Chapter 47

Serena's POV I sat staring at the small velvet box Ryan had just offered to toss for me. God, what a mess. Was I really going to throw it away? “Let's keep it,” I said at last, my voice deliberately light. “Jewelry's expensive—even if it's from him. No point wasting perfectly good craftsmanship.” Julian raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced, but didn't press the matter. “Ready to leave then?” he asked, glancing around. “This showcase is getting rather tedious.” "God, yes," I sighed, slipping the box into my clutch. "Between the ambush on stage and Ryan's dramatics, I've had enough excitement for one night." Julian nodded, offering his arm again as we headed toward the exit. I felt Ryan's eyes burning into my back the entire way out, but I refused to give him the satisfaction of looking back. The silence in the car was deafening. Julian seemed lost in thought, occasionally glancing my way when he thought I wasn't looking. Meanwhile, I couldn't stop thinking about that damn box burning