Nobody responded to her.
Everyone was completely crowded around Serena, excitedly asking how much hardship she had endured when she first founded the Queen Group. They wanted to know exactly how she managed to turn it into an international luxury powerhouse at such a young age.
Isabella felt entirely invisible, utterly marginalized and humiliated.
She bit her lower lip, refusing to accept being cast aside. Raising her voice, she tried again. "Serena, Mom was just telling me that we're heading to the United Realmon States tomorrow. Are you all packed? If not, I can help you."
She offered a gentle smile. "This must be your first time traveling abroad, right? There are a lot of etiquette rules in the United Realmon States. If there's anything you don't understand, just ask me. We wouldn't want you to commit a faux pas in front of our grandparents."
Her words sounded like the heartfelt concern of an older sister.
But beneath the surface, the implication was loud and clear: Serena was an uncultured country bumpkin who had never left the country, and sending her to a place like the United Realmon States was just asking for embarrassment.
Embarrassing the family at home was one thing.
Embarrassing them internationally would be an absolute disgrace.
Yet, her carefully crafted speech barely registered with anyone in the room.
Nicholas swept a cold, indifferent glance over her before returning his undivided attention to Serena.
The Lancasters remained entirely focused on Serena as well.
"What are you doing here again, boy? Look at the time! Why aren't you at your own house instead of crashing ours?" Grandpa Lancaster grumbled, maneuvering his wheelchair right between the two of them to cut Nicholas off.
Edward glanced at the door with a frown. "Didn't I ask Julian to pick you and Hazel up? Why did Nicholas bring you back? Where is your Julian?"
Serena smiled warmly. "Hazel wanted a late-night snack, so Julian took her out to get some."
Catherine chuckled at the thought of Hazel's foodie tendencies. "That girl really loves to eat. It's so late for a young Well, she dy to be out With Julian, so I'm not worried."
She took Serena's hand again. "Serena, the flight path is confirmed. We're flying out to the United
your grandparents. Don't
Realmon States tomorrow to see et
nervous. They are wonderful people, and I know they are going to adore you."
Serena nodded.
The man lounging lazily on the sofa suddenly perked up upon hearing
the news his dark eye
yes gleaming
"You're going to the United Realmon
States tomorrow?"
"I know the place inside and out. I happen to have a very important project to
negotiate there. We should go together!"
He heavily emphasized the word 'important.'
Serena shot him a flat look, instantly seeing right through the shameless man's scheme.
She raised a hand and shoved his leaning face away, deadpanning, "Nicholas, are you a stalker?"
"I am," Nicholas replied, completely devoid of shame even in front of the Lancasters. "I'm Serena's personal stalker."
Serena remained speechless.
Nicholas continued with absolute conviction, "Besides, I'm your fiancé. Where my fiancée goes, I go. It's destiny!"
"Get lost," Serena scoffed.
She had zero interest in his destiny. Serena pulled her gaze away, refusing to entertain him any further.