First Love Only? I Left Him First, Now the CEO Can't Let Go novel Chapter 216

Chapter 216: Chapter 216: Family Alliance Through Marriage

Serena Jennings and Prince William concluded their dance, earning unanimous applause from the guests present.

However, Serena did not understand why they were clapping.

"Prince William, I was wondering why you kept refusing the royal matchmaking events before; turns out you already had someone in mind!"

A friend of Prince William came over with a glass of wine and said.

Before Serena could explain, Prince William quickly interjected.

"Don’t make things up. This is my idol, Master BYC, whose real name is Serena Jennings."

Upon hearing this, the person was taken aback.

Not everyone recognized Serena, but the name BYC was well-known.

"Oh my, so you’re the master of the Piano Series designs? I always thought Master BYC was a middle-aged man!"

In the years when BYC had never unveiled their identity, Serena indeed heard many speculations about BYC’s true identity.

Most guessed it was a male designer nearing middle age.

"So, can I say that tonight I have the chance to bid on one of your designed jewelry pieces?"

Prince William’s friend appeared determined to win.

"Let me warn you, Your Highness, I won’t let you have it easily."

"Who needs your concession! My idol’s work must be mine!"

Serena chuckled lightly.

At this moment, Peter approached her and whispered, "Looks like the competition for your items will be fierce tonight!"

Serena noticed a slight trace of concern on Peter’s face.

"What’s wrong? Are you really worried about whose auction items will fetch a higher price between ours?"

Peter glanced at Serena, smiling mysteriously.

"I’m not telling you."

Serena was puzzled.

As she and Peter continued to socialize, she unexpectedly spotted someone among the guests.

"Cynthia Fulton actually came too?"

Peter followed Serena’s gaze and explained, "She wasn’t invited. She probably snuck in through other connections... Given the Fulton Family’s current situation, she likely can’t afford any of the auction items here."

Listening to Peter, Serena kept her eyes on Cynthia Fulton.

She remembered how Cynthia used to appear at such social events as the image of an upper-class socialite.

Not to the extent of Wendy Linton, who exuded confidence and pride, but the former Cynthia also had the aura of the Fulton Family’s daughter.

However, the Cynthia before her seemed like a different person.

Cynthia wore a black evening dress without any jewelry, and though she had makeup on, the look couldn’t hide her exhaustion.

Moreover, she clearly seemed to be seeking assistance, hovering around other guests like a lapdog, nodding and bowing with a forced smile.

Yet, even so, many would politely exchange a few words with Cynthia before choosing to distance themselves.

In the vast banquet hall, Cynthia alone resembled a headless fly, both anxious and awkward.

Noticing Serena’s slight concern for Cynthia, Peter shared some hearsay he had picked up.

"Cynthia Fulton is likely trying to use this charity banquet to ask others to lend money to their Newcross Real Estate."

Serena’s eyes widened slightly.

It seemed the Fulton Family’s predicament was more severe than she had imagined.

"But..."

Peter shook his head.

"Even though this isn’t Country A, the news of Newcross Real Estate on the brink of bankruptcy can’t be unknown to other countries’ capital markets. Cynthia now is like a rat crossing the street—everyone looks down on her... Plus, it’s common knowledge in the circle that Caleb Lockwood is behind the downfall of the Fulton Family, and aiding the Fultons now would be akin to opposing Caleb Lockwood. No one would be that foolish."

Peter’s words struck a chord with Serena.

Even though Caleb Lockwood had many rivals, they had no reason to help Cynthia either—neither benefiting themselves nor impacting the Lockwood Group.

As Serena watched Cynthia’s constant setbacks, her expression turned cooler.

She thought of Claire Shaw.

The smile instantly vanished from Lilian Young’s face.

Caleb Lockwood, while adjusting his chair, glanced at the table next door and saw Prince William taking off his tailcoat and handing it to Serena, then passing her a pen.

At that moment, Arthur Lockwood nudged him with his elbow.

"Caleb is a bit introverted and not too talkative, but he’s the type to do more than he says."

Seeing Arthur Lockwood’s meaningful gaze, Caleb Lockwood peeled an Emperor Crab leg meat and handed it to Wendy Linton.

"Thank you."

Wendy Linton gracefully accepted the crab leg meat Caleb prepared for her, casting him a charming glance.

"You’re very gentlemanly."

"It’s my pleasure."

Caleb’s response was as indifferent as ever.

Lilian Young was growing anxious beside them, though she noted Wendy seemed to have a good impression of Caleb.

The guests enjoyed their meals while chatting, occasionally raising their paddles to bid on items they desired.

The atmosphere in the banquet hall was harmonious.

Serena inadvertently noticed that Cynthia, who had been standing like a server in the corner earlier, had quietly left.

Cynthia was not an officially invited guest by the organizers and therefore did not have an assigned seat.

At the beginning of the auction, Cynthia was the only one standing.

Serena guessed that someone like Cynthia, a fallen socialite, couldn’t bear to watch items being bought for high prices while she could afford nothing and had no seat.

"The next item is a piece of jewelry."

The announcer’s voice caught Serena’s attention.

Prince William and Peter simultaneously tightened their grips on their paddles.

At the next table, Caleb Lockwood for the first time picked up his paddle for bidding.

At the same time, someone else, sitting in the back rows, quietly pushed up the gold-rimmed spectacles on their high nose bridge with the paddle in hand.