First Love Only? I Left Him First, Now the CEO Can't Let Go novel Chapter 221

Chapter 221: Chapter 221: I Don’t Want to Let Go

After the president of the charity foundation stepped down, only Serena Jennings and the host remained on the stage.

The host picked up the microphone again and said:

"Next, let’s welcome the award presenter... Mr. Caleb Lockwood, general manager of The Lockwood Group, to the stage."

Caleb Lockwood stood up calmly, but Arthur Lockwood and Lilian Young, sitting next to him, were anything but calm.

They had never heard that there would be an award segment at this charity auction, let alone that Caleb would be the presenter.

At the neighboring table, Prince William’s face turned green.

He shot a silent glare at the host, questioning why the plan was different from what had been arranged.

Originally, as one of the hosts and local lead, he should have been the one presenting the award.

The host could only manage a wry smile.

He was just an employee and had no idea why the decision to change the presenter was made at the last minute.

Caleb Lockwood stepped onto the stage, took the certificate from the etiquette lady, and presented it to Serena.

Under the lights, the angles of Caleb Lockwood’s face were sharply defined.

However, Serena could not discern what Caleb was thinking at that moment.

She only saw Caleb’s charming smile forming a slight curve on his lips.

"Congratulations."

"...Thank you."

Serena held the honor certificate in one hand and shook hands with Caleb with the other.

In such circumstances, it’s customary for the presenter and the recipient to shake hands.

Serena found nothing inappropriate, especially as Caleb had extended his hand towards her.

Their hands clasped together.

Caleb’s palm was cool.

After the handshake, Serena wanted to withdraw her hand.

But Caleb did not let go.

Serena paused, applied a little force, attempting to pull her hand free.

Yet Caleb held her hand even tighter.

Serena lifted her gaze, glaring at Caleb.

Caleb’s professional smile remained unmoved.

And so did the hand holding Serena’s.

The audience below watched them; Serena couldn’t fathom what Caleb was doing.

"Let go of me."

Serena whispered a warning.

Caleb didn’t listen.

In Serena’s mind, Caleb indeed was someone who never took advice.

The unusual scene on stage naturally caught the audience’s attention, especially since Caleb and Serena were once husband and wife. Standing together on the same stage, hand in hand, led many to speculate about their current relationship.

Lilian Young leaned closer to Arthur Lockwood, whispering discontentedly, "What’s going on with your son tonight!"

"How would I know."

Arthur Lockwood gave Lilian Young a disgruntled look.

"What do you mean you don’t know... Didn’t you say Caleb was obedient, understanding, and had agreed to meet the Linton family’s daughter!"

"Enough, don’t shout in my ear."

Arthur Lockwood looked displeased, but he couldn’t really push Lilian Young away, especially in front of others, particularly the Linton family.

In fact, Caleb had never said he agreed to a date with Wendy Linton.

However, in Arthur Lockwood’s eyes, since Caleb had agreed to meet Wendy alone and talk business, it was as if Caleb had accepted his arrangement.

Since Caleb was smart enough to see through his intention to ally with the Linton family through marriage.

Originally, Arthur Lockwood was quite pleased, thinking that as long as Caleb agreed, the Lockwood and Linton families’ alliance was almost in the bag.

However, Caleb’s behavior tonight left him very unsatisfied.

Similarly unsatisfied was Lilian Young.

She was very worried that Caleb’s behavior might anger the Linton family.

Ian Blackwood lifted his glass towards him, his eyes cold behind his gold-rimmed glasses.

Caleb Lockwood smirked silently, continuing to sip his red wine.

"Oh, I heard Miss Wendy is not only excellent in business but also the hottest racing goddess in Country C right now!"

Arthur Lockwood understood the intention behind Lilian Young’s words.

Caleb Lockwood liked exceptional women.

And Lilian Young’s words were meant to convey to Caleb that Wendy Linton was far more outstanding than Serena.

"Auntie, you can just call me Wendy."

Upon hearing Wendy Linton say this, Lilian Young was overjoyed.

"Of course, Wendy... such a nice name... and such an outstanding person..."

"Indeed!" Arthur Lockwood chimed in, "Wendy also plays the piano wonderfully! She could be said to carry on Mrs. Linton’s legacy."

Jade Shaw only smiled faintly; to Arthur and Lilian, it seemed Jade was being modest, so she didn’t lavish more praise on her foster daughter.

"Claire plays the piano very well too."

Caleb suddenly added.

The harmonious atmosphere at the dining table suddenly turned awkward again.

"Claire is..."

Jade Shaw tentatively asked.

"Oh, just an old high school friend of Caleb’s; he used to say she played the piano well, but unfortunately, after her hand injury, she could no longer play the notes Caleb talked about..."

Lilian Young quickly explained.

"If Minister Lin is willing, you can visit our humble place sometime. I’d love to hear Wendy play, only if Wendy is willing."

Arthur Lockwood threw the ball to Wendy Linton, setting up another meeting with the piano playing as an excuse.

"Uncle Lockwood, you’re too kind. If you want to listen, of course, I’m willing to play."

Wendy Linton said, turning to look at Caleb, her smile unchanged.

"We could also invite your high school friend to join. We could perform a four-hand duet together."