Chapter 285

Serena’s POV Something wasn't quite right. The thought nagged at me throughout the afternoon as I tried to focus on the latest design portfolios. Ryan's unexpected office visit, his odd insistence on keeping me away from my phone when I mentioned calling London—small things that wouldn't normally raise flags, but together formed a pattern that set my internal alarms ringing. After our romantic dinner last night, I'd let my suspicions fade. Perhaps I was being paranoid. But this morning, I noticed Ryan checking his phone more frequently than usual, his expression darkening briefly before smoothing into practiced neutrality whenever I entered the room. Once at my office, I waited until I was alone before dialing Maya's number. The video call rang for nearly a minute before connecting. When Maya's face finally appeared on screen, I immediately noticed the shadows under her eyes, poorly concealed with makeup. "Maya, what took you so long? Were you avoiding me?" I tried to keep my tone ligh