Chapter 234

Serena’s POV I woke up feeling like I'd been hit by a freight train, my head throbbing with the remnants of fragmented memories. The same bedroom I'd fallen asleep in earlier now felt somehow different—more familiar yet still strange. Rubbing my eyes, I made my way downstairs, my stomach growling loudly enough to override the lingering headache. I hadn't meant to sleep so long, but exhaustion had claimed me completely. "Serena, you're awake!" Eleanor rushed toward me, immediately gesturing to the housekeeper. "Please prepare lunch for my sister." I smiled sheepishly. "Have you all eaten already? I guess I really overslept." "Don't worry about it," Eleanor said, taking my arm. "I didn't eat much earlier—I'll join you." She guided me to the dining table where Zoe was already sitting, sipping freshly squeezed juice instead of having another meal. I noticed her watching my every movement, studying me like I was some fascinating specimen. "You've always hated cilantro," she remarked suddenl