CHAPTER 288: CHAPTER 288: JUDGMENT DOCUMENT

"Where’s your lawyer?"

Serena Jennings took the initiative to ask.

She was genuinely puzzled.

Because Caleb Lockwood refused to agree to a divorce by mutual consent, she had no choice but to pursue a divorce through litigation.

Although she had ample evidence, and Judge Chen was a "friendly" arranged person, the outcome would likely be in Serena’s favor.

But to be on the safe side, Serena had assembled a full team, preparing her team of lawyers to be ready, not letting their guard down.

Given Caleb Lockwood’s level of resistance to divorce, Serena thought Caleb would, like her, prepare a large team of lawyers for a tough battle.

Unexpectedly, Caleb came alone, without even bringing an assistant.

Serena couldn’t understand.

She couldn’t guess what game Caleb was playing.

The smile on Caleb Lockwood’s face deepened, and his starry eyes revealed a hint of slyness.

"I don’t need a lawyer."

"..."

Serena opened her mouth but said nothing.

She suddenly understood.

Caleb didn’t bring lawyers because he had already come to terms with it.

He was no longer resisting the divorce, so there was no need to prepare a team of lawyers.

Serena took a deep breath and also smiled.

"That’s good."

It seemed today’s trial would go even more smoothly than she had imagined.

The two sides entered the courtroom, one side was full of momentum, while the other side was weak in numbers but calm and unhurried.

Judge Chen followed the procedure to let the plaintiff present reasons and submit evidence.

The entire trial indeed proceeded very smoothly, much more so than Serena had imagined.

Because Caleb did not refute at all from beginning to end.

Not a single word.

Caleb’s attitude made Serena feel at ease.

The two of them exchanged glances.

This was the first time Serena felt she and Caleb shared a mutual understanding.

Divorce—

was the best outcome for both of them.

At least that’s what she believed.

And she was glad, Caleb believed so too.

Divorce cases are generally not decided on the spot, so Judge Chen told Serena and Caleb to go home and wait for the verdict.

While walking out of the courtroom, Caleb naturally asked Serena, "Want to grab a meal together?"

Serena was taken aback, "We just got out of a divorce lawsuit, didn’t we?"

"Filing for divorce doesn’t interfere with having a meal together, right? My treat."

Caleb looked at Serena, a subtle smile lingering in his eyes.

Serena initially thought Caleb also wanted a divorce, thus feeling refreshed after the lawsuit, smiling more often.

However, Caleb’s gaze held a faint expectation, as if even a second more with her was a gain.

Serena couldn’t fathom Caleb’s thoughts, so she decided not to guess.

"Thanks, but I already have plans."

Serena spoke generously, gradually moving out of Caleb’s view.

Caleb watched Serena’s decisive figure, his lifted lips gradually forming a straight line of disappointment.

Serena wasn’t lying, she truly had plans.

Ethan White had already arranged to take her out for a meal to celebrate after the divorce trial.

Initially, they also invited Lana Xavier.

However, Lana declined to come.

In the hot pot restaurant, Serena and Ethan ate and chatted casually, which turned the topic from the divorce case to Lana Xavier.

"Lana seems to be in a bad mood, probably had a fight with Julian Xavier."

Hearing Ethan mention this, Serena was silent for a moment and then smiled.

"It’s actually good if they argue."

"Hmm?" Ethan was surprised, "What do you mean?"

"In a relationship, there should be fights and reconciliations! That’s how it’s called a process of understanding each other... The more serious Lana is about Julian, the more they ought to go through a reconciliation process."

At least in Serena’s view, it’s better to argue and reconcile rather than blindly accommodate the other person.

Mentioning Julian Xavier, Serena recalled that day in the haunted house at the amusement park where Julian initiated a hug, even holding her hand.

Though it was a special circumstance, Julian fearing ghosts and consequently seeking help, thinking back about it, felt a bit odd.

"So, is this advice from experience?"

Ethan’s question brought back memories of Serena’s college days.

During her relationship with Caleb, they never had a single quarrel.

Because during that time, Caleb’s courtship gave her a feeling of regained affection.

She never argued with Caleb and was always accommodating to him.

Serena lowered her gaze, her smile carrying a hint of self-mockery.

"Exactly, that’s why I don’t want Lana to follow in my footsteps."

"Sorry, my bad, I shouldn’t have brought it up."

Ethan apologized proactively.

"Why not talk about what you plan to do after the divorce!"

"Well..."

Serena propped her chin with her hands, smiling playfully.

After some time, the judgment papers were sent to both Serena and Caleb.

Serena was in her studio drawing and froze upon seeing the judgment papers.

On the other side, Caleb was in Country C, preparing to attend Wendy Linton’s birthday party with Arthur Lockwood and Lilian Young.

Wendy’s birthday was held at The Hillside Villa on Crescent Mountain.

The invitation was extended not just to the Lockwood family.

When Arthur, Lilian, and Caleb arrived, the villa was already full of guests.

The guests were C-country’s notable figures, and also politicians and business magnates from other countries.

Arthur’s face immediately lit up with a smile.

This kind of gathering is perfect for networking with more powerful people to expand the Lockwood’s business empire.

So he thoroughly enjoyed these social gatherings.

However, Lilian seemed a bit uneasy.

She initially thought the Linton Family only invited the Lockwood Family, but it turned out they invited so many people, evidently not distinguishing the Lockwood family from other elite circles.

Lilian noticed many young and talented individuals also brought birthday gifts for Wendy Linton.

Just like in City A where, during Caleb’s birthday, he received an overwhelming number of precious gifts.

"Caleb..."

Lilian joined Caleb’s side, giving a subtle nod.

"Hurry and present your gift already!"

The 70-million US Dollar jewel, Lilian believed Caleb could outshine all other suitors for Wendy with it.

Wendy had already secretly glanced at Caleb multiple times.

She had heard about Caleb’s divorce from Serena.

Regardless of whether Caleb chose her due to the divorce, she wanted him to ultimately choose her as the result.

However, Wendy didn’t want Caleb to think that she wasn’t enchanting.

Originally, Aaron Linton and Jade Shaw had advised only inviting the Lockwood family to this birthday party.

Because Wendy herself expressed that she liked Caleb.

However, Wendy did not agree.

She deliberately invited everyone she could and accepted expensive gifts from different men in front of Caleb.

To demonstrate her level of popularity in front of Caleb.

Adorning herself with waterfall diamond earrings received from a handsome guy, Wendy actively approached Caleb.

She was dressed glamorously today.

The strapless rose-gold gown with a long train was adorned with countless crystals, making her more dazzling than even the villa’s large crystal chandelier.

"It’s my birthday today, don’t you have a gift for me?"

Wendy asked Caleb directly.

Beside them, Lilian immediately stepped in to smooth things over, "Of course, for Miss Wendy’s birthday, Caleb specifically spent seventy million dollars at an auction for an antique necklace!"

Wendy’s eyes instantly lit up.

If she wasn’t mistaken, that antique necklace was the 67-carat fancy vivid yellow diamond necklace from Palmyria’s royal family.

The necklace had yet to arrive, but Wendy’s pride was already evident in her eyes.

Seeing Wendy at such a close distance, Caleb’s naturally smiling lips curved into a shallow arc.

His smile instantly became the most charming sight at the entire birthday party.

"Miss Linton..."

Caleb spoke with a magnetic voice.

"I did spend seventy million acquiring an antique necklace... but unfortunately, it’s not for you."

Upon hearing this, Wendy and Lilian’s expressions changed drastically.

Meanwhile, in City A, Serena sat in her studio drawing and had just received the judgment papers when another package arrived for her via courier.