The Ex-Wife They Begged To Keep - Chapter 54: Chapter 54
You are reading The Ex-Wife They Begged To Keep, Chapter 54: Chapter 54. Read more chapters of The Ex-Wife They Begged To Keep.
Jacob gave Erika a slight tug, motioning her to step aside. Then, with what he thought was a charming demeanor, he said, "Miss, how about joining me for dinner tonight? I'd like to thank you for your generosity today."
Erika's smile froze instantly at his words. Her hand, which had been looped through Jacob's arm, clenched tightly. She couldn't believe he would actually invite Serena right in front of her.
'He has never been this gentlemanly to me?' Erika thought bitterly.
"Mr. Banks, what's the meaning of this? You literally just promised to take me out for Glonish dinner. How can you back out so quickly?" she demanded.
Jacob frowned, clearly annoyed by Erika's outburst.
He turned slightly, pulled out a gold lighter from his pocket, and flicked it open with practiced ease, then gave a lazy grin.
"Darling, we can all go together, can't we? She's your colleague, after all. It's only proper that I treat your coworker to dinner, no?" Jacob drawled.
"Sorry, but we're not interested in having dinner with you two. We'll be leaving now," Serena said. With that, she took Daisy by the hand and turned to go.
"Ms. Gray, since you aren't into Glonish food, perhaps I could treat you to something else instead?" Jacob didn't give up, reaching out his arm to block their path, his gaze locked on Serena, refusing to let her go.
"I appreciate your kindness, Mr. Banks, but my friend and I have other commitments. We really don't have time for this. Please step aside." Serena's tone was cold.
Jacob's smile froze. He hadn't expected Serena to turn him down so bluntly, without even sparing his pride.
His outstretched hand hovered mid-air for an awkward moment before he slowly lowered it. He said coldly, "Ms. Gray, are you deliberately snubbing me?"
Erika watched the scene unfold, so furious she could barely breathe. "Mr. Banks, are you here for me or just to compete for her attention? If you keep this up, I'm seriously going to lose my temper," she snapped.
Though her words were sharp, the pleading undertone in her voice was unmistakable.
Jacob's expression darkened. He had no patience left to humor Erika. "What's all this racket about? Can't you be satisfied with just one dress? Have you no shame?"
Serena watched with cold detachment, saying nothing more. She simply took Daisy's hand and turned to leave.
Jacob glared furiously at Serena's retreating figure. 'No woman has ever treated me like this before,' he fumed inwardly, his pride stung and his ego bruised.
After they left the mall, Daisy finally let out a huge sigh of relief. But almost immediately, her cheeks flushed red, and she clenched her fists tightly.
"Serena, are you just going to let this go? Erika is way out of line. And Jacob is downright disgusting," Daisy fumed.
"Daisy, getting angry at that kind of trash is just a waste of your time, understand?" Serena said calmly.
Serena thought to herself, 'Jacob is nothing but an entitled playboy throwing his weight around, and Erika is just riding his coattails, acting all high and mighty. Getting involved with people like them would only drag me down to their level.'
Daisy pouted angrily and said, "Just wait and see. Sooner or later, those two will get what's coming to them."
After they parted ways, Serena checked the time. Seeing it was still early, she decided to visit Alyssa and hailed a cab to the hotel.
When Serena reached the door, Fiona opened it and looked surprised to see her. "Hi, Ms. Gray, you're here."
Serena nodded gently. "Where's Alyssa?"
"She's in her room reading picture books," Fiona replied.
Serena entered the room and gently pushed open the slightly ajar door.
A warm milky scent lingered in the air, with several plush toys scattered across the carpet.
Alyssa sat at a small table, completely absorbed in a picture book in her hands.
"Hi, Alyssa," Serena called.
Alyssa looked up, her eyes instantly brightened when she saw Serena. She ran over, stood quietly in front of her, and clutched the hem of Serena's shirt.
Serena bent down and gently stroked Alyssa's hair. She asked softly, "Did you miss me?"
Alyssa nodded vigorously, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Serena gave Alyssa a warm hug and stayed with her for a while.
When she returned to the living room, it was just in time for dinner, so she stayed to have dinner with Alyssa.
Occasionally, Alyssa would make quiet little sounds in her special way, and Serena would gently try to figure out what she wanted.
Serena served Alyssa some fish, then turned to Fiona. "It's getting late. Why isn't Mr. Brannon back yet?"
Fiona, busy ladling soup for Alyssa, smiled and replied, "Mr. Brannon said he had a business dinner tonight, so he might be back a bit late. If you need anything, Ms. Gray, you can call him directly."
"Nothing, just curious," Serena replied.
After dinner, Serena stood up to bid Fiona farewell. "Fiona, it's getting late. I should be going now."
Fiona said, "Ms. Gray, won't you stay a bit longer?"
"No, it's time for Alyssa to rest," Serena smiled. She walked over to Alyssa and gently stroked her head.
"Alyssa, I have to go now. I'll come to see you again soon, okay?" Serena said softly.
Though reluctant to see her go, Alyssa obediently nodded. Then, Serena turned and left.
