Serena noticed his displeasure but chose not to address it.

She felt the stomach pain that had been suppressed earlier return, and it was no longer manageable.

Clenching her teeth, Serena glanced at Owen again. “But as your superior, it is my responsibility to guide my subordinates. If you have similar intentions again, I would appreciate being informed in advance so I don’t inadvertently ruin your plans.”

With that, she used the last of her strength to pull her wrist away.

Owen, displeased, tightened his grip, ignoring her resistance. He shoved her against the car.

“Serena, do you find this amusing?”

Serena was taken aback. In that moment, Owen seized her chin with his hand.

His grip was so tight that the pain made her grit her teeth, forcing her to endure it.

Owen locked eyes with her, his voice cold as if laced with ice. “You’re not bullying Emmy, you’re taking out your anger on me.”

Serena furrowed her brow, about to retort, but the pressure on her chin silenced her.

Owen didn’t say anything more, but he didn’t release her either.

He simply stared at her, his gaze deep and unblinking, like a storm brewing within.

After a long moment, he finally seemed ready to speak again, his voice still chilling. “I know you too well, Serena. You can’t fit anyone in your heart but yourself.”

Serena froze, stunned.

Before she could react, he loosened his grip.

Breathing heavily, Serena struggled to regain her composure, her mind spinning. She looked at Owen. “What did you say? Say it again. I didn’t hear you clearly.”

Owen didn’t answer as she hoped. He gave her a cold glance before turning away and getting into the car.

Emma Hayes was still sitting in the passenger seat. As the door opened, she nervously looked at Serena. “Executive Director Harper...”

“Don’t worry about her!”

Owen’s cold voice cut Emma off, and he reached over to ruffle her hair. “Be good, Emmy. I won’t let her bully you again.”

With a press of the gas pedal, the Maybach sped off.

Serena felt a tremor run through her body. She stumbled a few steps before managing to regain her balance and walk toward her car.

But the cold, disdainful look Owen had given her before getting into the car was still vivid in her mind. It wasn’t just that he had grown tired of her; he hated her.

But why?

Since she was ten years old, Serena had been a part of the Lancaster family, growing up with Owen, essentially childhood sweethearts.

After turning eighteen, she followed him for sixteen years—eight years as his confidant, eight years as his lover.

And what had she received in return?

She had earned his indifference, with no explanation.

She had earned his anger, with no chance to explain herself, all for the sake of his new love.

She had earned his dismissal with a single sentence, "I understand you. You can’t fit anyone in your heart but yourself."

He hadn’t just rejected her; he had rejected everything she had invested in him.

It was laughable—too laughable.

But Serena didn’t laugh. Her heart ached with a pain so sharp it felt as if something inside her had been torn apart, bleeding uncontrollably.

She was in no condition to drive.

Serena called a chauffeur and, while waiting, took two more painkillers.

There was still work to be done at the office. She couldn’t afford to collapse.

By the time she arrived home, it was already past midnight. Normally, she would have gone straight to the study to review contracts and handle work.

But today, she had no strength left. She didn’t even bother turning on the lights, collapsing onto the couch instead.

Soon, she developed a high fever.

Her temperature soared.

She felt parched, unable to sleep, and with no medicine for the fever at home, she was too weak to do anything.

She endured until morning, finally forcing herself up to take a quick shower, put on light makeup, and change clothes before driving to the office.

She had planned to stop by a pharmacy on the way, but after receiving a series of calls from Lily Thompson, she didn’t have time.

When Serena entered the office and sat down in her leather chair, Lily promptly delivered a simple breakfast along with some news.

“Sis Serena, Emma Hayes resigned.”

Serena wasn’t surprised. She just lightly said, “Oh?” and continued eating her breakfast.

She had drunk too much the night before, and her stomach was already empty.

The warm porridge helped ease her discomfort just a little.

“She’s already at HR handling the paperwork.” Lily continued, her gaze on Serena filled with mixed emotions.

Serena noticed something was off and lifted her eyes, meeting Lily’s concerned and somewhat sympathetic look.

Serena didn’t like that kind of gaze.

Clearly, Lily had more to say. Serena prompted, “What are you staring at me for? If you want to say something, just say it.”

Lily, relieved by the invitation, hesitated before speaking, “Well... Emma Hayes resigned because... her boyfriend couldn’t bear to see her work for someone else and be mistreated, so he’s going to start a company for her.”

Serena paused mid-bite.

Everyone knew who this boyfriend was. And it was very clear who “someone else” referred to.

In order to shield his beloved from the humiliation and oppression Serena caused, Owen Lancaster had decided to let her start her own company, with her as the boss.

How tender, how protective.

How much he cherished her.

And how wealthy he must be.

But the news was undoubtedly true. Despite the falling out between Owen Lancaster and his mother, his departure from LancasterCare, and his decision not to use the Lancaster Family’s name or wealth, he was still a Lancaster. He still carried the Lancaster bloodline.

Not to mention the connections and networks he had built during his time managing LancasterCare, Owen was a man whom countless influential people within the circles sought to befriend. He could easily start any company and build an empire without breaking a sweat.

He could lift someone up, or destroy them, depending on his mood.

Serena suppressed the cold shiver creeping up her spine and nonchalantly looked up. “Alright, I understand. If that’s all, you can get back to work.”

Lily nodded and then went over the day’s schedule. Once Serena confirmed everything was in order, she prepared to leave. But just as she was about to head out, she ran into Emma Hayes, who had knocked and entered.

“Executive Director Harper, may I speak with you for a moment?” Emma asked softly, her demeanor a bit uneasy.

Before Serena could respond, Lily interjected, “Can’t you see Sis Serena is eating? If you’ve got something to say, hurry up.”

Emma’s face flushed even more with discomfort, and she hesitated before speaking, “Uh, Executive Director Harper, I’m sorry.”

As she spoke, she bowed solemnly.

Serena silently watched her, knowing why Emma was apologizing.

Although Serena had never delved into when Emma and Owen Lancaster’s relationship had started, it was clear it had begun before Serena and Owen had formally separated.

In that case, it was obvious who the third party was.

But Serena didn’t dwell on it. After a brief silence, she simply said, “Alright, you can go now.”

Emma, looking as if she had been granted a pardon, hesitated before saying, “But... there’s something else...”