Chapter 267

The tension in the car was suffocating.

Three pairs of wide eyes stared in shock—even Adrian, who was driving, nearly lost control of the wheel.

"Serena, what did you just say?" Dominic, usually composed, looked equally stunned.

"Damien says he regrets divorcing me. He wants another chance. This time, he plans to court me properly."

Serena lifted her delicate chin, her almond-shaped eyes locking onto Dominic. "Dominic, what does this mean? Is he confessing his feelings?"

Blake and Adrian blurted out simultaneously, "No question about it!"

Then, as if sharing one mind, they added in unison, "The audacity!"

Dominic blinked, his brows furrowing slightly.

"Dominic, can you believe it? The man who shattered our future now wants to win me back with empty promises." Serena forced a bitter smile. Once, this would have made her weep with joy.

Now, all she felt was confusion.

It was like a childhood toy she'd desperately wanted but never received. Years later, even if she got a better version, the magic was gone. Why would Damien even want her now?

She'd given him everything, and he'd thrown it all away.

Now that she stood against him, humiliating him at every turn—why would he?

"Love that comes too late is worse than weeds. Damien's so-called confession is nothing but garbage!" Blake gritted his teeth, his hatred palpable.

"Exactly. What was he thinking before?" Adrian tightened his grip on the steering wheel, his voice low.

"Serena, you gave him your all when you married him. Have you forgotten the pain once the wounds healed? Now that you're the heiress of the Sinclair fortune, adored by everyone, at the peak of your beauty and success—he's jealous. He regrets. He thinks he was blind before, so now he wants you back to feed his disgusting ego!" Blake's handsome face twisted with fury as he spat out the words.

"I wouldn't call it ego." Serena rolled her eyes. "But you're right, Blake. He probably finds me more intriguing now. After all, it wasn’t until I reclaimed my Sinclair name that he even looked at me twice."

"Ugh, men are all the same—chasing novelty and thrill." Adrian couldn't hold back his anger. "He got tired of sweet, innocent Cassandra, and now he's into your fire. He just changed his taste. Yesterday it was dirt, today it's durian. Today he says he wants you—tomorrow, who knows?"

Blake nodded sharply. "Once a cheater, always a cheater!"

Serena arched a brow. "I get that dirt refers to Cassandra. But durian? Explain that one."

Adrian coughed awkwardly. "Miss Serena, it was just a metaphor."

"Nothing wrong with durian. It's the king of fruits—fits your personality perfectly," Dominic chimed in casually.

"But durians are spiky and stink!"

"The inside is soft, sweet, and fragrant." Dominic grinned, brushing his fingertip against her nose. "Kinda like you."

"Humph!" Serena turned away, pretending to be annoyed—though the effect was more adorable than anything.

"Serena, no matter what, don’t fall for Damien again! Men like him don’t change!" Blake pleaded, terrified she might relapse.

"I’m an exception, Mr. Blake," Adrian weakly defended himself.

"Count me in," Dominic added quickly.

"Right, right, the Sinclair men are different," Blake hurriedly corrected himself.

"Well, not all of them. There’s always one dragging us down," Serena teased, crossing her slender legs.

The three men exchanged glances, the same name flashing in their minds simultaneously:

William!

"Absolutely not!"

Vivienne, upon hearing Serena’s request to help Damien, flushed with anger.

This stepmother, who usually indulged Serena, flat-out refused to treat him.

"Vivienne, just hear me out," Serena said helplessly.

"There’s nothing to discuss." Vivienne waved her hand dismissively, her voice icy. "I remember everything Damien did to you—so do Arabella and Sophia. Isn’t he the CEO of Abernathy Group? Let them figure it out!"

"Vivienne—"

"Oh, right. He’s surrounded by women. Why aren’t they mourning their beloved?" Vivienne’s words were venomous, as if she wanted to tear Damien apart with her teeth.

"Vivienne, Damien is despicable, but this time, he saved me." Serena pulled Vivienne onto the couch, sounding more like the adult in the room.

Vivienne frowned. "What do you mean?"

Serena explained in detail how she’d gone to rescue someone on Misty Mountain, how she’d gotten into danger, how Damien had saved her—and how he’d been injured in the process.

By the time she finished, Vivienne’s hand, clutched in Serena’s, had turned cold with fear.

"Serena, you reckless girl! If I were your mother, I’d lock you up and give you a good spanking! How could you be so reckless?!"

"Only Dominic, Blake, and Adrian know. William is completely in the dark." Serena pressed a finger to her lips, lowering her voice. "You have to promise to keep this a secret. If William finds out, his blood pressure will skyrocket."

"I don’t feel like covering for you anymore. Over the past three years of your messy history with Damien, we’ve had to clean up so much—we might as well have a classified dossier on you!" Vivienne tapped Serena’s forehead lightly. "I should tell your father and let him deal with you!"

