Chapter 169

Serena's POV I looked at Ryan's stiffening expression and let out a bitter laugh. The tension between us was practically crackling in the air now. "Calm down, Serena," he finally said, his voice tight. "I am perfectly calm," I fired back, squaring my shoulders despite the heaviness of my baby bump. "If you're here to interrogate me or pull some other manipulative stunt, just leave. I don't have time to entertain you or your games." I turned to walk away, the anger still bubbling inside me even after my outburst. My chest felt tight, like I couldn't quite catch a full breath. Lucy, my assistant, stood frozen by the entrance, eyes wide as she watched our confrontation unfold. Maya had appeared beside her too, looking completely bewildered by my uncharacteristic display of fury. Ryan strode forward, his face hardening into that mask of cold control I knew all too well. "What exactly did you mean by what you just said?" "Exactly what the words meant. Do I need to spell it out for you?" I c