As she turned toward the Sovereign Suite, she sensed a powerful presence
following leisurely behind her.
Serena didn't even need to turn around to know who it was.
Without stopping, she asked coolly, "Mr. Blackwood, didn't you come to Le Céleste to eat? Why are you following me?"
The man took a few long strides, closing the distance between them. His tall, imposing figure cast a shadow over her.
Serena could feel the man's distinct scent of pine, like smoke, surrounding her.
She felt a little awkward, unaccustomed to being towered over like this.
Just as she was about to step away, she heard the man's low, lazy voice, the words ending with a slight, alluring drawl. “That's right. I came to eat."
Serena stopped and glanced sideways.
The man was leaning his head slightly, watching her with a gentle smile.
His devilishly handsome face, illuminated by the lanterns on either side, looked both regal and demonic.
Serena's cool eyes flickered. "To eat, by following me?"
"Yes, by following you," Nicholas replied, a lazy smile playing on his thin lips.
Serena was speechless. She had asked a question, not made a statement.
This man was shameless.
As she looked at him, he suddenly leaned in closer.
The scent of pine and smoke was mixed with the faint, almost imperceptible smell of tobacco.
The combination was unique and incredibly pleasant.
"I already owe you for saving my life. What's one more debt for crashing a meal, right?” the man said with a roguish, charming grin.
Her name, “Serena," seemed to linger on his lips, carrying a strange, intimate warmth.
Serena's long, dark lashes fluttered slightly, and a ripple disturbed the calm surface of her clear eyes.
She raised a hand, her fingertips pressing against the slightly loosened collar of his shirt.
Her finger brushed against warm, pale skin that was firm to the touch. It felt like it would be quite nice to run a hand over it.
She curved her red lips into a slight
smile her vo
family dinner. If
lazy. "This is a.
wante
crash
you'd better keep up."
The moment she finished speaking, she gave a sharp push with her fingertips, moving him back slightly.
Then she stuffed her hands back into her pockets, turned, and walked away with an air of total indifference.
Nicholas watched Serena's cool, confident back, a faint smile playing on his deep eyes.
His lips curled up further.
A low, lazy chuckle echoed through the traditional corridor, magnetic and pleased.
When she arrived outside the Sovereign Suite, two women in beautiful dresses immediately opened the doors for her.
A warm and lively atmosphere washed over her.
The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of food.
"Serena's back!" Catherine was the first to greet her, taking her hand with a mix of gentle scolding, affection, and pride. “You, this is your celebration, and you were busy in the kitchen? You must be tired
after making so much food. Sit down and rest."
Catherine led her to a chair.
Julian poured a cup of warm tea and handed it to Serena. "Serena, even the head chef at Le Celeste would have to admire your cooking skills, wouldn't he?"
Old Mr. Lancaster was grinning from ear to ear.
The family was enjoying a happy moment.
Catherine's sharp eyes then noticed Nicholas, who had followed Serena into the room. She paused.
"Nicholas?"