Chapter 144

Matthew calmly pulled his hand back and wrapped it around Serena’s waist, his gaze fixed on Oliver like he was staking a claim. A faint smirk tugged at his lips. "Guess I need to re-introduce myself. I'm her husband, Matthew." The tension in the air was thick enough to cut. Serena gave an awkward smile and half-joked, "Maybe we should all sit down and talk?" But before the words even settled, both men shut it down at the same time. "No need." The chill that followed made Serena shiver. Stuck between the two, she didn’t know what to do with her hands or feet. Matthew's dark eyes stayed locked on Oliver, unblinking. After a brief moment, he turned slightly to Lucas and said in a low voice, “Take my wife to the car. I’ve got some private business with Mr. Thompson." The dessert shop’s sign had quietly flipped to “Closed,” and every staff member had been sent away early, except for Jack Brooks, disguised as a server, standing guard at the entrance. Matthew and Oliver sat across from each o