Chapter 54

Serena's POV I stood there, bracing myself for Ryan's reaction. After that dramatic slap I'd delivered to Ivy's face, I expected anger, disapproval, or even public censure. What I didn't expect was his concerned gaze falling on my hand. "Did you hurt yourself?" he asked quietly, reaching for my reddened palm. The question caught me completely off-guard. After everything that had just happened, he was worried about my hand? The unexpected gentleness in his voice made something flutter dangerously in my chest. Before I could respond, Ivy let out an indignant gasp, her mascara-streaked face contorting with disbelief. "Are you serious right now?" she shrieked, gesturing wildly between us. "She just assaulted me in front of everyone, and you're asking if SHE'S hurt?!" Ryan barely glanced her way, his patience visibly thinning. "Enough, Ivy. You've caused enough of a scene." "I caused a scene?" Her voice rose to an eardrum-piercing pitch. "She's the one who slapped me!" "Ivy," Ryan said cold