CHAPTER 41: CHAPTER 41: LET’S GET BACK TOGETHER

Caleb Lockwood’s gaze carried a hint of scrutiny, and Serena Jennings guiltily avoided eye contact.

Giving the ’MacDonald’ Stradivari in public was indeed a bit flashy, but the opportunity was too good to pass up.

For her grandfather’s sake, even if Caleb Lockwood suspected the source of the money, she was willing to accept it.

Recently, Serena Jennings had received a large sum from Peter.

Besides the piano series dividends, there were also design fees for a new series, and the piano series recently caught the attention of the Xylos royal family, becoming their official jewelry, earning a substantial sponsorship fee.

Serena had wanted to give her grandfather a violin for many years.

Without this large sum, she truly couldn’t afford it.

Just as the funds were available now, she contacted Dylan Shaw.

Although Dylan Shaw was young, he was currently the most popular pianist, considered the top among globally renowned pianists.

He was well-connected and influential in the circle.

And he—

Was Serena Jennings’ apprentice.

Eventually, Serena spent fifty million USD, converting to roughly 360 million RMB, to purchase the ’MacDonald’ Stradivari.

Now, there’s only a few million left in her account, but Serena thought this was enough.

Her daily expenses were no different from those of a regular employee; as long as she had enough to cover medical expenses, it would do.

At the birthday banquet, apart from the birthday star himself, Serena and the violin she gifted were the most eye-catching.

Claire Shaw’s face had already turned ashen like a layer of soot.

Initially, Lilian Young and Arthur Lockwood were full of praise for the mutton fat jade piece she gifted.

But once Serena’s gift appeared, no one mentioned Claire’s gift anymore.

Claire Shaw was also a discerning person; even conservatively, the ’MacDonald’ Stradivari must be worth over a hundred million.

Where did Serena get so much money!

While angrily watching Serena bask in attention, Claire Shaw feigned indifference while observing Caleb Lockwood.

The only consolation for her tonight was that Caleb Lockwood hadn’t praised Serena all evening.

Even after seeing the billion-worth birthday gift Serena gave, Caleb Lockwood didn’t show much reaction.

After the birthday banquet ended, Caleb Lockwood was summoned to the study by Lance Lockwood.

To Caleb Lockwood, his grandfather’s study was a dedicated place for discussing business and serious matters.

The last time he was called over was three years ago.

Back then, his grandfather had said to him in the study, "Since you and the lady who saved your life, Miss Jennings, are in love, you should start planning for marriage!"

The room was filled with the scent of agarwood as Caleb Lockwood saw Lance Lockwood seated sternly at the desk, watching him.

"Grandfather, what do you wish to discuss?"

Caleb Lockwood proactively asked.

Lance Lockwood wasn’t in a hurry, slowly sipping West Lake Longjing tea, saying, "Not much... You’ve grown up, you’re an independent adult now, I’m old, and I originally didn’t want to interfere with you younger ones..."

Lance Lockwood barely began, but Caleb Lockwood already sensed the ending.

"Grandfather merely wishes to remind you... Love, as you age, starts to feel less significant... Your grandfather might lack many things, but he’s still sharp at judging people... Some people, even if you don’t love her, might still be the most suitable for you, suitable to be your wife, capable of bringing you good fortune... That’s called having a ’luck-bringing spouse’."

"Yes, I understand your words."

Caleb Lockwood maintained a respectful attitude, yet his gaze remained cold.

"You’re a clever child, you understand everything grandfather said..." Lance Lockwood took another sip, this time his tone carried a hint of coercion.

"Moreover... No matter what stage you and Serena reach, that Claire Shaw... as long as I’m alive, I’ll never let her in the family, I hope you’re aware of this, don’t blame your grandfather for not giving you a heads up."

Outside the Lockwood Estate, Serena Jennings gradually bid goodbye to Lance Lockwood’s friends and was about to leave.

Claire Shaw stood nearby, seemingly idle, but not leaving.

Serena knew she was waiting for Caleb Lockwood.

Except for last night when she returned with Caleb Lockwood to prepare ahead for the birthday banquet, the rest of the time, Claire Shaw was always inseparable from Caleb Lockwood.

Finally, Caleb Lockwood walked out from the manor; the sky had already turned dark.

Serena initially intended to approach Caleb Lockwood to say goodbye.

Today, she was still considered the daughter-in-law of the Lockwood Family, and when leaving, she had greeted Arthur Lockwood and Lilian Young, so she felt it necessary not to leave out Caleb Lockwood.

"Caleb Lockwood, I’m leaving..."

"I’ll take you."

Serena was taken aback.

Caleb’s handsome face showed no emotion as he spoke to her, then he turned to Claire Shaw who approached and said, "Mr. Miller will arrive soon, I’ll have him take you home."

Claire Shaw’s eyes widened.

This incredulous expression lasted only briefly.

"Hmm, I understand..."

She bowed her head, unable to hide her disappointment.

Even Serena thought that the pitiful Claire Shaw could easily evoke one’s protective instinct.

"Caleb, I understand you, so I won’t make it difficult for you."

Claire Shaw said, lifting her face and gazing affectionately into Caleb’s eyes.

She guessed that Lance Lockwood must have said something to Caleb.

Not long after, Mr. Miller arrived.

For the first time, Caleb Lockwood had a car but didn’t take Claire Shaw home, instead asking Mr. Miller to do it.

Although he didn’t take Claire Shaw home, he accompanied her to Mr. Miller’s car.

Their reluctant farewell fell within Serena Jennings’ sight, making her lose interest in riding with Caleb.

It wasn’t until Mr. Miller’s car drove far that Caleb returned to find Serena.

"I can go myself."

"I’ll take you."

Caleb Lockwood calmly emphasized.

Serena looked at Caleb’s cold expression and knew he wasn’t willing to take her; it was likely her grandfather’s request.

She sighed inwardly, understanding her grandfather’s good intentions, but it wasn’t necessary.

Neither for her nor Caleb Lockwood.

Serena, as always, planned to sit in the back seat, but Caleb insisted she sit in the front.

"I need to talk to you."

After saying this, Caleb opened the passenger door for her.

Serena had no choice but to sit in.

The black Maybach drove swiftly.

Ten minutes had passed without a word from Caleb Lockwood; the atmosphere inside the car was tense. The air-conditioning made her sneeze.

"Let’s reconcile!"

Serena, covering her mouth, heard those words and immediately turned to look at Caleb.

Caleb was driving, eyes on the road.

Serena thought she was hearing things until Caleb suddenly repeated:

"Let’s reconcile!"

"What did you say?"

Caleb abruptly braked; Serena, fortunately, had her seatbelt on, or she would have been thrown out.

The black Maybach stopped by the roadside.

Without the streetlights, it blended with the surrounding darkness.

Inside the car, Serena felt scared.

The area around the Lockwood Estate was desolate; now it was late at night, and she was alone with Caleb in a confined space.

Moreover, despite his words about reconciling, Caleb’s face showed no expression of reconciliation, his aura chillingly cold.

"Caleb Lockwood, there’s no need for us to reconcile. Let’s spare each other and proceed with the divorce formalities quickly..."

"Constantly talking about divorce with me, yet spending big money to curry favor with grandfather, so he’d put pressure on me—Serena, you really know how to play your hand."