Chapter 5 Party

Alex's POV

After Serene left, I reached for the phone to call Von, instructing him to have someone follow her. Despite her independence, I felt the need to know more about her. She had gathered some basic information about me, yet I was still in the dark about her, knowing only her name.

Von informed me of her location, and I was relieved that it wasn't far from the office. I decided to follow her and keep my presence hidden. I didn't want her to think that I was a very possessive husband who obsessively tracked her every move.

I was in my car, eavesdropping on everything inside the store through the man Von had assigned to follow her. Intrigued, I stepped out of my car and went into the store. But I found Patt and Enzo by the entrance, who gave me a nod. Engrossed in her conversation with her father, Serene didn't notice my presence.

I watched as my wife's plan unfolded, a smirk on my lips. I saw her heading towards a corner of the store, selecting a handful of gowns. I heard her half-sister gasp, and I could almost see the surprise on her face. I was certain that the gowns Serene had chosen were among the most expensive in the store. If I were in her shoes, I would have done the same.

Approaching Enzo, I handed him my black card. "Tell her to get anything she likes," I instructed before exiting. I decided to head back to my office, confident in Serene's ability to fend for herself.

"Sir," Von greeted me, placing the black card I had given to Enzo on my desk.

"Are they done?" I asked.

"Madam decided to get her gown from somewhere else," he informed me. "She's back at the penthouse," he added, to which I nodded.

"Any idea where she might be getting the gown from?" I queried.

"I'm not sure, sir. Enzo mentioned that she had made a call and the gown would be ready by tomorrow afternoon."

"Do you think she purposely went to that store, knowing her father would be there?" I asked, and my curiosity was piqued.

"I can't be certain, sir. But if she did, it seems she's always one step ahead of her father," he remarked, a comment I found myself agreeing with.

"Yes, I believe so too. Nonetheless, instruct our men to keep an eye on her," I instructed. I resumed working as Von left my office feeling at ease, knowing that Serene was secure in the penthouse. My gaze fell on the party invitation on my desk, and I found myself contemplating whether to attend or not.

***

The party was a lavish affair, and Lorenzo spent a lot of money. I wondered what he hoped to gain from such a display of wealth and whether it could threaten Serene.

Yes, I chose to attend the party but kept a low profile and positioned myself at a table far from the host. I wondered how Serene would navigate this event and react if Lorenzo and his family attempted to cross her.

While she was getting ready, I remained in my office, feigning disinterest. I let her do her thing, not bothering to check her appearance. She was already stunning, and I was certain the men around her would cater to her every need.

A few of my men were already at the venue, ready to report back to me while I was still en route.

With a glass of fine wine in my hand, I savored each sip, certain it was the best the country had to offer. "Hello, everyone, and thank you for your presence. Serendipity Jewelry is my pride and joy. I've invested significant time and effort into making it what it is today," Lorenzo announced from the stage, Daisy by his side, her smile stretching from ear to ear. I found myself wondering where their daughter was.

"I am pleased today to finally prove my worth. The family that once disowned me is now reaching out to me," he continued, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Please, everyone, witness the struggle that brought me to where I am today," he added as a video began to play on the screen.

The video showed images of Lorenzo and Daisy together, appearing sweet and supportive towards each other. I was certain that they had edited the images. The entire video was motivational, and if Serene hadn't been my wife and I hadn't spoken to her, I might have bought into the story they were trying to tell. The room filled with applause as another video played, causing the guests to fall silent again.

On the screen, a woman, busy with jewelry design, shook hands with business professionals. It was a video, and the woman smiled when she realized she was being recorded.

"How do you like this design?" the woman asked, and a thumbs-up appeared on the screen. "I have many designs here, and if I were to leave this world, my daughter Serene would have a vast collection to use until she can create her own," the woman said. She then opened a drawer and proudly showcased all the designs she had created on camera.

"Stop that!" Lorenzo suddenly shouted, startling everyone in the room. All eyes turned to him and then to Daisy. Clearly, he was not responsible for the designs that Serendipity had been showcasing all these years. "Stop that!" Lorenzo repeated, his voice filled with frustration.

As the tension escalated, Serene entered the hall, clapping her hands and wearing a stunning white and silver gown accentuating her perfect figure. As she gracefully turned, the back of the gown was elegant and appropriate, but when I caught sight of the front, my eyes nearly popped out of my head.

The gown had long, loose sleeves, but what drove me wild was the sheer front, with only strategic parts covered. Every man in the room was likely fantasizing about her at that moment, and I had the urge to rush to her side and cover her with my coat. Why the hell was she wearing something like that when she almost killed one of her men who bought the wedding dress she wore on our wedding day?

"What are you doing here?" Daisy asked while Lorenzo stared at her with disdain. The commotion was so loud that it drew my attention away from my beautiful and alluring wife, diverting my gaze toward the unfolding drama.

"Of course, I needed to be here to honor my mother's hard work," Serene replied, emphasizing the word 'mom.'

"Your mother passed away a long time ago. What hard work are you talking about?" Daisy questioned me once again.

"Why are you even asking me? Who are you in this company anyway?" Serene retorted, raising an eyebrow. Speechless, Daisy turned to Lorenzo for support.

"You have no right to be here. Who let you in?" Her father demanded, scanning the room for someone to remove Serene. And when he found a waiter serving drinks, he ordered, "Take this woman out of here."

"I am the daughter of the woman in the video. Why wouldn't I have the right to be here? That woman is here too, who just after my mother's passing," Serene stated. "Oh, right after my mother's death. I haven't even had a chance to mourn, and yet you've already brought her into my mother's house, along with her daughter. Or should I say your daughter?" she added, her words dripping with bitterness.

"He had a mistress?" one of the guests asked, whispering and starting a flurry of gossip about Lorenzo and Daisy.

"His wife is so beautiful, and judging by the video, she was the one who did all the work, contrary to what he wanted us to believe," the others chimed in, their voices filled with disbelief.

"I told you, I've already met Marissa. She was skilled at designing jewelry, and I even encountered her once while negotiating with a stone supplier for her creations," an elegant woman shared, and the women around her nodded in agreement.

"Please give a warm welcome to Ms. Mavie Sy," someone announced, and all eyes turned to the stage as Mavie made her entrance, wearing a stunning light blue gown that accentuated the necklace around her neck.

"Hello, everyone. I would like to showcase our new design, created by my talented mother, Daisy," she said, placing her hand on her chest with the necklace in between. Laughter erupted from the crowd, and I couldn't help but join in.

"And you still dare to show up with that necklace?" Serene asked.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, oblivious to the situation. Mavie's mouth hung open as she realized she was being laughed at. Daisy and Lorenzo quickly approached her and escorted her off the stage.

The guests waited for the family to return, but it never happened. Instead, Serene took the stage, continuing the party and assuming the role of the host. The event centered around Serendipity Jewelry, her mother, and the company's journey.

With grace and elegance, Serene captivated the crowd, politely declining the advances of those who tried to get closer to her. Von was right; Serene was one step ahead of her father.

I still wanted to witness the end of the party, but it seemed unnecessary now. Serene had everything planned out, and it worked in her favor.

Deciding to leave the venue, I headed home. I wanted to be there when Serene arrived so as not to raise any suspicions. Although I wasn't sure if she still had no idea about my attendance there, I directed Von to leave a group of men behind to monitor Serene closely. I was captivated by her gown and yearned to remain by her side, but I was compelled to do so. I glanced at Serene one last time before blending in with the crowd and left. I was certain that today's events would be tomorrow's headline.