Before Emma Hayes could continue, Lily Thompson’s eyes were already rolling in exasperation.

“Enough already, can’t you just take a hint and stop pushing your luck?”

Listening to Lily’s sharp words, Emma Hayes awkwardly bit her lip. “It’s about the project with Mr. Grey, Bro Owen...”

Before she could finish, Lily shot her a pointed look.

Bringing up such a personal nickname for her boss—was she really that clueless?

Emma Hayes, sensing the tension, quickly corrected herself, “He asked me to take all the detailed plans, including the proposals and paperwork, for that project.”

Lily Thompson was the first to voice her discontent, “Take it all? Why should she? That project is something Serena has worked so hard on...”

“Enough,” Serena Harper interrupted quickly, raising her hand.

She had sacrificed countless nights for this project, drank endless amounts of alcohol, vomited herself to exhaustion, and had a persistent fever.

Even now, she was pushing herself to the limit.

And just like that, Owen Lancaster had given a simple order, sending Emma Hayes to collect it without a second thought.

It felt so natural, so thoughtless, like her efforts meant nothing.

As Lily had said—why should that be?

Serena Harper held back the frustration rising in her chest, keeping her face neutral as she looked at Emma Hayes. “This project is contracted with LancasterCare, and the contract will be finalized today. It’s not the right time to change the company handling it.”

Even after Serena’s explanation, Emma Hayes still looked troubled.

Serena furrowed her brows and decided to be more direct, “If Owen wants the project, he can come to me himself.”

Emma hesitated but finally nodded and left.

Lily Thompson glared at Emma’s retreating figure and stomped her foot in frustration. “Serena, I won’t say anything more, but if you ever leave LancasterCare, I’ll be the first to follow you.”

After that, Lily left as well.

Serena Harper looked at the remaining food on her plate but suddenly lost her appetite.

She packed it up and tossed it in the trash, unable to avoid the thought that perhaps it was time to start thinking about her future.

Serena Harper was an orphan, sent to an orphanage at around the age of three. She had no knowledge of her biological parents, growing up in an environment of neglect and care. By the time she was ten, her fate took a turn during a charity event for underprivileged students, where she was chosen by Lancaster Family to receive special sponsorship and care.

It was through the help of a benefactor that she entered Lancaster Family and met Owen.

Years passed, and the name Lancaster had become so deeply ingrained in her life that it felt like an indelible mark, constantly overshadowing her.

But moving forward...

Serena Harper turned her gaze toward the gray sky outside the window, halting her thoughts. She would leave the future for later and focus on the work at hand for now.

True to Mr. Grey’s word, his deputy and secretary arrived in the morning to finalize the contract, and everything went smoothly—signatures were obtained, and it was official.

In the afternoon, Serena organized a department meeting to discuss the newly confirmed project and the upcoming projects, identifying key tasks and outlining details.

She then attended the company’s senior management meeting, where the focus remained on the project with Mr. Grey and the necessary tasks once the project officially launched.

After a busy day, Serena received a WhatsApp message from Olivia Bennett, inviting her to meet up.

Olivia was a close friend of Serena and Owen from their university days, and also the bride at the former wedding, married to Ryan Henderson.

However, that evening Ryan had business to attend to, so he couldn’t join them.

“Rye wanted me to explain to you—it’s really an important dinner,” Olivia said quickly as soon as they sat down.

Rye was Ryan Henderson’s nickname, the same one Owen used.

Olivia squeezed Serena’s hand across the table. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to say, but you might not like it.”

Serena raised an eyebrow, “Go ahead, and I’ll decide if I like it.”

“You and Owen...”

Serena cut her off, “Stop right there.”

Just hearing his name was enough to give her a headache.

She glanced at her phone, noticing it was getting late, and everyone seemed to be busy, so she prepared to leave.

However, Olivia grabbed her hand and wouldn't let go. "I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have mentioned it, but harsh words are for your own good. Who else would dare to say these things to you?"

There was some truth to that.

After all, over the years, Olivia had been Serena's only real confidante.

So Serena didn’t argue and sat back down.

Olivia, biting her straw, sighed dramatically again, “You’re great in every way, but when it comes to Owen, the disparity in your backgrounds is just too vast. That’s why I never supported you two in college.”

“I didn’t think you’d make it to the point of marriage. Do you know who he is? He’s the only son of Lancaster Family, from that unimaginable wealthy class...”

As she spoke, Olivia gestured with her hands, which looked a bit comical, but her words were serious. “He’s at the top. Someone like him will definitely marry a woman from a family with equal status—someone from an upper-class background, a wealthy heiress.”

And Serena? She was an orphan.

Even though she had been raised by Lancaster Family for years, even though she had a past with Owen, even though she had risked her life to protect him, she still wasn’t good enough.

In the face of power, the most irrefutable and helpless thing was background.

Simply put, it was about being born into the right family.

Serena knew this all too well and didn’t find Olivia’s words particularly hurtful.

She just nodded and smiled. “Is there more? You haven’t finished yet, go on.”

Seeing that Serena wasn’t upset, Olivia held her hand and said, “So you should be glad that you’re no longer with Owen. You two aren’t from the same world. Forcing a relationship will only cause both of you pain.”

That was true.

Serena nodded in agreement, then pulled her hand back to call the waiter to order more food.

The two of them chatted about work, family matters, and eventually, the conversation shifted to funny stories from their college days. Before they knew it, the topic circled back to Owen.

Just as Serena was about to change the subject, Olivia, having had a few drinks, was tipsy and asked with a smile, “He really left Lancaster Family for some no-name girl, huh?”

Olivia then raised a finger to clarify, “No background, no education, and no brains.”

In comparison, both Serena and Olivia had PhDs, so Serena’s ordinary university degree didn’t seem impressive.

But Serena never compared herself that way.

“Honestly, while I’ve been advising you, I also feel sorry for you,” Olivia said, her voice slurring slightly. “If Owen left you for a rich heiress, I wouldn’t say anything, but for some nobody who’s nothing but a pretty face—no matter how much he loves her, they’re not getting married. What’s he even after?”

That hit the nail on the head.

Serena didn’t understand either—what exactly did Owen want?

“Let him be. It’s none of my business anymore.”

Serena casually said this as she stood up, intending to help Olivia, who seemed a bit tipsy. But just then, a figure approached her.

She looked up to see Owen’s dark, stormy eyes, followed by his cold voice demanding, “So this is what you say about me behind my back with your friend?”