CHAPTER 146: CHAPTER 146: KNIFE IN HAND

Caleb Lockwood originally had little interest in trending topics, but he clicked on this one to see.

After reading it, he backed out and called Mr. Miller.

"Are you asleep?"

"No, President Lockwood, what do you need?"

Caleb Lockwood realized his question was unnecessary, as Mr. Miller would always say he wasn’t asleep even if he was.

"Serena Jennings’ uncle..."

On the other end, Mr. Miller raised his eyelids, surprise evident in his eyes.

He didn’t expect Caleb Lockwood to call him this late, not for company business, but because of Serena Jennings.

"...Yes, President Lockwood, I’ll handle it right away."

Over the next two days, Serena Jennings paid no mind to Ben Jennings’ affairs, and Ben didn’t come to find her.

She was seeking inspiration for the royal project in Ydris while waiting for calls from Caleb Lockwood or Arthur Lockwood.

The call she awaited came, but it was an unexpected person.

Jenny’s International Bridal Couture.

Serena Jennings saw Cynthia Fulton and Justin Nash.

Cynthia Fulton wore a dazzling crystal wedding gown with a long train, her face lit up with happiness, especially when she saw Serena, her smile became even brighter.

In contrast, Justin Nash was visibly surprised upon meeting her eyes, then quickly looked away and no longer glanced at her.

This reaction caught Serena Jennings off guard.

Receiving Cynthia Fulton’s call had already been unexpected, later she thought Justin Nash might have recommended her, after all, she’s a hot jewelry designer now.

However, it seemed Justin Nash wasn’t aware she was coming.

"Serena, you’re a big designer now, come help me pick which jewelry would suit my wedding day!"

Cynthia Fulton pulled Serena over.

This Jenny’s International Bridal Couture is the most upscale bridal boutique in City A, with all international brand bridal gowns and authentic gemstone jewelry, though rented, the prices are beyond what normal people can afford.

Considering the timeline, Justin Nash and Cynthia Fulton’s wedding should indeed be scheduled.

"You’re so beautiful, any piece of jewelry would look great on you."

Serena Jennings spoke polite words.

She and Cynthia Fulton weren’t even ordinary friends and truly didn’t want to meddle in such a personal matter like marriage.

"Why do you say the same thing as Justin Nash!" Cynthia Fulton turned and glanced at Justin Nash, smiling sweetly.

Justin Nash didn’t look at Cynthia and didn’t smile.

He turned his head, trying to minimize his presence.

Serena Jennings noticed Justin Nash’s discomfort.

She wondered if her presence was disrupting the newlyweds Justin Nash and Cynthia Fulton.

Justin Nash’s emotions were conflicted at the moment.

He was happy to see Serena again.

But he didn’t want Serena to see him and Cynthia Fulton together.

Especially not while preparing for the wedding.

Serena Jennings wanted to find an excuse to leave, but Cynthia Fulton held her hand tightly, not letting her go.

Serena Jennings realized Cynthia was intentionally keeping her there to see them busy with wedding preparations.

She sensed it ever since Cynthia Fulton sent her a wedding invitation.

Cynthia Fulton had some hostility or rather vigilance towards her.

After all, Justin Nash once had a fondness for her.

"As a professional jewelry designer, I hope you’ll give professional opinions."

Since Cynthia Fulton said so, Serena Jennings rudely critiqued:

"Honestly, these pieces aren’t suitable for you."

Cynthia Fulton’s face changed abruptly.

"These designs are too ordinary; you could totally pull off something more unique."

After saying this, Cynthia Fulton’s face slightly eased.

Justin Nash silently listened, resonating with Serena’s viewpoint.

The bridal gowns and jewelry Cynthia Fulton chose were excessively luxurious.

But to Justin Nash, apart from being lavish, they seemed empty.

Now Serena Jennings selected a pearl set for Cynthia Fulton, simple yet elegant, with a refined sense of sophistication.

Justin Nash’s eyes lit up.

"This set really doesn’t suit me."

Cynthia Fulton shook her head, a hint of scorn in the smile at her lips.

"Too impractical, not fitting for an aristocratic family, and cheap, suitable only for those who’ve never seen the world like some nouveau riche."

After hearing Cynthia’s evaluation, Serena just smiled faintly.

The pearl jewelry set she picked was the final work of the Van Cleef & Arpels master before retirement.

The choice of irregular Baroque pearls.

Though mainstream markets prefer white and round pearls, the master chose rare Tahitian pearls in platinum gray, each Baroque pearl meticulously selected, with angles and gloss precisely coordinated.

Serena was genuinely surprised this store managed to acquire this set of jewelry.

But Cynthia Fulton didn’t appreciate it.

"I think this set is stunning; Serena truly deserves to be a renowned jewelry designer, her eye is unique."

Justin Nash suddenly approached.

Cynthia Fulton’s face instantly lengthened.

She had tried on numerous sets of jewelry, without a single flattering comment from Justin Nash, yet upon Serena’s recommendation, he chimed in immediately.

"If you say that, it only proves Serena has a man’s taste."

Cynthia laughed as she spoke and went into the dressing room to change gowns again.

Serena Jennings and Justin Nash found themselves alone outside the dressing room.

The atmosphere between them was indescribably awkward.

Serena noticed Justin Nash seemed to want to say something but paused, trying to find a topic to chat with her.

But she remembered her promise, pretending to be engrossed in choosing more jewelry for Cynthia Fulton, purposely avoiding Justin Nash’s gaze.

Justin Nash lowered his eyelids, hiding the disappointment in his eyes.

He knew Serena had promised his mother to break off relations with him.

He also knew he was getting married.

Justin Nash silently picked up a dazzling pearl diamond tiara.

When Cynthia Fulton emerged from the dressing room after changing, she just happened to see Justin Nash place the tiara on Serena’s head.

This tiara was one she’d selected earlier to wear during the main gown walk on the wedding day.

As Serena noticed something being put on her head, Justin Nash withdrew his hand.

Though it was only a brief instant...

In Justin Nash’s eyes, there was a glimpse of utmost happiness and fulfillment.

Cynthia Fulton took the tiara without a word and handed it to the staff, choosing another.

Serena knew nothing of what Justin Nash had done, nor why Cynthia Fulton was upset.

She spent a day arranging several sets of jewelry for Cynthia Fulton, but none satisfied her.

"How about this, Serena, you personally design a set of jewelry for my wedding!"

"But there’s not enough time..."

"I can pay to expedite; please, I’m counting on you."

Cynthia Fulton held Serena’s hand.

Serena didn’t want to dampen the bride’s enthusiasm, so she agreed.

When the trio left the bridal shop, it was already dark outside.

Being winter, it got dark early.

"Serena, since I’ve kept you busy this late, let me treat you to dinner, there’s a new hotpot place nearby that’s quite tasty."

Justin Nash said to Serena, his eyes shining in a way Cynthia Fulton had never seen.

She noticed Justin Nash said "I" instead of "we."

"No need to spend, it wasn’t a wasted visit for me, I got a new order."

Serena noticed the disappointment on Justin Nash’s face but knew rightly she shouldn’t continue being the third wheel.

As she approached her car, someone suddenly rushed out of the supermarket nearby, causing unrest among the people around.

That person was holding a knife.