CHAPTER 82: CHAPTER 82: BED PARTNER

Serena Jennings received her award and only removed her helmet when she reached the changing room door.

The women’s changing room and the men’s changing room were separate, and besides her, there was no one else here.

Serena walked in wearing her racing suit, and came out having changed into her own clothes.

Apart from the prize money, racing allowed Serena to relieve stress. The thrill of extreme cornering and the sense of accomplishment when crossing the finish line first, even when reminiscing after the race ended, still excited her.

At this point, night had already fallen.

Outside the international racetrack, spectators who had watched the race were gradually coming out, and the number of people dwindled until there was not a single figure left.

The yellow Lamborghini Orion parked by the roadside had remained.

Patrick Rhodes had been sitting inside it for almost half an hour.

The image of Chloe Linton removing her helmet at the changing room door kept replaying in his mind, his heart pounding all the way till now.

"How is it possible..."

He muttered to himself, unable to make sense of it.

"Chloe Linton... how could she be Serena Jennings?"

The next day, Serena did not head to the office first; she drove to Tristan City.

There’s a law firm in Tristan City, rumored to have a partner, Felix Shepherd, who has never lost a divorce case.

Serena had hit a wall in City A, so she planned to try her luck in Tristan City.

"Sorry, Ms. Jennings, even for a consultation there’s a need to schedule in advance, and Lawyer Felix’s appointments are already booked till the beginning of next year."

"Booked till the beginning of next year?" Serena was shocked.

Indeed, divorce cases are what keep these big and small law firms alive, indicating just how many people want to divorce each year yet encounter difficulties.

After wasting a trip, Serena drove back to City A, returning to her studio.

"Mr. Reed called, saying there’s a social gathering tonight with big shots from the collectibles sector, and he wanted you to attend."

The person speaking to her was Quentin Xavier, fresh out of college, with little experience, doing odds and ends for her.

"I told you, just use my name."

To Quentin, Serena was the boss.

However, Serena really couldn’t get used to people calling her this manager or that director, especially those she worked closely with, always feeling she hadn’t reached that status yet.

"Ser...Serena?"

Quentin tried tentatively, his cheeks reddening.

Serena couldn’t help but smile.

"Help me decline Mr. Reed’s gathering tonight!"

Though Mr. Reed was indeed a big fish in collectibles, Serena didn’t think much of him.

"Ser...ena..." Quentin struggled a bit with the new address, "Though I can tell you don’t like socializing, we’re just starting the studio; shouldn’t we be a bit more proactive? You might think I’m meddling, but I genuinely hope our studio thrives... If we start off by offending Mr. Reed, I’m afraid..."

Serena understood the rest without Quentin needing to say it.

"...Alright, just call Mr. Reed for me, tell him I’ll be punctual at the social gathering tonight."

After speaking, she noticed Quentin’s eyes light up.

Perhaps it’s because this was Quentin’s first job, hence his enthusiasm!

Serena smiled wryly, internally monologuing that Quentin might be worried the studio would collapse right after its start.

Quentin returned to his workstation, took out his phone, and secretly sent a WeChat message, using the computer monitor as cover.

Claire Shaw was driving when her phone beeped.

While waiting at a red light, she picked it up to glance, seeing Quentin had sent her two words:

Done.

Nighttime in City A was a dazzling display.

The so-called social gathering by Mr. Reed and his group was actually in a karaoke bar.

As Serena pushed the door open and entered, she immediately saw several scantily-clad "princesses" accompanying Mr. Reed’s group, drinking and playing finger-guessing games.

The guests were all men, not a single woman.

Serena felt like she had come to the wrong place.

"Ah, President Jennings is here, come sit over here."

Mr. Reed slapped his thigh with a sleazy smile.

Serena chose a seat as far away from the group as possible.

Though Mr. Reed wasn’t overly pleased, he also knew Serena wasn’t the type to sell out for money or resources.

"President Jennings, I mentioned at your studio’s opening that AMS wants to customize a batch of pocket watches as gifts for its VIP customers, requiring a jewelry designer for intricate inlays on the dials—a highly skilled job... I have high hopes for you... and I’ve already contacted AMS..."

Mr. Reed’s words stirred Serena’s heart.

However, Serena didn’t rush to thank Mr. Reed, as such windfall opportunities rarely fall so simply onto one’s lap.

Seeing Serena’s calm expression with no reaction, Mr. Reed raised an eyebrow and continued:

"But...CL has also reached out to me, wanting this opportunity..."

CL was indeed Claire Shaw’s studio.

"As you know, Claire was recommended by President Vincent and has a dubious relationship with Caleb Lockwood, the scion of The Lockwood Group. Even if I favor you more, I can’t overlook the facades for President Lockwood and President Vincent..."

As Mr. Reed spoke, he patted his thigh once more.

"So President Jennings, you have to show some sincerity to make me feel my introduction of this business wasn’t in vain, wouldn’t you agree?"

Serena knew such social gatherings were not devoid of veiled sexual implications.

"Then forget it!"

She stood up to leave.

"Hey, President Jennings, don’t be in such a hurry, sit down, sit down."

Mr. Reed lifted a glass of wine and handed it to Serena.

"At least drink a glass of wine with me, right?"

With so many people watching, Serena couldn’t completely deny Mr. Reed even a glass of wine, so she tilted her neck and finished it.

"Great drink!"

Mr. Reed’s friends applauded collectively, and another glass of wine followed one after another before Serena.

Serena stayed in that private room for an entire hour, drinking and singing until her throat felt hoarse and her stomach ached from the alcohol.

Mr. Reed attempted several times to take advantage of Serena, but her refusals were so obvious that he dared not force himself.

After all, Serena and Peter had a unique relationship; some said Serena was Peter’s girlfriend, others claimed they were merely bed companions.

If it were the latter, Mr. Reed certainly wanted a piece of the pie.

"Mr. Reed, I really can’t drink anymore." Serena staggered to her feet.

This time, she had made a significant sacrifice, but ultimately secured the opportunity with AMS from Mr. Reed.

Mr. Reed initially planned to seize the chance to send Serena home, but before he got close, Serena suddenly forced the door open and dashed out.

She felt nauseous.

Being unfamiliar with this KTV, and feeling mentally foggy from the alcohol, she vomited uncontrollably before reaching the restroom.

Only after vomiting comfortably did she notice the tip of a pair of men’s leather shoes constantly in her view.

Serena wiped her mouth with a tissue, straightening up and looking up.

The man standing in front of her was unfamiliar to Serena, but the face was one she had seen before today, on a poster.