Chapter 35

Serena's POV I was deep into reviewing the latest design sketches when my phone buzzed. Grandmother Blackwood's name flashed on the screen. My finger hovered over the decline button for a second before I sighed and answered. "Hello, Grandmother." "Serena, dear! I'm at Century Plaza. Join me for some shopping?" I hesitated, glancing at the pile of work on my desk. Maya had been pushing me to take a break all week, saying I was working myself to exhaustion. Maybe she was right. "I have quite a bit of work to finish..." "Nonsense! A few hours away from that studio won't hurt. I miss you terribly." I bit my lip, torn between obligation and the mountain of tasks ahead. Finally, I called Maya over. "Can you and Julian handle these approvals if I step out for a few hours? Grandmother Blackwood wants to see me." Maya's eyebrows shot up. "The grandmother-in-law? Even after the divorce?" "She doesn't know yet," I admitted quietly. "Ryan hasn't told her." "Of course we'll manage. Go!" Maya practi