Chapter 263

Serena’s POV The air in the house felt different after Olivia's arrest—lighter somehow, as if a long-held tension had finally broken. I sank deeper into the living room sofa, my body drained from the emotional confrontation. Eleanor sat beside me, her protective presence a comfort I'd come to cherish these past months. "I still can't believe she hated me enough to..." I couldn't finish the sentence, the reality of Olivia's betrayal still too raw. Eleanor squeezed my hand. "Some people build their entire identity around another person's shadow. When that person shines too brightly..." She shrugged, her expression grim. The sudden commotion at the front door startled us both. Heavy footsteps approached—too urgent to be staff. Ryan burst into the room, his normally composed features tight with concern. His eyes found mine instantly, scanning every inch of me as if searching for injuries. Only when he confirmed I was physically unharmed did his shoulders relax slightly. "Serena," he breath