Chapter 128

Serena's POV

I scrolled through my phone, scanning the comments under the latest society news headline: "Harrington Heir Lucas Harrington and Rachel Thorne Announce Engagement."

My finger paused over a particularly heated discussion about Milo and Stella. Someone had written a lengthy speculation about them being Rachel's children, garnering hundreds of responses. A slight twinge flickered in my chest, but I closed the app with practiced indifference.

The phone buzzed - Ian Whitmore's name flashed across the screen. I considered letting it go to voicemail, but something made me answer.

"How does it feel?" His voice dripped with false concern. "Seeing the news?"

I kept my voice deliberately light. "Unless this is about business, I'm rather busy."

"Come now, Serena. We both know Lucas Harrington would never choose someone like you. Not with your... history."

A small smile curved my lips. "You mean like how Nina was your choice? How's that working out for the Whitmore family's influence in Manhattan these days?"

His sharp intake of breath told me the barb had landed. "You've gotten quite sharp with that tongue of yours."

"Learned from the best - your dear Nina." I traced a pattern on my desk with one finger. "Though I must say, watching Harrington International systematically dismantle both Whitmore and Sinclair interests in the market has been... educational."

"You-" he sputtered. "You're actually proud of being his puppet?"

"Oh Ian," I let out a soft laugh. "I don't need to compete with Rachel Thorne. I only need to know that Lucas was willing to target your family and mine. Actions speak louder than press releases, don't you think?"

The silence stretched between us. When he spoke again, his voice had lost its mocking edge. "Why did you hide it back then? Being Lumi Nova? If you had just told me-"

"Really?" I cut him off, my voice crystallizing into ice. "You want to discuss honesty? With me? After what you and Nina did?"

"Serena-"

"I have no interest in explaining myself to someone who betrayed me." My finger hovered over the end call button. "Goodbye. Don't call again."

I hung up before he could respond and turned back to my laptop, pushing thoughts of Lucas, Rachel, and old betrayals aside.

Eleanor's POV

I arrived at the set earlier than scheduled. My heels clicked against the floor as I made my way through the bustling crew members.

"Miss Yates," my assistant hurried to my side, tablet in hand. "Mr. Gillard has already arranged the body double for today's intimate scene."

I couldn't help but let out a soft, sardonic laugh. "Has he now?" The thought of Jace Gillard personally selecting a body double seemed both amusing and irritating. "And I suppose he's particularly proud of his choice?"

"He mentioned she'd be perfect for the scene."

"We'll see about that," I muttered, adjusting my silk blouse. The studio lights were already blazing, transforming the set into a carefully constructed illusion of luxury.

Before I could make my way to my dressing room, a familiar, saccharine voice cut through the ambient noise of the set. "Eleanor! What a lovely surprise!"

Evelyn Whitmore stood near the director's chair, holding an elegantly wrapped box from Park Avenue Pastries. Her dress seemed excessive for a simple set visit, but then again, everything about Evelyn was excessive.

"I brought these amazing pastries," she gushed, her perfectly manicured fingers tapping the box. "They're absolutely divine. You simply must try-" She lifted the lid, then affected an exaggerated pout. "Oh no, they're all gone! I'm so sorry, Eleanor. The crew just couldn't resist them. I'll be sure to bring more next time."

I met her gaze with a cold smile. "Don't trouble yourself." Walking past her, I could feel her eyes burning into my back. The sweet fragrance of her perfume couldn't mask the sourness of her intentions.

Taking my position beside the monitor, I watched as Jace directed the lighting crew. "We're ready for the double," Jace called out.

I crossed my arms, prepared to critique whatever amateur he'd selected. But when the woman stepped onto the set, I felt my carefully maintained expression slip for just a moment. Her build, her posture, even the way she carried herself - the resemblance was uncanny.

"Hello, Miss Yates." Her voice was professional, respectful.

"Hello," I responded, studying her face. Jace's attention to detail was irritating in its perfection. "I hope you're prepared for multiple takes. We maintain high standards here."

"Of course." She nodded, completely unfazed by my cool tone.

As I watched her take her position on the set, I had to admit - silently and grudgingly - that perhaps Jace's eye for detail deserved more credit than I'd been willing to give. But I'd rather drink stale coffee than tell him that.

"Ready to begin," Jace announced, his voice carrying across the now-hushed set. "And... action."

I stood there, watching my double perform the scene I'd rehearsed countless times in my head, wondering if this was how others saw me - professional, and perfectly controlled.

I wrapped up a couple of close-ups and returned to the room to take my make-up off.

My phone's sudden vibration against the countertop. Mother's name flashed across the screen, and I felt my lips curl into an automatic smile.

"Dearest mother," I chirped, keeping my tone deliberately light. "Missing your precious princess already?"

The silence that followed was telling. I could practically feel the temperature drop through the phone.

"Eleanor." My mother's voice carried that particular edge that made me sit up straighter. "What's this I hear about you confronting your grandfather yesterday?"

I picked up another makeup wipe, trying to maintain my composure. "Grandfather was bullying Serena! I was just standing up for what's right. He can't just-"

"Enough." The word cut through my explanation like a knife. "You will apologize to him tonight."

"Tonight?" The makeup wipe froze halfway to my face. "What do you mean tonight?"

"The Thornes are coming for dinner. Howard wants to discuss Lucas and Rachel's engagement details."

My stomach dropped. "Lucas's engagement? But he doesn't even-" I paused, a horrible thought striking me. "Mother, I've been trying to reach him since last night. He's not answering his phone. Is he...?"

"You will be at dinner tonight," she continued as if I hadn't spoken. "This isn't up for discussion."

"Please," I switched tactics, letting a hint of vulnerability creep into my voice. "I have early shoots tomorrow. Can't you put in a good word for me? You know how much I love acting, I don't want to give it up so soon..."

"Eleanor." Her tone softened fractionally, but remained firm. "Some sacrifices are necessary. This dinner is important for the family."

"What's Grandfather planning?" I couldn't keep the frustration from my voice. "Lucas clearly doesn't want this marriage! You can't just-"

"Stay out of your brother's marriage arrangements with Rachel Thorne." The ice was back in her voice. "I don't mind your friendship with Serena, but some matters are beyond your authority. Do you understand?"

I bit my lip, tasting the waxy remnants of lipstick. "Yes, Mother."

My fingers hovered over my phone for a moment before typing out a quick message to Serena:

""SOS. No dinner at home tonight. Don't wait."

"Okay." Her reply came instantly.

"Dinner at the Harringtons' tonight. Should see my bro there. Pretty sure Gramps is holdin' him captive - why we can't reach him. I'll msg u when I see him," I sent another text.

Serena didn't reply this time. I clutched my phone. No matter what, I had to find out my brother's true thoughts tonight.