CHAPTER 7: CHAPTER 7: FOUND A NEW PATRON

"Don’t know her, is she the new rising star in the entertainment industry?"

"She looks way more beautiful than those other starlets."

More and more people started discussing the woman beside Peter.

The woman stood beside Peter, exuding a strong presence. Her elegant body was perfectly accentuated by a pure black velvet strapless gown, her coiffed and dyed hair styled in an updo, adorned with black and white diamond-studded hairpins from the most expensive piano series jewelry, sparkling so brightly it was hard to look away.

Caleb Lockwood felt the woman’s back looked a bit familiar until she turned around.

"Serena Jennings?!"

Claire Shaw, Lily Sutton, and Owen Warren were taken aback.

Caleb Lockwood said nothing, but his eyes shone much brighter than before.

It was the first time he saw Serena Jennings in a bold red lipstick. Her makeup was intense but not vulgar, whether it was the artistry of the stylist or Serena’s own sophistication, it was hard to tell.

"I never thought, Miss Jennings has already found a new patron. I was worried about her before..."

Claire Shaw spoke softly, while the cold glint in Caleb Lockwood’s eyes flickered.

Serena’s ensemble tonight was all ’gifts’ borrowed from Peter. She didn’t want to see Caleb Lockwood showing affection with Claire Shaw, but since she was already here, there was no reason to flee in embarrassment.

Caleb Lockwood’s gaze fell on Serena only initially, and then he carried on with Claire Shaw as if he never saw her.

On that handsome model-like face, Serena saw a smile and tenderness that were never directed at her.

The desire in Serena’s heart to make Caleb Lockwood see her in a new light gradually turned into frustration.

She went to the restroom to calm herself down. Since she had already decided on a divorce, why dwell on it?

When she came out of the restroom, the pain in her feet had become unbearable for Serena to ignore.

These weren’t her usual heels, and they rubbed her feet badly. As she twisted her body to look at her heel, she nearly lost balance, but thankfully someone caught her in time.

Just as she was about to say "Thank you," her gaze met Caleb Lockwood’s.

Caleb Lockwood’s smiling lips were charming, and his eyes were like deep gems.

But now, facing those eyes up close, Serena felt an inexplicable nervousness in her heart.

She wanted to pull her arm away, but Caleb Lockwood held it tightly.

"You don’t have to go to such lengths to make me jealous."

Caleb Lockwood’s voice was calm and cold, and Serena could hear a hint of mockery at the end.

"This method of retreat to advance is quite clumsy."

After saying that, Caleb Lockwood let go of her arm, handed her a band-aid, and walked into the restroom without looking back.

Even if Serena wanted to explain, Caleb Lockwood didn’t give her a chance. She hesitated for a moment but ended up using the band-aid he gave her.

The pain in her feet eased, but the stifling feeling in her heart intensified.

Back at the venue, Serena was so preoccupied that she didn’t notice she’d been standing in front of the buffet table, motionless.

"Is it that you’ve never seen so many delicacies that you don’t know where to start?"

Lily Sutton and Owen Warren walked over.

"Let me show you, these are fine caviars, to be eaten with Russian blinis."

Lily Sutton had just finished speaking when Owen Warren elbowed her, "You gotta explain what caviar is first, in case she’s never heard of it!"

Serena couldn’t be bothered to acknowledge them, but then Claire Shaw blocked her path again.

"Lily, Owen, stop babbling. Serena’s not from ancient times, how could she not have heard of caviar..." Claire Shaw smiled sweetly, scooping a spoonful of caviar onto a blini and offering it to Serena.

"But this must be your first time trying it, blame it on Caleb for not taking you out more often."

"Isn’t it because she can’t be shown off? Remember back then, President Lockwood would often bring you, Claire, to various events, but now look, President Lockwood must have terrible luck to marry someone with just a high school diploma as a wife."

"Exactly, one a foreign-educated Ph.D., the other a housewife, I don’t even understand how she has the face to show up at this kind of event and embarrass herself."

Surrounded by their harmonized taunts, Serena smiled indifferently.

"Since Miss Shaw is so well-traveled, don’t you know the caviar you’re serving is paddlefish caviar, meant to be savored alone or paired with champagne?"

Claire Shaw’s fake smile froze.

"This Osetra sturgeon caviar is the one meant to be paired with Russian blinis."

As Serena spoke, she picked up a Russian blini, laid a thin layer of smoked salmon on top, and then spooned some Osetra sturgeon caviar and sour cream, handing it to Claire Shaw.

"This is the authentic Russian blini."

Comparing the blini in her hand with Serena’s thinner version, Claire Shaw’s face turned green.

"Who are you pretending to be? Who knows if what you’re saying is true or not," Owen Warren moved in to support Claire Shaw.

"Even if you’re right, so what? Just because you cook a lot doesn’t mean you’re exceptional!" Lily Sutton quickly backed Claire Shaw.

Serena placed the blini she prepared onto a plate and said indifferently, "I’m certainly not that exceptional, but at least I’m a bit better than you."

With that, she turned and left, just as Caleb Lockwood returned to Claire Shaw.

"What’s wrong? You don’t look well, are you feeling unwell?" Caleb Lockwood asked, seeing Claire Shaw shake her head, her eyes fixed on the caviar.

"Want to eat caviar?" He asked, picking up a plate and preparing the Russian blini the same way Serena had earlier.

At that moment, a guest approached the buffet table, hesitantly mumbling, "What’s the difference between all these caviars?"

Claire Shaw snapped back and immediately used the explanation Serena had just used to explain to the guest, receiving their gratitude and admiration.

"To know so much at such a young age, truly impressive."

Claire Shaw demurred, "I learned it all from my boyfriend."

The guest, seeing Claire Shaw holding onto Caleb Lockwood’s arm, couldn’t help but praise, "What a perfect match, you two really are!"

Caleb Lockwood looked at Claire Shaw, his naturally smiling lips slightly curved, "Could go the other way too."

"The other way... that would be her talents, his looks, President Lockwood, you’re too flattering."

Lily Sutton and Owen Warren joined in the teasing, Claire Shaw lowered her eyes, her smile shy, anyone would think she was the happiest woman in the world.

Not far away, Serena actually heard Claire Shaw’s borrowed flowers to Buddha, but she wouldn’t go and explain anything.

Explanation wouldn’t earn her Caleb Lockwood’s appreciation anyway.

Serena’s heart was somewhat conflicted. On one hand, she had already decided on a divorce, and even if Caleb Lockwood started changing his attitude toward her, she couldn’t turn back.

But on the other hand, she was unwilling.

Why was it that only she remembered their past agreement, only she was trapped in it?

Why did a marriage of three years compare so poorly to the newly returned first love?

Serena downed a glass of wine in one go.

The fiery, spicy liquor bore through her gut, making her a bit more clear-headed.

She stared at the empty wine glass in her hand, noticing something.