Chapter 21

Serena's POV

"You're right, Nina's been at StarRiver for years," he had boasted, voice dripping smug satisfaction, "not like you, some newcomer. If you really want StarRiver managed right, putting Nina in charge is your smartest move yet!"

I gave a polite chuckle, though I felt nothing but scorn. "Well, I'll consider that your good wish, then."

He didn't hear the sarcasm under my forced civility. "By the way," he went on, "don't forget our arrangement with James Chapman-this is not optional. You need to-"

"That's my private business," I cut him off, my patience gone. "I don't need you meddling."Before he could get another word out, I pressed the end-call button.

The second I toss my phone aside, it buzzes again. For a split second, I think it's him calling back, but no. It's Ian Whitmore. Ugh. I roll my eyes. Probably some self-congratulatory text about me and Nina reconciling or how he can't wait to see me at some fancy function. Without a second thought, I swipe left, delete it.

I sink into my office chair, running a hand through my hair. The entire design department is in chaos thanks to Nina's half-baked sketches, and I'm busy drafting a new plan for our upcoming line.

Then my cellphone rings again. I glance at the caller ID, Lucas. My pulse jumps a little despite myself. There's just something about his name lighting up my screen that makes my heart skip. I answer casually, hoping he can't hear that slight hitch in my breath.

"Lucas," I say.

He chuckles, voice deep and smooth as silk. "Seems like you picked up a bit faster this time, Serena."

I roll my eyes even though he can't see me. "You caught me at a good time. I was about to throw my phone at the wall."

He laughs, that warm, throaty sound that travels straight from the speaker to my chest. "By the way," he adds, his tone dropping a notch, "I told you, call me something else."

I lean back, pretending to think. "Let's see... Luc? Or how about I just call you 'trouble'?"

His voice turns playful. "Close, but not quite what I had in mind. I'm leaning toward something more intimate. Like 'hubby.'"

I bark out a short laugh, heat flooding my cheeks even though I hate to admit it. "Yeah, keep dreaming."

Lucas doesn't push it, but I can sense his satisfaction. He's the kind of man who can wait out a storm, confident everything will bend in his direction eventually. And maybe he's right. There's a magnetic pull in the way he talks, the way he looks, that's almost impossible to ignore.

"Anyway," he continues, "You know that date I told you to keep open? It's in two days, but I need your help today. Milo and Stella have fittings for some outfits they'll need for the big event. Seaguard International Mall, Aurora Devereaux-already booked."

I open my mouth to protest. But he's quick. "Before you say no, I want them to have a good time. And you're the only one who knows exactly what will look perfect. I promise I'll make it up to you."

He says "make it up to you" in such a low, suggestive tone that my insides tighten. Damn him. I press my lips together. "Fine," I mutter. "But don't expect me to be thrilled about it."

"That's my girl," he says, voice practically humming with pleasure. And before I can snap back, he hangs up.

I push out a sigh, gather my bag, and head downstairs. Sure enough, Stella and Milo are waiting in the lobby with Ethan Brooks. Milo's leaning against a pillar, looking at the overhead light fixture like it's the most interesting thing he's ever seen, while Stella's fussing with her hair in the reflection of a window.

"Hey, kids," I say, masking any trace of annoyance.

A flicker of excitement crosses Stella's face. "Hi, Serena! Dad said we get to pick out dresses and tuxedos for some big event. Can we get something sparkly?"

I grin despite myself. "Sparkly might be an option. Let's go see what we can find."

Their excitement is infectious, though, and by the time we reach Seaguard International Mall, even I'm feeling a little more lighthearted. We wind our way to Aurora Devereaux, a high-end boutique known for custom-tailored outfits. The store's polished floors gleam under crystal chandeliers. Rows of designer gowns and suits line every wall in a rainbow of silk, satin, and chiffon.

The SA at the front recognizes me-probably from some tabloid shot of StarRiver Group's new boss-and rushes forward to greet us.

The second we step inside, though, I spot two very unwelcome figures: Nina Sinclair and Evelyn Whitmore. They're practically drooling over a rack of high-end gowns, giggling like they own the place.

Nina lifted a sky-blue silk gown, holding it up in front of the mirror for a moment, then glanced over at Evelyn with a teasing grin. "You used to say you weren't interested in Lucas Harrington, yet here you are, gearing up for his charity gala in a fancy dress?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes in mild exasperation, letting out a dismissive snort. "Who said I'm dressing up for him? I do this for myself!" She ran her fingers along the soft pink satin gown draped over her arm, looking quite pleased with herself. "And maybe I'll dazzle the entire crowd while I'm at it. Let them see what true taste looks like."

"Well, you're gorgeous and have the figure to match," Nina remarked, darting a sideways glance at the gown Evelyn was holding. Her voice carried a hint of flattery. "The moment you walk in, you'll be the center of attention."

"Exactly. Wouldn't want to waste these natural gifts." Evelyn flipped her hair over one shoulder, a smug smile tugging at her lips. She motioned for the SA to hand her the soft pink gown, pressing it against her body as she studied herself in the mirror. "This one's not bad, don't you think?"

Nina's gaze flicked over the gown's smooth lines, and she nodded with a smile. "The color suits you. The style is eye-catching. If you pair it with a simple diamond necklace, you'll look even more radiant."

"Then it's settled." Evelyn struck a slight pose, clearly satisfied with how the gown accentuated her waist. "On the night of the event, I'll make everyone regret not taking a closer look at me."