CHAPTER 28: CHAPTER 28: WHEN WILL YOU GET MARRIED

As she got closer, she could see that the men were dressed in suits and the women were dressed lavishly.

It seemed they were hosting a cocktail party.

Some guests at the party noticed Serena because she was the only one wearing a cheap t-shirt and jeans.

"Oh my God, Serena, why are you dressed like this?"

Claire Shaw’s sharp eyes spotted Serena immediately, and she exclaimed, quickly stepping over in high heels to stand face-to-face with Serena.

Today, she wore the latest haute couture from Elie Saab, a nude pink silk strap dress embellished with Swarovski crystals, both graceful and noble.

In contrast to Serena in jeans, the difference in class was clear.

"Sister-in-law, why bother with her?"

Patrick Rhodes approached Claire Shaw, giving Serena a once-over.

"This is such an important cocktail party, and you’re dressed like this. You’re intentionally trying to embarrass Brother Lockwood, aren’t you?"

"Patrick, don’t say that. Serena isn’t that kind of person!"

Claire Shaw explained in a soft and gentle voice.

"She’s struggling out there on her own right now, cut off from the Lockwood Family’s financial support. How could she afford a gown!"

Claire Shaw’s face, made up like a Barbie doll, showed "sincere" concern. She even wanted to take Serena’s hand, but Serena dodged it.

"Serena, if you ever have difficulties, feel free to talk to me. It’s just a dress, after all. Caleb has given me many, you can choose any you like."

Claire Shaw’s hypocritical attitude made Serena nauseous. She wanted to leave but was blocked by Patrick.

"Sister-in-law is treating you so well, and you don’t even say thank you. No wonder Brother Lockwood always thinks you lack proper manners."

Among the guests, Peter and Justin Nash were also present.

Peter was there representing FY, and Justin Nash was invited as the new president of Starlight Media.

Neither of them expected to see Serena here.

It might have been manageable if Claire Shaw alone had blocked Serena’s way, but now there was Patrick, a large man, too. Peter and Justin Nash simultaneously wanted to help Serena.

Patrick was still flaunting in front of Serena when someone suddenly grabbed him by the back of his collar.

"Brother Lockwood?"

Seeing Caleb Lockwood coming, Claire Shaw immediately held onto Caleb Lockwood’s arm.

Caleb Lockwood looked at Serena, sizing her up just like Patrick did, but his gaze was much sharper.

"Weren’t you planning to divorce me? Yet, in a setting like this, you show up to play the hostess."

Caleb Lockwood’s voice was still indifferent, and his mocking tone was as harsh as ever.

"Her? Hostess?" Patrick sneered, "She’s more like sister-in-law’s maid."

Serena couldn’t be bothered to acknowledge Patrick. Her clothes were indeed too simple, and could not compete with the well-dressed Claire Shaw.

Glancing inadvertently, she noticed Lilian Young.

Lilian Young happened to be looking her way too, and as their eyes met, she guiltily turned her face away.

The reason Serena came to the old residence today was because Lilian Young called her.

Said grandpa wasn’t feeling well, and there was no medicine at home, asking her to get some.

The old residence had caregivers specifically for grandpa and servants too.

But since it was about grandpa, Serena didn’t refuse.

Now it seemed, Lilian Young did it on purpose.

Intentionally arranged for her to come to the estate at this time, to contrast with the lavishly dressed Claire Shaw.

Serena shrugged and smiled, unconcerned.

"I just love wearing cheap t-shirts and jeans; none of you can control me... Besides, I’m not here for the cocktail party, it’s because your mom asked me to bring medicine to grandpa."

Serena explained this to Caleb Lockwood, while Patrick waved his hand dismissively.

"Don’t use others as an excuse, if you want to see Brother Lockwood just say so, if you can’t afford a gown just admit it, this will only make Brother Lockwood dislike you more."

After speaking, Caleb Lockwood chuckled.

Caleb Lockwood’s alluring smile had never been so heart-wrenching.

Serena was speechless, she walked between Caleb Lockwood and Claire Shaw, striding towards the mansion.

"This Serena is so cunning, with such a big space not choosing to walk, she intentionally goes between sister-in-law and Brother Lockwood." Patrick complained indignantly.

Lance Lockwood didn’t expect Serena to come today. After hearing the background, he realized that Serena had been tricked by Lilian Young.

"Serena, what brand of dress do you want? Grandpa will give you." Lance Lockwood took out his phone to make a call, "My granddaughter-in-law isn’t someone to be belittled by some random people."

Serena quickly stopped him; she really didn’t care about a dress, and she could afford it.

She didn’t care whether Claire Shaw or Patrick looked down on her.

As for Caleb Lockwood...

Serena sighed, changed the subject, inquired about grandpa’s recent health, and reminded him to take his medication timely.

Upon exiting the mansion, the cocktail party outside hadn’t ended.

Claire Shaw was holding Caleb Lockwood’s arm, surrounded by several people.

These people looked like Claire Shaw and Caleb Lockwood’s high school classmates, also quite familiar with Patrick.

"When you two broke up after graduation, do you know how distressed we were?"

"Especially Patrick, he wanted to fly abroad to bring Claire back for Brother Lockwood."

"It’s all in the past, no point mentioning it. What’s important is Claire is back, it’s like a broken mirror renewed."

"When do you plan to get married? You both aren’t getting any younger."

Surrounded by envy and blessings from her high school friends, Claire Shaw wore a blissful expression.

Knowing Serena was nearby, she purposely said shyly, "I have no objection, it’s all up to Caleb..."

Others, hearing Claire’s words, began to egg them on.

"Brother Lockwood, Claire is nudging you!"

"Could it already be in the works?"

"No honest confession, and we won’t give a red envelope!"

"Who are you scaring, Brother Lockwood isn’t short of that red envelope money, right?"

Serena listened silently as these people nearly set the wedding date for Caleb Lockwood and Claire Shaw, her fingertips growing cold.

She and Caleb Lockwood hadn’t married secretly.

But when they did marry, it wasn’t a grand affair—only family relatives and a few friends were aware.

Aside from Patrick, most of Caleb Lockwood’s high school classmates were abroad helping their families with business, so they didn’t know Caleb Lockwood was already married.

And Caleb Lockwood’s behavior also didn’t seem like that of a married man.

Serena felt she was pathetic, eavesdropping on this for what?

Elsewhere, Lilian Young approached with a cocktail, joining the conversation.

"Claire is indeed a good child, just for her buying supplements from The Wellness Pavilion for me while I was hospitalized, she deserves to be my daughter-in-law of the Lockwood Family."

"The Wellness Pavilion... is that the brand created by the world’s top nutritionist?" Patrick was astounded, "It’s said their supplements are not only exorbitantly priced but also limited edition, you can’t buy them with money alone!"

"Claire, you’re incredible!"

The crowd followed suit, praising Claire Shaw. Lilian Young felt proud, as if her daughter-in-law was being praised.

"What are you all talking about?"

Suddenly, an elegantly dressed yet conservative lady interrupted:

"I have never sold supplements to Miss Shaw."