A few days later, the highly anticipated fashion week gala finally arrived.

Serena had planned to attend with Sally, and after wrapping up work, they headed straight to the luxurious Regent’s Cove where the evening’s festivities would unfold.

Something feels off about this whole thing, Serena thought, her brow furrowing as fragments of conversation from the past week replayed in her mind. She’d been running around like a headless chicken lately, but still—how had she missed such crucial information until now?

"Serena, maybe it’s just because this fashion week is bringing in serious money. Don’t overthink it," Sally offered, her voice gentle but unconvincing.

Despite Sally’s reassurance, an unsettling knot twisted in Serena’s stomach. Call it intuition, but something about the sudden investor buzz felt... deliberate.

As their car pulled up to the grand entrance of Regent’s Cove, Serena’s eyes immediately locked onto a familiar silhouette leaning casually against a marble pillar.

"Cedric?" The name escaped her lips before she could stop it. "What are you doing here?"

Cedric Lancaster’s lips curved into that signature smile that always made her pulse quicken. "Well, as one of the primary investors, I’d say my presence is rather... mandatory tonight."

He pushed off from the pillar with fluid grace, his expensive suit catching the golden hotel lights. "I actually considered swinging by your studio to pick you up, but knowing your workaholic tendencies, I figured you’d still be buried under fabric samples until midnight."

His eyes sparkled with amusement. "Perfect timing though—looks like we’re operating on the same wavelength."

Investor? Since when? Serena’s mind reeled, but before she could process this bombshell, Sally’s theatrical gasp cut through her thoughts.

"Oh my GOD!" Sally clutched her chest dramatically. "Mr. Lancaster, talk about husband of the year! You literally invested in an entire fashion week just for Serena? That’s like... next-level romantic gesture territory!"

Cedric’s smile widened, and tellingly, he didn’t deny a single word.

He didn’t deny it. Why didn’t he deny it?

"Alright, lovebirds," Sally announced with exaggerated flair, "I can practically see the heart-eyes from here. I’m going to make my grand entrance solo before you two start making the paparazzi rich."

She waggled her fingers in a playful goodbye and sashayed toward the hotel entrance, leaving them alone under the soft glow of the entrance lights.

Serena turned to face Cedric fully, her designer heels clicking against the marble as she stepped closer. The evening breeze caught a strand of her hair, and she tucked it behind her ear—a nervous habit he’d noticed years ago.

"Okay, explanation time," she said, her voice carrying that no-nonsense tone he both loved and feared. "How is it possible that I—the supposed beneficiary of this grand romantic gesture—am completely clueless about your investment?"

"Surprise?" Cedric offered with mock innocence, then extended his arm toward her. "Come on, Serena. Let’s head inside before they start the evening without the guest of honor."

Serena stared at his offered arm, her internal debate playing out across her features. This man and his secrets. But despite her frustration, despite the questions multiplying in her head like rabbits, she found herself slipping her arm through his.

"Fine. But don’t think this conversation is over," she warned, though her tone had softened.

"Wouldn’t dream of it," Cedric murmured, his satisfaction carefully hidden.

She has no idea, he thought as they walked toward the entrance. The truth was, he’d had zero intention of investing in fashion week until his sources mentioned Ryan’s sudden financial interest in the event. The moment he’d heard that particular piece of intel, every alarm bell in his head had started ringing.

Ryan investing in Serena’s world? Not happening. Not on his watch.

If I give Ryan even an inch of opportunity to get close to her, everything could change. Every carefully laid plan, every moment I’ve spent earning back her trust...

His grip on her arm tightened almost imperceptibly. The only person who gets to stand beside Serena is me. Period.

The moment they stepped through the hotel’s golden doors, it was like walking into a spotlight. Conversations paused mid-sentence, champagne glasses froze halfway to lips, and every head in the vicinity swiveled in their direction.

Here we go, Serena thought, straightening her shoulders. She’d forgotten how intense the London social scene could be.

Cedric Lancaster’s presence alone was enough to cause a stir. After years of playing the mysterious international businessman, his appearances in London high society were rare enough to be considered events in themselves. Add in his reputation, his wealth, and his devastating good looks, and suddenly everyone wanted a piece of him.

But Serena wasn’t exactly chopped liver. As the creative force behind Elegant Realm studio and one of tonight’s key organizers, she commanded her own brand of attention. This was her first major public appearance at a London society event, and her stunning features were already generating the kind of buzz that made publicists rich.

The whispers started almost immediately, spreading through the crowd like wildfire:

"That’s Mrs. Lancaster from Elegant Realm? God, she’s gorgeous, but... doesn’t she look familiar somehow?"

"I know, right? I swear I’ve seen that face before. It’s driving me crazy that I can’t place it."

"Maybe she’s got one of those faces? You know, classic bone structure and all that."

"Whatever. Look at them together—they’re like something out of a magazine. Pure genetic lottery winners."

"I heard they did some secret wedding thing. Very hush-hush. Word is they still haven’t thrown a proper celebration here in London."

"Secret wedding?" Another voice chimed in with obvious fascination. "That explains the mystery factor. God, imagine having that kind of romance..."

Serena felt heat creep up her neck as fragments of conversation reached her ears.

Cedric, seemingly unbothered by the attention, leaned down to murmur in her ear: "Smile, darling. You’re giving them exactly the fairy tale they want to believe in."

"Easy for you to say," she whispered back. "You’re used to being the center of attention. I prefer working behind the scenes."

"Too late for that now," he said with obvious amusement. "Besides, you look absolutely stunning tonight. Let them stare."

Why does he always know exactly what to say to make my brain go fuzzy?

As they moved deeper into the crowd, Serena couldn’t shake the feeling that tonight was going to change everything. The investors, the whispers, Cedric’s mysterious involvement—it all felt like pieces of a puzzle she wasn’t sure she wanted to solve.

But one thing was certain: whatever game was being played here, she was apparently one of the main players.