CHAPTER 182: CHAPTER 182: EMBRACING ANOTHER MAN

The onlookers gazed at Serena Jennings.

However, Serena’s eyes were only for Ethan White, even though her tears had blurred her vision and she couldn’t see anything clearly.

Ethan approached Serena slowly and wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Why are you crying..."

His voice was pleasant, like a gentle breeze and clear water.

This voice overlapped with the one in Serena’s memory.

Serena’s heart was pounding, as if it had leaped into her throat.

"Is it really you? Am I not dreaming?"

Even with the truth before her, Serena couldn’t believe it.

"It’s me."

Ethan’s voice was still gentle and elegant, yet very certain.

"It’s really me, Ethan White."

As soon as he finished speaking, Serena tightly hugged Ethan.

This scene shocked the crowd.

It shocked Claire Shaw and Cynthia Fulton.

It shocked Caleb Lockwood.

What does it mean to be struck by lightning?

That’s exactly how Caleb felt at this moment.

Serena... actually hugged a man in front of him!

The hand in his pocket had turned into a fist, nails digging into his palm, causing a numb pain.

For a moment, Caleb couldn’t help but wonder if he was dreaming.

He had imagined what might happen to Serena after she thought she divorced him.

She might be doing poorly, unable to lower herself to ask for help, ultimately surrendering in front of him.

Or she might be doing well, pretending there was no longer any connection between them, portraying independence.

But he never expected that one day, Serena would hug another man in front of him!

Caleb stepped forward.

But he didn’t intervene.

Or rather, before he could, Serena released Ethan.

So, he didn’t intervene.

Claire Shaw noticed Caleb’s step forward.

She watched Caleb.

Caleb watched Serena.

Serena watched Ethan.

Ethan watched Serena.

Serena wiped her tears on her face haphazardly with the back of her hand, making the mess worse.

Ethan couldn’t help but smile and pulled a white handkerchief from his pocket to give to Serena.

This time Serena managed to wipe her face clean.

"Blow your nose too."

Ethan softly reminded her.

Serena didn’t hesitate, using Ethan’s white handkerchief directly to blow her nose.

Despite not meeting for years, their interaction showed an intimacy that others couldn’t interrupt.

"Couldn’t tell, Serena. You just divorced Caleb and already have a new boyfriend?"

Claire Shaw’s voice was sharp like a needle.

Among the guests, gossip began:

"Yes, that’s her, President Lockwood’s ex-wife..."

"Wasn’t it said she only pursued heirs of wealthy families?"

"What ’pursue’? Do you mean ’hook up’?"

A few socialites burned with gossip, but when they looked up, they saw Ethan right in front of them.

Ethan’s looks were very handsome but unlike Caleb’s sharp and aggressive features, Ethan’s face had a classic Eastern charm.

If he wore ancient clothing, he would be the ideal romantic figure.

Even in modern attire, which muted some of his classical beauty, his refined appearance could captivate anyone.

The socialites blushed, their hearts fluttering.

"Ladies, making baseless accusations is slander. You might not care about having a record, but your husbands certainly do."

The socialites were stunned by Ethan’s words.

However, not everyone was intimidated by Ethan.

"Who do you think you are? Just because you’re a bit handsome, my husband is the principal of Clearview High School..."

As soon as the woman finished speaking, the Mayor of City A and the Commissioner of Education approached Ethan.

"Dr. Page is a top-tier AI talent we’ve introduced to Country A’s government, personally invited by me, and is the star of tonight’s event."

Seeing the Mayor and Commissioner showing respect to Ethan, the previously arrogant woman immediately faltered.

Ethan smiled slightly, walked over, and took Serena’s hand, leading her to the two leaders.

Caleb’s eyelid twitched as he saw this.

Serena was still unaware.

She was immersed in the joy of reuniting with Ethan but was puzzled how he suddenly became a top-tier AI talent introduced by Country A’s government, seemingly achieving a PhD.

"This is Serena Jennings, my high school classmate, now an internationally renowned jewelry designer. The crown made for Queen Elizabeth was crafted by her."

As Ethan spoke, he opened the package he had been holding.

Serena arranged for professional delivery of the crown in advance to counter Claire Shaw effectively, but never expected the delivery person to be Ethan.

The officials knew who Serena was.

Serena had previously gained fame as a featured designer on "Radiance".

And as Caleb’s wife.

However, her time at the top was brief as scandals emerged overnight and the Lockwood Group cut ties, causing her reputation to plummet.

Yet now, they didn’t dare criticize Serena.

Anyone could see the unusual relationship between Ethan and Serena.

So, the leaders praised Serena extensively.

The real crown was taken out of the delivery box, stunning everyone.

"Wow!"

"This is truly a crown befitting a queen!"

"Serena really has skills!"

"There’s no comparison. That thing Claire Shaw designed pales in comparison."

The crown Serena crafted was based on her previous design sketches, but Claire used the initial draft while Serena presented the final version.

"Oh my! This crown is just... too beautiful!"

Queen Elizabeth was overwhelmed.

As a queen, she’s seen lavish jewelry.

But Serena’s design far exceeded her expectations.

They both used top-notch cornflower sapphire cut in angel silhouette.

Yet Serena’s craftsmanship flawlessly retained the sapphire’s fire and incorporated the royal emblem in metal foiling beneath the stone, with the emblem shimmering under varying lights.

The angel’s wings used invisible settings, and the crown was surrounded by hidden diamond feathers that appeared to float gracefully, combining with the main stone to give a sacred, mysterious aura.

The attendees were all from wealthy backgrounds, not unfamiliar with luxury.

Serena’s design compared to Claire’s was akin to an adult facing a child, worlds apart.

No matter the rumors surrounding Serena, people instinctively leaned towards the more talented and capable—

Like Serena.

Everyone looked at Serena with admiration, while Claire was met with disdain.

"Although I know you have a lot of questions for me, this isn’t the right place..."

Serena hesitated several times, and Ethan noticed her urgency.

"Yes, I understand."

Serena bit her lip, putting her curiosity and questions aside for now.

"May I invite you to a dance?"

Ethan was still holding Serena’s hand.

"But I’m not wearing a gown!"

Serena chuckled wryly.

"It’s a minor issue, leave it to me."

Ethan took Serena’s hand to lead her out of the banquet hall to change, but someone suddenly blocked their path—

It was Caleb Lockwood.