CHAPTER 135: CHAPTER 135: FORCING YOU TO AGREE

"A gift for you."

When Ian Blackwood handed a large bouquet of red roses without stamens to Serena Jennings, she was momentarily at a loss.

"What are you doing here?"

"I heard you thanked me at the show, so I came."

Ian spoke candidly.

Although his eyes behind the gold-rimmed glasses always carried a roguish smile, Serena didn’t detect any deception in Ian’s words.

"Don’t worry about the flowers, I’ve removed all the stamens, and then painstakingly glued the petals back together, it took quite some effort."

Ian’s tone seemed to seek acknowledgment, but Serena couldn’t help thinking:

So, why go through all this trouble instead of giving something else?

"Thank you, I’ll accept the flowers."

In any case, Ian sincerely gifted her the flowers, so Serena naturally wouldn’t refuse.

This was her first time holding such a large bouquet without sneezing.

Serena got on the hotel elevator, followed by Ian.

"Are you staying here too?" Serena was puzzled.

Given Ian’s wealth and status, it made no sense for him to stay in a budget hotel like her.

"No," Ian shook his head.

Once they reached their floor, Serena stepped out of the elevator first, with Ian right behind her.

"I have nowhere to stay, so I have no choice but to make do with you for the night."

Serena’s steps halted as she turned to look at Ian.

With one hand in his pocket and the other pushing up his gold-rimmed glasses, Ian had a refined smile.

Serena couldn’t tell if Ian was joking or serious.

"Man and woman shouldn’t be inappropriately close, have you considered if I’m willing to make do with you for the night?"

Ian chuckled.

"If you’re unwilling, I’ll just force you to agree, what do you think?"

"If you do that, I’ll call the police."

"I’ve been to many police stations anyway, one more here doesn’t matter," Ian’s words left Serena exasperated.

She never imagined her speech would lure Ian over.

To be honest, she never imagined Ian would watch the LD Jewelry Fashion Week show.

But considering Claire Shaw was participating, and Ian was associated with Claire, it wasn’t surprising he’d watch.

As a result, Ian followed her like a stubborn adhesive to the hotel room door.

"Ian, do you really have nowhere to stay?"

Serena asked seriously.

"Of course it’s true, I flew over on a whim, without booking a hotel in advance."

Serena couldn’t tell if Ian’s words were true or false, so she took them as true for now.

"You can’t stay with me, but I can ask Quentin Xavier if he’s willing to take you in."

"Why can’t I stay with you?"

Suddenly, Ian leaned slightly forward, closing in on Serena.

Serena instinctively stepped back, her back pressing against the door.

"Is it because you’re a married woman?"

Ian’s smile was enigmatic.

Just as Serena was about to refute, Ian continued:

"Caleb Lockwood’s room isn’t for just him, if he can share it with Claire, why can’t you stay with me?"

Ian’s words reminded Serena of what Caleb previously said to her:

"Claire doesn’t sleep in the same room as me."

Unintentionally, she muttered softly:

"They’re not staying together."

Ian was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter:

"You’re the type who believes it when a man says he has no woman outside, should I say you’re pure or just dumb!"

Serena was about to push Ian away when the door next door opened, and Quentin Xavier poked his head out.

"Just a heads up, the hotel soundproofing is terrible, you’re disturbing others, like me."

"Sorry."

Serena apologized to Quentin, to which Ian, however, remarked to her:

"He’s talking to me, what are you apologizing for!"

Serena couldn’t help but smile wryly.

In the end, Ian ended up staying in Quentin’s room.

Early the next morning, the three left the hotel together, though Ian stayed closer to Serena.

Today, Serena had a magazine shoot and interview lined up, with Quentin assisting nearby.

Serena found Ian redundant, but no matter how she tried, she couldn’t get rid of him.

However, Ian behaved himself and stayed as a quiet handsome figure, his gaze never leaving Serena.

The highlight of Serena’s shoot today was for Miranda’s "Radiance."

As she was getting her makeup touched up, someone else entered the studio.

Though "Radiance" was a fashion magazine, it had a business section, often featuring business luminaries who were fashion-savvy and as attractive as celebrities.

Like Caleb Lockwood.

Serena first set her eyes on Caleb Lockwood.

Caleb was still in a suit, this time a white one, obviously specially prepared for the shoot.

But Serena couldn’t help furrowing her brows.

Caleb’s arm... should not be suited up.

Next, she noticed Claire Shaw walking beside Caleb.

Claire was also meticulously dressed, in a Dior spring haute couture blush pink suit.

However, today’s shoot didn’t involve Claire.

No one else seemed to have their gaze linger on Claire, except for Serena.

Claire became a beautiful, silent adornment, just like Ian.

After last night’s banquet, Claire had realized her LD Jewelry Fashion Week show was a failure.

But she hadn’t given up yet; she still had Caleb.

As long as she stayed beside Caleb, she’d have no shortage of connections and resources.

Serena and Caleb were originally scheduled for solo photos and interviews since they had different features.

But after their solo shoots, Miranda had a whimsical idea for Serena and Caleb to take a joint photo.

They were given fresh outfits and styled anew.

Once Serena and Caleb headed into their respective dressing rooms, Claire took the initiative to approach Ian.

It was clear Ian had flown to Country F specifically for her.

He hadn’t come looking for her because Ian was thoughtful, knowing she’d been constantly paired with Caleb.

If Ian suddenly appeared, it would undoubtedly make Caleb misunderstand her.

But with Caleb in the dressing room, Claire thought it fitting to have a private word with Ian.

She may not have liked Ian, but since Ian liked her, he was a pawn she could use.

"Ian..."

Claire called out sweetly, feigning coyness.

Ian remained silent, his eyes fixed on the dressing room.

"Isn’t your relationship with Miranda quite good?"

It wasn’t until Claire asked this specific question that Ian finally cast his gaze upon her.

He used to really like seeing Claire in pink.

Back then, they were high schoolers, young and full of youth, Claire had naturally sweet features, wearing pink suited her well.

But now, Claire was nearly thirty.

Was wearing pink at this age somewhat inappropriate?

For the first time, Ian questioned this in his mind.

He adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, sizing Claire up and down.

Being openly scrutinized by Ian, Claire blushed, coquettishly lowering her head.

Suddenly, two words sprang to Ian’s mind as an appraisal: