Chapter 30

Serena's POV

Evelyn's still reeling from the way Eleanor Yates just laughed in her face, and the storm brewing in her eyes is impossible to miss. Beside me, Milo and Stella fidget with their plates, nibbling on leftover cake crumbs.

Suddenly, the lights dim except for a bright spotlight in the center of the stage, and the chatter dies down. A host steps forward, microphone in hand, announcing that the Harringtons are about to make a formal statement. People around us instinctively gather in front of the raised platform. There's a ripple of excitement-nobody wants to miss whatever the Harrington patriarch has to say.

A pair of bodyguards reappears at my side and politely gestures for Milo and Stella to return to their places with Howard. I catch both kids' eyes and give them a reassuring nod. They hesitate before letting the guards guide them back toward the stage area.

I settle into the crowd. Howard Harrington is rolled out in his wheelchair, looking regal and composed in his expensive suit. Standing just behind him is Lucas, the powerful, sinfully good-looking man I've been trying not to stare at all night. Even from across the room, I feel that overwhelming surge of energy he carries. He commands the room with an unmistakable presence, the kind that makes everyone else naturally fall in line. Just by standing there, he radiates the quiet authority of someone who knows exactly how much power they hold.

Milo and Stella stand to one side, eyes bright but a bit nervous in all the attention. They've clearly been taught how to act in front of a crowd like this, but they're still just kids. I see Lucas give them a small, reassuring smile, the kind that tugs at something deep in my chest. It's hard not to think he's even more attractive when he's being gentle with them.

I spot Evelyn and Nina off to one side, whispering to each other in a panic. Their faces have gone pale, and their eyes keep darting between Lucas, Howard, and the crowd of curious onlookers. Ian stands with them, jaw clenched tight, like he's trying not to show how rattled he is. But when Stella and Milo trail behind, the kids standing proudly on the stage next to Howard's wheelchair, I see all three of them gasp in unison-eyes widening, mouths hanging open like they can't believe what they're witnessing. It's obvious they never imagined Lucas would be the one at the center of it all, nor that the two children would be treated like precious royalty in front of everyone.

Howard's voice fills the hall through the speakers, strong despite his age. "Distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, dear friends..." He pauses, letting his gaze sweep across the room. "First, I must thank you all for joining us this evening."

After a few moments of polite acknowledgments, his tone shifts, becoming warmer and more personal. "Tonight, I have an announcement that marks a new