The Seductive Pretty Boy of the Matriarchal World-Chapter 68: Serena the Streetlamp

Chapter 68: Serena the Streetlamp

Elias Kane watched the luxury sedan until it vanished completely around the corner, not even a trace of exhaust lingering in the air. Only then did he turn and look up at the towering restaurant in front of him.

It wasn’t the Pinnacle Club. Serena Blackwood had obviously chosen a different venue after the unpleasant memories attached to the last one. Fine by him—he was always up for trying something new. He started forward, stepped through the revolving glass doors into the marble lobby, and was immediately met by an elegant woman whose polished smile lit up her striking features. "Mr. Kane?"

"Yes."

"Right this way, please."

Elias followed her toward the elevators, keeping his tone light inside his head. "See? Serena still trusts me. If it had been Liora Voss, she probably would have sent another plain-looking woman to escort me."

[System Theta: !]

In such a short time the host shouldn’t have been able to charm anyone...

Right?

The woman led him into the private elevator. Not a single other soul appeared the entire ride up. Exactly as expected—Serena had booked the entire building this time, not just one floor like before.

Elias allowed himself a rare flicker of genuine surprise. "This is already beyond streetlamp territory. She’s gone full capital-goddess mode."

[System Theta: Exactly.]

Elias kept going, voice dry. "Such wasteful extravagance!"

[System Theta: Absolutely.]

"Why not just hand all that money straight to me? Forget dinner—we could skip straight to the main course."

[System Theta: ...]

The elevator chimed softly. The doors slid open. The woman bowed gracefully and gestured with an open palm. "Enjoy your meal, sir."

Elias returned a polite smile and stepped out. The space was styled much like the Pinnacle Club—open-plan dining with sweeping curved glass walls offering a panoramic view of the river and glittering city skyline. A completely different vista, but the same quiet luxury.

Serena Blackwood sat at the center table, waiting. The moment she saw him her expression softened into a warm, welcoming smile.

Wow.

Elias’s inner voice carried real surprise. This might be the first time Serena had ever arrived early. Her acting skills might be mediocre, but at least she took her role seriously. Points for professionalism.

That small realization improved his mood toward her. When she motioned for him to sit beside her, he did so without any deliberate coldness, sliding into the seat with easy grace.

"What would you like?" Serena asked, voice gentle, every inch the attentive girlfriend who cared deeply about her boyfriend’s preferences.

Elias lowered his gaze. "Anything."

Two words that ranked in the top ten of phrases lovers dreaded most.

"Really? Since you’re not sure, I’ll make some recommendations." Serena showed no irritation. She lifted a hand, summoned a waiter with practiced ease, and began ordering with smooth confidence.

It wasn’t exactly ordering. After she finished speaking the server stepped back a respectful distance, murmured something into the discreet microphone on his collar, and moments later other staff appeared carrying dishes.

Elias’s eyes snapped up to Serena, a flash of accusation in them.

The food arrived so quickly—had she ordered the entire menu in advance?

Serena the streetlamp, don’t push it.

Serena met his stare and instantly understood the suspicion. She didn’t deny it. Instead she pulled him into her arms with effortless affection, voice soft against his ear. "I knew you’d say ’anything,’ so I had the kitchen start preparing these the moment I arrived."

"I know how much you hate waste. I would never be that extravagant."

Elias stopped struggling at once.

Elias thought, Heh. Who was the one who booked an entire restaurant?

[System Theta: Shouldn’t that be her own money?]

Elias answered without hesitation. "Her money is my money."

[System Theta: How exactly would you get it? You’re not her heir...]

Elias: "Who says you have to be an heir? Marriage works too."

[System Theta: You’re going to marry her?]

"Mhm." Elias’s tone stayed casual. "Just get her to sign a prenup, marry, then divorce. Half the assets, easy."

The system fell silent, quietly updating its internal database.

New knowledge acquired.

While bantering with the system, Elias didn’t neglect Serena. His expression gradually softened. Even in silence his attitude made his feelings clear.

Serena’s smile deepened, growing more genuine. She was learning him better every day.

Elias ate with real satisfaction. The flavors were completely different from the Pinnacle Club—fresh, inventive, perfectly balanced.

Of course, it would have been even better if someone hadn’t spent the entire meal feeding him bites from her own fork.

Full on the outside meant it was time for the main event.

Still, Elias noticed the odd undercurrent. The incident with Giselle yesterday had definitely reached Serena’s ears, yet she never once mentioned it. It didn’t feel like she was holding back because they were eating. It felt like she simply... didn’t want to bring it up.

That wouldn’t do.

If Serena refused to mention it, he would force the subject.

They sat together in the back seat as the car glided toward their usual destination.

When the vehicle stopped smoothly outside the hotel, Serena reached for the door. Elias spoke up suddenly. "Wait."

"Hm?"

One long leg already on the pavement, Serena turned back to look at him.

Elias pulled a black card from the inner pocket of his jacket and held it out, head lowered. "There’s ten million dollars in here. I haven’t spent a single cent."

Serena glanced at the card but didn’t take it. She told the driver to step out, pulled her leg back inside, and closed the door.

She stayed silent, waiting for him to finish.

Elias obliged, speaking slowly and clearly. "From now on... we shouldn’t see each other anymore."

Serena didn’t ask what he meant. Instead she said, "What about your father’s illness?"

Typical capitalist. Always cuts straight to the point.

Elias kept his voice low. "I found a medical team. They can treat him."

Serena understood instantly. Her tone stayed mild. "Giselle Frost helped you, didn’t she?"

Elias didn’t answer. His long lashes lowered, hiding his eyes in perfect silence.

That silence was answer enough.

Serena drew a slow, controlled breath, fighting the surge of fury rising inside her. Even her voice turned hoarse. "Take the card back."

Elias thought, Can’t hold it in anymore? Time to pour on more fuel.

He shook his head. "I won’t..."

Before he could finish, Serena lunged forward and pinned him hard against the back seat.

A low, pained sound slipped from between Elias’s lips. "Mmph..."