CEO’s Regret After I Divorced (Serena and Ryan) novel Chapter 356

Chapter 356: Chapter 356 Game On

A few days later, the highly anticipated fashion week gala finally arrived.

Serena had planned to attend with Sally, and after wrapping up work, they headed straight to the luxurious Regent’s Cove where the evening’s festivities would unfold.

Something feels off about this whole thing, Serena thought, her brow furrowing as fragments of conversation from the past week replayed in her mind. She’d been running around like a headless chicken lately, but still—how had she missed such crucial information until now?

"Serena, maybe it’s just because this fashion week is bringing in serious money. Don’t overthink it," Sally offered, her voice gentle but unconvincing.

Despite Sally’s reassurance, an unsettling knot twisted in Serena’s stomach. Call it intuition, but something about the sudden investor buzz felt... deliberate.

As their car pulled up to the grand entrance of Regent’s Cove, Serena’s eyes immediately locked onto a familiar silhouette leaning casually against a marble pillar.

"Cedric?" The name escaped her lips before she could stop it. "What are you doing here?"

Cedric Lancaster’s lips curved into that signature smile that always made her pulse quicken. "Well, as one of the primary investors, I’d say my presence is rather... mandatory tonight."

He pushed off from the pillar with fluid grace, his expensive suit catching the golden hotel lights. "I actually considered swinging by your studio to pick you up, but knowing your workaholic tendencies, I figured you’d still be buried under fabric samples until midnight."

His eyes sparkled with amusement. "Perfect timing though—looks like we’re operating on the same wavelength."

Investor? Since when? Serena’s mind reeled, but before she could process this bombshell, Sally’s theatrical gasp cut through her thoughts.

"Oh my GOD!" Sally clutched her chest dramatically. "Mr. Lancaster, talk about husband of the year! You literally invested in an entire fashion week just for Serena? That’s like... next-level romantic gesture territory!"

Cedric’s smile widened, and tellingly, he didn’t deny a single word.

He didn’t deny it. Why didn’t he deny it?

"Alright, lovebirds," Sally announced with exaggerated flair, "I can practically see the heart-eyes from here. I’m going to make my grand entrance solo before you two start making the paparazzi rich."

She waggled her fingers in a playful goodbye and sashayed toward the hotel entrance, leaving them alone under the soft glow of the entrance lights.

Serena turned to face Cedric fully, her designer heels clicking against the marble as she stepped closer. The evening breeze caught a strand of her hair, and she tucked it behind her ear—a nervous habit he’d noticed years ago.

"Okay, explanation time," she said, her voice carrying that no-nonsense tone he both loved and feared. "How is it possible that I—the supposed beneficiary of this grand romantic gesture—am completely clueless about your investment?"

"Surprise?" Cedric offered with mock innocence, then extended his arm toward her. "Come on, Serena. Let’s head inside before they start the evening without the guest of honor."

Serena stared at his offered arm, her internal debate playing out across her features. This man and his secrets. But despite her frustration, despite the questions multiplying in her head like rabbits, she found herself slipping her arm through his.

"Fine. But don’t think this conversation is over," she warned, though her tone had softened.

"Wouldn’t dream of it," Cedric murmured, his satisfaction carefully hidden.

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