Chapter 166

Rachel's POV

I watched Lucas from my position near the elevator, studying the subtle changes in his expression as Serena's words hung in the air. In all the years I'd known him, I'd never seen him react to any woman this way - the barely perceptible tension in his jaw, the slight narrowing of his eyes. It was... unsettling.

Over the past decade, I'd observed countless women try to get close to him. Socialites, business partners' daughters, even celebrities - all had failed to capture his attention. He'd maintained an impenetrable wall of polite indifference, making his current behavior all the more striking. The only woman who'd ever been allowed into his inner circle was me, his children's godmother and old family friend.

Until Serena Sinclair.

"Lucas," I broke the silence, my voice carrying just the right note of apology. "Did I come at a bad time?"

He didn't respond, his gaze still fixed on the closed elevator doors. His silence felt charged with unspoken thoughts.

"Your grandfather asked me to visit," I continued softly. "I should have called ahead. I'm truly sorry for creating such an awkward situation."

That finally drew his attention. "I'll take you to your hotel," he said, his voice returning to its usual measured tone.

During the ride down in the elevator, I found myself remembering our time together in London years ago. We'd developed an easy friendship then, built on mutual understanding and respect. I'd maintained my dignified distance, believing there would always be time.

What a miscalculation that had been. If only I'd been less proud, less certain of my position in those years we spent abroad. I could have...

"I heard about Milo and Stella's sports day tomorrow," I ventured, carefully casual.

"Mm." His noncommittal response would have discouraged most people, but I knew better.

"Your grandfather suggested I should join you." I paused, then added with careful hesitation, "I was going to decline, but he insisted it would be good for the children to have familiar faces there."

Lucas's hands remained steady on the steering wheel. "Fine." That single word sent a wave of satisfaction through me.

Serena's POV

The buzzing of my phone interrupted the morning briefing. I glanced at the screen - Milo's number. My finger hovered over the decline button, but something made me pause.

"Excuse me," I said to the room full of executives, their expressions a mix of surprise and mild annoyance. "I need to take this."

"Mommy!" Milo's voice burst through the speaker, full of that irresistible mix of excitement and complaint that only he could manage. "You didn't forget about today, right?"

Before I could answer, I heard a shuffle and Stella's more measured tones. "Mom, we've been practicing really hard for the competition. You promised to come."

My eyes darted to the stack of contracts on my desk, then to the waiting faces around the conference table. "Of course I remember," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I wouldn't miss it."

"You sound busy," Stella observed, ever perceptive. "We can text you the exact timing-"

"No!" Milo's voice cut in, closer to the phone again. "Mommy has to promise right now. Say it!"

I found myself smiling despite the pressure. "I promise, Milo. I'll be there."

After ending the call, I turned back to the room. "We'll need to expedite this review. I have a prior commitment at eleven."

Twenty minutes later, my phone lit up with a message from Stella. She'd sent a photo of the program, their competition time carefully circled in neat red pen. Below it, she'd written: "I've marked the important parts so you won't miss anything. We understand if you need to leave right after."

The thoughtfulness of it made my throat tight. When did this little girl become so considerate? So aware of the complexities of adult life?

Two hours later, I managed to slip into the school auditorium just as the lights were dimming. The back row offered enough shadow to remain relatively unnoticed, though I could see Milo scanning the crowd, his head turning left and right like an eager puppy. Stella, by contrast, stood perfectly still on stage, but I caught the subtle way her eyes swept the audience. When she found me, the corner of her mouth lifted in a slight smile.

Their performance was beautiful - a piano duet that showcased both their personalities. Milo's part was bright and energetic, while Stella played with a grace beyond her years. I found myself holding my breath at certain passages, not wanting to miss a single note.

It wasn't until the applause began that I noticed Rachel standing near the front row. She was speaking to Lucas, her hand resting casually on his arm as she laughed at something he'd said. The familiar sight sent an unexpected pang through my chest.

"Mommy?"

I startled slightly. Stella had materialized beside me, still in her performance dress. Her eyes followed my gaze to where Rachel and Lucas stood.

"You're much warmer than she is," Stella said quietly, slipping her small hand into mine.

"Stella-" I began, but was cut off by Milo barreling into us at full speed.

"Did you see? Did you watch the whole thing? I only missed two notes and Stella helped me catch up and-"

"You were both wonderful," I said, pulling him into our little circle. Over their heads, I caught Lucas watching us, his expression unreadable. Rachel was saying something to him, but his eyes remained fixed on our little group.