CHAPTER 64: CHAPTER 64: FLESH AGAINST FLESH

Serena Jennings silently watched Caleb Lockwood.

She was somewhat curious whether, in his eyes, she was just a woman who was mercenary and of little value.

Caleb Lockwood’s expression was as calm as a windless lake, giving no hint of anger at her request to resign.

"After you resign, do you plan to go back to your sponsor?"

Serena was stunned and countered:

"Who’s my sponsor?"

Caleb Lockwood smiled silently, as if saying:

You know it in your heart.

With that, Serena even if she wanted to explain, didn’t know where to begin.

In this room, there was a spacious glass sliding door, and once opened, outside was the private hot spring pool, surrounded by partitions made of bamboo, providing good privacy.

Caleb Lockwood pulled off his tie, slid the door open, and the sound of crickets outside immediately became clear.

"I’m going to soak in the hot spring. Want to join?"

"No."

Serena refused swiftly and decisively, Caleb just curled his lips indifferently, did not invite her again, nor did he force her.

At this moment, Caleb Lockwood’s phone on the entrance cabinet by the door rang.

Serena was nearby and instinctively picked up the phone to hand it to Caleb.

Turns out, she saw Claire Shaw was calling Caleb Lockwood via video.

Caleb was in no hurry, changed into swim trunks first, then took the phone, and casually soaked in the hot spring while video chatting with Claire Shaw.

Serena also changed into her swimsuit, but not to soak in the pool Caleb was in.

Staying in the room would only mean listening to Caleb and Claire Shaw chatting away, it might be better to be alone for a while, and possibly get some new design inspiration.

Serena went outside.

The night was deep and quiet.

Through a grove of bamboo, a large hidden pool glimmered faintly.

This pool was originally a public hot spring pool, but at this moment, the entire east area had been reserved by The Lockwood Family, so naturally, no one else was around.

Serena entered the pool, soaking was very comfortable and alleviated the physical and mental exhaustion she had accumulated over time.

But her mind couldn’t quiet down.

Since resignation was a certainty, she ought to plan her next step ahead.

Picking up her phone, she soaked in the hot spring while checking the angel investment group for suitable candidates.

This group was recommended to her by Lana Xavier.

She dropped out of university early and had little networking in her alumni circle, relying only on Lana Xavier.

After watching for a while, Serena felt a bit dizzy, and put her phone down.

She didn’t know when she had fainted.

When she vaguely regained consciousness, Serena felt something pressing firmly against her chest.

Like a hand.

And her lips had a flesh-to-flesh contact sensation, as if kissing someone.

Suddenly, Serena realized someone was taking advantage of her.

Seizing the opportunity to touch her chest and kiss her lips.

Slap!

Serena reflexively gave the person a slap, sat up, and saw Caleb Lockwood’s face burning red close by.

Caleb Lockwood coldly looked at her, somewhat disgruntled.

"You fainted in the pool."

He didn’t offer any more explanation.

Serena finally realized Caleb Lockwood must have been performing artificial respiration and CPR on her.

Yet she thought Caleb was taking the chance to take advantage.

Serena blushed and softly said:

"I’m sorry..."

"Why did you go so far away to soak? If I hadn’t happened to show up, this place is so secluded, even if you died inside no one would have found you."

Caleb’s words were devoid of warmth, leaving Serena unable to discern whether Caleb was concerned about her.

"Because you were on the phone..."

Serena started but then closed her mouth.

She didn’t want Caleb to misunderstand she was jealous of Claire Shaw.

As expected, Caleb chuckled.

Serena opened her mouth, realizing any explanation would only make things worse.

She stood up wanting to leave, but her leg gave way, instinctively supporting herself on Caleb.

Her hand felt like it was stung by a scorpion, she withdrew it right after touching.

Caleb’s eyes darkened, lips coldly curled.

He picked up Serena and carried her back to the room, letting Serena rest on the bed, and handed Serena a sports drink and a chocolate.

Serena dazedly accepted these snacks from Caleb’s hand.

Married for three years, this seemed like the first time Caleb had shown such visible care and concern.

Whether it was the hot spring or another reason, Serena felt her body warming up unexpectedly.

"Feeling better?" Caleb asked.

Serena avoided Caleb’s gaze.

She felt Caleb’s current gaze was unexpectedly gentle.

She wasn’t quite accustomed.

"Mm, much better."

Serena finished speaking, only to see Caleb pick up his phone and video call Claire Shaw again.

Claire in the video asked, "Why did you suddenly hang up earlier?"

Caleb replied, "Nothing much, saved a stray cat that fell into the water."

As he spoke, he left the room without looking at Serena again.

Serena lay on the bed, her body that had warmed up turned cold again.

Lance Lockwood originally hoped Serena and Caleb would stay here longer, actually wanting to give them a chance to develop their relationship.

He knew Serena was deeply in love with Caleb Lockwood.

However, Serena was insistent on leaving, he couldn’t forcefully keep her.

After leaving the hot spring villa, Serena went to The Lockwood Group to handle her resignation process.

The HR department followed the regular resignation procedures, including an HR interview and financial settlement, which wouldn’t take many days.

However, for the work handover, Claire insisted she must continue until the end of the month.

Serena didn’t understand why Claire wanted to keep her, her early resignation would mean fewer entanglements with Caleb Lockwood.

But on the other hand, she was in the design department, not like before as Caleb’s secretary, in the company she didn’t intersect with Caleb much, far less than Claire.

Claire might have wanted her to work a few more days, to see Caleb and display their romance.

Weekend.

The design department was having a department gathering, throwing a party.

Serena hadn’t officially resigned yet and was required by Claire to attend.

The location for the party was familiar to Serena, none other than The Jade Pavilion—

Serena and Caleb’s former marital home.

Where Claire Shaw and Caleb Lockwood now lived together.

Upon seeing Claire post the address of The Jade Pavilion in the department group, Serena finally understood why Claire had been so attentive these past few days.

This party was only for the design department, a benefit granted by Caleb for Claire’s sake.

Serena didn’t want to offend Claire while on the verge of resignation, any issues arising might affect her resignation.

Hence, she timed her arrival at The Jade Pavilion.

"Everyone’s waiting for you, come in!"

Claire Shaw warmly opened the door for her, like the lady of the house.

Serena sighed inwardly, bracing herself as she walked in.

A room filled with the scent of flowers greeted her.

All her favorite pink roses.

The curtains, sofas, and tableware, all her favorite pink.

Compared to the last time she came, the place felt even more unfamiliar.

Colleagues from the design department were either playing games, singing, eating snacks, or on their phones—

Really, no one was actually waiting for her.

Serena wanted to find a quiet corner to be alone, almost bumping into someone.

The person was walking out of the kitchen, carrying freshly made fried fillet, wearing an apron.

Serena froze.