Chapter 277

Serena's POV I watched Ivy bite her lip nervously as she rushed to explain. "Mr. Matthews, you've misunderstood. Mrs. Quinn only chatted with me. She hasn't seen any of our Fashion Week pieces." I waved my hand dismissively. "Miss Percy, why don't you step outside for a moment? I'd like to discuss this collaboration privately with Mr. Matthews." I needed to get her out of the room—partly to protect her. The last thing I wanted was to witness Matthews tear into her while I sat there. Something about her vulnerability stirred my protective instincts. "Of course," she replied, clearly understanding my intentions. She left quickly, gently closing the door behind her. The office fell silent. Matthews sat across from me, brow furrowed with impatience. "Mrs. Quinn, Kruse and Dreamland Studio aren't exactly competitors. But looking at our sketches in advance seems... inappropriate, don't you think?" I leaned forward, my voice dropping to a cool, authoritative tone. "Mr. Matthews, that's hardly