Chapter 367

Serena had no intention of giving Cole the slightest sliver of hope, especially not after what nearly happened last time. "Thank you for the birthday wishes, my dear nephew." Cole's gaze faltered. Even when Serena rejected him—her face cold and eyes downcast—she was still devastatingly alluring. Her indifference didn't deter him. If anything, it made him more desperate. "Besides the outsiders, was I the first one to wish you a happy birthday?" "No. That would be Hugh." Serena's lips curved into the faintest smile. She thought of the first light of morning, the whisper of wind rushing past, and Hugh's quiet "happy birthday". Her expression softened without her even realizing it. "You don't have to be the first. I'm feeling a bit tired, so I won't keep you. Forgive me for the early goodnight." While cradling a mug of warm milk, she turned and walked into her room, not sparing Cole another glance. Out in the hall, Melissa shoved Cole hard. "Are you insane? What, do you get a prize