13. Secrets and Anger

" i don't want you to get hurt either," Elena replied.

"I know. But if something like this happens again, the first thing you should do is avoid it and seek help, okay?"

Elena finally nodded, and Darian smiled softly before gently kissing her lips.

"By the way, we haven't told Serena about your condition,"

Darian said as he remembered they hadn't informed Serena about Elena.

"Don't!"

Elena stopped him immediately.

"Even if we don't tell her now, with your current condition, Serena will eventually find out. Besides, you'll have to stay here for a few days. She'll definitely worry when she doesn't see you at home,"

Darian explained.

"Serena is busy with school, so she's staying in the dorm for now,"

Elena replied.

Darian fell silent. He knew Elena didn't want to worry Serena, but hiding it would only make things more complicated later.

"Honey... Serena will be really mad if we keep this from her," Darian added, trying to make Elena understand.

"I know, but I don't want her to find out . Can we keep this a secret for now? Until all my wounds heal?" Elena pleaded.

Darian couldn't refuse the woman he loved. In the end, he agreed.

****

Time passed quickly, and before she realized it, Serena had been working as Ren's assistant for almost a week.

At first, she thought the job would be overwhelming, but aside from the simple tasks, it was surprisingly relaxed. In fact, it was Rendy who seemed truly busy.

Sometimes, Serena felt bad and tried to help, but Rendy always refused with a pleading look—almost as if he was silently begging her to just relax and not interfere.

Serena found it strange. Though she was new to this world, she was highly experienced in the workforce in her previous life. That's why she couldn't understand Rendy's odd behavior—why did he seem terrified when she tried to help?

"Finished?" Ren's voice snapped Serena out of her thoughts.

"Huh…" She was momentarily startled, but remembering that she was supposed to be replying to Ren's emails, she quickly regained composure. "Yes, it's done. Anything else?"

Ren simply stared at her.

Noticing his gaze, Serena felt nervous, fearing he might fire her for daydreaming during work.

"W…what?" she asked weakly.

"Your phone has been vibrating for a while," Ren said flatly.

"Oh!"

Serena quickly checked her phone. Ever since working for Ren, she had kept it on silent mode, afraid it would disturb him.

Seeing Frau's name on the caller ID, Serena immediately felt nervous yet hopeful.

"Can I take a break now?" she asked Ren.

"What's going on?" Ren responded, not directly answering her request.

"Mr. Knight wants to meet."

"Tell him to come here," Ren ordered, returning his focus to his work.

Serena opened her mouth to protest but, remembering the generous salary Ren offered her, she sighed and complied. She texted Frau and waited.

Reading the report in her hands, Serena was furious.

Not only had the West family received a large sum of money before David tried to reconcile with Elena, but she also hadn't expected David to attack Elena so badly that she had to be hospitalized.

Her grip on the report tightened, crumpling the paper in her hands.

She glared at Frau. He was surprised and a little frightened—Serena was radiating an aura of someone unafraid to do anything, and he could even sense a killing intent from her.

"Thank you. We'll deal with our business later. Right now, I have no time. That's fine, right?" Serena said sharply.

Although her words were not inherently threatening, her cold expression and piercing gaze made it feel like an unspoken warning. Frau felt that refusing her would lead to consequences he would regret forever.

Without waiting for his reply, Serena stormed out of the meeting room Rendy had provided for their discussion and headed straight to Ren's office.

Without knocking, she barged in, interrupting Ren and Rendy's work discussion. Both men turned toward her in surprise.

Serena looked directly at Ren.

"I'm taking the day off,"

she stated, her voice emotionless.

Even though she spoke calmly, Ren and Rendy could tell she was holding back her anger.

Normally, Serena would never dare ask for time off or speak to Ren like this. But right now, she didn't care. If he refused, she was ready to resign.

"Do you need a ride?"

Ren asked instead.

"No," she declined.

"Go ahead."

Without hesitation, Serena grabbed her bag and left. Frau, who had followed her to Ren's office, gave Ren a strange look.

Noticing Frau's gaze, Ren ignored him.

"She's scary," Frau commented.

"If you have nothing to do, leave," Ren replied without looking at him.

"Tsk!"

Frau clicked his tongue at Ren's attitude and turned to leave.

But he stopped in his tracks when he heard Ren's next words.

"Send me the bill later."

Frau's eyes widened in shock as he turned to Ren with suspicion.

"Wait… do you like her?" Frau finally asked.

Ren glanced at him.

Rendy, who had been present, pretended to be invisible—he had no interest in getting involved in his boss's personal matters.

After a brief moment, Ren looked away and resumed reading the report on his desk.

"Boring!"

Frau muttered, disappointed by Ren's lack of reaction.

*****