Chapter 7

Serena's POV

Those gray eyes remained fixed on me. I have to admit, they were captivating, making me stare at him without even realizing it. But I couldn't accept such a ridiculous and insincere confession.

"Our only connection should be settling the accident compensation-"

"I reject your rejection, Miss Sinclair," Lucas cut in, his tone brooking no argument.

The arrogance in his voice sparked my anger. "Do you even know anything about my past? I'm not as perfect as you seem to think."

"I never doubt my judgment, and I don't care about the past."

"Someone else once said the same things," I retorted bitterly. "How did that turn out?"

How could I possibly trust a virtual stranger?

"You shouldn't compare me to trash." The sudden stillness in the air was broken by his cold words, his expression severe.

I felt my heart skip a beat. His expression made me feel as if I'd genuinely insulted him. Suddenly, I found myself laughing. I wasn't even sure why.

"I'll make sure you see the difference between me and trash, Miss Sinclair," Lucas said, his eyes flickering at my laughter.

The translation of those words was clear enough... he intended to pursue me regardless. He turned and walked away, as if unwilling to waste any more time on this discussion. His decisions, it seemed, were not up for debate.

"Mr. Harrington," I called after him, finally finding my voice.

He stopped but didn't turn around.

"I suggest you look into my past."

"Not necessary."

Ian's POV

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows through the Sinclair mansion's floor-to-ceiling windows as I strode through the familiar marble hallway. My footsteps echoed against the polished floor, each step helping to shed the unpleasantness of the hospital scene.

Lawrence Sinclair's study remained exactly as I remembered - dark wood paneling, leather-bound books, and the subtle scent of aged bourbon. He looked up from his desk as I entered, his expression sharp with anticipation.

"Did Serena agree to break off the engagement?" he asked without preamble.

I adjusted my tie, buying a moment to compose my response. "The relationship is over. The formal dissolution of the engagement will follow naturally."

Nina sat in one of the wingback chairs, her presence a stark contrast to Serena's usual challenging stance. Where Serena would have demanded answers, Nina simply watched me with those warm, admiring eyes.

"It's already done," I added, letting my gaze rest on Nina. "Though I regret that you'll have to wait a bit longer, darling."

She shook her head, her expression softening. "I don't mind waiting. Just being with you makes me happy, Ian."

The warmth in her voice soothed something raw inside me. This was how things should be - simple, uncomplicated. No constant challenge, no need to prove myself.

"There's something else you should know," I said, turning back to Lawrence. "When I went to see her, that cop from the incident was there. The one who carried her out."

Lawrence's face darkened. "Typical. She never could maintain proper standards."

I nodded, bitter satisfaction coursing through me. "Though it seems he might be more than just a cop. There's something... different about him."

"Different how?" Lawrence's attention sharpened.

"Just a feeling." I paused, choosing my words carefully. "He carried himself like someone used to authority. And Serena... she seemed different around him."

"Speaking of authority," Lawrence leaned forward, "I heard Lucas Harrington has returned to Manhattan. The Harrington Group's prodigal son, finally home to take the reins."

The name caught Nina's attention. "Lucas Harrington? Isn't he the one who had a child overseas? The mysterious heir everyone's been gossiping about?"

"The very same," Lawrence confirmed. "Charity gala made by Harringtons next month will be his official introduction to Manhattan society. Nina, as StarRiver's new CEO, you should make an effort to meet him."

I watched Nina's face carefully as she processed this information. "What's he like?" she asked, curiosity evident in her voice.

"No one really knows," I interjected smoothly. "He's been abroad for years. Though given his... situation, I doubt he's anything special. Probably trading on his family name while hiding his inadequacies behind foreign success stories."

Nina laughed softly. "You're probably right. Besides," she added, reaching for my hand, "I already have the most impressive man in Manhattan."

I squeezed her fingers, savoring her complete devotion. "Let's focus on what matters," Lawrence said, pulling out a folder. "The StarRiver transition plans. Nina, you'll need to be ready to take control within the month."

Serena's POV

I've been stuck in this hospital room for a whole week. The white walls, the stale smell of disinfectant-everything's been driving me crazy. Today, I'm finally getting out. My leg still hurts, and I have to rely on a crutch, but that's a small price to pay for my freedom.

As I lie in bed, ready to check out, I remember something: I never transferred that money to Lucas Harrington. I stare at my phone. Oh well, he doesn't look like he's short on cash. I'll just consider it compensation for his emotional offense against me.

With a slight smirk, I scroll through my contacts and dial a vaguely familiar number. It connects to Cassius Swift, my mother's attorney. He speaks calmly, reminding me of what he told me before-my mother, Helen Sinclair, left StarRiver Group to me. It's mine whenever I'm ready to claim it. My heart skips a beat. I tell him I'm ready to take back what belongs to me. We agree to meet at StarRiver Group.

Before I leave the hospital, Milo and Stella show up again. These kids have been visiting almost every day. Milo's always teasing me, making silly faces, doing whatever he can to lift my mood. Stella is quieter-she stands there, looking at me with those soft eyes, not saying much, but her presence is warm and comforting. It's strange that I don't mind them.

Yet every time I see their father, Lucas Harrington, something inside me tenses up. He said he was going to pursue me, but since then, he hasn't made any real move. He appears and disappears like a shadow, leaving me unsure how to feel. The only tangible care I've noticed is the food Walter brings me daily-fresh, delicious meals. I can't deny they taste good, but it doesn't wash away the uneasy feeling I have about Lucas.

I pack my things-mainly just the phone Lucas gave me and a few personal items. Nothing special. Milo looks up at me, eyes brimming with sorrow. "Mommy, will I still see you?" The word "Mommy" hits me hard.

I force myself to smile. "Of course, Milo. I'll leave my number, and if you miss me, just call, okay?"

Milo's face brightens instantly. He jumps up and kisses me on the cheek, leaving me speechless. Stella steps forward and hugs me tight, not saying a word but somehow telling me she doesn't want me to vanish. My throat tightens. I pat her head gently.

Leaning on my crutch, I head for the corridor. Lucas is there, trailing behind like my own personal bodyguard. Even though I want to tell him to back off, I can't find the words. At the hospital's entrance, he opens the car door for me. I think about refusing, but when I meet his gaze-steady, unwavering-I sigh and get in.

Once inside, Lucas asked, "Ms. Sinclair, where do you live?"

"Tribeca Towers."

Since returning to the country, I haven't been back to the Sinclair family. No one from my family has inquired about me.

"Hmm." Lucas responded, giving a nod to the driver. The driver quickly nodded back.

The sedan began to move slowly.

Suddenly, Lucas leaned closer to me. My heart skipped a beat, and I felt a sense of guardedness. Lucas had always kept his distance from me...

In the next moment, I saw him bend down to fasten my seatbelt.

I pressed my lips together, feeling a flush of embarrassment.

After securing the seatbelt, Lucas spoke in a calm tone, "Ms. Sinclair, there's no need to clench your fists so tightly."

I abruptly lowered my head, realizing I had unconsciously been clenching my fists. Embarrassment spread through me...

"Don't worry, Ms. Sinclair. I have always maintained my integrity."

Feeling a bit uncomfortable, I decided to push back. I let out a dry laugh, crossing my arms. "So, you claim you're all pure as driven snow, but somehow you ended up with two kids. Care to explain how that magic trick worked?"

He stays calm-too calm-eyes on the road. "I was forced."