Chapter 182

Serena's POV

"We can't refuse without valid grounds." Quinn's directness cut through any false hope.

I heard Eleanor curse under her breath, but I found myself becoming oddly calm. If we couldn't change the trial date, we needed to focus on what we could control. "If we lose the first trial, can we appeal?"

Quinn shook her head. "Technically yes, but realistically? The people behind this won't leave that door open. The judge will likely dismiss it immediately. We essentially have just these two weeks."

She then detailed her investigation findings. The bank's surveillance cameras had "coincidentally" malfunctioned. Jessa was adamant that everything had been done under my direction. Vincent had provided documents bearing what appeared to be my signature on every single page. Each detail felt like another nail in a carefully constructed coffin.

When Quinn handed me the signed documents, I examined them carefully. "This is my handwriting style, but I know I didn't sign these." I could hear the tension in my voice.

As we sat in heavy silence, the doorbell rang. Before I could respond, Eleanor had already rushed to answer it.

The moment Lucas walked in, my heart constricted painfully. I forced myself to maintain my composure, choosing silence over the thousand words threatening to spill out.

"Lucas, thank goodness you're here!" Eleanor's excitement was palpable. "We were just going over Serena's case with Quinn. They're being incredibly devious. You need to take a look at this."

"Mm." His response was characteristically brief.

When I saw Quinn about to hand the case files to him, I reached out without hesitation to intercept them. Even as I felt his gaze on me, I kept my voice steady: "That won't be necessary, Mr. Harrington."

The atmosphere in the room instantly crystallized. But I had made my decision. This legal battle was one I needed to face with my own strength.

Quinn seemed hesitant to intervene. Eleanor, however, rushed to break the uncomfortable silence. "Serena, Lucas might be able to spot something we've missed..."

"No." My response was sharp and absolute, leaving no room for negotiation. I knew Eleanor would understand my position - in my shoes, she'd likely make the same choice.

I noticed Eleanor exchanging a meaningful glance with Lucas. She turned to Quinn with surprising enthusiasm. "Quinn, I saw this gorgeous outfit the other day that would look perfect on you. Let's go shopping!"

"Sure," Quinn agreed smoothly, catching on immediately.

As I watched them leave, I swallowed the words rising in my throat.

*What could I possibly say to Lucas now? It felt like everything that needed to be said had already been spoken, yet what had it achieved? Nothing.*

"I know you blame me," Lucas's voice cut through the silence. "And I won't deny my part in your current situation. While I can't make immediate amends, my priority is resolving this case. I promise you won't face any harm."

His words sparked a bitter laugh in my chest. "Any harm, Mr. Harrington? Do you think what I'm experiencing now isn't harmful enough? Or does it only count if I spend the next decade in prison?" I met his eyes directly, challenging him.

I watched his Adam's apple bob as he swallowed, but I pressed on. "In fact, Mr. Harrington, you know better than anyone that the most direct solution isn't you playing the hero with evidence and defense strategies. It's you marrying Rachel and cutting all ties with me!"

My words plunged the room into silence. I saw him smile - a smile filled with such profound sadness that it almost made me waver.

"Serena." His voice softened, revealing a vulnerability I'd never heard before. "Can't we work through this together?"

The pain in my chest was sharp and immediate. Lucas Harrington, usually so dominant and assertive, now sounded utterly defeated. But I couldn't let my resolve crumble. I had to stand my ground.

"When your engagement was announced, I made myself very clear," I continued, my voice steady despite the tremor in my heart. "Our relationship wasn't deep enough for me to bear everything for you. And now look where we are - I'm facing retaliation from the Thornes because of you, and I don't have the resources to fight them. Why should I pay the price for your history with Rachel? Tell me, Lucas, how is that fair?!"

I could see each word landing like a physical blow. Something flickered in his eyes - doubt, perhaps, about his choices. In that moment, I could almost read his thoughts: wondering if he should give in, become the puppet they wanted him to be, numbly marry a woman he didn't love.

But I was surprised by his response. "Give me one chance," his voice was low and tremble. "That's all I'm asking."

This version of Lucas, so unlike his usual self, made my heart ache. But I couldn't back down. For once, I had to choose myself.

"A chance for what?" I asked, keeping my voice level despite the storm of emotions inside. "To watch everything I've built crumble because I'm caught in the crossfire between you and Rachel? To lose everything I've worked for because I dared to care about you?"