The Ex-Wife They Begged To Keep - Chapter 95: Chapter 95

Callum glanced at Serena, uncertain of what had just unfolded. He set down his glass and leaned back slightly, observing the tense exchange with quiet composure, careful not to intrude.
Victor's gaze swept over Callum with open disdain. He sneered, "Don't tell me this is another one of your pretty boys?"
His eyes flicked back to Serena, noting the sudden hardening of her expression, the slight tremble in her shoulders, and the fists clenched at her sides.
"What's the matter? Struck a nerve?" he drawled, pausing before adding with biting contempt, "Honestly, Serena, is there anyone you won't sleep with?"
"Victor," Serena said coolly, "I suggest you watch your mouth. What I do is none of your concern."
Victor scoffed, his gaze returning to Callum. "So he's not just arm candy, huh? What then, your new sugar daddy?"
He let the words hang, deliberately emphasizing the term, his eyes dancing mockingly between the two.
"Impressive, really. You move on faster than most people change shoes."
Without a word, Serena picked up her glass and threw the water across his face. The sharp splash echoed through the restaurant. Conversations faltered, utensils paused mid-air, and curious glances turned their way.
"What just happened?"
"Looks like a lovers' spat."
"Serves him right. He's insufferable."
"Still... not exactly the place for it."
At that moment, Regina stepped forward, applauding softly as she approached Serena. "Good for you," she said lightly. "Leaving him was the best decision you made. And this one, much better choice."
Serena turned to her, confused by the sudden show of support. Her brows drew together as she studied the woman in heavy makeup and a designer dress.
Victor wiped the water from his face, seething.
His eyes shifted to Regina, dark and narrow. "What's that supposed to mean? 'Better than me'? Care to explain?"
Regina winced as he gripped her wrist. She jerked free, rubbing the reddened skin. "It means you've never known how to spot a good thing."
Victor's jaw tightened, veins pulsing at his temple. His fists curled, knuckles white.
But he stopped short of action. He simply stared at Regina, face dark, rage restrained.
Regina, unshaken, met his glare with icy amusement. She rubbed her wrist again and added sharply, "If you ever touch me like that again, we'll be having a very different conversation about this engagement."
Serena watched in silence, realization dawning. So this was the woman Victor was meant to marry.
She observed Regina more closely. Behind the exaggerated makeup lay a proud, commanding presence, unmistakably that of someone used to getting her way.
Victor looked down at his soaked shirt, fists trembling. Without a word, he turned and walked out.
Only then did Serena exhale, tension slowly leaving her. She turned to Regina, still wary. "Ms. Aniston... why did you help me?"
"I just can't stand that smug look on his face." Regina gave Serena a slow, deliberate once-over and then turned and walked away.
On the other side of town, Keith sat behind his desk, lost in thought.
He recalled the night at the bar, when he'd happened to glimpse a photo Serena had been holding.
He hadn't seen it clearly, but something about it struck a chord.
Rising from his chair, Keith walked to the floor-to-ceiling window. His brows knit slightly as he searched his memory. A face from that photo lingered in his mind.
Moments later, he returned to his desk and pressed the intercom. "Send Spencer in."
Soon, a knock sounded.
Keith's secretary, Spencer Rhodes, entered and asked, "Mr. Brannon, you asked for me?"
Keith didn't look up. "I want a full background check on Serena Gray. Personal connections, too."
"Yes, sir," Spencer replied without hesitation. He turned and quietly left, the door clicking shut behind him.
The next morning, Serena arrived at Keith's office on time.
She took in the space quickly, sleek lines, neutral tones, and minimalist décor. The black, white, and gray palette reflected the man who sat behind the desk.
Keith was reviewing documents, his long fingers moving precisely through the pages.
When he looked up, his expression gave little away. He shifted slightly in his seat. "Morning, Seri."
"Good morning, Mr. Brannon." Her tone was bright, but she couldn't hide a flicker of tension.
It was her first time seeing Keith in his element, and it felt different, more distant and composed. She inhaled discreetly, willing herself to appear at ease. Still, her eyes avoided his.
Keith handed her a folder. "Your offer. Chief Design Consultant."
Serena hesitated, glancing down at the document. Surprise flickered across her face. "This is... unexpected."
Noticing her hesitation, Keith placed his pen gently atop the document, the faint click cutting through the silence.
Leaning forward, he spoke evenly. "You're talented, Serena. This role was made for you."
Serena drew in a quiet breath, her fingers tightening around the paper.
There were certainly others in the company with more years behind them, and for someone newly arrived to step into such a role wouldn't sit easily with everyone.
She could already anticipate the whispers, the skepticism, and the inevitable scrutiny. "Mr. Brannon," she said carefully, "I think I'd prefer to start as a junior designer. I'm not looking for special treatment."
Keith studied her for a moment, a trace of a smile in his eyes. He knew full well that with her talent, the title was only a matter of time. Whether now or later, she'd rise quickly.
After a beat, he gave a nod. "Your call. I respect that."
"Thank you, Mr. Brannon." Quiet resolve settled in Serena's chest. If she was going to earn that title, she wanted to do it on her own terms.
Keith pressed the intercom again. "Spencer, can you step in for a moment?"
A few seconds later, Spencer appeared. "Yes, Mr. Brannon?"
"Take Ms. Gray to the design department. Get her settled in," said Keith.
"Of course." Spencer followed Keith's gaze to Serena, offering her a polite nod and a professional smile. "Ms. Gray, if you'll come with me?"
He turned and led the way to the door.
Serena handed the folder back to Keith and followed Spencer out.
Keith watched her leave, his gaze lingering on the door long after she'd gone. His thoughts returned, unbidden, to the photo Serena had held in her hands that night at the bar.