CHAPTER 306: CHAPTER 306: CHOOSING AN AUSPICIOUS DATE FOR THE WEDDING

Caleb Lockwood scrutinized Serena Jennings’ face.

This face, as beautiful as a famous star, harbored too many complex emotions.

Once, Caleb thought Serena was simple, like a blank canvas, ready for him to paint and color as he liked.

However, now he realized that the blank canvas was just Serena’s disguise, a facade.

Ultimately, Serena didn’t answer his question and turned to leave.

Caleb intended to chase after Serena but was stopped by Old Wang.

"Mr. Lockwood, Old Mr. Lowell requests your presence."

Caleb retracted his steps and followed Old Wang into the main house.

This was Caleb’s first time meeting Jasper Linton in person.

Jasper’s age was likely similar to that of his grandfather, Lance Lockwood.

But the two had vastly different appearances.

Lance had served in the military; even in his seventies, he appeared vigorous and gave off the impression of being robust for his age.

Although Lance’s face was kind and affable, exuding righteousness, making him seem like a pleasant elder.

Jasper, however, was the complete opposite.

Jasper was very thin, unhealthily so, with a gray complexion and dark circles.

Upon first sight, Caleb felt that Jasper’s health wasn’t good.

Perhaps because of his thinness, with just skin wrapping his bones, Jasper’s face gave off an air of severe acerbity, with sharp, cold eyes.

Caleb frankly admitted that his first impression of Jasper was not positive.

"Grateful for Old Mr. Lowell’s invitation to the birthday banquet, and I wish Old Mr. Lowell prosperity every year, every day."

Out of politeness and social etiquette, Caleb took the initiative to congratulate Jasper.

However, Jasper waved his hand dismissively.

"I appreciate your kindness...but at my age, there’s no need for birthday celebrations, with every passing year reducing the count, a fortune teller said avoiding celebrations can prolong one’s life."

Jasper’s superstitious viewpoint was quite contrary to his grandfather’s beliefs.

"Given the circumstances, I’ll take my leave."

Upon hearing Caleb’s intention to leave, Wendy Linton immediately stood up.

"Wait a minute!"

Aaron Linton also said to Caleb, "Since you’re already here, why not stay for a meal before leaving?"

"I appreciate the kindness from Minister Linton." Caleb looked at Aaron, his refusal was straightforward, "But I have work to do."

"Isn’t the Lockwood Group already in your ex-wife’s possession?"

Jasper abruptly asked this.

The living room atmosphere became a bit tense, but Caleb stood relaxed, with one hand in his pocket.

"Yes, I’m now my ex-wife’s assistant."

Upon hearing this, Jasper’s expression became even more displeased.

"The reason I’ve called you here today is to inform you that Wendy likes you very much, and if you marry her, The Linton Family’s international cooperation projects will be given to your Lockwood Family, and the Lockwood Group you’ve lost, our Linton Family can also find a way to help you reclaim it."

Jasper said these words completed in one breath, with a decisive tone more like giving orders rather than asking Caleb’s opinion.

"This marriage, your parents have already agreed to it... If you have no objections, why not find a fortune teller tomorrow to see your and Wendy’s birthdates and then choose an auspicious day for the wedding?"

On the winding road of Mount Linton, a white BMW 3-series was driving down.

Serena was driving while making a phone call.

"Serena, are you at the Lockwood Group now?"

"No, I’m in Country C."

"What are you doing in Country C?"

"Nothing much, handling some matters."

"Then... will you visit the Lockwood Group tomorrow?"

"Yes, I’ll be over there, what’s up?"

"Then I’ll go to the Lockwood Group to see you tomorrow, we can talk once we meet."

Lana Xavier hung up the phone first, and Serena tilted her head slightly, showing some confusion on her face.

The last time she and Lana quarreled, it ended unharmoniously, and she still felt uneasy.

However, their issues were primarily about Julian Xavier, so she hadn’t rushed to explain or reconcile with Lana.

Now that Lana took the initiative to call her, and sounded as usual, as if they hadn’t argued before, Serena thought perhaps Julian had come to terms and reconciled with Lana again.

Lana was her best friend in high school, just like Ethan White.

She cherished this precious friendship greatly.

If Lana was no longer angry and misunderstanding her, Serena was relieved.

It’s just that Serena puzzled over why Lana repeatedly mentioned the Lockwood Group in the phone conversation.

If it’s about reconciliation, there’s no need to specifically go to the Lockwood Group, right?

She could visit her home!

Or perhaps Lana had other matters that needed her help?

Serena pondered as she drove.

Upon reaching the highway rest area, she picked up the photo frame she had carefully stored away.

This photo frame was the fundamental reason she agreed to come to Country C to see Jasper.

The previous night, it was Aaron who had actively called, saying that Jasper wished to meet her on his seventieth birthday.

The idea of Jasper wanting to see her was rarer than the sun rising from the west for Serena.

So, she naturally refused outright.

Aaron had come prepared, suggesting that if she agreed to visit the private residence to meet Jasper just once, this photo frame would be returned to her.

Serena gazed at the frame in her hands, her eyes involuntarily moistening.

This photo frame was hers.

And the photograph within the frame was also her.

It was from her childhood, a group photo with her grandmother.

The only group photo.

Serena hugged the frame to her chest, tears streaming down her cheeks.

After all these years, she finally reclaimed this photograph.

Reclaiming this photograph made her trip to Country C worth it.

But...

Serena thought about Caleb.

Jasper was a man deeply superstitious from youth to old age.

Or rather, the Linton Family had been a superstitious family since their ancestors.

Serena knew clearly that Jasper’s seventieth birthday was not to be grandly celebrated.

So, inviting Caleb must have been for another purpose.

"It should be about Wendy Linton!"

Serena murmured.

As a child, when she was a neighbor to Wendy, Jasper favored Wendy and disliked her.

Later she left The Linton Family, neither their affairs nor Wendy’s concerns garnered her attention anymore.

Whether Wendy had used some means or Jasper finally fulfilled his wishes, now Wendy had become The Linton Family’s adopted daughter, destined to inherit The Linton Family’s estate.

If Caleb indeed married Wendy, at least half of The Linton Family’s assets would belong to him.

Caleb would gain The Linton Family’s assets, while she acquired the Lockwood Group.

"Is this some sort of dark humor?"

Serena shrugged and chuckled.

That night, she slept uneasily and had chaotic nightmares.

She got up late the next day and arrived at the company late.

Serena found that Caleb hadn’t come to work, and standing outside her office door was Lana Xavier, who didn’t know how long she had been waiting for her.