The Ex-Wife They Begged To Keep - Chapter 93: Chapter 93

"He'd be grown by now. Finding him won't be easy," Kristy said.
Her words stirred a quiet unease in Serena.
So many years had passed. She had no idea what the child looked like now.
And in a world this vast, finding one person felt like chasing smoke.
"No matter how difficult it is," Serena said quietly but resolutely, "I'll find him."
"I'll help," Kristy replied without hesitation. "Maybe I can dig up a lead or two."
Serena gave a grateful nod. Kristy had always been her closest friend, and now, finally back home, she could afford the time to reconnect properly.
Just as Kristy opened her mouth to speak again, an oily voice interrupted. "Well now, pretty lady, drinking alone's a waste. How about joining me instead?"
A man in a garish floral shirt, hair slicked back and glistening under the bar lights, strolled up with a drink in hand, eyeing Kristy.
She frowned, her tone sharp. "I'm not interested."
But he didn't budge. Instead, he reached toward her shoulder. "Don't be like that. Nights like this are meant for fun."
Before he could touch her, Serena rose from her seat and stepped between them. She had little patience for men who mistook arrogance for charm. "Please respect her space."
The man let out a low whistle, looking Serena over with a mocking grin. "Two beauties? This just keeps getting better."
He reached toward her face. Serena sidestepped cleanly, avoiding his touch.
"Feisty," he muttered. "Alright then, drinks on me tonight. Order whatever you want."
He leaned closer, resting one arm on Kristy's chair while the other hovered toward Serena's waist. The cloying scent of his cologne hit her like a wave.
She pulled back, her voice level. "We don't know you. Please leave."
He chuckled, unbothered. "No need to be so uptight. Just trying to share a little fun. Two lovely ladies, come on. It'd be a shame not to make the most of it."
As he spoke, the man took another step forward, the cloying scent of his cologne thick in the air, prompting Serena to wrinkle her nose in discomfort.
"Come on," he said, offering a glass, "just one drink. We'll get to know each other."
With a swift motion, Kristy knocked the glass from his hand. It hit the floor with a sharp crack, liquor splashing onto his trousers.
"You little bitch, do you even know who you're messing with?" he snapped, face darkening. Seething with humiliation, he lunged forward and grabbed Kristy's wrist, yanking it in an attempt to pull her out of her seat.
Serena reacted instantly. She pulled Kristy back with one hand and rose to her feet. In a single, fluid motion, her palm struck the man's face with a resounding slap.
"Leave. Now!" she said coldly.
The sound echoed through the bar, drawing curious glances from nearby patrons.
"What's going on over there?"
"Not sure. I think that woman just slapped that guy."
"Seriously? She doesn't seem like the type."
From behind the bar, a server watched with hesitation, unsure whether to intervene.
"You just hit me?" the man barked, his fury flaring. "Do you even know who I am?" He raised his hand, poised to retaliate, only to find his wrist abruptly seized mid-air.
A lean, strong hand gripped his tightly. The man's face contorted in pain as sweat began to bead across his brow. He struggled to break free, but the hold was unrelenting.
Keith twisted the man's arm with deliberate force, drawing a pained howl from him.
Serena blinked, caught off guard. Her eyes landed on the newcomer.
'Keith? What is he doing here?' she wondered.
"M-Mr. Brannon?" the man stammered, his bravado vanishing. His face drained of color.
Keith shot him a glance, then turned toward Serena. "You alright?" he asked, voice even.
Serena gave a small nod. "I'm fine," she said quietly. "Thank you."
The man quickly bowed, his tone servile. "I... I'm sorry, Mr. Brannon. I didn't know they were with you. It was a mistake. It won't happen again."
Keith didn't respond. Instead, he twisted the man's arm behind his back and shoved him forward, sending him stumbling to a halt in front of Serena.
"Apologize," he said, voice calm but unyielding.
The man trembled as he bowed again. "I'm truly sorry! Miss, I was out of line. I shouldn't have bothered you. Please forgive me."
Keith's gaze remained fixed on him. "Louder."
The man flinched, panic overtaking what little pride he had left. He raised his voice, near a shout now. "I'm sorry. I was wrong. I won't do it again. Please forgive me!"
Serena looked down at him, her expression unmoved. She had no interest in humiliating him further, but no patience for false contrition either.
Kristy crossed her arms, watching with cool amusement. "Weren't you tough a moment ago?" she said. "What happened, run out of attitude?"
The man dared a glance at her but said nothing, head bowed low.
She let out a quiet laugh. "You've got the guts to harass women, but not the spine to face them? Pathetic."
Serena gently touched Kristy's arm, shaking her head. "He's not worth it."
Kristy exhaled sharply, then relented with a shrug.
Keith, sensing it was enough, turned to the man. "Leave."
The man didn't wait for a second warning. He fled the bar in a stumbling rush, drawing murmurs from those nearby.
"Serves him right."
"About time someone put him in his place."
"Maybe he'll think twice next time."
Keith turned back to Serena, eyes scanning her quickly and carefully for any sign of harm. Only when he was sure she was unharmed did his posture ease.
Serena stepped forward, offering a faint smile. "What a surprise, Mr. Brannon. And... thank you, for stepping in."
His attention shifted, catching the photo in her hand. She was holding it tightly.
The paper was worn, the edges frayed, clearly something touched often. He glimpsed the image of a young boy, perhaps five or six.
"It was nothing, Seri," he said quietly. "No need for thanks."
She was about to reply when she glanced at his side, her expression tightening. "You hit him just now. Did your injury reopen?"
Keith shook his head. "I'm fine. It's no longer an issue."
Kristy, standing just behind, watched them with quiet interest, noting the subtle shift in their tone, the almost imperceptible familiarity.
Keith's voice softened. "It's getting late. You both look tired. Let me have my driver take you home."
Serena hesitated, instinctively polite, but glanced at Kristy and saw the fatigue in her face. With a small nod, she relented. "Thank you. That would be appreciated."
"The least I can do." Keith nodded and pulled out his phone to make the call.
In the car, Kristy leaned back with a sigh. "Seri, thanks for what you did back there."
Serena reached over and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "It's over now."