The next morning, Serena had barely stepped into the office when Max called out to her. "Serena, there's a client who specifically requested your design services. He's waiting in the conference room—go see what he needs."
"On it, Max." Serena nodded.
Erika sat at her workstation, leafing through a design catalog while keeping an ear out for any sounds in the office. When she heard Max mention it, her hand froze mid-page.
With a sarcastic click of her tongue, she muttered under her breath, "Specifically requested her design services? Hmm, now that's interesting."
'Sure, Serena's got some talent in the design department,' Erika thought, 'but a client specifically asking for her? That's a bit fishy.'
As soon as Serena pushed open the conference room door, she froze in shock.
Sitting at the head of the table, legs casually crossed and gazing at her with undisguised smugness, was none other than Jacob.
"Well, well, Ms. Gray, what a coincidence seeing you again. Seems we're destined to keep crossing paths, aren't we?" Jacob said.
Serena stood at the doorway, giving him a cold stare as genuine disgust welled up inside her. "Max sent me here, Mr. Banks. Do you have any specific requirements for the design?"
"Business can wait," Jacob said. With both hands in his pockets, he sauntered over to her. "Ms. Gray, you're far too uptight. If you can't learn to be flexible, you'll end up regretting it."
Serena tightened her grip on the folder. "As your designer, Mr. Banks, I'll do my best to meet your requirements. But if you're just here to waste my time today, then I must ask you to find another professional."
Her words, calm yet firm, left Jacob momentarily speechless. He raised an eyebrow, not the least bit annoyed—if anything, he was amused.
"Come on, Ms. Gray, why are you so eager to kick me out? I specifically asked for you this time," he teased with a playful grin.
Serena took a belated step back, suppressing the disgust welling up inside her. "Mr. Banks, please specify your requirements. I'll take detailed notes."
Jacob smirked, "Well, my requirements are simple. I just want the designer's inspiration to come from a lady, a lady as striking and unique as you, Ms. Gray. Only then will the design be truly captivating."
"Mr. Banks, would you prefer a minimalist or vintage style for the overall design? I have some sample designs here for your reference," Serena offered.
Erika rose involuntarily from her chair, pretending to be casual as she walked toward the conference room, a report in hand as if she were simply handling business.
As she neared the door, she glanced through the glass panel and saw Serena standing there, locked in a tense standoff with a man.
Steadying herself, she feigned distraction by flipping through the report, softened her footsteps as she drew closer, and strained her ears to catch snippets of their muffled exchange.
She pushed the conference room door ajar and peeked inside, only to be met with an unexpected sight. 'No way. It's Jacob,' Erika thought, stunned.
"What kind of dirty tricks did she pull?" Erika fumed inwardly, her jealousy about to boil over.
Erika's smile froze instantly at his words. Her hand, which had been looped through Jacob's arm, clenched tightly. She couldn't believe he would actually invite Serena right in front of her.
'He has never been this gentlemanly to me?' Erika thought bitterly.
"Mr. Banks, what's the meaning of this? You literally just promised to take me out for Glonish dinner. How can you back out so quickly?" she demanded.
Jacob frowned, clearly annoyed by Erika's outburst.
He turned slightly, pulled out a gold lighter from his pocket, and flicked it open with practiced ease, then gave a lazy grin.
"Darling, we can all go together, can't we? She's your colleague, after all. It's only proper that I treat your coworker to dinner, no?" Jacob drawled.
"Sorry, but we're not interested in having dinner with you two. We'll be leaving now," Serena said. With that, she took Daisy by the hand and turned to go.
"Ms. Gray, since you aren't into Glonish food, perhaps I could treat you to something else instead?" Jacob didn't give up, reaching out his arm to block their path, his gaze locked on Serena, refusing to let her go.
"I appreciate your kindness, Mr. Banks, but my friend and I have other commitments. We really don't have time for this. Please step aside." Serena's tone was cold.
Jacob's smile froze. He hadn't expected Serena to turn him down so bluntly, without even sparing his pride.
His outstretched hand hovered mid-air for an awkward moment before he slowly lowered it. He said coldly, "Ms. Gray, are you deliberately snubbing me?"
Erika watched the scene unfold, so furious she could barely breathe. "Mr. Banks, are you here for me or just to compete for her attention? If you keep this up, I'm seriously going to lose my temper," she snapped.
Though her words were sharp, the pleading undertone in her voice was unmistakable.
Jacob's expression darkened. He had no patience left to humor Erika. "What's all this racket about? Can't you be satisfied with just one dress? Have you no shame?"
Serena watched with cold detachment, saying nothing more. She simply took Daisy's hand and turned to leave.
Jacob glared furiously at Serena's retreating figure. 'No woman has ever treated me like this before,' he fumed inwardly, his pride stung and his ego bruised.
After they left the mall, Daisy finally let out a huge sigh of relief. But almost immediately, her cheeks flushed red, and she clenched her fists tightly.
"Serena, are you just going to let this go? Erika is way out of line. And Jacob is downright disgusting," Daisy fumed.
"Daisy, getting angry at that kind of trash is just a waste of your time, understand?" Serena said calmly.
