Falling For My Accidental CEO Husband
Chapter 157: A Party

Chapter 157: A Party

A gift," Sidney replied, his voice laced with a playful edge as he nodded toward the boxes.

Serena’s expression darkened immediately. "The trash bin is right there. Feel free to dump everything in it." She gave a dismissive wave, clearly uninterested.

Sidney shook his head, still smiling but with a hint of exasperation. "Tsk, tsk. That’s not exactly how you treat a gift, Rena. Come on. Believe it or not, you’re going to need this."

Serena’s eyes narrowed, clearly unimpressed. "The day I actually need a gift from you, Sidney...," she paused, then glanced at the boxes in distaste.

"These are clothes for tonight, Rena"" Sidney’s smile widened. "There’s a celebration tonight, and you, my dear, will be accompanying me."

"In your dreams," Serena shot back, folding her arms defiantly.

"Not quite," he said, undeterred. "In reality, actually. And Rena," he lowered his voice a fraction, "I know you’re planning to fire Ava."

Serena’s expression shifted, her brow arching in surprise. "And so, instead of covering for her, your dear fiance, you’re offering to take me out to some party?" She looked at him, trying to decipher his motives. "I don’t understand, Sidney. For all her flaws, Ava genuinely loves you."

Sidney shrugged, a hint of indifference in his gaze. "I never asked for her love, Rena. There is only one person I love." Serena’s eyes hardened

That’s not why I’m here." He gestured toward the boxes. "Tonight’s event is being hosted by Investor Ji, and he’s invited several prominent players. A perfect chance to make your own connections and maybe gain some valuable allies." He paused, letting the suggestion sink in. "Are you really going to pass that up?"

"No. As a matter of fact, I already have the invitation. What I am going to pass up is the ’gifts’ that you’ve brought for me. I don’t need them."

"Very well. Then I’ll come pick you up at six?"

"I will not be..."Before Serena could finish the words, Sidney had already walked towards the exit. However, he paused at the door," There will be someone interesting that you might meet there. Someone who actually hated your grandmother, in care you are interested in meeting them..."

Serena watched him give her a smug smile as he closed the door. The fact that he knew she was looking for the killer and continued to hold that as a carrot to bait her, galled her. The day she discovered who the person behind everything was, she would definitely... She didn’t know what she would do actually. Until now, she had been trying to look for Sidney’s motives and they seemed to be exactly what.... she shook her head. She would not think about that.

***

Sidney leaned against the sleek, polished car, his heart pounding with anticipation as he imagined how Serena would look tonight. This was the first time she’d be appearing in public on his arm, and the thought alone filled him with a quiet pride he hadn’t anticipated. This moment—seeing her by his side, part of his world—was something he’d once only dared to imagine. Now, it was finally happening.

A flicker of guilt tugged at him, whispering that while she’d agreed to accompany him, it was less out of desire and more out of coercion. But he quickly pushed the thought aside. That didn’t matter, he told himself firmly. Serena would come around; he just needed time. He’d managed to win her over once before, hadn’t he? And he could do it again. He repeated this mantra like a lifeline, clinging to the belief as self-doubt threatened to creep in.

But before he could delve too far down that road, Serena appeared, stepping out of the building, and for a brief, breathtaking moment, everything else faded away. His pulse stopped, then kicked up again, stronger than ever. She looked stunning.

The dress she’d chosen was unlike anything he’d seen her wear before. It was vibrant, bold, a color that seemed to make her eyes glow like embers catching light. He realized he hadn’t seen her in such a striking hue since the last time he’d almost glimpsed her with Aiden. She had worn red then. But tonight, she’d chosen a shade that brought out warm, golden flecks in her eyes he hadn’t noticed before. The color was unexpected, a daring choice that drew attention, setting her apart from the sea of pastels that had become the trend lately.

Sidney felt his chest swell with pride and possessiveness. In that moment, he knew: no one would look at her without realizing she was with him tonight. And, whether she liked it or not, she was here by his side—right where he wanted her to be.

"You look... breathtaking, Rena."

"And yet, unfortunately, you are still breathing." Serena muttered under her breath, ignoring him.

He chuckled, unfazed by her response, and took a step closer, placing a hand lightly on the small of her back to guide her toward the limo. Instantly, she stiffened under his touch, her body rigid as she shot him a sharp look.

"Hands off, Sidney," she warned, her voice low but laced with menace. "If you want me on your arm, fine. But keep your paws to yourself, or I’ll make you regret it."

He held up his hands in mock surrender, his smirk never faltering. "Noted," he replied, stepping back and allowing her to step into the limo unassisted. Once she was seated, he slid in beside her, a hint of amusement in his gaze as he closed the door behind them.

As the car pulled away, he leaned back, glancing over at her, the faintest hint of a challenge in his expression. "Tonight will be worth it, Serena. You might even enjoy yourself."

She scoffed, turning to face the window, clearly unimpressed and intent on ignoring him. "Don’t hold your breathor rather hold your breath and choke to death," she muttered, her gaze fixed firmly on the city lights blurring past them, as if seeking an escape from his presence.

Sidney’s smile faded slightly as he watched her, the glint of resistance in her posture only making him more determined. He would make sure to wear her down.