"It won’t help. William can’t control me even if he tries." Serena grinned, looking utterly pleased with herself.

After more heartfelt persuasion, Vivienne finally relented.

"Serena, tell me the truth. Do you still have feelings for him?" Vivienne’s voice softened with concern.

"No." Serena’s answer was firm. "I’m not a pig, and I won’t jump back into the pigpen. I just don’t like owing anyone."

There was a brief flicker of unease, but it passed quickly.

"Good. If you ever think of getting back with him, you won’t have a home to return to." Vivienne gave her a chilling look. "What will you choose—your family or that jerk?"

Serena rubbed her goosebump-covered arms nervously.

"Serena! Vivienne!" Sophia knocked and entered. "The dresses for Arabella’s birthday party are here. Come help pick one out! I don’t understand women’s fashion—I wore jeans to my own wedding."

"Coming!" Serena, eager to escape Vivienne’s interrogation, quickly dragged her along.

The three women hurried to Arabella’s room.

Rows of dazzling evening gowns, all limited edition and haute couture, lined the racks—a feast for the eyes!

Custom-made heels, studded with diamonds, were arranged on the floor. The extravagance was staggering.

Any other woman would have squealed in delight. The diamonds alone could buy a mansion.

But Arabella, dressed in a simple lavender sweater, sat on the couch, looking troubled.

"Arabella, what’s wrong? Your birthday’s coming up. Why so gloomy?" Serena sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her.

"Serena, please talk to your father for me. Cancel the party." Arabella sighed. "I’ve been begging him for weeks. A quiet family dinner at home would be enough. I don’t like crowds, and entertaining guests is exhausting. But William won’t listen. What do I do?"

"Wow, Arabella, you’re really showing off!" Sophia teased.

"You sound a little bratty!" Vivienne joined in, arm around Sophia’s waist.

Serena’s heart ached.

Growing up, Arabella had always kept a low profile to spare Serena’s feelings. The only time she was visible was in the kitchen, preparing meals.

Back then, Serena, too young to understand, had seen Arabella as her mother’s rival. To protect her mother’s memory, she’d caused chaos, even accusing Arabella of terrible things.

She’d thought these women had no self-respect, clinging to William despite his marriage.

It wasn’t until later, when Dominic told her the truth, that she understood.

Years ago, when her mother was dying of lupus, Arabella had donated bone marrow without hesitation.

Medical technology then wasn’t what it was now. The procedure was risky, and Arabella had suffered chronic pain ever since.

Though her mother had still passed away, Arabella had given her an extra year—a year more with Serena.

Later, when Serena lost her baby with Damien, it was Arabella who stayed by her side, caring for her like a mother.

Slowly, Serena’s resentment faded.

How could she hate someone who’d been nothing but kind for twenty years? Even her mother hadn’t—why should she?

"Arabella, let’s do what William wants." Serena held Arabella’s arm like a daughter, smiling gently. "It’s not just his idea—it’s mine too. In twenty years, you’ve never had a proper birthday. I’ve always felt guilty about that."

"Silly girl, what are you talking about?" Arabella looked shocked. "I chose not to celebrate. It had nothing to do with you!"

"Then, will you grant me this wish? Let us throw you a party, okay?"

"Arabella! Look at Serena! Just go with it!" Vivienne and Sophia coaxed.

Finally, Arabella gave in and began selecting a dress.

"None of these are good enough." Serena crossed her arms, critically eyeing the expensive gowns. "So tacky. William has terrible taste. Clearly, he didn’t inherit my style."

"They’re fine, Serena," Arabella said quickly.

"No, they’re not." Serena shook her head, her eyes gleaming. "If you’re wearing a dress, it should be one-of-a-kind, designed by the best. Arabella, have you heard of Elara?"

"Elara?" Vivienne and Arabella gasped.

Only Sophia, the tomboy, looked puzzled—though the name sounded familiar.

"I’ve invited her to design your birthday dress. What do you think?" Serena’s smile was radiant.

"Serena, are you serious? Elara? The Elara?" Vivienne stared in disbelief.

"Is there another Elara in the world?" Serena retorted.

"William once tried to commission Elara for Arabella, but he couldn’t even get a meeting. Serena, how do you have that kind of connection?"

A secretive smile tugged at Serena’s lips.

William would never guess that Elara had been right under his nose all along—the little girl he’d raised!

"Of course. Elara and I go way back. She owes me a favor." Serena pulled Arabella into a hug. "Arabella, on that day, you’ll wear jewelry by Elara, a gown by Elara, and you’ll outshine everyone. Let them see the grace of the former queen once more."

"Serena..." Arabella’s eyes welled up.

"Don’t worry. That day, you’ll be the woman every other woman envies."