Chapter 32

Serena's POV

Evelyn Whitmore stood frozen, visibly shaken by Lucas's commanding presence. Her momentary hesitation vanished as quickly as it came, replaced by a venomous determination that twisted her delicate features.

"Mr. Harrington!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the grand hall. "Do you have any idea what kind of woman Serena Sinclair really is? You've just returned to New York, so you probably don't know how promiscuous and loose she is! She was sleeping around at eighteen and even got pregnant with a bastard child! She hasn't even broken up with my brother yet, and here she is, shamelessly throwing herself at you. Don't fall for her tricks!"

Her words hit me like physical blows. Shock gave way to anger and humiliation that burned through my chest. Why was she doing this? Why here, in front of everyone?

Around us, the elegant party atmosphere shattered. Guests turned to stare, their whispered conversations growing louder by the second. I could hear snippets of their speculation, each word more cutting than the last.

"So that's Serena Sinclair? She works fast, already sinking her claws into Lucas Harrington."

"Did you hear about her dress? Worth a million, I heard. She really went all out to seduce Lucas Harrington."

"Earlier, I heard Milo Harrington call her 'Mommy.' Don't tell me she's already gotten to him first?"

"Serena Sinclair certainly knows what she's doing..."

Evelyn's lips curled into a triumphant smile as the whispers grew. I could read her thoughts in that smirk: she wanted to humiliate me, to make Lucas see who I really was. She truly believed he couldn't accept someone like me after this revelation. The determination in her eyes screamed that she would never allow me to get close to Lucas Harrington.

Lucas's voice cut through the murmurs like ice. "Serena Sinclair was trapped and forced into pregnancy at eighteen. That was her misfortune, not her shame. Her past hardships deserve sympathy and understanding, not malicious slander and mockery!"

"Don't let her fool you! She's nothing but a-" Evelyn started to argue, but Lucas's voice grew even colder.

"From this day forward, anyone who speaks ill of Serena Sinclair is my enemy. And I show no mercy to my enemies."

Daniel Whitmore's face had drained of all color. He rushed forward, practically tripping over himself in his haste. "It's all my fault for failing to teach my daughter proper manners. We've offended Mr. Harrington greatly. We'll leave immediately. Please, sir, don't hold a grudge against us for this small slight. We're leaving right now!"

He roughly grabbed Evelyn's arm, preparing to drag her from the hall. Something in my chest loosened as I watched them turn to go, though the turmoil in my heart refused to settle.

"Wait." Lucas's commanding voice stopped them in their tracks. "My son mentioned earlier that she ruined Serena's dress."

"I'll pay for it! How much?" Daniel quickly offered. "I'll compensate Serena fully."

"Dad!" Evelyn protested, her voice shrill. "That dress was bought by Ian in the first place!"

"Shut your mouth!" Daniel roared at her, making me flinch at the raw fury in his voice.

Lucas regarded them coolly. "Shouldn't one apologize first when they've done something wrong?"

"Apologize to Serena! Now!" Daniel ordered his daughter, his voice brooking no argument.

Evelyn's chin lifted defiantly. "I won't-"

"Evelyn Whitmore!" Her father's threat hung heavy in the air. "Are you refusing to listen to me?"

Under her father's menacing glare, Evelyn's pride finally crumbled. Tears streamed down her face as she lowered her head. "I'm sorry," she choked out.

"It's fine," I managed to say, keeping my voice steady despite the lingering humiliation. Her tearful apology offered a small measure of consolation, though the sting of her words remained.

"Mr. Harrington, may I take my daughter home now?" Daniel asked anxiously.

"Let this be the last time something like this happens," Lucas warned, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Yes, yes, of course. I'll make sure to teach her better," Daniel promised frantically. Still seething, he roughly pulled Evelyn along as they made their undignified exit from the hall.

The silence they left in their wake felt deafening.

The last guest left, and the place slowly emptied. People were still whispering and casting sideways glances at Lucas and me. I could feel their eyes burning into us, full of doubt and curiosity. "Two people who couldn't be more different, how could they possibly be involved?" That's what everyone was thinking, or at least that's how it felt.

My heart raced with confusion and unease. I tried to stay calm, forcing a neutral expression, but inside, I was a whirlwind of emotions.

Lucas stepped closer, his presence commanding the room's attention even as it thinned. "I've got some things to handle tonight," he said softly, his deep voice steady. "Wait for me, and I'll drive you home later."

I hesitated, shaking my head. "No, I can manage on my own"

"Listen to me," Lucas insisted, his eyes locking onto mine with a firmness that left no room for refusal. His strong jawline and piercing gaze made it impossible to argue with him. There was something undeniably attractive about him, something that went beyond just his looks. I felt a flutter in my chest, a mix of gratitude and something else I couldn't quite place.

"I appreciate it, really," I said, my voice wavering slightly. "But I don't want to be a burden."

Lucas reached out, his hand gently touching my arm. "You're not a burden. Let me help."

"Take care of yourself, okay?" Lucas said, his tone softening as he looked around.

"Yeah, you too," I replied, managing a small smile.

As Lucas turned to leave, he glanced back at his children. "Take care of mom," he instructed firmly.

"Of course, Dad," Milo and Stella responded in unison, their innocent voices cutting through the tension. Watching Lucas interact with his kids was heartwarming. He had this way of making everyone feel valued and loved.

Feeling a mix of warmth and confusion, I took Milo and Stella's hands tightly and led them out of the garden. My mind was racing-humiliated by the whispers, yet oddly comforted by Lucas's support.

As we left, I saw Nina Sinclair standing a short distance away, her eyes cold and unforgiving. She watched me walk away with a smirk that sent chills down my spine. There was something malicious in her gaze, something that screamed revenge. Seeing Lucas here, looking like a king, only fueled her jealousy and hatred.

Night had fallen completely by the time Milo and Stella were safely with Walter. The children needed their rest. Alone again in the now quiet room, I sank into a chair in the corner.

Just as I was lost in my thoughts, I heard footsteps approaching. I looked up to see Jace Gillard standing nearby, a playful smile on his face. "Serena, you've got some impressive drinking skills," he teased, leaning casually against the wall.

I managed a laugh, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thanks, Jace. It's been a long night."