First Love Only? I Left Him First, Now the CEO Can't Let Go novel Chapter 78

Chapter 78: Chapter 78: All for Nothing

If Serena Jennings knew that she was repaying Patrick Rhodes with this dinner, plus Caleb Lockwood and Claire Shaw were there, she definitely wouldn’t have agreed.

"Yo, Serena, you’re here!"

Patrick waved at Serena.

Now that she’s here, Serena had no choice but to brace herself and sit down.

She sat across from Patrick.

Beside her was Caleb.

The two were clearly next to each other, yet it felt as if an invisible barrier separated them.

The atmosphere at the table was bizarre.

Claire spoke first:

"Patrick, you really are something. Serena’s studio is just starting, and it’s not developing smoothly. How could you choose this restaurant? Serena’s spending so much!"

Serena gave a chilly glance at the already ordered menu.

"Since you know I’m spending too much, you shouldn’t have come, especially after ordering French Blue Lobster, top-grade tuna belly, spider crab, and caviar."

With Serena’s words, Claire’s face grew increasingly unpleasant.

"Those were ordered by me, blame me, not her!" Patrick spoke up in defense of Claire.

But those dishes really weren’t ordered by him.

In fact, this restaurant wasn’t even his initial choice; it was recommended by Claire.

The place had just opened and none of them had been there before. He originally only invited Serena, not expecting to encounter Caleb and Claire.

Claire suggested dining together, which led to this scene.

"Claire’s share will be on me."

Caleb’s voice lacking warmth came from beside Serena.

"And your own share too," Serena reminded.

"Okay," Caleb agreed readily.

Patrick glanced at Serena, then at Caleb, feeling the exchange between them was inexplicably cold.

Had something happened?

Patrick was curious but didn’t dare to ask.

The seafood was served; each dish was top-quality, fresh, and expensive.

Claire poured a glass of champagne and raised it.

"Serena, this glass is my apology to you..."

Serena was using crab scissors to cut open the crab legs, without lifting her head.

"I shouldn’t have snatched the rough stone you liked... However... there was only one rough stone, and Caleb said that even if you bought it, failing to create jewelry that would please President Leo would waste the stone, so I... I’m sorry, it was my fault..."

It was predictable that Claire would bring up this matter, but Serena no longer cared because she had new inspiration.

Even without that stone, she was determined to win.

"However, don’t blame Caleb; he feels quite guilty, which is why he tried his best to compensate you. Caleb spent a lot of money on your birthday party!"

Claire observed Serena’s reaction while speaking.

With her head down, Serena quietly ate crab, expressionless.

Claire knew well that Serena was putting on a brave face.

The reason she mentioned this in public was to ensure Serena knew that the romantic surprise Caleb prepared for her was merely compensation.

However, judging by Serena’s reaction, she seemed already aware of it.

"That stone was rightfully yours; you don’t need to apologize to Serena," Caleb turned to Claire and said.

Patrick continued eating his lobster while listening to gossip.

"Serena, since you left, Lockwood Jewels’ sales have multiplied, all thanks to Claire... Good materials should go to good designers, which meets the pursuit of optimal utilization and resource optimization."

Caleb spoke methodically and formally.

Claire sipped champagne, her smile radiant.

She didn’t believe Serena couldn’t hear the favoritism for her in Caleb’s words.

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