Serena’s POVI just stare at my phone for a couple of minutes, wondering, "Why on earth is Bill calling me now?"Seeing the puzzled look on my face, Mom leans in with concern. "What's wrong, dear? Who's calling you?""Oh, it's just my friend, Stevie. She's probably checking if I got here safely," I
Bill’s POV I almost want to clear my desk with one angry swipe. Serena's really changed since the divorce — she's got way more guts now.She's not picking up my calls, which is totally unlike her. I tried calling again, but now the line's busy. Is she talking to some new guy already?Considering h
I furrow my brows in confusion. “What are you talking about? I’m fine,” I insist.But Mom and Aunt Claire exchange a knowing glance. Mom then turns back to me, her expression filled with worry. "Bill, you don’t look so good," she says gently.I try to sound convincing, "Trust me, I'm doing better th
Serena’s POV"It's just dinner with Calvin, nothing more," I remind myself, trying to play it cool. Even though I tell myself it's just a casual catch-up, the nerves and excitement I feel say otherwise.I consider the midnight blue dress, its fit is perfect for accentuating my curves and a neckline
"Incredible," he breathes out. "If I hadn't known you made this, I'd think you'd bought it from some high-end shop in Paris.""Really?" My voice carries a mix of surprise and pride. Knowing Calvin's background in fashion retail makes his praise even more meaningful. "Serena, you've got a real talen
Bill’s POVI told Tyler, my driver, to take me to the restaurant where Sarah saw Serena. Here I am, still in a cast, and she's already out on a date with some rich, older guy. Unbelievable."Tyler, can you step on it? I've got to meet someone," I say, realizing I'm absentmindedly tapping my fingers
Bill’s POVHonestly, I'm at a loss about what to do with my mom. She keeps pushing me to date Doris, saying she'd be good for me, unlike my ex-wife.I've tried explaining to my mom that Doris is just a friend and a trusted business associate. But she insists on me dating someone she approves of this
Bill’s POVI had hoped Doris would realize I wasn’t interested in her that way, but she kept inviting me to dinner. Every time, I found myself scrambling for a new excuse to say no. It felt awkward dodging her invites without hurting her feelings. Honestly, I’ve been avoiding conversations with Do
Stevie’s POVThe smell of fresh coffee drags me out of sleep. I blink at the sunlight streaming through the windows and realize, for once, I don’t feel like I’m running late or already behind. The bedside clock says it’s just past seven, which is weird because Calvin is usually halfway out the door
Calvin’s POVNathan’s voice cuts through the boardroom like a knife, smooth and calculated, designed to leave a mark.“With all due respect,” he says, his tone just humble enough to be infuriating, “the board needs to consider whether our leadership is focused enough to steer Titan Group in these un
Calvin’s POVThe morning after the gala, I sit at my desk, staring at a mountain of emails. Most of them are the usual — status updates, meeting schedules, thinly veiled power plays from board members. But one subject line catches my attention: Coffee to Catch Up?It’s from Victoria.I close my lapt
Stevie’s POVIf I have to listen to one more toast about “the strength and legacy of the Lancaster name,” I might throw up—and it won’t be from morning sickness.The ballroom is back to its usual glittering chaos, filled with laughter that feels more performative than genuine. Calvin’s family clinks
Calvin’s POVVictoria’s stunt stays with me, gnawing at the edges of my patience. The second we left the ballroom, I knew I had to get Stevie away from the stares and whispers. Now, she’s sitting on a plush couch in one of the estate’s private lounges, blotting at her wine-stained dress with a damp
Stevie’s POVThe Lancaster ballroom glitters like something out of a dream, all soft candlelight and crystal reflections. But there’s nothing dreamy about the tension hanging in the air.I’m perched near a grand staircase, scrolling through my shots to make sure they’re not completely trash. Most of
Stevie’s POVThe camera feels good in my hands. Familiar. Steady. It gives me something to focus on other than the weight of a hundred judgmental stares and the deafening hum of old money conversations swirling around me.Through the viewfinder, the Lancaster gala is dazzling. Gilded chandeliers spa
Stevie’s POVThe envelope looks expensive. Heavy cream-colored paper, embossed gold lettering, and Calvin’s name written in the kind of script that probably costs more than my monthly grocery bill. He’s staring at it like it’s a summons to court.“What is that?” I ask, leaning against the kitchen co
Calvin’s POVThe morning starts like most others these days. I wake up early, review emails over a cup of coffee, and make a mental list of everything I need to get done before the day spirals out of control. Except, today, there’s a weight sitting on my chest that has nothing to do with quarterly r