The banter instantly brought a comforting layer of warmth back into the lounge.
Watching the exchange, Catherine cried even harder, though she couldn't stop herself from laughing.
She began handing out bowls of hot soup to everyone. "Alright, eat up. No matter how big the problem is, you can't tackle it on an empty stomach."
She walked back to Serena, bringing her a steaming bowl of shrimp congee.
Serena took a bite.
The temperature was perfect.
The warmth slid down her throat, settling comfortably in her stomach.
And settling deep in her chest.
She lowered her eyes, a faint smile playing on her lips.
This feeling...
She didn't hate it.
In fact, she found herself craving it.
By the time the Vinton Debutante Gala concluded, it was late into the night.
The Royal Estate finally transitioned from a bustling hub of chaos to a serene quiet.
The guests departed one by one, the taillights of luxury cars fading into the distance. The sheer magnitude of what had transpired tonight was destined to send shockwaves through Vaelion City's elite circles for a very long time.
The name Serena Lancaster was going to become an absolute myth among the upper echelon.
The Lancaster family piled into their cars and headed back to the Lancaster estate.
Nicholas, having just secured his title, shamelessly latched onto them, insisting on escorting Serena home.
Despite the withering glares from her three brothers, his thick skin proved completely impenetrable.
And so, Nicholas walked her from the estate's south gate, into the grand foyer.
And from the grand foyer, straight up to her bedroom door.
He walked agonizingly slow.
As if he prayed the hallway would stretch on for an eternity.
Her three brothers trailed behind, their icy glares tracking his every move like hawks.
If he dared push his luck and step foot inside her bedroom, they were absolutely going to jump him.
Nicholas, wisely, stopped at the doorway.
He reached out, tucking a stray strand of hair behind Serena's ear, and murmured, "Get some sleep."
Serena raised an eyebrow. "Look at you being so obedient."
Nicholas chuckled softly. "I'm terrified your brothers might actually beat me to a pulp."
"Since when do you get scared?" she drawled lazily.
Nicholas looked at her, his voice dropping low. "I'm scared you'd feel bad for them."
Serena stared at him.
If her brothers heard that line, they'd definitely murder him on the spot.
"Nicholas!"
Jasper had reached his limit. His
eyes cut like daggers as he glaredet
viciously at Nicholas.
escorted her Now get the
Fout."
Behind him, Jerrick and Julian were already cracking their knuckles.
Only then did Nicholas slowly
Serena. He
Serena. He looked bet
voice smooth and elegant
ght fiancée
Serena smiled. "Goodnight, provisional fiancé."
The bedroom door clicked shut.
The hallway lights cast long shadows over Nicholas.
He stood there for a few seconds.
Then, he turned and headed downstairs.
He looked like the picture of absolute obedience.
Jasper let out a satisfied scoff. "Glad you know what's good for you. Hurry up and get lost!"
Nicholas smiled. "Goodnight, brothers. I'll see you tomorrow."
With that, he turned and walked away.
Jasper yelled furiously at his retreating back, "Who the hell You shameless jerk!"
you calli
brother?!
But as Jasper watched Nicholas leave, his eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
For some reason, that bastard had surrendered way too easily. He wasn't the type
to be this compliant.
Something was wrong.
Very wrong.
Half an hour later.
Serena stepped out of the bathroom. The room was bathed in the dim, golden glow
of a wall sconce.
She wore a loose, black silk
nightgown. Her long hair clung wetly
to her shoulders, water droplets
sliding down the tips to leave damp"
trails against her luminous collarbones.
She looked effortlessly indolent and strikingly beautiful.