"What is it?"


    Hearing the energy in Wynne''s voice, Serena couldn''t help but smile.


    She sank onto the couch, hugging a pillow against her chest.


    Wynne started with a dramatic bout of whining before finally getting to the point.


    "I''m restoring an ancient porcin piece, but I''ve hit a bit of a wall. One of my colleagues mentioned that your mom had created a series using the same technique. I wanted to ask-do you still have any of those pieces?


    "It doesn''t have to be a perfect one, even a wed backup would do. I just need something to practice on before attempting the real thing. I''d rather not botch the restoration and end up ruining a historical artifact."


    Then, she sent over two pictures of the porcin piece in question, along with a document detailing the technique.


    Serena actually knew a lot about these.


    After a brief moment of thought, Serena said, "I kept a few imperfect pieces from my mom''s collection. From the looks of it, I think I have one that''s pretty simr- same intricate patterns, same craftsmanship. I can bring it overter if you want to take a look."


    "Seriously? Oh my gosh! Nina, you''re a lifesaver!"


    Wynne squealed with excitement.


    Serena could already picture her bouncing around with her phone, and the thought made her chuckle.


    There was no time like the present. She wasn''t feeling tired anyway.


    Her first instinct was to book a ride, but the idea of driving out to the vi thiste and dealing with the trip back felt like more trouble than it was worth. She turned her head and spotted the car keys sitting on the entryway cab.


    "Well, that worked out nicely."


    Hugh had only just given her the keys, and she was already putting them to use.


    Serena didn''t bother changing into anything formal because no one would be around to see her anyway. She grabbed the car keys, slipped on her loungewear, and headed downstairs.


    She went into the elevator, heading to the underground garage.


    She had barely taken a step when two familiar figures came into view, walking straight toward her.


    "You again?"


    Wendy''s irritation was obvious. Her tone was sharp andced with usation. "You''re going out like that in the middle of the night, Serena? Who are you trying to impress?"


    As if she were deliberately trying to lure someone in.


    Serena couldn''t be bothered to respond. Her gaze swept over Wendy and Zach, both still dressed in formal attire, likely returning from a dinner event.


    More notably, Zach was leaning heavily against Wendy, his face flushed. He was clearly drunk.


    No wonder Wendy had dropped the act. With Zach in this state, there was no need for pretense.


    Serena ignored them and headed straight for her car.


    Wendy fumed at being brushed off, but with Zach still drunk beside her, she had


    more pressing matters. She needed to get him home as soon as possible.


    Just as she was about to leave, the weight in her arms disappeared.


    "Zach?"


    Stunned, she stood frozen as he pulled away from her.


    He took a few unsteady steps forward, watching as Serena brushed past him without sparing him a nce. Emotions churned inside him, crashing one after another.


    He was a bit upset because the girl he once cherished didn''t even acknowledge him.


    At the same time, he was also a bit angry because Serena was no longer his.


    The effect of the alcohol made his emotions unstable, and at this moment, all he craved was the woman before him.


    Before he could stop himself, he stepped forward and held Serena''s wrist tightly. "Rena, I—"


    Before he could finish, she turned to face him.


    The look in her eyes was filled with nothing but disgust. She struggled against his grip.


    "Let go!"


    Each word was sharp and cold, devoid of any warmth. Holding her hand, Zach was stunned. He was very heartbroken. Why? Why did the woman he loved look at him with such disdain?