CHAPTER 117: CHAPTER 117: TOUCHING YOU DISGUSTS ME

Serena suddenly thought of the employee who had jumped off a building due to the evaporation of the Lockwood Group’s stock value.

Once the Lockwood Group faced changes in equity, it involved more than just the Lockwood Family, company executives, but also countless ordinary employees.

Serena took a deep breath and spoke calmly:

"Yes, Lana Xavier is my friend, and the Lockwood Group is your company; it has nothing to do with me."

While saying this, Serena did not avoid Caleb Lockwood’s gaze.

She looked up and met Caleb Lockwood’s eyes, her gaze firm, her tone even more resolute.

She saw clearly the look of disappointment in Caleb Lockwood’s eyes—

Disappointment in her.

The room was silent, the air cold and stiff, like unmoving cement.

Caleb Lockwood was the first to break the silence.

"I should have seen your indifference and selfishness earlier."

Serena felt that Caleb Lockwood was describing himself more than her.

"Same goes for you."

She retorted.

Caleb Lockwood’s cold face suddenly showed a hint of a sneer as he stubbed out his cigarette.

"Did you really think that by stabbing me in the back, I would just let it slide?"

Serena’s face changed slightly, but before she could react, Caleb Lockwood had already pushed her onto the bed.

Seeing Serena’s small face filled with shock and fear, pale as paper, Caleb Lockwood was in a great mood.

"Anyway, since your leg isn’t good, you can’t run away. Why not have some fun with me? Maybe it’ll be more exciting somewhere else."

"Caleb Lockwood!"

Serena grabbed a tool from the bedside table and hurled it at Caleb Lockwood, but he easily restrained her hands.

Serena couldn’t move, a massive panic overwhelmed her like a tidal wave, suffocating her.

"It’s my first time playing with someone disabled, so if I’m heavy-handed, don’t blame me."

Caleb Lockwood held Serena’s hands with one hand, leaving the other free, capable of easily tearing her clothes.

The Serena before him bit her lips until they bled, her eyes were red, trembling not knowing whether from fear or anger.

Caleb Lockwood’s sinister desire for revenge gradually subsided, and his fevered mind cooled down.

He withdrew his hands, looking down at Serena, who had fallen onto the bed.

"No..."

His voice returned to its usual distant indifference.

"Touching you disgusts me."

Caleb Lockwood turned and walked away, casually picking up the divorce agreement, tearing it into two halves with a ripping sound, and tossing it on the ground.

It wasn’t until Caleb Lockwood left that Serena climbed off the bed.

She did not regret exchanging ten percent of Lockwood Group’s shares for Lana Xavier’s tripled salary.

Nor did she regret being misunderstood by Caleb Lockwood.

Serena sat by the bed and took a deep breath.

The air was chilling, finding no exit in her congested chest.

Outside City A, at the Royal Racetrack.

There were still people riding horses at this time.

Two people were horseback riding, one in front, racing fast, and the other in back, struggling to catch up.

It wasn’t until Caleb Lockwood slowed down that Patrick Rhodes finally caught up.

"Brother Lockwood..."

Patrick Rhodes looked at Caleb Lockwood, hesitated to speak.

At this time, Caleb Lockwood was dressed in casual riding gear, with a burgundy silk shirt, black suede vest, paired with military-style riding breeches and boots, exuding both the noble temperament of an English gentleman and a modern feel.

However, Caleb Lockwood’s expression was foul.

Patrick Rhodes was curious about what was wrong with Caleb Lockwood but dared not ask.

He was called over by Caleb Lockwood, on the phone Caleb’s voice was calm, no different from usual, so he didn’t think much of it.

But upon seeing him in person, Patrick immediately realized that Caleb was in a bad mood.

After running tens of laps with Caleb, Patrick was out of breath, fortunately, the racetrack was circular, otherwise, Caleb would have run off, and he wouldn’t have caught up.

The atmosphere between them was somewhat oppressive because Caleb had such a strong aura, especially when in a bad mood.

Patrick wanted to find a light topic to talk about but couldn’t say a word, finally, it was Caleb who spoke first:

"Patrick..."

Being called out by Caleb made Patrick sit up straight, a reaction like a schoolboy being named by the teacher.

"Do you think Serena loves me?"

"...Huh?"

Patrick was stunned by Caleb’s question.

Without any preamble, the conversation suddenly touched on such a sharp topic, making Patrick ponder internally.

To be honest, Serena seemed to be madly in love with Caleb.

Caleb was rich, good-looking, capable, and charismatic, it would be abnormal not to love him.

In the past, Patrick would have mercilessly accused Serena of being cheap, overestimating herself, being delusional.

"Probably not in love anymore!"

Patrick lied.

He didn’t know why, but he didn’t want Serena to love Caleb, nor wanted Caleb to think that way.

"Brother Lockwood, you already have a wife. She must have retreated tactfully, besides, she has always wanted to divorce you, it’s better if you separate, afterward, you, oh no, Brother Lockwood, will be free."

Patrick felt his words were quite pleasing, but after Caleb heard them, his aura, originally cold as an iceberg, became even more chilling, even the horse beneath Patrick wanted to move away.

"Accompany me for two more laps."

"But Brother Lockwood..."

Before Patrick could finish, Caleb spurred his horse on again.

In a secluded bar.

Claire Shaw and Ian Blackwood were drinking.

"Thanks a lot for this time, without you, I wouldn’t know what to do."

Claire Shaw lowered her head, her expression being a mix of modesty, shyness, and restraint.

She knew Ian loved her like this.

"You don’t need to be so formal with me, now that I’m back, with me here, no one dares to bully you."

"Ian..."

Claire Shaw turned to look at Ian, her large eyes adorned with innocent eye makeup soft as water.

"That Serena clearly has deep schemes, even when about to divorce, she doesn’t forget to swindle shares from Caleb Lockwood. Caleb is also foolish, thankfully he has a supportive partner like you."

Ian reached out and gently touched Claire Shaw’s smooth long hair.

Claire looked shy and slightly dodged to the side.

Ian wisely withdrew his hand.

He liked girls who were pure, kind, and devoted.

Because he had a violent temper, hard to control, and fights were a commonplace during high school.

He fell in love with Claire Shaw at first sight.

He also knew Claire was devoted to Caleb Lockwood.

In high school, he thought of forcibly taking Claire Shaw for himself, but it only made her cry a river.

Ian’s heart ached for Claire but he didn’t want to ruin her perfect image in his heart.

So he decided to be a good man, fulfill Claire’s love, taking Claire’s happiness as his own.

Ian felt that only with Claire Shaw could he find a moment of inner peace.

"Ian, you are so good to me, I really don’t know how to repay you."

"As long as you are happy, that’s the best reward for me."

Ian wanted to touch Claire’s soft face but felt it was overstepping.

Claire sensed Ian’s intention, blushing, she took Ian’s hesitating hand in hers, but only for a brief moment before letting go.

Ian pushed up his glasses with golden rims, a smile on his face, unprecedentedly happy.

"In the future, if you need me for anything, just let me know. I would be willing to go through fire and water for you."

Claire smiled sweetly and shook her head, "Not really, I’m just busy with the exhibits for the LD Jewelry Fashion Week, happening to compete with Serena."