CHAPTER 102: CHAPTER 102: SERENA JENNINGS REALLY IS A SEDUCTRESS

In a daze, Caleb Lockwood’s memories were pulled back to his high school days by the scene before him.

"Caleb, what are you doing here?"

Claire Shaw stopped her bicycle in front of Caleb Lockwood.

Caleb came back to his senses and retorted, "I should be asking you that. What are you doing here?"

"I arranged to come see the teacher with my classmates; it’s the school’s anniversary today!" Claire quickly revealed her well-prepared excuse.

Today, she changed from her usual sweet and elegant attire, looking youthful and vibrant like a high school student.

She knew Caleb Lockwood was watching her, staring intently.

"You’re here to see the teacher... without inviting me?"

"I thought you might be busy!" Claire apologetically smiled.

"Fortunately, I was invited to give a speech, or I wouldn’t have seen this side of you!"

Hearing Caleb say this, Claire knew her sleepless nights over the past few days were worth it.

In fact, she had suggested to the principal to invite Caleb Lockwood as a guest speaker for the anniversary.

She wanted to "accidentally" meet Caleb Lockwood in the school where they had once dated.

As Claire expected, the familiar scene stirred up Caleb’s memories.

Caleb Lockwood and Claire Shaw strolled under the avenue covered with ginkgo leaves.

In the past, their high school dates had been just like this.

"Caleb, are you still willing to give me a ride on your bicycle?"

Meeting Claire Shaw’s hopeful eyes, Caleb nodded.

"Sure."

Despite wearing a suit that was inconvenient for biking, he pedaled away, with Claire sitting on the back seat.

He was handsome; she was beautiful. Together, they became the most unique sight on campus.

Many students paused to admire them, including Serena Jennings.

Serena was here because a fellow designer had asked her to help inspect the high school stadium, preparing for an outdoor jewelry exhibition over the weekend.

Unexpectedly, she saw Caleb Lockwood and Claire Shaw.

The two appeared like high school sweethearts, with the boy pedaling the bike and the girl holding his waist, radiating sweetness and youth.

Serena wasn’t mistaken; Caleb wore a smile on his face.

It wasn’t his usual mysterious and ambiguous smile.

This time, Caleb’s smile was relaxed.

For a moment, she felt Caleb had become younger.

Seeing Caleb and Claire seeking their first love feeling in their alma mater, Serena abruptly turned away.

Claire naturally knew that Serena was there.

In fact, she had intentionally led Caleb Lockwood to bike near the stadium at this time to be seen by Serena.

"Caleb..."

Claire laid her face against Caleb’s strong back, closing her eyes in intoxication.

"You will get a divorce... won’t you..."

The wind swept past Claire’s ear.

Bringing Caleb’s calm voice:

"Yes."

At the same time, a white BMW 3 Series circled the road, passing by the juvenile detention center.

Serena paused briefly by the roadside, then continued driving.

That night, she asked Caleb again about the divorce papers, but he didn’t answer.

A week later, she came to The Lockwood Group again.

In the meeting room, Director Lowell and those involved in the cultural exchange gift project were all present, and only Claire looked the worst.

"Serena, the leaders have decided to use your design for the seal. Claire’s double dragon design isn’t suitable since some visiting countries have cultural conflicts with dragons. To avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, your design is more appropriate."

Director Lowell gestured for Claire to step forward as he spoke.

"From now on, including Claire, everyone will fully support you. The raw materials are ready, and you should be able to finish on time, right?"

"Yes, though it’s a tight schedule, I can complete it."

Serena agreed readily.

As she left the meeting room, Serena suddenly heard Caleb say, "I didn’t expect all the effort wasn’t ineffective!"

She understood Caleb was referring to her journey to retrieve the raw stone in the rain.

"It was also thanks to your help at that time."

After hearing Serena’s words, Caleb nodded slightly.

Beside her, Claire angrily picked off the gel polish she had just applied.

She had painstakingly arranged for Caleb to experience their first love at their alma mater, and Serena saw it too.

Knowing she and Caleb were high school sweethearts, but Serena still flirted with him publicly – Serena was such a vixen! Shameless!

Claire cursed Serena furiously in her mind.

Yet, regardless of her curses, Serena’s jade seal design dazzled at the Starry New Silk Road International Cultural Exchange, earning unanimous praise, and her studio received government commendation as a result.

Upon hearing this good news after returning from a business trip, Peter invited Serena to dinner that night.

Serena headed straight to the restaurant after work, wearing her professional attire.

As soon as she entered, she froze.

Unlike usual steakhouses, this restaurant only had two-person seats, designed in heart-shaped semi-closed booths, adorned with fresh red roses, and each table set with romantic candlelight.

Clearly, this was a couple’s restaurant.

Looking around, all the women were dressed in evening gowns, except Serena who wore professional attire.

Serena felt somewhat embarrassed.

If Peter had informed her earlier, she could have changed before coming.

However, if Peter had told her in advance the restaurant was for couples, she might have refused.

At their designated seat, she saw Peter.

Peter usually wore a suit and tie, as he did today.

Yet, Serena felt something was different about Peter today, though she couldn’t pinpoint what.

Perhaps the suit was better fitted?

Or maybe he had a more suitable hairstyle?

Peter’s eyes lit up upon seeing Serena, and he stood up to take her purse.

"Sorry I’m late, and I didn’t change my clothes."

"That’s okay, none of that matters. Your presence is what’s important."

Serena sat down, and they ordered together. The menu was full of couple’s meals, making Serena somewhat uneasy.

Eventually, she ceded the decision to Peter.

Peter ordered the most expensive set, and delicate dishes gradually appeared on the table. Before Serena could pick up the cutlery, a phone call suddenly interrupted.

The caller ID showed Caleb Lockwood.

Seeing Serena’s changed expression, Peter slowly put down his cutlery.

He knew the call was undoubtedly from Caleb.

Peter never doubted Serena’s determination to divorce Caleb.

But he was also well aware that Caleb held an irreplaceable place in Serena’s heart.

For instance, at this moment, only Caleb’s call could make Serena show such a hesitant and preoccupied expression.

"...Hello?"

Serena answered the call.

"Look to the left behind you."

Caleb’s voice directed on the phone.

The sound wasn’t cold, but the pressure remained palpable.

Serena turned to look behind her left side, and when she saw Caleb sitting alone in a heart-shaped booth, she was shocked.

"What’s wrong?"

Peter followed Serena’s gaze and saw Caleb too.

Caleb held the phone in one hand, casually resting the other on his raised leg as he met Peter’s displeased gaze with a slight smile.

At that moment, Serena heard Caleb issuing another command over the phone:

"Sit with me now."