I cast a grateful nce at Jacqueline and the senior employee, warmth spreading through my chest. Even in a workce full of scheming and politics, there were still people willing to lend a helping hand.


    After packing up my things, I was ready to leave. As I stepped out of the building, I spotted Lucas'' car parked by the curb. He got out and walked toward me.


    "What a coincidence, running into you again," he said with a smile.


    "Yeah, quite the coincidence." I was both surprised and a little puzzled.


    "I''m here because the person in charge of the project with Hastings Group has changed, so I came by for the handover," he exined. "And you..."


    "It''s myst day," I replied tly.


    He seemed taken aback.


    I nodded without offering further exnation.


    "Let me give you a ride," he offered.


    I hesitated for a moment before finally agreeing.


    Just as I got into the car, Alex''s assistant appeared, saying he was here to bring Lucas up. A flicker of displeasure crossed Lucas'' face, but he still greeted the assistant politely.


    "Looks like my timing isn''t great," he said apologetically, ncing at me. "Let''s meet up another day, okay?"


    I nodded and watched as he left.


    "Ms. Ashford, Mr. Hastings asked me to take you home," the assistant said as he approached me.


    I shook my head. "That won''t be


    necessary, but thank you." With that, I turned and walked away, but my mind fingered on what Lucas had


    said meeting up another day? What did he mean by that?


    I wandered as the windshed against my face. It felt sharp like tiny des.


    I let out a self-deprecatingugh and quickened my pace. My stomach suddenly


    growled, and I realized I hadn''t eaten anything all day.


    I stepped inside a convenience store and bought a sandwich. Sitting at a small table, I slowly ate.


    "Serena?" A familiar voice sounded beside me.


    I looked up and saw Alex standing there, holding a thermal container.


    "What are you doing here?" My tone was indifferent.


    "I... I''ve been looking for you." He looked exhausted. "I made this soup for you."


    I stared at the container, and my emotions were in turmoil. "Thanks, but I don''t need it," I declined. "I''ve already eating."


    "Serena, are you still mad at my


    father?" He sat down across from me, his tone carrying a hint of pleading. "I know he made mistakes, but he''s already paying the price. Can''t you forgive him?"


    "Forgive?" I let out a coldugh. "He ruined my mom''s life. Do you really think a


    few simple words are enough to erase everything?"


    "I know my father wronged your mother, but... But I love you, Serena." His voice


    grew more emotional. "Do you really feel nothing for me?"


    His wordsnded like a bomb, detonating chaos in my heart. I looked at him with mixed emotions.


    "Love?" I repeated the word. "Is this the right time to talk about that? The most important thing now is my mom and your father. Let''s set aside the matter of love and emotions for now. I''ve only left thepany; it''s not like I''m disappearing forever. We can talk about this some other time."