation.

Ultimately, that 76-carat royal heirloom yellow diamond necklace indeed ended up in Caleb Lockwood’s hands, costing him 70 million US Dollars.

After acquiring the necklace, Lilian Young nudged Arthur Lockwood with her elbow.

Clearing his throat, Arthur Lockwood said to Caleb Lockwood: "When you give Wendy this birthday present, she will surely be thrilled. Seize the chance to propose to her, and we’ll become in-laws with the Linton Family. Then we’ll secure that international railway project."

Caleb Lockwood glanced subtly at Arthur Lockwood, still only responding with one word:

"Okay."

Seeing Caleb Lockwood agree, Arthur Lockwood and Lilian Young both let out a breath of relief.

To them, Serena Jennings’s online announcement of divorce was a blessing in disguise.

Even if Caleb Lockwood weren’t clear-headed, he wouldn’t pass up the Linton heiress to pursue a cold relationship with Serena Jennings.

"Caleb, always remember..."

As they were about to leave The Meriden Grand Hotel, Arthur Lockwood patted Caleb Lockwood’s shoulder, speaking earnestly:

"A man should choose a woman who loves him and can bring him benefits. Only then will he find happiness."

Upon hearing this, Caleb Lockwood smiled faintly, his smile full of significance.

Arthur Lockwood and Lilian Young didn’t return to City A immediately, instead staying in Country C to meet with Aaron Linton and Jade Shaw, fostering relationships.

Caleb Lockwood didn’t return either.

However, Caleb Lockwood didn’t meet with Wendy Linton, and Arthur Lockwood and Lilian Young didn’t force him.

He had already received the court summons and a copy of the complaint. Arthur Lockwood wanted him to remain in Country C to prepare for the divorce lawsuit, ideally ensuring Serena left with nothing, relinquishing the shares of the Lockwood Group she had taken.

On the court day, Serena Jennings arrived at the Country C Primary Court with a legal team of twelve led by Attorney Yao.

Walking through the court, they exuded an unstoppable momentum.

And Caleb Lockwood arrived right on time as well.

Serena Jennings and Caleb Lockwood met at the court.

Upon seeing Serena Jennings, Caleb Lockwood smiled faintly.

But Serena Jennings was taken aback, her eyes widening in surprise.

Caleb Lockwood was dressed in a suit, one hand in his pocket, exuding an elite aura from head to toe.

However, he was alone.

Not even Mr. Miller was with him.