CHAPTER 73: CHAPTER 73: BRINGING HUMILIATION UPON ONESELF

Serena Jennings never expected her reunion with Justin Nash to happen in such a setting.

Justin Nash seemed equally surprised to see her.

Time had passed, and Justin Nash’s once youthful face had grown more mature, exuding a robust masculinity.

Particularly in a suit, his entire demeanor and aura had transformed from a fresh college graduate to a dominating figure in the business world.

"Justin, do you know this lady?"

Cynthia Fulton asked Justin Nash.

Justin Nash’s gaze remained fixed on Serena Jennings, his lips parting slightly as if hesitating over his words, not immediately answering the question.

It was Peter who introduced Serena Jennings to Cynthia Fulton.

"Miss Fulton, this is Serena Jennings, my girlfriend."

Serena Jennings stared wide-eyed at Peter, her look clearly questioning why Peter would introduce her as his girlfriend to everyone.

Justin Nash, trying hard to maintain composure, could not help but change expressions.

Just days ago, Matthew Lowell had hinted to him that Serena Jennings was already married, and her husband was Caleb Lockwood.

It suggested that Serena Jennings and Caleb Lockwood had not divorced yet.

So, what was going on with Peter now?

Justin Nash silently clenched his fists, wanting to ask but unable to.

The atmosphere suddenly became tense, and Peter casually added, "I’m just kidding, she’s my friend."

Cynthia Fulton glanced at Justin Nash beside her, sensing a wave of relief in him after Peter’s words.

"Justin, aren’t you going to introduce me?"

Prompted by Cynthia Fulton, Justin Nash finally spoke: "This is Cynthia Fulton...my fiancée."

The word "fiancée" shocked Serena Jennings.

However, she quickly realized her reaction was overdone.

Given Justin Nash’s family background, finding a well-matched fiancée made perfect sense.

Justin Nash observed Serena Jennings’ expression.

The surprise on Serena Jennings’ face lasted only a moment.

Other than surprise, there was nothing else, disappointing him as his expectations crumbled.

Meanwhile, Caleb Lockwood was also watching Serena Jennings.

Claire Shaw’s palms were sweating with anxiety.

She could tell that both Peter and Justin Nash had some interest in Serena Jennings.

Although Caleb Lockwood did not like Serena Jennings, men naturally have a competitive streak, and she feared Serena Jennings having new suitors might spark Caleb Lockwood’s possessiveness.

However...

Caleb Lockwood’s dark eyes were as calm as a winter night’s sea, revealing nothing.

Claire Shaw breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Over there, Serena Jennings and Peter continued chatting with Justin Nash and Cynthia Fulton, while Caleb Lockwood had already started walking.

"Weren’t we going to dance?"

Claire Shaw’s attention was drawn by Caleb Lockwood’s voice.

Caleb Lockwood bent his arm, signaling her to take it.

Claire Shaw, in high spirits, took Caleb Lockwood’s arm and headed to the dance floor.

It seemed she was worrying unnecessarily, as Caleb Lockwood truly had no interest in Serena Jennings.

Both Claire Shaw and Caleb Lockwood danced gracefully and magnificently, quickly becoming the center of attention.

"Is that President Lockwood’s girlfriend?"

"I heard President Lockwood is pursuing her."

"She’s pretty and dances well."

"Her background seems good too; she went to high school with President Lockwood and is now a jewelry designer. Even Ronan Ross is impressed with her design philosophy; you know how rare it is for Ronan Ross to praise newcomers. Miss Shaw is truly remarkable."

"A perfect match, made in heaven, talented and beautiful!"

Serena Jennings listened silently to these gossipers, her makeup failing to cover her pallor.

Ultimately, she couldn’t compete with Claire Shaw in love.

Nor in career.

Serena Jennings felt overwhelming self-loathing.

Now, Justin Nash had taken his fiancée to dance as well.

Despite the usual civilities, Serena Jennings could sense Justin Nash distancing himself from her.

After all, she had been the one to cut ties with Justin Nash initially.

In Justin Nash’s eyes, she was probably seen as a gold-digger who gave up friendship for fifty million.

"Serena, care to dance?"

Peter asked, noticing the hurt expression on Serena Jennings’ face, realizing he had hit a nerve.

"Sorry, I misspoke."

Serena Jennings shook her head.

She understood that Peter brought her to this gathering to introduce her to connections, to help her integrate into this circle.

"I’d like some time alone; you carry on."

"Alright..."

Though concerned, Peter didn’t want to upset Serena Jennings.

Serena Jennings slipped away to the balcony of the banquet hall to catch some air.

She needed to be clear and calm.

"Ronan Ross finally chose Claire’s design; you should have received the notice."

Accompanied by the faint scent of a masculine cologne, Serena Jennings heard a familiar voice.

Caleb Lockwood had approached her, holding a glass of ice-cold tequila.

Serena Jennings didn’t acknowledge Caleb Lockwood.

Caleb Lockwood didn’t love her, only Claire Shaw.

Her decade-long crush felt like a joke.

Even her marriage with Caleb Lockwood was at its end.

This...

She accepted.

After all, love could not be forced.

Yet, the career failure was a harsh blow.

Serena Jennings had to admit, she was deeply hurt.

"Are you here just to mock me?" Serena asked coldly.

"I warned you before, you can’t compare with Claire, so why keep humiliating yourself?"

Caleb Lockwood’s voice was calm, devoid of warmth, betraying no emotion.

Serena Jennings turned and stared at Caleb Lockwood’s sharp profile.

Under the lights, his face was clear and defined, a masterpiece so perfect it spurred envy at nature’s unfairness.

"So... should I shut down my company and obediently go back to being your maid then?"

Caleb Lockwood glanced at Serena Jennings indifferently, seeing the anger and defiance on her face.

He didn’t answer.

It was acknowledgment enough.

Serena Jennings gritted her teeth in frustration.

"Caleb Lockwood, since you love Claire Shaw so much, why not marry her?"

She tried to keep her voice steady and cold.

Caleb Lockwood smirked, his eyes showing a hint of impatience, as if her question were redundant.

"Didn’t I already tell you? Because I don’t want Claire to give up her career."

"Fine, you don’t want Claire Shaw to be a housewife, but there are plenty of good maids; it doesn’t have to be me!"

Serena Jennings’ words, tinged with resentment, only deepened Caleb Lockwood’s faint smirk.

Suddenly, he leaned in closer, casting a shadow over Serena Jennings, his tall and strong frame seeming to envelop her entirely.

Serena Jennings stiffened.

Her ears tingled with the warmth of his breath, involuntarily causing her to squint.

At that moment, Caleb Lockwood’s magnetic voice whispered into her ears.

"There are many maids, but not every maid loves me like you do."