The Ex-Wife They Begged To Keep - Chapter 140: Chapter 140

Leah had always appreciated capable companies and employees with vision, and given today's circumstances, Keith's willingness to participate suggested Serena truly had talent.
Serena quickly sketched a few strokes on paper. While staying within the framework of the original design, those simple lines instantly breathed life into the composition.
Leah's expression shifted, her gaze growing more serious as she watched Serena's pen move across the paper, gradually refining the concept. Despite herself, Leah found her lips curving into a smile.
"Alright, that's the general idea. If you have any specific thoughts, Ms. Halton, just let me know and we can make adjustments."
Leah had already photographed the sketch and sent it to her boss, who responded quickly with approval, noting that this draft had real spark and they should move forward.
"Congratulations—my boss just gave us the green light." Leah smiled, her appreciative gaze settling on Serena. "I had no idea Brannon Creative Group had such an outstanding designer on their team. Looks like this collaboration is going to go even smoother than I expected."
Serena felt embarrassed and exchanged a glance with Keith, their eyes bright with shared excitement. The moment lingered just a beat too long before they looked away, suddenly aware of the awkwardness.
Serena smiled, "Perfect. We'll finalize the latest design draft within a short timeframe and send it over to your company."
Leah's smile deepened as she nodded approvingly. "I'll share some inside information with you—if my boss is equally satisfied with the final draft, we'll double our original production order. That would be a win-win for both of us."
Surprise flickered in Serena's eyes while Keith rose to his feet.
"Thank you for your recognition. We'll deliver the draft as soon as possible." Keith paused, choosing not to decide unilaterally, and turned to Serena.
Understanding his gesture, Serena promised, "Three days."
"Alright, we'll wait three days then."
The meeting had gone much smoother than expected, though whether things would continue this smoothly remained to be seen.
"Want to take a walk?" Keith and Serena stepped out of the restaurant together. Hayland was more bustling than its usual area, so traffic still flowed steadily through the streets even at this hour.
Serena had never been to Hayland before—this was her first time—so she found herself genuinely curious about the area.
Compared to heading back to the hotel room where she'd be stuck making awkward small talk with Keith, going for a walk seemed the better option.
Keith said, "Come on, let's get in the car. We're close to Hayland Bridge from here—perfect for a drive."
Keith took Serena on a few loops around Hayland Bridge, cars streaming past them at night. As their speed picked up, Serena felt her heartbeat quicken.
"Thank you." The silence in the car had grown too heavy, and Keith finally broke it. "If it weren't for you, we probably would've lost the Tims Group deal."
Serena shook her head quickly. "I'm just doing my job. When it's good for the company, of course I'll help out."
Besides, the overtime pay was significantly better—this emergency assignment paid triple her usual rate, so Serena had no complaints whatsoever.
"Serena." Keith's voice suddenly turned serious, making Serena's heart skip.
She hummed in response, sensing he was about to bring up that topic again, unsure how to handle it.
"You don't like me, do you? Did I do something wrong?" Keith asked.
The car gradually pulled over to the side of the road. Serena stayed quiet for a moment, then shook her head. "I think you're an amazing person. I've never met anyone as good as you—whether as a boss or as a friend."
She continued, "I'm not rejecting you because there's anything wrong with you. I'm rejecting you because there's something wrong with me. We just don't fit."
Keith glanced over at her with a helpless expression, shadows from the night settling in his eyes.
"Are you friend-zoning me?" Keith asked.
Serena's eyes widened, and she quickly waved her hands. "I'm not trying to brush you off—I really mean it. I've been married before, but you're different. You have Alyssa, sure, but you also have Brannon Creative Group. I'm just a regular employee."
"Don't sell yourself short. You're amazing," Keith said. Realizing he'd never confessed his feelings properly, he parted his lips, ready to finally tell her what was in his heart.
But before he could speak, a truck came barreling toward them from the opposite direction. Keith's face went pale as he threw his arm across Serena's chest.
"Watch out!" Keith yelled.
The crash was deafening. The truck clipped their car, tearing away half the door. Serena felt like her soul had been ripped from her body as warmth spread across her chest.
"Keith!" Serena shouted.
She was protected in the triangular space, miraculously unharmed except for what felt like a sore leg. But Keith lay trapped beneath the crumpled car door that had caved inward.
Serena's hands shook as she grabbed her phone and dialed 911, forcing herself to stay calm long enough to give the dispatcher their exact location. Only then did she reach out to hold Keith.
"Keith, are you okay?" she asked.
Keith didn't move or respond. Serena's heart plummeted.
Pinned inside the wreckage and unable to move, tears streamed down her face. If he hadn't protected her, Keith wouldn't have been caught at that angle when the door collapsed.
Serena thought, 'Did he really risk his life just to save me?'
The major bridge accident brought ambulances and fire trucks rushing to the scene. They quickly extracted both victims, and even the paramedics were amazed that Serena appeared completely uninjured.
Two people in the same crash, yet one lay unconscious while the other walked away without a scratch.
Serena followed to the hospital and watched as Keith was wheeled into the operating room, the whole scene feeling surreal.
Just half an hour ago, he'd been talking to her, and now he was fighting for his life behind those doors. Her legs gave out, and she slid down the wall, all strength draining from her body.
"Ms. Gray!" James had gotten word and rushed over. Seeing Serena covered in blood, an alarm flashed across his face. "Are you hurt?"
Serena shook her head, her gaze hollow and distant. "It's Keith's blood. He's still in surgery."
Though James didn't know what had happened, he couldn't let Serena spiral like this. "I'll stay here. You should get checked out—if you're injured somewhere and don't realize it, that could be bad."