Chapter 11

Serena's POV

Evelyn spits, "What do you mean? We're not done!"

Nina and Evelyn sputter, outraged. They have no idea what's happening. It's barely dinnertime, and they haven't finished their meal. They're ranting now, voices sharp and offended.

I don't react. I just straighten my spine, give my order to the waitress who appears at my side, and tap on the dessert page for Stella.

Lucas returns to his seat, his expression unreadable, but I catch the slight curve of his lips. He says nothing about what just happened. Instead, he quietly asks Milo what he wants to drink, and Stella if she needs more napkins. The kids are oblivious to the tension that just boiled.

The waiter's smile doesn't budge. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but I have to insist."

Nina huffs, "Do you know who we are? I'll complain to your manager!"

Evelyn raises her chin, glaring. "We'll file a complaint. This is unacceptable."

The waiter shrugs and taps the badge on his chest. "Feel free to complain, ma'am. My name and number are right here." His tone is cool, unshaken.

Nina and Evelyn stand, furious, expecting everyone else to be asked to leave as well. But the other tables remain seated, calm, enjoying their meals. This stings them even more.

Evelyn points wildly, her eyes landing on a random table-my table. Nina follows her gaze. The moment Nina spots me, her eyes narrow, full of spite. Evelyn notices Lucas, her eyes widening at the sight of him. She looks impressed, as if she's never expected to find such a strikingly handsome man here. The shock on her face is almost funny.

Nina's voice cuts through the low hum of the restaurant. "Sis?" She tries to get my attention, her tone dripping with disbelief and resentment. I don't move, don't even turn my head.

Nina's frustration turns into something uglier. I can sense the jealousy radiating off her. She's got all kinds of twisted ideas in her head, no doubt. She sneers loudly enough for me to hear, "So he's the 'cop' you fell for, right?" She smirks, making sure I hear every word. "I guess you got tired of being alone after you broke up with Ian. Now you're settling for a guy with kids."

Evelyn snorts. "Lowering your standards, Serena? Bringing kids here, to such a pricey place, is that how you show off your new high-class life? Didn't know trash like you could afford a meal here."

I clench my jaw. I try to keep it together because Milo and Stella are right here. They don't deserve to witness a meltdown. But Nina won't stop, her words turning more hateful. She drags Ian Whitmore into it, acting like I'm heartbroken and desperate, like I'm using Lucas and the kids as some twisted revenge scheme.

That's it.

I gently press my palm over Milo's ear. He's smart; he covers Stella's ears, too. I won't let their innocence be tainted by these foul words. I stand up, voice cold, cutting through the noise. "You think everyone's like you, picking up rotten leftovers? Ian Whitmore is nothing to me now. I threw him away first, remember?" My words slice through Nina's facade. Her face turns pale.

Evelyn tries to strike back, sneering,"Oh, jealous much? Sounds like we're hitting sour grapes territory here." She shoots a nasty glance at Lucas, acting like he's beneath them. "So you settle for a low-grade man and his kids. Pathetic."

I'm about to snap again when suddenly, Lucas's voice breaks in. Low, cold, and lethal. "What kind of man?" he asks, eyes on them, voice so quiet it's terrifying. Nina and Evelyn shut up instantly, their bravado evaporating.

Lucas stood up gracefully, his movements calm and composed. He buttoned his suit, exuding the commanding presence of a king. With an oppressive aura, he approached Nina and Evelyn, his demeanor leaving no room for doubt. He looked down on them condescendingly and said in a low voice, "This is my woman. I'm working hard to pursue her. If you dare to speak ill of her again, I will make you disappear completely from Manhattan, along with your families." His eyes were sharp, revealing a lethal fierceness that sent chills down their spines.

Nina and Evelyn recoiled in fear, taking several steps back before collapsing into their chairs. With just one look, Lucas signals the staff. A waiter steps forward, face blank, tone polite but firm. "Ladies, please leave. Now."

"How dare-" Nina still wanted to fight back, but was interrupted by the waiter. "You're on our blacklist. No next time."

Nina trembles with anger, Evelyn looks ready to scream, but they know they can't win. Nina yanks Evelyn's arm, muttering something about paparazzi and pulling back later. They storm off, hissing threats that mean nothing.

The moment they're gone, the tension collapses. It's as if the room exhales. Other diners pretend not to have noticed the show, focusing on their meals again. I sink back into my seat, my heart still pounding.

Milo tugs my sleeve, voice small, "Mommy, were they bad people?"

I force a gentle smile and ruffle his hair, "Yes, sweetheart. They were bad. But don't worry, Mommy won't let them hurt us."

Stella leans close, relief shining in her eyes. I sense Lucas looking at me, maybe impressed I didn't crumble. Milo clenches his tiny fist like he's ready to protect me if needed.

I pick up my utensils again, carefully slicing my steak into small pieces for Milo. He beams at me, places a quick kiss on my cheek. Warmth spreads through my chest. Across the table, Lucas quietly takes my plate and does the same for me, slicing my steak into perfect cubes. He pushes the plate back, and I nod, "Thanks."

Lucas raises a brow, smirking. "You could thank me the way Milo did."

My cheeks catch fire. "Not a chance," I blurt, refusing to even consider that scenario. My heart's flipping around like a fish out of water, and I'd rather not figure out why. Lucas chuckles, like he's scoring points in some secret game. "Fair enough," he says, pretending to be all gracious about it.

Just then, Stella waves a spoonful of chocolate mousse in front of my face, practically bouncing in her seat. "Try this, Mommy!" She looks way too proud of her dessert-delivery skills. I lean in and taste it. Sweet, creamy, perfect. "Delicious, honey," I say, smiling at her like she just invented dessert itself.

Lucas, never missing a chance, says, "I want to try too." Stella giggles and feeds him a spoonful. I watch this bizarrely charming scene unfold-this big, aloof guy calmly letting a tiny girl spoon-feed him chocolate. Am I on some weird hidden-camera show?

Stella tilts her head, all curious. "Sweet, Daddy?" she asks, bright-eyed.

Lucas meets my gaze with a look. "Very sweet," he says, voice soft and way too loaded. My face warms up like I'm standing next to a bonfire. I know he's not just talking about mousse here.