The Ex-Wife They Begged To Keep - Chapter 170: Chapter 170

Lots of people would scramble to get a deal with Starlight Corporation, and Serena's studio was just a tiny one that had just opened.
Serena knew more about contracts. Lana, besides design, didn't understand much else. So this tough task fell to Serena.
With Patricia watching eagerly, Serena opened the contract. Right away, she saw the terms were as good as they could get.
Even back at Brannon Creative Group, the clients rarely offered terms this good. And their little studio was nowhere near as big as Brannon Creative Group.
"What's up?" Lana whispered in Serena's ear. Serena just shook her head slightly. "The terms are really good." She said to Patricia, "Aren't you worried about investing in us? Afraid we'll just take advantage if it doesn't work out?"
Serena's words made Patricia smile, "Business is about timing. Putting your eggs in the basket you believe in—there's always a bit of a gamble. But we all agree, Ms. Gray, you won't let us down."
With that said, it would've been too harsh not to sign.
But before signing, Serena sent the contract terms to Keith, asking him to go through them carefully. She knew a bit more than Lana, but if there were any tricks, she might miss them.
Keith replied quickly. He'd checked and found no hidden risks. They could sign normally. So Serena and Lana didn't hesitate to sign the contract right away.
"Thank you so much for trusting and believing in us," Serena said.
She and Lana stood up, shook Patricia's hand, then smiled at each other. "Here's to a smooth collaboration."
"Ms. Gray, you must be on really good terms with Mr. Brannon from Brannon Creative Group. I actually went to Brannon Creative Group first. That's where Mr. Brannon told me you'd started your own studio," Patricia said.
Her remark made sense. After all, Serena had very likely left to start her own business. Usually, when someone left a company like that, it was good if they didn't fall out. 'For the old company to actually refer clients. They must be really close,' Patricia thought.
Serena smiled, "You're right. I should thank Mr. Brannon when I get the chance."
In front of others, Serena and Keith still kept up the boss-and-employee act. After chatting a bit more, they saw the Starlight Corporation team off. Then, Lana teased, "You're gonna thank Mr. Brannon? Where? And how?"
"Of course, I'm gonna..." Serena saw right through Lana's teasing and drew it out on purpose.
Then, she laughed at Lana's eager, gossipy look. "Of course, I'm not telling you," she said and turned to leave the restaurant.
Lana stared at her back in disbelief for a second. Then, she chased after her. "Seri, you're getting sneaky!"
After signing the contract, Serena turned in the agreed designs within three days. Starlight Corporation hadn't expected her to work so fast. Let alone that the designs would be so good.
Their CEO was saying what a great call it had been to sign that contract.
Patricia even called to praise Serena. Then, she offered a new deal, signing them on for a whole year on the spot.
Lana thought her face would hurt from smiling so much. 'Could things get any better?' she thought.
And it was exactly because of Starlight Corporation's generous offer that lots of people in the industry started noticing Serena and Lana's studio. One was an internationally known designer who'd returned from abroad, the other was Siren, a designer who'd made a big name for herself years earlier.
It was a real power team. They drew in tons of clients right away. So many contracts poured in that Serena and Lana could barely choose. Luckily, Keith was there to go through the contracts for them.
Lana couldn't help saying to Serena, "Insisting on poaching you was the best decision I ever made. Not only did I get a cash cow like you, but I got a legal advisor thrown in, too."
When Serena thought of Keith, a smile flickered across her eyes, warm and bright. For a moment, Lana just stared, then felt genuinely happy for her.
Over the time they'd worked together, Lana could tell Keith was someone worth trusting. 'Serena and Keith get along great. Barring any surprises, Serena's sure to have a happy family this time,' Lana thought.
Serena pulled another late-night work session at home. She stretched, wrapped up the last bit of work, turned off the study light, and stepped outside.
Suddenly, there was a figure in the dark. Serena tensed up instinctively. Then, the person moved closer and pulled her into a warm hug.
"It's me," Keith said, his voice laced with faint tiredness.
Brannon Creative Group had a big project going on, too, so both of them had been swamped. Keith had just gotten back from his own overtime.
Serena felt his heartbeat and reached out to hug Keith back. "You must be tired. Let's just hold each other for a bit."
Her voice was soft like spring rain. Keith instantly felt some of the day's exhaustion ease. He let out a low "Hmm."
They stayed like that for a while, as if drawing strength from each other, before pulling apart.
Serena had been neglecting Keith a bit lately. With the studio just starting up and so many collaborations to handle, she barely had any time. But Keith had never gotten upset with her about it.
Still, Serena didn't think that was an excuse to take it all for granted.
"Once things calm down, let's take Alyssa out somewhere, okay?" Serena suggested.
Keith knew what she was thinking. He murmured in agreement., "Alyssa will be thrilled."
His voice was right above her. He paused, then leaned down slightly to press a warm kiss to her ear. "And I'll be thrilled, too."
Seeing Serena's face flush, Keith stopped teasing her. "It's late. Now that you're done, go get some rest. I hope everything goes smoothly for your studio. Then, I won't have to work overtime or be this tired."
At that, Serena's eyes widened a little. "Then' I'll support you?"
She looked so surprised like a little kitten. It was only since being with her that Keith had seen this childlike side of Serena.
He couldn't resist teasing her, "Yeah. Then, you can keep me."