Chapter 289

Serena’s POV I smoothed down the front of my black Valentino gown. "Ready?" Ethan asked, offering his arm as our car pulled up to the entrance of the Moran Hotel. "As I'll ever be," I replied, accepting his support. The grand marble steps leading into London's most prestigious venue were already crowded with the city's elite, all dressed in their finest and eager to witness the social event of the season. Ryan appeared at my other side, looking devastatingly handsome in his tailored black tux. "Remember, we're making a statement just by walking through those doors. Head high." The moment we stepped into the opulent ballroom, I felt the shift in the atmosphere—the momentary hush, followed by the unmistakable buzz of gossip. Heads turned, conversations paused, and eyes locked onto us with a mixture of curiosity, disdain, and poorly concealed excitement. "Quinn family actually showed up?" "With their father hospitalized and that financial scandal brewing? Bold move." "Parker and Quinn in