36 Chapter 36 : Madly in Love with Claire Shaw Caleb Lockwood : What did you have for dinner ? Serena Jennings stared at these few words for ten minutes , without replying . The drowsiness she felt disappeared , and she tossed and turned before finally falling asleep late . The Lockwood Group's annual gala was scheduled at the Riverview Grand Hotel's 57th - floor revolving buffet . Employees were allowed to bring one or two relatives or friends to accompany them . Serena only brought Lana Xavier , considering Justin Nash's current status , it didn't seem appropriate for him to come to the Lockwood Group . Tonight was Lana Xavier's first time wearing a formal gown , and she was so thrilled she nearly twisted her ankle . The gown was a gift from Serena , who selected the off - shoulder style most suitable for Lana . The strapless blue velvet dress Serena wore was also from ZM . According to Lockwood Group's tradition , the host invites Caleb Lockwood to deliver a speech every year , as the opening of the gala . However , this year , the format changed . It turned into Caleb Lockwood inviting a lady to dance the opening dance . The person Caleb invited was naturally Claire Shaw , who was even more luxurious and dazzling today with her makeup , hairstyle , and gown , and though also pink , it exuded a sense of brilliance that overshadowed others . The two held hands and embraced each other's waists , dancing gracefully in front of the entire company . " What's the difference from an official announcement ? " Serena heard Christine Warren say behind her . " Official announcement what official announcement , do you know ... " 36 Chapter 36 : Madly in Love with Claire Shaw Before Lana could turn around and finish speaking , Serena immediately shushed her . She didn't want anyone at the company to know about her relationship with Caleb Lockwood . Even though the divorce had been unilaterally delayed by Caleb , as long as the two lived separately for two years , she still had the opportunity to file for divorce . Since divorce was inevitable sooner or later , there was no need to let more people know , especially those in the company . Otherwise , Caleb would undoubtedly think she was deliberately exposing her identity , claiming she wanted a divorce when actually , she had no intention of leaving . Before her were Caleb Lockwood and Claire Shaw , dancing . Serena had to admit that Claire danced this waltz exceptionally well , her steps were precise , her demeanor elegant , like a beautiful swan . After the dance ended , Claire sat at a black grand piano on ge and played Tchaikovsky's " The Seasons " . The piano sound was elegant and fluent , moving and receiving countless applause . Claire was exceptional . Serena agreed . Since Claire was so outstanding , what was Caleb still hesitating about ? ( 1 Why not divorce her earlier and formally bring Claire into the Lockwood Family ? Serena felt a bit agitated . Seeing others get lost in the piano performance , her inner turmoil doubled . Squeezing out from the spectators , she and Lana initially wanted to find a quiet spot for some drinks , but unexpectedly Lily Sutton and Owen Warren arrived . " See that ? Claire truly exemplifies a noble lady . She's grade ten in piano ; someone else playing on a dual keyboard was just sheer luck . " Lily stood with her hands on her hips , displaying an arrogant demeanor . Lana , now itching to hit them upon seeing both Lily and Owen's faces , had already caused Serena trouble 36 Chapter 36 : Madly in Love with Claire Shaw once and dared not hit anyone again . Serena looked at Lily , then at Owen , and smiled . " Congratulations , your faces have recovered pretty nicely ." The memory of being beaten to a pulp resurfaced instantly , making Lily and Owen's expressions change drastically . " Don't be so arrogant ! " Owen clenched the high - stemmed glass in his hand , glaring at Serena , " Do you really think you're some wealthy lady ? Let me tell you , in President Lockwood's eyes , you're just a nanny , Claire is his true love . " " Exactly , the shameless mistress , occupying the nest ." " How low must one be to stay despite knowing the person has a true love . " " Just look in the mirror and see if a yellow - faced woman like you deserves someone like President Lockwood ." Being pointed at and insulted by Lily and Owen , Serena indeed understood why Lana couldn't resist hitting them . This was still at the Lockwood Group's gala ; undoubtedly , the insults were worse privately . Lana wasn't great at verbal sparring , and she couldn't hit anyone now , intending to pull Serena away from this troublesome place . Unexpectedly , Serena quietly stood her ground until Lily and Owen's insults stopped . " Are you done ? " Serena's face remained calm , as she unhurriedly took a sip of her drink , and said to Lily and Owen : " You say Caleb truly loves Claire , then why won't he marry her ? I can at least be a nanny ; is Claire not even fit to be a nanny ? " " Also , Caleb and I have a marriage certificate , what do Claire and Caleb have ? Whatever it is , I welcome you to provide it as Caleb's extramarital affair evidence . " " I advise you two , rather than waste time insulting me here , you'd better try persuading Caleb . By the time Claire is old and still a mistress , you two will only be stray dogs ." 36 Chapter 36 : Madly in Love with Claire Shaw Serena finished her rebuttal cheerfully , but then Owen splashed wine all over her . Before she could speak , Lana beside her cried out in surprise . The commotion attracted the attention of many , including Caleb Lockwood and Claire Shaw . " Ayo , what's going on ? " Claire's concern for Owen was expressed verbally , but the triumph in her eyes was obvious upon seeing Serena soaked in wine . Serena originally thought she'd definitely be despised by Caleb in such a sorry state . However , Caleb was the first to offer her a napkin . Caleb's gaze was gentler than she expected , and his handsome face was dazzlingly handsome from any angle . Taking the napkin from Caleb's hand , Serena hesitated slightly but still said , " Thank you . " This incident indirectly involved Caleb , but she could not lay the blame on him . " Sorry , Serena , Ayo didn't mean it ." Claire apologized , nervously clutching Caleb's arm as if fearing Serena would pursue the matter . " Whether it was intentional will be clear once we check the surveillance . " Serena replied coldly . " How about this ? How much is your dress ? I'll replace ... Before she finished the word " compensate , " Caleb calmly took over , " I'll compensate ." The disturbance drew many onlookers , and as Caleb offered to compensate on Claire's behalf , the onlookers ' focus notably shifted . " President Lockwood and Claire must be dating , right? " " I heard President Lockwood's pursuing Claire . " " His first love and true affection , President Lockwood's been after her for years without success ! " The gossiping crowd speculated noisily . Here , Claire feigned courtesy with Caleb , her face as red as a ripe apple . Serena felt as though she was once again a pawn in Caleb and Claire's play . 36 Chapter 36 : Madly in Love with Claire Shaw Caleb initially used her to retaliate against Claire , and now was using her in his pursuit of Claire . To think she'd felt a moment of hesitation when Caleb handed her the napkin , Serena mocked herself . " Tell me , how much is your dress ? " " Three million . " Once Serena said this , the place erupted in shock . " Serena , isn't that asking for too much ? " Christine Warren was the first to step out , pointing at Serena indignantly , " How much is your monthly salary ? Less than ten thousand , right ! Can you afford a three - million dress ? Do you think anyone believes what you're saying ? " Prompted by Christine , others began to point fingers at Serena . " Isn't she President Lockwood's secretary ? Daring to extort her own boss , she doesn't want the job anymore ? " " Three million , well worth resigning once she actually gets it ! " " The one they said only has a high school degree is her , isn't it ? " " No wonder ... She probably had that in mind from the start . " Lana beside her was so tense she couldn't move . She absolutely didn't expect Serena's gown gift to be from a store that expensive ! She believed Serena wasn't lying . But where did Serena get so much money ? " Alright , three million , I'll pay . " Caleb agreed readily . While many commented that Caleb was deeply in love with Claire , they suddenly saw Caleb lift Serena and carry her on his shoulder , striding out of the buffet .