Serena’s POV
Something wasn't quite right.
The thought nagged at me throughout the afternoon as I tried to focus on the latest design portfolios. Ryan's unexpected office visit, his odd insistence on keeping me away from my phone when I mentioned calling London—small things that wouldn't normally raise flags, but together formed a pattern that set my internal alarms ringing.
After our romantic dinner last night, I'd let my suspicions fade. Perhaps I was being paranoid. But this morning, I noticed Ryan checking his phone more frequently than usual, his expression darkening briefly before smoothing into practiced neutrality whenever I entered the room.
Once at my office, I waited until I was alone before dialing Maya's number.
The video call rang for nearly a minute before c
