CHAPTER 66: CHAPTER 66: EXPOSING HER LIES

She wasn’t very familiar with Peter, but she’d known him for some years.

In her mind, Peter had always been affable, with an elegant demeanor, rarely showing anger.

But Serena quickly realized that Peter was acting.

To appear like her boyfriend, he was deliberately trying to protect her.

And Caleb Lockwood...

Wasn’t acting.

Caleb genuinely protected Claire Shaw.

The originally fun party atmosphere became intense and confrontational.

Caleb Lockwood and Peter faced off for a while, before Caleb chuckled.

"I’m just that much of a hypocrite."

His words were subtle, but everyone understood the implication:

So what could you do to me about it?

Indeed, Peter couldn’t do anything against Caleb Lockwood.

Especially since... the matters between Serena and Caleb Lockwood were essentially private affairs; he had no right to intervene.

"You guys carry on, I’ll take my girlfriend away first; the floral scent here is too strong and she’s allergic to pollen."

Of course, when Peter said "girlfriend," he was referring to Serena.

Serena saw Caleb Lockwood curl his lips coldly.

The smile was something she understood.

Caleb thought Peter was just finding an excuse to take her away first.

Little did Caleb know...

She really was allergic to pollen.

Caleb didn’t stop them, and neither did Claire Shaw.

Her intention for hosting this party was simply to let her colleagues witness firsthand how Caleb Lockwood treated her.

And how he treated Serena.

To wash away the label of being a third party in the affair.

She believed that after today, the company would be rife with rumors about Caleb Lockwood living with her, even cooking for her personally.

Peter left The Jade Pavilion with Serena, but before they even got out of the neighborhood, Caleb Lockwood surprisingly chased after them.

Without his apron and despite not wearing a suit jacket, Caleb Lockwood’s presence was strong and undeniable.

"President Lockwood, do you still have something to discuss?" Peter asked.

Caleb glanced at Serena’s shoulder.

Peter’s arm was still around her shoulder.

"There’s no one else around, so I just want to remind you—she’s a married woman; mind your hands."

Caleb’s tone was calm, yet it made Peter’s hand suddenly awkward.

"Why not remind her in public?"

Caleb smiled lightly, "It’s Serena herself who claims she’s unmarried; I’m simply reluctant to expose her lie."

"And what about you, President Lockwood?" Peter asked solemnly, with a hint of reproach, "Do you consider yourself married or unmarried?"

Caleb glanced at Serena but didn’t reply.

Inside the house, the party continued, but people’s focus had shifted away from food and entertainment.

"I mean... why did President Lockwood chase after them?"

"Exactly, Peter isn’t Serena’s boyfriend, right? So why is President Lockwood..."

"I think there’s something fishy here."

"Shh, keep it down."

Several colleagues gathered in small groups, whispering quietly.

Their voices were low, but Claire could hear them.

She was distributing snacks to everyone, acting nonchalant, yet her heart felt restless.

Why did Caleb Lockwood leave?

Did he chase after Serena?

Claire didn’t believe it.

If Caleb Lockwood truly had feelings for Serena, he wouldn’t be indifferent to Peter’s presence.

Moreover, in front of the department colleagues, Caleb didn’t show any bias towards Serena.

Claire gradually relaxed her inner conflict and regained her confidence.

Soon enough, Caleb Lockwood returned, empty-handed.

"Caleb, didn’t I ask you to buy soy sauce?" Claire pouted.

Caleb hesitated briefly, then a remorseful smile appeared on his face, "Sorry, I forgot. I’ll go get it now."

"No need, I’ll just order delivery!"

"Alright."

After hearing Claire and Caleb’s exchange, those who initially thought Caleb left to chase after Serena began to question again internally.

Serena got into Peter’s car.

As soon as she got in, she first thanked and then apologized.

She hadn’t intended to involve Peter, but the situation reached a point where she needed a fake boyfriend, so she had to trouble Peter.

"No need to be so polite," Peter waved his hand with a smile at Serena, "Pretending to be a beautiful woman’s boyfriend is a win for me!"

Serena chuckled silently.

Peter started the car, saying, "If you ever need anything, feel free to reach out anytime."

"But..."

"I’m not doing this for free; I have conditions."

Peter turned to Serena, noting her confused expression but no sign of caution.

"Aren’t you afraid I’ll ask for something difficult, like offering yourself?"

Serena laughed even harder.

"You wouldn’t do that!"

Even though Serena was complimenting Peter, he couldn’t help but smile wryly and sigh internally.

"Serena, come back to work! I know you’ve resigned; come back to FY, I can offer you a better future."

Peter spoke these words without looking at Serena.

He was staring ahead, focused on driving.

But his tone was serious enough that Serena would consider it a formal job offer.

Of course, there was another underlying message in his words, which Serena couldn’t grasp just yet.

The car plunged into brief silence.

"Thank you, Peter."

Serena’s opening wasn’t promising for Peter.

"But I’m sorry; though I appreciate your good intentions, I have my own plans."

"Oh? Even I can’t know?"

Peter was curious, but now wasn’t the right time.

"Once I finalize my plans and everything’s ready, I’ll tell you."

The car drove into the old neighborhood of Vornath Street.

Serena assumed Peter would leave after dropping her off downstairs, but Peter followed her upstairs.

She was a bit embarrassed, feeling that Peter was too deep into his role as her boyfriend.

"You should go back early; thank you so much for today."

Standing at the door, Serena said goodbye to Peter.

"No trouble at all; if you need me, I’ll be there anytime."

Before leaving, Peter pulled something out from his suit pocket.

"By the way, this is a gift for you to congratulate your resignation."

Before Serena could take the item, Peter uncharacteristically stuffed it directly into her hands.

"This isn’t a company sample; although I designed it, I paid for it, and I think you’ll like it."

Peter said with a smile and then turned to leave.

Serena closed the door, standing there, feeling inexplicably stirred.

She opened the gift from Peter.

Inside the jewelry box was a brooch.

Set with rubies and diamonds, it sparkled brilliantly.

Downstairs, inside a black Passat.

Mr. Miller finally saw Peter come downstairs and get into the car.

President Lockwood, Peter has left Miss Jennings’ house.

He sent the above message to Caleb Lockwood.

The Jade Pavilion.

Caleb received Mr. Miller’s message on WeChat, calm as usual.

He saw Claire reaching for the crab, so he graciously handed one to her.

Just then, Mr. Miller sent another message:

President Lockwood, Miss Jennings has now come downstairs, changed outfits, and hailed a cab. I don’t know where she’s heading.

Caleb’s attention was all on his cellphone, even failing to notice when the crab’s sharp shell pricked Claire’s hand.

Claire’s hand was bleeding, but with so many colleagues watching, she couldn’t show pain, only praise Caleb’s thoughtfulness.

In the afternoon, the sun was shining brightly.

Serena’s taxi stopped in front of Blue Dream Bay.