When feelings begin to unravel

Iril was about to say something but stopped when Serena's phone rang.

Seeing the caller ID—frau.knight—Serena's expression instantly turned serious.

"Hello," Serena greeted.

Watching Serena focus more on the call than on her, Iril sighed in relief. SHe didn't have to answer her question now. If Ren found out that Iril had spilled the secret about his crush on Serena, things would become very dangerous for her. So, at this moment, Iril was genuinely relieved.

Serena ended the call and turned to Iril.

"Sorry, Ril. I have to go," she said.

Even though she was curious about who had a crush on her, there was something far more important that demanded her attention.

"Okay," Iril nodded.

Serena quickly left campus, and Iril sat there in silence. Only then did she realize how Serena's expression had changed after receiving the call.

"What exactly is going on?" She wondered.

_________________________

Serena arrived at Shield Empire. After Rendy informed her that Frau was waiting in Ren's office, she didn't waste any time and immediately entered.

As soon as the door opened, Frau—who was sitting on the sofa—glanced toward it.

Without hesitation, Serena walked over, grabbed the documents on the table, and started reading them.

Frau blinked a few times, confused.

Why?

Serena had entered Ren's office without knocking, without greeting her boss, and without even acknowledging Ren, who was seated at his desk. She was entirely focused on the documents Frau had prepared. Yet, Ren didn't say a word about her behavior.

Frau glanced at her best friend, then at Serena. He did this a few times until realization struck, causing him to widen his eyes slightly in surprise.

"So… he likes Serena, huh?" Frau thought, a victorious smile forming on he lips.

Meanwhile, Serena furrowed her brows as she read the report. Her mood started to shift, and the aura around her grew intense. The change made Frau suspicious.

A woman in her twenties exuding such a strong, almost terrifying aura? Usually, only those who had experienced significant hardships in life carried that kind of presence.

But as far as Frau knew, Serena's life had been relatively smooth. Nothing had happened that could explain why she had such a formidable aura.

"Is it because she's the granddaughter of a businessman? Does that make her mind mature faster?" Frau mused.

"Lydia, huh…" Serena finally spoke, her voice cold. The way she said the name could make anyone's knees go weak.

"Thank you, Mr. Knight, for gathering this information. Send the fee to my phone, and I'll transfer the payment," Serena added with a polite smile. But her eyes remained emotionless. The contrast made Frau slightly uneasy.

"No need," Frau replied, trying to keep his voice steady. "Ren already paid for everything."

Hearing this, Serena looked directly at Ren. They locked eyes for a few seconds. Normally, if she was in a better mood, she would have rejected Ren's help. But since her mind was in turmoil, she didn't argue. Besides, she could repay him through her work.

Serena shifted her gaze back to Frau.

"Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Knight. I'll take my leave now."

Without waiting for a response, she walked out with the documents in hand.

Once she was gone, Frau turned to Ren with an odd look.

"What?" Ren asked, sensing his friend's stare.

"Your taste is really strange," Frau remarked, shaking his head.

Ren remained silent for a moment before looking at Frau.

"There's nothing strange about my taste. After all, you have a crush on my cousin," Ren replied flatly.

Frau's eyes widened.

So, Ren knew?

A moment later, Frau let out a small laugh. If both Serena and Ren could figure out his feelings for Iril, he wondered—did Iril know, too?

"Looks like I should meet your cousin and start chasing her properly," Frau said with a wide grin.

Ren didn't respond. While he wasn't thrilled about Iril dating, he knew it was inevitable. Rather than seeing his cousin with some questionable guy, he preferred someone he could trust—and Frau was that person.

Still, he couldn't help but feel a bit envious. Frau could pursue his feelings for Iril openly. Meanwhile, Ren had to wait. He knew Serena's mind was preoccupied with family issues. When the time was right, he would make his move.

And when that time came—Serena wouldn't be able to escape from him.

_________________________

Iril let out a long sigh as she enjoyed the meal in front of her . It was delicious. If Serena weren't busy, she would have invited her to eat here too.

Her phone suddenly vibrated. Picking it up, she opened a text from Frau—and froze.

Frau: Are you busy? How about having lunch together today?

Iril stared at the message, confused.

"Why is Frau suddenly asking me this?"

Even though they had known each other for quite some time—since Frau was Ren's best friend—they had never had a real conversation. At most, they exchanged casual greetings.

"Did Frau send this by mistake?"

Iril: Are you sure you didn't send this to the wrong person?

She hesitated before sending the text. But almost immediately, Frau called him instead.

Iril, still uncertain, picked up.

"Hello?"

"Hey," Frau greeted, his tone unexpectedly gentle.

"I didn't send it to the wrong person," Frau added with a light chuckle.

"So… do you have time for lunch today?"

Iril paused, staring at her meal.

"I'm already eating at ******," she finally replied.

"With who?"

"Alone."

"Perfect. I'll be there in five minutes."

Without waiting for a response, Frau ended the call.

Iril looked at her phone, utterly bewildered.