The Ex-Wife They Begged To Keep - Chapter 41: Chapter 41

Max raised his hand in a calming gesture, signaling everyone to quiet down. "Serena, your outstanding performance has greatly impressed both me and the company's senior management.
"After careful deliberation, the company has decided to appoint you as Deputy Team Lead, effective immediately. You will now assist Stacey in managing group operations."
The words had barely left his mouth when the meeting room erupted in excitement.
The team members cast admiring glances at Serena. Someone initiated the applause, and soon, waves of clapping rang out across the meeting room.
Serena froze for a split second upon hearing the news, then instinctively rose to her feet. "Thank you, Max, and thank you for the company's trust. I'll spare no effort to excel in my new role."
"You've earned this promotion, Serena. Your initial draft was exceptionally well-executed, and I'm fully confident you'll excel as Deputy Team Lead," Max smiled.
Stacey's smile faltered slightly, betraying a hint of discomfort. She forced a smile and said, "Congratulations."
"Thank you, Stacey. I'll do my best to learn from you," Serena replied.
Colleagues nearby enthusiastically offered their congratulations.
"Congrats, Serena. Deputy Team Lead is a really big deal."
"Yeah. From now on, Serena, we're all counting on you to lead us forward."
Max's voice rang out again, interrupting the chorus of congratulations. "Our partners on the Galaxy Project are very satisfied with Serena's design. Stacey, bring Serena with you to meet them and finalize the contract as soon as possible."
"Understood, Max. I'll handle it." Stacey nodded.
"I'll cooperate fully with Stacey," Serena said.
Noticing the dark expression on Stacey's face, Erika immediately sidled up to her and, with malicious glee, added fuel to the fire. "Between you and me, she's just using her pretty face and youth to cozy up to male bosses.
"I bet someone else did that design proposal for her, too."
At first, Stacey only felt a twinge of jealousy, but Erika's words instantly amplified her resentment.
Serena completely failed to notice the shadow of resentment in Stacey's eyes and dismissed her stiff smile during the meeting as nothing more than fatigue from overwork.
The party hall shimmered with dazzling lights, where tiered crystal chandeliers cast kaleidoscopic reflections in the pristine wine glasses.
Serena followed closely behind Stacey as they entered the opulent, exquisitely decorated private room.
The two representatives from the partner company were already seated at the round table in the corner. The moment Serena stepped through the door, their eyes immediately fixed on her.
Stacey glided forward with a polished smile, effortlessly exchanging pleasantries with her counterparts. "Ebert, Fabio, you both look as distinguished as ever.
"Just seeing you makes me confident that today's discussions are bound to be successful."
"Oh my, Ms. Mosher, you really have a silver tongue. No wonder you're so well-known. Whether it's your looks or your eloquence, you're truly irresistible," said Ebert.
Serena stood quietly to the side. Social events like this weren't her forte, but she maintained a perfectly polite smile. Just as Serena was about to sit down with Stacey, Stacey deliberately pulled her aside.
"Ebert, Fabio, this is Serena, our company's rising star designer," Stacey introduced with a practiced smile.
Both men's gazes settled on Serena. Ebert, the slightly portly man with gold-rimmed glasses, was the first to speak. "Ms. Gray, we've heard so much about you. Your design proposal is truly impressive and highly innovative."
"You flattered me, Ebert," Serena responded graciously. "I just tried my best."
"Ms. Gray, you're such a remarkable young talent. To create such outstanding designs at your age, your career prospects are truly boundless," said Fabio.
"Thank you for your encouragement, Fabio," Serena replied with a professional smile. "There's still so much for me to learn."
Fabio beamed and raised his glass. "Ms. Gray, come now. Let me propose a toast to you."
Serena didn't refuse. After all, in situations like this, there was really no way to avoid it. With graceful poise, she raised her glass and smiled, "Thank you for your kind words, Fabio. Let me toast to you first."
With effortless grace, she drained her glass in one smooth motion.
Fabio roared with laughter. "Ms. Gray, you're such a good sport. Come on, let's top up your glass."
Ebert also raised his glass and said, "Ms. Gray, let me also propose a toast to you. Here's to our successful cooperation."
Unable to decline, Serena steeled herself, took the glass, and drank the wine in measured sips.
Stacey seemed not to notice, simply taking a measured sip of her wine, a gracious smile still lingering on her face.
Glass after glass, Serena struggled to match their pace, and her low alcohol tolerance soon left her head spinning.
All evening, Stacey seemed content to remain a passive observer. Every time Serena stole a furtive glance at her, Stacey merely responded with an inscrutable smile.
As the alcohol hit her, Serena's cheeks flushed bright red, and she grew unsteady on her feet.
"Excuse me, I need to use the restroom for a moment." Feeling overwhelmed, Serena grabbed the first excuse she could think of and slipped out of the party hall as quickly as she could.
Beyond the dazzling party hall lay a dim and quiet corridor.
Serena braced herself against the wall, barely keeping her balance. Her high heels wobbled beneath her, as if she were treading on clouds. She staggered and nearly fell.
Just then, strong hands suddenly caught her arm, pulling her back from the brink of falling. "You alright?"
Serena lifted her head slightly and saw a strikingly handsome yet cold face. Soft light cascaded over his shoulders, lending a gentle glow to the chiseled features of his face.
"Keith?" Serena slurred, her mind clouded as she called his name uncertainly. "You're so drunk again? Did someone make you drink this much?"
"No, it was just a business dinner. Thanks for catching me." She struggled to stand upright, but her mind was a muddled mess, weighed down by the alcohol.
Just as Stacey stepped out of the private room, she caught sight of Serena being supported by Keith just a short distance away.
To Stacey, the way Keith was holding Serena looked uncomfortably intimate.
Stacey's pupils constricted in shock, her expression freezing for a split second. A wave of bitter jealousy surged through Stacey. "Keith? What are you doing here?"
"Hi, Ms. Mosher," Keith replied coolly, lifting his gaze to meet hers.
Stacey gave a light tap on Serena's arm and pulled her away from Keith's arms, taking charge of supporting her.
"Not feeling well, Serena? You don't look so good," said Stacey.
Serena raised her slightly flushed face and offered Stacey an apologetic smile, her voice slightly slurred with intoxication. "Stacey, I think I've had a bit too much. Might need to head back now. My apologies."
Stacey's face momentarily stiffened. She bit her lower lip, her brows drawing together slightly. "Serena, if you leave so abruptly, it puts me in an awkward position.
"There will be plenty more events like this. You'll need to adapt. That's just standard corporate etiquette."
"Adapt?" Keith finally interjected coldly from the side.