Chapter 69

Serena's POV

I stared out the car window as Ethan navigated through the evening traffic, my fingers fidgeting with the hem of my white dress. Several times I'd spotted gift shops along our route, each one a reminder of my failure to buy Lucas a birthday present. But what was the point? Tonight wasn't about celebrating - it was about getting answers.

"Ms. Sinclair, we're almost there," Ethan's voice came through the rearview mirror, professional as always. I caught his brief glance and wondered if he could sense my unease.

The towering glass building came into view, its sleek facade reflecting the city lights. As Ethan pulled up to the entrance, my heart skipped a beat - there was Lucas, cutting an imposing figure in a perfectly tailored black suit. The sight of him made me instantly regret my casual choice of attire. My simple white dress and soft curls seemed woefully inadequate next to his formal wear.

"Am I late?" I asked softly as I approached him, trying to mask my discomfort.

Lucas shook his head, his eyes lingering on my dress. "Right on time." His voice carried its usual quiet authority, but something in his expression shifted - so subtle I almost missed it.

The elevator ride should have been brief, but time seemed to stretch in the confined space. I watched, caught off guard, as Lucas suddenly removed his jacket.

"Hold this for me?" he asked, handing me both his jacket and bow tie. Before I could respond, he was rolling up his sleeves with precise, deliberate movements. The stark white dress shirt, now open at the collar, transformed his appearance from formal to casually elegant. The exposed skin of his forearms drew my unwanted attention.

The realization hit me like a physical blow - he was adjusting his appearance to match mine. The gesture, so thoughtful and unnecessary, made guilt surge through me.

I clutched his jacket tighter, the expensive fabric a reminder of everything that stood between us. The faint scent of his cologne drifted up, and I forced myself to focus on why I was really here. Eleanor Yates deserved the truth, and so did I.

The elevator continued its smooth ascent toward Le Jardin, each floor bringing us closer to a conversation that would change everything. I kept my eyes fixed on the illuminated floor numbers, acutely aware of Lucas's presence beside me, and the weight of unspoken words between us.

Just as the elevator passed the thirtieth floor, Lucas spoke again, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "You look beautiful tonight, Serena." The simple compliment landed like a punch to my chest. How could he make this even harder?

I managed a small smile but couldn't bring myself to meet his eyes.

The massive double doors of the VIP room swung open, revealing a space that took my breath away. Sparkling crystal fixtures cast a warm glow over dark wood panels and floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the city's glittering skyline. But what really stopped me in my tracks wasn't the luxurious décor - it was the group of well-dressed men lounging at the elaborately set table.

Lucas's hand remained steady at my back as he guided me forward. "Let me introduce you to my friends," he said, his voice carrying that quiet authority I'd come to know so well. "You already know Jace, my uncle."

I nodded politely to Jace, who returned the gesture with his characteristic reserve. My mind was spinning, trying to process this unexpected gathering when I'd prepared myself for a confrontation.

"Drew," Lucas continued, gesturing to a man with friendly features who started to step forward. I caught Lucas's subtle head shake, stopping Drew's movement before it began.

"We went to the same school!" Drew's enthusiasm bubbled over anyway. "You probably don't remember, but I was a year ahead of you in high school."

Before I could respond, Lucas moved on smoothly. "And Spencer."

The tall, model-handsome man gave me a playful grin. "Miss Sinclair, you're even more stunning than at the press conference."

"Thank you," I managed, maintaining my composure. "You're quite handsome yourself." I kept my tone light and professional, even as I noticed the challenging glint in his eye when he glanced at Lucas.

Lucas leaned closer, his voice dropping for my ears alone. "They're old friends, but I've spent most of my time abroad. This is my first birthday celebration in Manhattan, so they insisted on joining." His tone carried a hint of wry amusement. "Don't mind them too much."

I clutched his jacket and bow tie closer, suddenly aware I was still holding them. The casual intimacy of carrying his clothes while surrounded by his friends made my cheeks warm. But before I could hand them back or voice any of the thoughts tumbling through my mind, a familiar voice cut through the room.

"Started without me? How could you!"

Eleanor stood in the doorway, holding an elaborate bouquet. My stomach dropped as I watched her make her entrance, all perfectly timed drama and sparkle.