CHAPTER 11: CHAPTER 11: TO HELL WITH IT! SHE’S DONE SERVING THEM!

"Serena Sinclair..."

The voice on the other end of the phone belonged to Adrian Lockwood, filled with anger. "What kind of daughter-in-law are you?"

If Ian Young hadn’t mentioned it at the office early this morning, and noted that tomorrow was his grandmother’s birthday, Adrian Lockwood would have nearly forgotten.

After dismissing Ian Young, the first thing Adrian remembered was to demand answers.

Adrian asked angrily, "Did you forget what day tomorrow is?"

Serena Sinclair set down her phone and glanced at the calendar.

She remembered.

Tomorrow was her mother-in-law Beatrice Sutton’s birthday.

In the past, every year she would remind Adrian Lockwood a month in advance.

Then Adrian would call Beatrice and ask how she wanted to celebrate this year, or what gift she desired.

One phone call, and Beatrice would be delighted, praising him like there was no one like him under the heavens.

As if Adrian was the most devoted son in the world.

While Serena Sinclair would be busy for a whole month.

She would shop for gifts.

From jewelry to clothes, to the new autumn/winter collection of bags and scarves.

She would also prepare a birthday feast.

If celebrated outside, Serena had to find a place that was discreetly opulent yet demonstrated esteem, then send the choices to Beatrice for her selection.

On the birthday itself, Serena would start taking pictures from the moment Beatrice got out of the car and entered the restaurant.

Photograph the elegant garden scenery, the luxurious banquet hall.

Photograph every dish that was served.

Photograph Beatrice holding Miles Lockwood, a blissful family portrait with children surrounding her.

Then send the pictures to her, so she could post them on her social media.

If celebrating at home, Serena had to book a Michelin chef and team, arriving early at the villa to prepare the feast.

The photography session was equally indispensable.

From start to finish, Adrian Lockwood only needed to make one call.

While Serena had to be busy from the day she reminded Adrian until Beatrice’s birthday was over, until the exquisite social media posts were all sent out.

Even so, Serena would not receive a single word of praise.

She wasn’t even in the family portrait photo.

This was how it had been for several years.

But this year, first being sick then going through a divorce, Serena forgot to remind Adrian and also didn’t arrange any of it.

Serena’s voice was cold, "Adrian Lockwood, we are already divorced!"

"Serena!!!"

Adrian was clearly angry, "Without that divorce certificate, you are still Mrs. Lockwood, and you still have to fulfill the responsibilities of a daughter-in-law! Or... were you planning on not divorcing at all and using this tactic to force me to fetch you?"

Serena sighed, "You’re overthinking it!"

"If that’s the case, then fulfill your responsibilities!"

Adrian said in a deep voice, "Where are you? I’ll send a driver to pick you up!"

"No need, I’ll come over tomorrow at noon."

With that, Serena hung up the phone.

She browsed the job site again, checking for new job postings, and sent out a batch of applications.

Ding!

Zoe Lockwood’s WeChat notification popped up on her phone.

[Serena, which restaurant did you book for my mom’s birthday tomorrow?]

Serena paused at the sight of the message referring to her by her first name.

She had been married to Adrian Lockwood for 6 years.

Throughout those six years, Zoe Lockwood never once called her "sister-in-law."

She always addressed her by her name, whether in front or behind others.

She didn’t think much of it before, but now, in hindsight, Serena didn’t know if she should lament how oblivious she had been or feel sorry for how pitifully she had endured those years.

Beatrice Sutton disliked her.

Zoe Lockwood didn’t like her either.

Was she able to withstand these years because Adrian loved her enough then?

Or was it because she was so foolish, deluding herself?

Serena didn’t know.

Nor did she want to know now.

She replied to Zoe via WeChat, [I don’t know.]

A moment later, her phone rang with the familiar ringtone.

Upon answering, Zoe Lockwood’s arrogant and willful voice came through as always, "Serena, what are you playing at? My mom’s birthday is tomorrow, and there’s still no reservation set?"

"Isn’t she your mom? Why is it my duty to book it every year?"

"..."

Evidently, Zoe hadn’t expected Serena to be so fiery today, as if she’d swallowed a bomb.

Zoe hesitated for a moment, her voice rising, "Serena, don’t be so ungrateful! My mother is your mother-in-law, if you don’t plan the birthday as a daughter-in-law, who will?"

"Daughter-in-law? Ha..."

Serena chuckled coldly, "I’m just an outsider; it’s not yet my turn to be grateful, right? Besides, I’ve already told your brother about the divorce, and the certificate will be done soon. How your mom’s birthday is celebrated, where it takes place, you and your brother can decide amongst yourselves, it has nothing to do with me!"

Beep!

She decisively hung up.

Serena opened her contacts and blocked Zoe’s WeChat and phone number.

Zoe, who was shopping at the mall, was furious.

She tried to call again, but only got a busy tone.

Realizing Serena had blocked her, Zoe turned and called Adrian Lockwood, "Brother, has Serena lost her mind? Mom’s birthday restaurant still isn’t arranged and she’s talking about divorcing you. Did you two... have a fight?"

"No."

Adrian outright denied it, "Just throwing a tantrum, ignore her. ...The birthday will be celebrated at home; I’ve already sent Ian to contact the chef."

Thinking of Serena’s confident tone in their phone call, Zoe asked, "Are you really not going to divorce?"

"Do you honestly think that’s possible?"

Adrian retorted, sneering, "If divorced, what could she do?"

Indeed.

If divorced, she wouldn’t be the pampered Mrs. Lockwood.

Given Serena’s current situation, she probably couldn’t even support herself.

Moreover, there’s Miles Lockwood.

That’s her flesh and blood, the child she carried for ten months. Would Serena really bear to leave him?

"She thinks she’s suddenly grown a spine, huh."

Zoe sneered to herself.

Adrian cautioned, "Alright, go early tomorrow to be with Mom... Also, don’t mention the divorce to her. There’s no actual divorce, no need to worry her."

After ending the call, Adrian transferred a million to Serena, [Go out this afternoon and pick a gift for Mom.]

Serena returned from washing up and, picking up her phone, saw Adrian’s transfer.

She couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

She had worked at The Lockwood Group for a year; with regular hours and a year-end bonus, she only earned a mere hundred thousand.

While for Beatrice Sutton’s birthday, Adrian could effortlessly hand over a million.

There’s a saying about obstacles, yet she didn’t even need a leaf to fool herself.

In the past, she’d been excessively naive.

Now, she finally saw things clearly.

Birthday?

Whoever wants to fuss over it can fuss!

Gift?

Whoever wants to buy it can buy!

She didn’t care anymore!

She wasn’t going to play along with this anymore!

She didn’t accept the transfer.

Nor did she even bother replying.

Serena shoved her phone in her pocket and went to the mall.

She did her nails, something she’d always wanted to do but never found the time.

Bought several new outfits, and didn’t forget to pick out two sets for Una Hutton.

By evening, Serena enjoyed street snacks and returned to the hotel with shopping bags full of purchases.

From the backseat of a Mercedes parked at the hotel entrance, Adrian Lockwood watched with a sardonic gleam in his eyes, couldn’t help but smirk.

He knew it!

Talks of divorce, claims that his mother’s birthday had nothing to do with her.

In the end?

She still bought so many gifts to please his mother!

Saying one thing, doing another!

Initially, he was ready for a confrontation since Serena opted to live in a hotel instead of returning home.

But now, Adrian’s anger was mostly dissipated.

Since Serena was intent on creating a surprise.

Then he’d let her have the opportunity.

Adrian Lockwood lifted his gaze to the driver, "Let’s go..."