Chapter 96

Lucas's POV

I clicked replay for what must have been the twentieth time. On my office monitor, Serena's performance at Battle of the Needle played once again. Her composed demeanor masked the pressure she must have been feeling, but I caught the slight tremor in her hands before she began. The same subtle tell I'd noticed whenever she was nervous yet determined. My fingers tightened imperceptibly on my mouse as I watched.

A poorly suppressed snicker from behind made my jaw clench. Without turning, I could picture Miles trying and failing to maintain his professional demeanor.

"Something amusing?" My voice carried an arctic chill.

"Apologies, sir." Miles straightened, though his eyes still danced with mirth. "It's just... refreshing to see you so..." he searched for a diplomatically safe word, "invested in Miss Sinclair's success."

I swiveled slowly in my chair, fixing him with the look that had once caused a board member to resign on the spot. "Out."

I didn't bother watching him leave, my attention already drawn back to the screen. Serena had chosen a bold strategy for her first appearance - risky, but brilliant if she could pull it off. The judges' surprised expressions confirmed she'd succeeded in catching them off guard.

My phone was in my hand before I'd made the conscious decision to call her. It rang three times before she picked up.

"Lucas?" Her voice sounded strained, distracted. In the background, I could hear the bustle of what was likely the show's production.

"I saw your performance."

"I'm really busy right now. I'll call you back later, okay?"

The line went dead before I could respond. I set the phone down with deliberate care, though my expression had darkened considerably.

A notification from the group chat drew my attention:

Drew: Hey Lucas, caught your lady's debut? She's all over social media! Fifth place in her first battle - talk about an underdog story! 🔥

Spencer: Quite the lineup... Serena, Nina, Evelyn... This is going to be interesting.

Drew: Can you imagine if Eleanor joined? Now THAT would be entertainment!

I watched the messages roll in, my thumb hovering over the keyboard. The thought of Serena facing off against Nina and Evelyn stirred something dark in my chest.

Spencer: @Lucas @Jace Any thoughts?

Minutes later, my phone buzzed, Serena's name lighting up the screen. I let it ring twice before answering, maintaining my composure despite the immediate lift in my spirits.

"So," I drawled, keeping my voice deliberately low, "I have to learn about my girlfriend's TV debut from the news?"

A soft sigh came through the line. "It's just a competition, Lucas. Three months max."

"And you couldn't mention this to me because...?" I leaned back in my chair, gaze fixed on the cityscape beyond my office windows.

"I didn't want to make it a big deal." Her voice carried that stubborn note I'd come to recognize. "Besides, it's already done."

I arched an eyebrow, though she couldn't see it. "You think I can't handle what Ian can manage?" The words came out sharper than intended, laden with implications about the media coverage I knew he'd arranged for Nina.

Her laugh, warm and genuine, caught me off guard. "My talented boyfriend seems to be forgetting that his equally talented girlfriend doesn't need to buy her way to the top."

Something in my chest loosened at her confidence. I found myself smiling despite my earlier irritation. "Remember this, Serena Sinclair - you have a mountain of gold behind you. Solid, stable, and shining. You don't have to face everything alone anymore."

The line went quiet for a moment. I could hear her soft breathing.

"Have you eaten?" I asked, deliberately lightening the mood.

"Not yet. I might make some noodles when I get home."

"Oh? You know how to make noodles?" I couldn't resist teasing her.

"Of course I do." She sounded indignant. "Want me to make some for you?"

"Are you offering to cook for me?" I let my voice drop lower, enjoying the slight catch in her breath.

"I-" She stopped. "You're impossible sometimes, you know that?"

"Only sometimes? I must be losing my touch." I smiled, imagining the blush probably coloring her cheeks. "Get some proper dinner, Serena. Don't just settle for instant noodles."

"Yes, sir," she replied, a smile evident in her voice. "Was that all you called for? To scold me about food?"

"Would you prefer I had another reason?"

"Goodbye, Lucas." She was definitely smiling now.

"Goodbye, Serena." I kept the line open until I heard her hang up.