Daniel's POV
"Lucas, cancel the afternoon meeting. I'm going home. Dream refused to eat again — he said he won't eat until I come back."
Lucas nodded, but didn't move. His silence lingered, heavy.
I raised my eyes from the desk. "What is it?"
He hesitated, then said quietly, "Sir, Mr. Alexander called. He said Miss Serena is very sick. He asked if you could come… or at least pick up her calls."
The moment her name left his lips, my chest tightened. My voice dropped, cold and final.
"Lucas, I already told you — I have no connection with the Hale family anymore. Don't ever bring her up again. She's not my mother."
He bowed his head, understanding, and stepped back.
I grabbed my coat, walked out of the office, and headed for the car.
I hate hearing about her. I hate that name. Serena Hale.
I never want to see her face again — not in this life, not even in another.
The car door shut behind me. I leaned back in the seat, exhaustion crawling through my veins.
