Chapter 201

Serena's POV The apartment door closed behind us, sealing away the toxic drama of the Hart sisters. I felt lighter somehow, as if a persistent shadow had finally been banished from our lives. Ryan quickly composed himself, his earlier coldness melting away as he turned his attention to me. "Are you okay? Did all that upset you?" he asked, his voice low and concerned. His hand remained firmly wrapped around mine, thumb absently stroking my skin in that way that always sent little sparks up my arm. I shook my head, studying his face with careful curiosity. For years I'd wondered how he'd react when confronted with Sophie's true nature. Now I was more interested in his emotional state than my own. "You didn't seem surprised about any of Sophie's secrets," I said quietly. "Did you already know what she'd done?" Ryan closed his eyes briefly, exhaling slowly. "No, I didn't." When he opened his eyes again, they held a clarity I hadn't expected. "Three years ago, I probably would have been dev