CHAPTER 169: CHAPTER 169: ISSUING THE DIVORCE CERTIFICATE

Lana’s words stirred up a mix of emotions in Serena’s heart.

She thought she must have been plotted against.

Every trending search and online troll targeted only her.

Besides The Lockwood Group, which was quick to cut ties with her, entities like Ian’s Veridian International Education, Justin Nash’s Nash Group, and even Peter’s FY were also influenced by the public opinion, more or less.

After the incident, only Peter contacted her; there was no news from Justin or Ian.

Serena didn’t blame them.

Being at the center of the storm, not responding would help the public opinion gradually die down.

However, no one stepped forward to clarify for her, and the only one to express a stance was The Lockwood Group, which decisively cut ties.

Therefore, all the netizens’ anger and malice would surely be directed solely at her.

"Hey Serena, don’t do anything impulsive!"

Lana took a large gulp of beer and patted Serena’s shoulder.

Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for cyberbullying to lead to depression or even suicide.

Those keyboard warriors online casually type away, and can harshly criticize the parties involved, without understanding the complete picture, let alone caring about the truth.

Yet, they enjoy their gossip while the lives of those cyberbullied are ruined forever.

"Don’t worry, I can handle it."

Serena forced a faint smile.

This time, the situation has indeed escalated too much.

It’s mainly affecting her studio now.

"Oh right, you really divorced Caleb Lockwood, didn’t you? The Lockwood Group has already issued a statement."

Lana was most concerned about this matter.

Serena nodded.

"Yes, we’re divorced..."

Talking about this, Serena remembered that she still needed to get her divorce certificate with Caleb authenticated so it could take effect in Country A.

After some hesitation, she picked up her phone and proactively called Caleb.

At that moment, Caleb was having hotpot at Spicy Aroma Pavilion.

Eating hotpot during winter is quite suitable.

But Sivelle’s spicy hotpot doesn’t suit Caleb.

"Caleb, I know it’s uncomfortable for you. If you really don’t want to eat it, I can accompany you to eat something else,"

Claire said insincerely while giving Caleb slices of meat she had swished in the clear soup pot.

This Sichuan hotpot restaurant was very authentic, and Caleb had previously accompanied her here, resulting in a stomach ailment that required an emergency ambulance.

However, Claire loved it.

Tonight, she intentionally asked Caleb to come here.

Although they had a twin-flavored pot, the portion of clear soup was small, and it was easy to splash spicy soup.

She knew if Caleb agreed, it was definitely not for the hotpot, but for her.

Even though it was just a small hotpot meal, Claire saw it as proof of Caleb’s affection for her once again.

"I don’t mind, as long as you enjoy it. The main reason I’m here is to accompany you," Caleb said calmly.

His stomach started to ache again.

Since yesterday, Mr. Miller hadn’t delivered the herbal medicine.

Caleb was well aware that the herbal medicine was prepared by Serena.

So the amount prepared by Serena was only for one short week.

Instinctively picking up his phone, he noticed Serena’s name on the caller ID, and a smile curled on his lips.

"Hello?"

"Caleb, it’s me... Serena..."

Serena’s voice hadn’t finished before Caleb let out a somewhat mocking chuckle, as if he anticipated she would call him.

"Regretting the divorce now?"

Upon hearing Caleb’s words, Claire’s face changed as she was enthusiastically eating hotpot.

She realized that this call was from Serena to Caleb.

Caleb was very aware of Serena’s current situation.

The cyberbullying was secondary; it was the huge compensation she faced after her reputation was ruined that was real money.

That was the last straw breaking Serena’s back.

"Considering you were my ex-wife, it’s not impossible for me to give you the dividends from The Lockwood Group in advance, provided you earnestly ask me."

The smile on Caleb’s lips carried a touch of wickedness.

The receiver was silent for a long time.

Caleb waited.

Sitting across from Caleb, Claire also held her breath.

Finally, Serena’s voice came through the phone again.

"I wanted to ask... After our divorce certificate goes through consular authentication, will Country A still issue us a divorce certificate?"

Caleb’s smile froze gradually, and a storm brewed in his eyes.

"No divorce certificate," he replied.

Serena felt somewhat puzzled.

Caleb’s voice turned icy cold, for some unknown reason.

The problem with not issuing a divorce certificate was the civil affairs bureau’s issue in Country A, not her fault.

"So can I check the updated divorce information at the civil affairs bureau now?"

"No."

"Why?"

"Because there’s a delay in the system; the updated information could take a long time."

"...I see..."

Serena’s voice was filled with regret.

Caleb’s expression turned gloomy like the soot at the bottom of a copper hotpot.

"Caleb, your favorite snowflake Wagyu beef is ready,"

A woman’s voice suddenly came from the receiver, and Serena raised her eyes.

The voice was familiar—

It was Claire.

In City A, only one hotpot restaurant had this snowflake Wagyu beef item.

It was a Sichuan hotpot restaurant known for being extremely spicy.

Serena remembered that when she worked at Lockwood Group, Caleb once accompanied Claire to eat at that restaurant, ending with Caleb having stomach bleeding and being rushed to the hospital.

That time, she personally carried Caleb down the stairs.

Serena also recalled when she reunited with Caleb after his car accident, she carried him to find the ambulance.

When Caleb was in life-threatening situations, the one who saved him was always Serena.

However, when she was kidnapped and trafficked, she could only save herself.

The one Caleb saved—

Was always Claire.

Lana silently watched Serena call Caleb, unsure why she didn’t dare chew her fried chicken.

She didn’t know what happened with Serena in Meridia.

But she felt Serena had become much colder since returning from Meridia.

Serena called Caleb just to confirm the divorce certificate matter; once done, she prepared to hang up.

"Serena..."

Suddenly, Caleb called her.

"Did Justin help you pay the penalty?"

Serena tilted her head, confused why Caleb suddenly mentioned Justin.

"No."

"Then who?"

Serena found Caleb’s question somewhat amusing.

"Couldn’t I rely on myself?"

Right after saying this, she heard Caleb chuckle.

"When you say rely on yourself... do you mean relying on the eighty million you got from divorcing me?"

Serena knew Caleb wouldn’t miss an opportunity to hit her where it hurts.

Truth be told, that eighty million indeed solved her immediate crisis.

But it was all compensated away.

"You cheated during the marriage; I feel I got too little."

Caleb lifted his eyelids slightly.

"I did not."

Before his last word finished, Serena had already hung up.

Seeing Caleb’s unpleasant expression, Claire promptly poured him a glass of cola.

"Caleb, don’t be angry, have some Wagyu beef!"

Despite his best efforts to avoid the spicy food during the meal, Caleb’s stomach pain intensified.

On Serena’s end, she and Lana drank quite a bit, but they were both just tipsy, not drunk.

"Tell me, Serena, do you really not plan to let Justin and those other rumored boyfriends help you pay off the debt?"

Lana asked, making Serena laugh.

"What rumored boyfriends..."

Ian and Peter were at best her acquaintances.

This wasn’t something both of them did; they too were collateral damage victims.

As for Justin...

Serena thought Justin’s situation now likely wasn’t much better than hers.

"So what will you do? Apply for the studio’s bankruptcy? But that’s your hard work... Oh right!"

Suddenly, Lana had an idea.

"You could temporarily stop the medical payments for Ethan!"