Chapter 139

Serena's POV The cold splash of red wine hit my cream dress like an unwelcome fever dream. I watched in horror as the stain spread rapidly across the expensive fabric, turning my elegant champagne-colored gown into a ruined mess within seconds. "I'm so terribly sorry, Ms. Quinn!" The woman who'd spilled her drink frantically grabbed cocktail napkins from a nearby table. "I wasn't watching where I was going!" Her desperate dabbing only seemed to make the stain worse, working the red wine deeper into the delicate material. Great. Just perfect. A crowd quickly formed around us—nothing draws attention at a high-society event like an expensive dress being ruined. I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment as whispers circulated through the gathering audience. Lucian materialized through the crowd, his expression darkening momentarily before softening into practiced concern. "Serena," he said gently, his voice dripping with solicitude that felt just a touch too rehearsed. "Don't worry about t