Chapter 226

Serena’s POV I couldn't shake the image of Maya's face when she mentioned Ethan. There was something raw there, something hurt that went beyond professional frustration. And that "colleagues, not even friends" comment she'd dropped earlier? Ouch. My phone buzzed with a text from Ryan: "Wear the blue dress tonight. The one from Paris." I smiled despite myself. Six months ago, I would've been thrilled by such a direct command about my wardrobe. Now I typed back: "I'll wear what I want, but thanks for the fashion advice, Mr. Blackwood." The door swung open without warning, and Maya marched back in, clutching her tablet like a shield. "I forgot to mention—" she stopped mid-sentence, catching me sprawled unprofessionally across my furniture. "Comfortable, are we?" "Extremely," I grinned, not bothering to sit up properly. "What'd you forget?" She tapped something on her tablet. "Celeste can't make it tonight. Family emergency." "Oh no, is everything okay?" "Her grandmother fell. Nothing life