Caleb Lockwood’s gaze carried a hint of scrutiny, and Serena Jennings guiltily avoided eye contact.
Giving the ’MacDonald’ Stradivari in public was indeed a bit flashy, but the opportunity was too good to pass up.
For her grandfather’s sake, even if Caleb Lockwood suspected the source of the money, she was willing to accept it.
Recently, Serena Jennings had received a large sum from Peter.
Besides the piano series dividends, there were also design fees for a new series, and the piano series recently caught the attention of the Xylos royal family, becoming their official jewelry, earning a substantial sponsorship fee.
Serena had wanted to give her grandfather a violin for many years.
Without this large sum, she truly couldn’t afford it.
Just as the funds were available now, she contacted Dylan Shaw.
Although Dylan Shaw was young, he was currently the most popular pianist, considered the top among globally renowned pianists.
He was well-connected and influential in the circle.
And he—
Was Serena Jennings’ apprentice.
Eventually, Serena spent fifty million USD, converting to roughly 360 million RMB, to purchase the ’MacDonald’ Stradivari.
Now, there’s only a few million left in her account, but Serena thought this was enough.
Her daily expenses were no different from those of a regular employee; as long as she had enough to cover medical expenses, it would do.
At the birthday banquet, apart from the birthday star himself, Serena and the violin she gifted were the most eye-catching.
Claire Shaw’s face had already turned ashen like a layer of soot.
Initially, Lilian Young and Arthur Lockwood were full of praise for the mutton fat jade piece she gifted.
But once Serena’s gift appeared, no one mentioned Claire’s gift anymore.
Claire Shaw was also a discerning person; even conservatively, the ’MacDonald’ Stradivari must be worth over a hundred million.
Where did Serena get so much money!
While angrily watching Serena bask in attention, Claire Shaw feigned indifference while observing Caleb Lockwood.
The only consolation for her tonight was that Caleb Lockwood hadn’t praised Serena all evening.
Even after seeing the billion-worth birthday gift Serena gave, Caleb Lockwood didn’t show much reaction.
After the birthday banquet ended, Caleb Lockwood was summoned to the study by Lance Lockwood.
To Caleb Lockwood, his grandfather’s study was a dedicated place for discussing business and serious matters.
The last time he was called over was three years ago.
Back then, his grandfather had said to him in the study, "Since you and the lady who saved your life, Miss Jennings, are in love, you should start planning for marriage!"
The room was filled with the scent of agarwood as Caleb Lockwood saw Lance Lockwood seated sternly at the desk, watching him.
"Grandfather, what do you wish to discuss?"
Caleb Lockwood proactively asked.
Lance Lockwood wasn’t in a hurry, slowly sipping West Lake Longjing tea, saying, "Not much... You’ve grown up, you’re an independent adult now, I’m old, and I originally didn’t want to interfere with you younger ones..."
Lance Lockwood barely began, but Caleb Lockwood already sensed the ending.
"Grandfather merely wishes to remind you... Love, as you age, starts to feel less significant... Your grandfather might lack many things, but he’s still sharp at judging people... Some people, even if you don’t love her, might still be the most suitable for you, suitable to be your wife, capable of bringing you good fortune... That’s called having a ’luck-bringing spouse’."
"Yes, I understand your words."
Caleb Lockwood maintained a respectful attitude, yet his gaze remained cold.
"You’re a clever child, you understand everything grandfather said..." Lance Lockwood took another sip, this time his tone carried a hint of coercion.
"Moreover... No matter what stage you and Serena reach, that Claire Shaw... as long as I’m alive, I’ll never let her in the family, I hope you’re aware of this, don’t blame your grandfather for not giving you a heads up."
Outside the Lockwood Estate, Serena Jennings gradually bid goodbye to Lance Lockwood’s friends and was about to leave.
Claire Shaw stood nearby, seemingly idle, but not leaving.
Serena knew she was waiting for Caleb Lockwood.
Except for last night when she returned with Caleb Lockwood to prepare ahead for the birthday banquet, the rest of the time, Claire Shaw was always inseparable from Caleb Lockwood.
Finally, Caleb Lockwood walked out from the manor; the sky had already turned dark.
Serena initially intended to approach Caleb Lockwood to say goodbye.


For the first time, Caleb Lockwood had a car but didn’t take Claire Shaw home, instead asking Mr. Miller to do it.
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