The Ex-Wife They Begged To Keep - Chapter 175: Chapter 175

Keith didn't hesitate to agree to go with Serena.
Pedro wiped the sweat from his forehead, thinking, 'Looks like those rumors aren't just idle gossip. There's definitely something going on between Keith and Serena.'
"Please follow me upstairs. Mr. Arellano has been waiting for a while," Pedro said, leading the way. Keith and Serena followed behind.
Serena couldn't help feeling a bit nervous. Craig was a famous designer in the field she had admired for years. Ever since she first entered the design world, she'd been a huge fan of his work.
Rumor had it that Craig had a great sense of humor. No one who met him ever disliked him.
"Are you nervous?" Keith could easily sense the shift in Serena's mood. In a quiet corner where no one was watching, he gently reached out and took her hand.
Her fingers were icy cold. Hearing his words, Serena turned to meet his eyes and gave him a reassuring smile.
Though she was still a bit nervous, Serena knew she now had the confidence and skills to stand alongside a master like Craig.
At the very least, she wouldn't let herself look timid. And for her, that was enough.
"This way, please. Since Mr. Arellano didn't invite me, I'll just wait out here," Pedro said, opening the door for them with a polite nod and a smile.
Serena stepped into the room.
Craig was sitting at the table, sipping red wine. When he heard the door open, he turned around. The moment he saw Serena, his eyes lit up with surprise and admiration.
He'd always heard Serena was beautiful, but seeing her in person, Craig found that she was even more breathtaking than in her photos. Craig unconsciously put his glass down, unable to look away.
"Serena, I've heard so much about you," Craig said, rising to greet her.
Serena felt genuinely flattered and quickly bowed. "I'm a big fan of you. I can't believe you've actually heard of me."
"Siren's name has been making quite a splash in the design world lately," Craig said with a warm smile.
Then his gaze shifted to Keith, who stood just behind Serena. "Mr. Brannon, nice to see you. Please have a seat. I just opened a bottle of Romanee-Conti. Let's enjoy it together."
Serena felt honored, but she waved her hand politely to decline.
"I'd really love to enjoy it with you, but I can't really hold my liquor. I'm afraid I might make a fool of myself in front of you," she said with a sheepish smile.
Craig just laughed and shook his head, looking as easygoing as the rumors said.
He said, "Oh, not at all. No need to apologize, Ms. Gray. Please, have a seat. Don't be nervous."
Seeing how approachable Craig was, Serena finally relaxed. She glanced at Keith, then took a seat on the sofa across from Craig.
"I came back this time to get some fresh inspiration for my work. I've seen quite a few of your pieces, Ms. Gray, and I think you have a really unique perspective," Craig said.
He added, "Would you be willing to accompany me on some inspirational trips for a while? You can set your own fee."
With Craig's reputation, the price he could offer would definitely be generous, and Serena felt truly honored. But her studio was only just getting back on track, and she already had her hands full.
"I'm really sorry, Mr. Arellano," she said, feeling a bit guilty for turning him down again.
She couldn't just leave her team behind, so she told the truth, "My studio is just getting off the ground right now, so I probably won't have time to go out with you."
Before coming, Craig had already heard that Serena had started a studio with a young designer. But in his eyes, it was a total waste of her talent.
That young designer might have entered a bunch of competitions, but compared to Siren's fame, she was basically a nobody.
The real thing Serena needed right now was an experienced team behind her, not to be starting a brand-new studio from scratch all by herself.
Craig wanted to tell Serena his opinion, but he could tell Serena cared a lot about her studio. If he just blurted it out, she'd definitely take it the wrong way.
Thinking of that, he gave up his opinion of persuading Serena.
Aside from that bit of awkwardness at the start, Craig really was as witty and fun as the rumors claimed. When he talked with Serena, he was totally open, holding nothing back and sharing all his insights without reservation.
Serena felt like it had been ages since she'd listened to a true expert talk about design. Even though it was just a casual conversation, she found herself learning a ton.
Keith sat quietly off to the side, almost like he was just part of the furniture, completely blending into the background.
Serena knew he was only here for her sake, so when she turned to look at him, she gave him a reassuring smile.
"Are you and Mr. Brannon close?" Craig asked, catching the little moment between them.
Serena hesitated for a split second before answering, "We've known each other for quite a while. Mr. Brannon is someone I trust a lot as a business partner."
As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt someone hook their finger around her palm.
She didn't even have to look to know it was Keith's doing. Serena almost burst out laughing, but she managed to hold it in.
Craig still felt there was something a little off between Serena and Keith, but since Serena had said they were business partners, Craig figured there really wasn't anything special going on.
Craig asked, "May I have your number, Ms. Gray? Even though I can't have you join me on my inspirational trips, I really enjoyed our conversation today.
"I hope we'll have the chance to sit down and chat like this again someday."
Craig's gaze lingered on Serena a bit too long. Serena was so thrilled at the thought of connecting with a designer she'd admired for so long that she didn't even notice Craig's gaze.
Without hesitation, Serena agreed. "Of course, let me pull up my code. It's truly an honor to receive your praise."
Keith sat quietly by her side, tempted to step in and refuse on her behalf. Yet seeing how happy Serena looked, he swallowed his words and let her be.
Craig glanced at his watch and said, "It's about time. If we don't head out now, the party will be a mess. Let's not make things any harder for Pedro today."
The three of them stood up, and there was a playful glint in Craig's deep eyes.
"I hope we get to meet again, Ms. Gray. I need to get ready for my speech. Take your time," Craig said.
With that, Craig buttoned up his suit jacket and turned to leave the room.
Serena was still buzzing with excitement, but when she turned to look at Keith, she noticed he seemed lost in thought.
"What's wrong?" she asked, a little confused by his expression.
Keith spoke up, "Looks like Craig is into you."
Serena couldn't help but burst out laughing at that.
"Come on, that's impossible. Craig is as old as my uncle. He probably just appreciates my talents," she replied.