Serena's Pov

I did not plan to visit his office. I told myself that repeatedly while I stood in the elevator, sweating palms holding a white paper bag filled with croissants he used to adore.

This was not surveillance. I was not spying. I was just… dropping by. What any good partner would do.

The lie tasted bitter.

When the doors to the executive floor opened, I saw the receptionist's dubious expression and the way she turned away quickly, trying not to see me. That alone ...