Chapter 9

Wilson slid a pre-prepared contract across the desk toward Serena. "Take a good look. Sign it if everything checks out."

Serena took the contract. She sat down on the nearby couch and began reading carefully.

She was focused on the document. Wilson, on the other hand, was focused on her.

Her chestnut brown hair spilled over her shoulders like waves. Her skin was porcelain smooth, and her features were flawless.

Even seated casually, her posture was elegant. The graceful curve of her neck led to a delicate collarbone, and below that, a slender waist and subtly defined hips.

Wilson's eyes darkened slightly before he turned his gaze elsewhere.

The contract was solid, and the pay was even better than what Justin had offered her. Serena picked up the pen and signed without hesitation.

"Welcome aboard," Wilson said with a lazy smirk.

Serena stood up. "Well, I won't keep you any longer, Mr. Quade. I'll be here on time tomorrow."

With that, she turned to leave. But just as she reached the door, she hesitated and came back.

Wilson had just taken out a lighter. With his head tilted, he was prepared to light his cigarette. Seeing her return, he bit down on the cigarette. His sharp eyes narrowed slightly. "Is there something else?"

"Last time, you brought us an umbrella. Yesterday, we ran into your car, and you didn't hold it against us. Why, Mr. Quade?"

"Because I'm nice."

Serena was rendered speechless for a second.

Yeah, right.

Her expression tightened with suspicion. "You were planning to poach me all along, weren't you?"

So, he plotted everything from the start?

Wilson chuckled. "I didn't know you were so full of yourself, Ms. Judd"

Serena's face flushed red.

His gaze grew more profound. "I've known you since we were kids. What's so strange about lending a hand to an old acquaintance?"

"We've met before?"

Wilson didn't answer. Instead, he flicked the lighter and lit his cigarette. "Off you go."

Still feeling mystified, Serena left his office.

As she closed the door, she heard a scoff. "An ingrate indeed."

…

After completing her onboarding with Sebastian, Serena was handed a company handbook and some orientation materials.

On the way back, she spent the whole ride trying to figure out when she and Wilson had crossed paths in the past.

When she couldn't come up with anything, she gave up and started browsing rental listings on her phone.

She couldn't keep living at Lauren's place forever. Now that she had a new job, it was time to move out.

Eventually, Serena found a nice, clean apartment close to Quade Group. The landlord seemed decent, too, so she made the decision on the spot.

When she called Lauren to share the news, the latter left work early to help her pack.

"Damn, Rina. You're so efficient. You quit one day and start the next. You're like some corporate Wonder Woman."

"Wonder Woman? Please. I'm just a workhorse."

"Still, Quade Group is way better than Farrow Corporation. It's a total upgrade! Oh, I once read an article about Wilson Quade in a business magazine. His side profile is killer. If you get the chance, snap some pics for me, okay?"

Serena rolled her eyes as she folded clothes into her suitcase. "If you're that curious, just drop by the office to visit me."

"What?"

"I'm his assistant now."

Lauren's mouth dropped open in shock.

After a moment, she put on a serious face. "I've just thought of the perfect way to get back at Justin."

"Cut it out with your wild ideas," Serena immediately said.

"Think about it! You can seduce Wilson and become Mrs. Quade. Imagine Scumstin's face when he realizes his childhood sweetheart ends up with his mortal enemy."

"Are you crazy? That's Wilson we're talking about."

Lauren's enthusiasm deflated instantly.

The rumor mill had always painted Wilson as ruthless and cold-blooded, a man with no qualms about crossing any line. She couldn't bring herself to push Serena into another potential disaster.

Luckily, Serena didn't have much stuff, so they finished packing pretty quickly.

However, she had a bit of a cleanliness obsession, so it took her six hours to get everything organized. By the time she finished, it was already dark outside.

Lauren sprawled out on the floor like a fish out of water.

Serena tossed her a towel. "Go shower. You've been a lifesaver today. Let me get you some guys tonight."

Lauren sprang up like a firecracker. "You'd better mean it!"

After freshening up, she put on a flawless makeup look, then slipped into a cute tank top and shorts to show off her long legs. She looked both sexy and captivating.

Serena, on the other hand, was ready to leave in a plain T-shirt and shorts, only to be sent back to her room with an exasperated eye roll.

Lauren personally selected a black satin mermaid dress for her. The off-the-shoulder design and waist-hugging fit accentuated Serena's slender waist and curvy hips perfectly.

Finally satisfied, she grabbed Serena's arm and started for the door. But before they could leave, Serena's phone rang.

It was an unfamiliar number.

When she answered, a woman's voice came through. "Ms. Judd, this is Maisie Peck from the Farrow residence. Mrs. Farrow isn't feeling well and has no appetite. She suddenly wants your bone broth. Could you come by and make it?"

Over the years, Serena had catered to Justin's and his mother, Jenna Sawyer's, every whim. They were used to ordering her around.

"I'm not the Farrow family's maid. Call someone else."

"What? You're not…" Maisie's voice trailed off, replaced by Jenna's indignant tone.

"How dare you, Serena! Have you grown so bold that you can't even make a simple soup for me anymore?"

"Didn't Justin tell you? I've left Farrow Corporation. From now on, I have nothing to do with you or your family," Serena said coldly.

"We took care of you for 18 years. You think you can just walk away like that? You—"

Before Jenna could finish, Serena hung up and immediately blocked the number.

Lauren gave her a big thumbs-up. "That's my girl. I'm so proud of you."

"Let's go. Your guys are waiting for you."

…

Serena spared no expense that night. She took Lauren to Nocturna's elite club, Drunk Haven. The place was lively but not chaotic.

Behind it was the Smith family, one of the top aristocratic families in Nocturna, which meant few dared to cause trouble.

Serena chose two fresh-faced 20-year-olds for Lauren while she herself quietly sipped on juice in a corner.

Lauren was busy reading palms for the young men and playing drinking games with them. She laughed so hard that her smile stretched all the way to her ears.

Seeing her friend so happy, Serena couldn't help but smile.

"Rina, stop grinning like a fool over there. Come on. Have a taste of youthful energy." Lauren pushed one of the young men toward her.

Serena waved her hands in protest. "I'll pass."

"Don't tell me you're still saving yourself for Scumstin. Try something new, and you'll see that men are all the same. Justin isn't special."

The young man was quick on his feet. He slid into the seat beside Serena, his eyes sparkling. "You're gorgeous. Just looking at you is intoxicating enough. I don't even need alcohol."

"Don't need to flatter me. Go keep Laurie company."

"She has company. I'll stay here with you. So, what do you want to do? Palm reading or seeing my abs? If you want to touch, I won't stop you."

Holding her glass of juice, Serena shifted uncomfortably, but her gaze still wandered toward his abs.

Unbeknownst to her, a man not too far away had been watching the entire exchange.