Serena thought to herself, 'Jacob is nothing but an entitled playboy throwing his weight around, and Erika is just riding his coattails, acting all high and mighty. Getting involved with people like them would only drag me down to their level.'
Daisy pouted angrily and said, "Just wait and see. Sooner or later, those two will get what's coming to them."
After they parted ways, Serena checked the time. Seeing it was still early, she decided to visit Alyssa and hailed a cab to the hotel.
When Serena reached the door, Fiona opened it and looked surprised to see her. "Hi, Ms. Gray, you're here."
Serena nodded gently. "Where's Alyssa?"
"She's in her room reading picture books," Fiona replied.
Serena entered the room and gently pushed open the slightly ajar door.
A warm milky scent lingered in the air, with several plush toys scattered across the carpet.
Alyssa sat at a small table, completely absorbed in a picture book in her hands.
"Hi, Alyssa," Serena called.
Alyssa looked up, her eyes instantly brightened when she saw Serena. She ran over, stood quietly in front of her, and clutched the hem of Serena's shirt.
Serena bent down and gently stroked Alyssa's hair. She asked softly, "Did you miss me?"
Alyssa nodded vigorously, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Serena gave Alyssa a warm hug and stayed with her for a while.
When she returned to the living room, it was just in time for dinner, so she stayed to have dinner with Alyssa.
Occasionally, Alyssa would make quiet little sounds in her special way, and Serena would gently try to figure out what she wanted.
Serena served Alyssa some fish, then turned to Fiona. "It's getting late. Why isn't Mr. Brannon back yet?"
Fiona, busy ladling soup for Alyssa, smiled and replied, "Mr. Brannon said he had a business dinner tonight, so he might be back a bit late. If you need anything, Ms. Gray, you can call him directly."
"Nothing, just curious," Serena replied.
After dinner, Serena stood up to bid Fiona farewell. "Fiona, it's getting late. I should be going now."
Fiona said, "Ms. Gray, won't you stay a bit longer?"
"No, it's time for Alyssa to rest," Serena smiled. She walked over to Alyssa and gently stroked her head.
"Alyssa, I have to go now. I'll come to see you again soon, okay?" Serena said softly.
Though reluctant to see her go, Alyssa obediently nodded. Then, Serena turned and left.
The next morning, Serena had barely stepped into the office when Max called out to her. "Serena, there's a client who specifically requested your design services. He's waiting in the conference room—go see what he needs."
"On it, Max." Serena nodded.
Erika sat at her workstation, leafing through a design catalog while keeping an ear out for any sounds in the office. When she heard Max mention it, her hand froze mid-page.
With a sarcastic click of her tongue, she muttered under her breath, "Specifically requested her design services? Hmm, now that's interesting."
'Sure, Serena's got some talent in the design department,' Erika thought, 'but a client specifically asking for her? That's a bit fishy.'
As soon as Serena pushed open the conference room door, she froze in shock.
Sitting at the head of the table, legs casually crossed and gazing at her with undisguised smugness, was none other than Jacob.
"Well, well, Ms. Gray, what a coincidence seeing you again. Seems we're destined to keep crossing paths, aren't we?" Jacob said.
Serena stood at the doorway, giving him a cold stare as genuine disgust welled up inside her. "Max sent me here, Mr. Banks. Do you have any specific requirements for the design?"
"Business can wait," Jacob said. With both hands in his pockets, he sauntered over to her. "Ms. Gray, you're far too uptight. If you can't learn to be flexible, you'll end up regretting it."
Serena tightened her grip on the folder. "As your designer, Mr. Banks, I'll do my best to meet your requirements. But if you're just here to waste my time today, then I must ask you to find another professional."
Her words, calm yet firm, left Jacob momentarily speechless. He raised an eyebrow, not the least bit annoyed—if anything, he was amused.
"Come on, Ms. Gray, why are you so eager to kick me out? I specifically asked for you this time," he teased with a playful grin.
Serena took a belated step back, suppressing the disgust welling up inside her. "Mr. Banks, please specify your requirements. I'll take detailed notes."
Jacob smirked, "Well, my requirements are simple. I just want the designer's inspiration to come from a lady, a lady as striking and unique as you, Ms. Gray. Only then will the design be truly captivating."
"Mr. Banks, would you prefer a minimalist or vintage style for the overall design? I have some sample designs here for your reference," Serena offered.
Erika rose involuntarily from her chair, pretending to be casual as she walked toward the conference room, a report in hand as if she were simply handling business.
As she neared the door, she glanced through the glass panel and saw Serena standing there, locked in a tense standoff with a man.
Steadying herself, she feigned distraction by flipping through the report, softened her footsteps as she drew closer, and strained her ears to catch snippets of their muffled exchange.
She pushed the conference room door ajar and peeked inside, only to be met with an unexpected sight. 'No way. It's Jacob,' Erika thought, stunned.
"What kind of dirty tricks did she pull?" Erika fumed inwardly, her jealousy about to boil over.
End of The Ex-Wife They Begged To Keep Chapter 54. Continue reading Chapter 55 or return to The Ex-Wife They Begged To Keep book page.