CEO’s Regret After I Divorced (Serena and Ryan) novel Chapter 210

Chapter 210: Chapter 210 The Artist’s Secret

Serena’s POV

I didn’t want to pry too much into Maya’s London progress, so I gathered a few designers from the studio and headed to Lance’s art exhibition instead. The event was being held at a prestigious downtown art gallery—quite the grand affair.

Lance Draven’s name alone was enough to draw a significant crowd. The designers accompanying me were practically vibrating with excitement. To them, Lance was already a master-level designer, someone they deeply admired from afar.

After entering the gallery, my colleagues dispersed in small groups to explore the exhibition. I wandered deeper inside and found myself drawn to the centerpiece sculpture in the main hall.

Many guests were gathered around this particular work—a stone phoenix with incomplete feathers, its body covered in cracks and burn marks. Despite its damaged appearance, the bird was captured in a moment of flight, its wings spread wide, conveying an incredibly powerful sense of vitality.

"A master truly is a master," someone nearby murmured. "Even after staying out of the spotlight for years, he can still produce something this magnificent."

"He’s always been so reclusive," another person added. "Never joining any design studios—who knows where he finds his inspiration?"

"That’s precisely why he’s achieved such greatness," a third voice chimed in. "He’s not interested in money or influence. When artists become preoccupied with wealth, their work grows common."

I couldn’t help but smile wryly at the conversations around me. Glancing down at the inspiration description, I suddenly froze.

The piece was titled "Lazuli."

The description read: "Facing any adversity with an upward, life-affirming energy."

My brow furrowed involuntarily. The name coincidence made me feel strangely uncomfortable, and I suddenly lost interest in the piece. Just as I turned to leave, I came face-to-face with Lance.

He looked particularly polished today in an impeccable suit, his hair meticulously styled—clearly, he’d put significant effort into his appearance for this exhibition.

"Serena, you came," he said, his voice carrying through the space.

People around us turned to look, their gazes darting between Lance and me with obvious curiosity.

"Mrs. Lazuli and this piece sharing a name... coincidence?" someone whispered not quite quietly enough.

"Obviously not a coincidence—the piece must be designed for her," another replied.

"Wait, is the designer secretly married?"

"Don’t you recognize her? That’s Serena from Dreamland Jewelry—also Mr. Blackwood’s wife."

Though the discussions were hushed, several comments reached our ears. My face stiffened with embarrassment.

I forced a smile, exchanged brief pleasantries, then quickly excused myself to the restroom. After washing my hands, I tried to recover from the awkward moment, wondering if I was reading too much into things.

Lance had always seemed like a decent person, and he knew about my relationship with Ryan. I took a deep breath and pushed away my jumbled thoughts before exiting the bathroom.

To my surprise, Lance was waiting nearby. When he saw me emerge, he hurried over, looking somewhat uncomfortable himself.

"I’m sorry about the sculpture’s name," he said. "It might have created some misunderstandings."

I pulled my lips into a tight smile, feeling uneasy.

"It’s fine. Just a name similarity, I suppose."

I didn’t want to press the issue. Lance and I were merely acquaintances, not close friends, and pursuing the matter seemed pointless.

"Mr. Draven, you should probably go attend to your other guests. I’ll just wander around on my own."

Lance shook his head. "My exhibitions have never been about superficial social interactions. I’ve already greeted all the friends I recognize."

"I’m truly happy you came today, and I’d like to use this opportunity to discuss some of my pieces with you."

I froze, feeling something strange stir inside me. His attitude toward me seemed excessively familiar.

"Serena? Is this a bad time?" he asked when I didn’t respond.

With the conversation already at this point, refusing seemed impolite. After all, I had come specifically to appreciate his work.

"Sure, that would be nice," I relented.

Lance’s face lit up as he began guiding me through the exhibition. He explained each piece in detail, constantly asking for my opinions and suggestions.

When it came to art pieces, I didn’t have many profound insights to offer. Though we worked in related fields, our styles differed significantly, and there wasn’t much common ground for meaningful critique.

My responses grew increasingly brief, bordering on perfunctory, yet Lance’s enthusiasm never wavered. His conversation remained animated, seemingly unaffected by my diminishing engagement.

"Ethan actually said he only sees me as a sister!" she wailed. "When I told him I wanted to try being more than friends, he literally ran away without a word!"

Looking at Maya’s face—now resembling a weeping kitten—I couldn’t help but laugh despite myself. I’d been worried something terrible had happened, but it was just romantic troubles.

"Serena! How can you laugh? This is all your fault! If you hadn’t encouraged me, I never would have fallen for him!"

I tried to suppress my amusement, offering gentle consolation instead.

"Maya, don’t rush to conclusions. Maybe Ethan just needs time to think things through."

"Perhaps you should come back to New York for now?"

Maya sniffled and wiped her tears, her emotions settling somewhat.

"Needs time? He’s clearly just a jerk! We’ve spent so much time together one-on-one, and he kept accepting my invitations. If he wasn’t interested, why would he do that?"

"And now when I finally make a move, he runs away! He was just playing with me!"

Maya grew increasingly agitated, practically radiating murderous intent.

My lip twitched involuntarily. It seemed Ethan had truly angered my best friend.

"Maya, try to calm down. These things take time—give each other some space. You should probably come back soon though. I’ve encountered a bit of a situation here—"

My voice gradually trailed off as a familiar voice behind me made me jump.

"Serena, I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Why did you come outside?"

My body tensed instantly, sending a chill down my spine.

When I didn’t respond, Lance simply moved in front of me and repeated his question.

"Serena, are you alright? You don’t look well. Should I take you somewhere to rest?"

As he spoke, Lance stepped closer, invading my personal space in a way that made me deeply uncomfortable.