CHAPTER 296: CHAPTER 296: FATED BUT NOT DESTINED

Caleb Lockwood’s face grew increasingly sour, which oddly made him feel better.

Even if Serena Jennings didn’t choose him in the end, at least she didn’t choose Caleb.

From a distance, Caleb watched Serena being surrounded by Ethan White and Ian Blackwood, feeling a tightness in his chest, making it hard to breathe.

Not far away, Justin Nash was silently observing Serena.

"Honey, what’s wrong? Why did your expression suddenly become so serious?"

Justin snapped back to reality and turned to look at the woman beside him.

She was the granddaughter of the president of Spectra Tech—

His newlywed wife.

Justin was married.

But this time, he didn’t make a big announcement inviting Serena or Caleb.

After being provoked by Serena, Justin chose to strive forward.

And he also chose to compromise.

He wanted to show Serena that he was not inferior to Caleb.

So he chose to marry into Spectra Tech to expand the Nash Group.

He initially thought that if he became more outstanding and powerful than Caleb, he and Serena might have a chance to rekindle their relationship.

However...

Justin smiled self-deprecatingly.

In just one night, Caleb lost The Lockwood Group, while Serena became its new ruler.

Now, Serena doesn’t need Caleb or him anymore.

Not to mention, he is married.

Even if he told Serena he was willing to divorce for her now, she wouldn’t accept him.

Justin sighed.

He found that even if Caleb wasn’t standing next to Serena, there would be other men.

Like Ethan White.

He and Serena... were ultimately destined not to be together!

Just as Justin let out a long sigh, a few people came down the spiral staircase.

"Mr. Reed..."

Faye Finch gestured with her eyes, indicating for Serena to look at the spiral staircase.

Serena looked up and saw Aaron Linton and Jade Shaw.

But more eye-catching than them was Wendy Linton walking in front.

Wendy Linton, as always, wore her golden waves, with a magenta gown featuring a large skirt, descending the stairs with a certain aristocratic presence.

However, Serena thought Wendy’s outfit was quite inappropriate.

This was the opening celebration of Faye’s new store, not a celebrity red carpet event.

Why wear such a large trailing gown, just to steal the spotlight?

Serena couldn’t quite understand.

She wore a black bodycon gown today, with no decorations on the dress, relying solely on an excellent cut.

Because it was so plain, Serena wore slightly more standout jewelry, adhering to basic outfit styling principles.

As Serena was watching Wendy, Wendy was also staring at her.

Initially Wendy’s face exuded a confident smile, but upon seeing Serena, her expression changed instantly.

It turned very angry.

Serena was puzzled.

Is it because Caleb was thrown out and Wendy now targeted her?

Serena tilted her head, unable to figure it out.

Wendy’s hostility toward Serena was scarcely concealed.

Most present knew Wendy and Serena were rivals, not because they both pursued Caleb.

Wendy wanted to marry Caleb, but Caleb’s heart was obviously set on Serena.

So naturally, Wendy’s dislike for Serena was understandable.

However, only Caleb understood why Wendy was truly angry.

"Mr. Reed, the necklace around your neck—is it the 67-carat Yellow Diamond Necklace, heirloom of the Palmyria royal family?"

A young gentleman suddenly asked Serena.

Serena wasn’t familiar with the man, not even knowing his name.

But he must be a notable figure since Faye invited him.

"Uh... I guess it is."

Serena’s answer was somewhat ambiguous.

"Guess... Mr. Reed doesn’t know the origin of the necklace they’re wearing?"

"Because it wasn’t bought by me."

Serena said casually, and the young socialite snapped his fingers.

"I guessed right! So President Lockwood gave you the necklace."

With these words, Caleb immediately became the focal point among the guests.

"On Miss Wendy Linton’s birthday, President Lockwood’s mother said he spent seventy million US Dollars to buy the 67-carat Yellow Diamond Necklace, heirloom of the Palmyria royal family, to give Miss Wendy as a birthday gift... but President Lockwood said the necklace wasn’t for her... turns out he gave it to Mr. Reed!"

In an instant, the relationship between Caleb, Serena, and Wendy Linton became the most talked-about topic among the guests.

Serena instinctively touched the large yellow diamond pendant.

Now she finally understood why Wendy Linton showed such intense hostility the moment she saw her.

Wendy must’ve thought she wore the necklace to Faye’s new store opening to purposely provoke her, to embarrass her.

But in truth, it was really just a coincidence.

Because her dress was plain, Serena wanted to choose a complex and luxurious piece of jewelry to match.

This necklace was newly acquired, and she found it paired well, so she chose it.

Serena did not explain anything to Wendy.

How Wendy felt about it was Wendy’s business, unrelated to Serena.

After descending the stairs, Wendy approached Serena first.

The two faced each other.

One was ostentatious, the other understated.

One was open, the other reserved.

Chasing down the stairs, Jade Shaw grasped Aaron Linton’s arm, her eyes filled with worry.

She feared Wendy would harm Serena, yet she was powerless to stop it.

Serena, facing Wendy’s aggressive gaze, remained calm and composed.

After a long silence, Wendy spoke first:

"Miss Jennings... oh wait, now I should call you Mr. Reed..."

Seeing Serena remain silent, Wendy continued:

"Forcing your ex-husband to end up with nothing, gaining a large corporation through divorce, doesn’t that feel shameful?"

Ethan and Ian beside Serena wanted to speak for her.

But before they did, Serena spoke:

"Using superstitions of the elderly to usurp a place, allowing one from a grassroots background to leap into an aristocratic family, does Miss Wendy find such a person honorable?"

Serena’s words were not understood by others.

But Wendy understood, her heavily made-up face contorting as if corroded by acid.

Beside them, Aaron Linton and Jade Shaw also understood, both lowering their heads in unison, conflicted expressions on their faces.

Soon, Wendy’s face returned to a smile, a very aggressive one.

"If someone from a grassroots background manages to break into the aristocratic circles, it proves they’re outstanding."

"Then by your logic, my acquisition of The Lockwood Group also proves my excellence... It turns out Miss Wendy is cleverly complimenting me, thanks."

Serena’s calm demeanor left Wendy speechless.

Just as she wanted to retort, Caleb silently appeared between them.