Chapter 105
Weighing Everything.
“What is the meaning of this, Dad? Silas?” Serena questioned after Nathaniel left the room. “Since when did I agree to be Stefan’s fiancée p>
Silas and Sterling looked at each other. It was her father who spoke first. “Serena, don’t get us wrong. It’s still your choice, but of course, Stefan is the person we prefer for you. We’ve known the Montgomerys for years. We’re confident he would never hurt you p>
“Right,” Silas said. “Stefan, wouldn’t dare p>
“We’re simply opening an opportunity for you and Stefan to spend time together,” Sterling added. “And it isn’t the first time we’ve gone on a trip with them. Stefan has just been busy over the past year, traveling for business, so you both haven’t had the time to connect p>
“But you’re already calling him my fiancé,” Serena pointed out.
“What are you really mad about?” Silas asked. “The fact that we’re calling Stefan your fiancé, or the fact that we said it in front of Nathaniel p>
“I” Serena was taken aback.
“Don’t even think about it, Serena,” Silas said, narrowing his eyes. “Every time I think about what you went through years ago, and how I failed to protect you, it angers me. Even if Nathan is the children’s father, he still used you p>
“And tonight’s encounter with that… Vanessa Holt is a reminder of how he and Bianca abandoned you while you were pregnant,” Sterling added.
“I know that, Dad. I know that,” Serena said. “And I’m not saying that I’ll just forget
“But you’re clearly thinking about it,” Silas said, frowning.
“I’m thinking about everything,” Serena responded outright. “Every possibility. And what’s best for my children. Wouldn’t you p>
“It doesn’t make me naïve,” Serena continued. “I’m choosing carefully so I won’t live a life with regrets p>
“Right, Mom?” Serena turned to the one person in the room she knew would have her back.
Celine blinked, then leaned forward slightly. “Yes, Nathan made mistakes. However, we’ve also seen how well he interacts with the children. If Serena is choosing to look at every possibility, I think that’s only right p>
Sterling let out a quiet breath. “You’re biased, and you know it, my love. But we already agreed not to seek revenge against Nathaniel. He may have saved you when it mattered, but we’ve settled that debt p>
“If you truly mean you’re considering every angle, Serena,” Silas said, “then you should give Stefan a chance. You won’t know otherwise p>
“Exactly,” Sterling added. “I’m not forcing you to be with Stefan. All I’m asking is that you spend time with him—see him outside of what you already know. If you do, at least you’ll know you didn’t dismiss the possibility without trying p>
“Remember, your mother and I were arranged as well,” Sterling added, “but we fell in love with each other p>
Serena blinked a few times and took a seat, forcing herself to think past the moment.
Her father wasn’t entirely wrong. She hadn’t truly given Stefan a chance, and whatever thoughts lingering in her mind some reassuring, others unsettling-had been shaped by this trip to Velmon. That alone wasn’t enough to point her in a clear direction.
“Fine,” she finally said, taking the seat beside Celine. “I’ll spend time with Stefan.” Sterling smiled.
Silas nodded approvingly.
On the other hand, Celine made a face.
“Thank you, Serena. You’ll like Stefan. He’s a good young man,” Sterling said. “Our trip to their lake house will be your first opportunity to get to know him on a deeper level-the kids too p>
The next day.
“Have you seen the news?” Celine said, pushing her phone toward Serena. “Looks like Nathan’s people are making sure every outlet is covering it p>
Serena accepted her mother’s phone. She scanned one news feed after another. [Authorities Probe Holt Family’s Possible Ties to Victor Kline]
[Secret Daughter? Vanessa Holt’s Possible Link to Victor Kline Sparks Scandal]
[Rosalind Kline Estate Leaves Assets to Vanessa Holt, Raising Questions About Her Paternity]
[What the Alleged Holt-Kline Alliance Reveals About Vanessa Holt]
[Nathaniel Thorne Addresses Rumors, Denies Any Romantic History With Vanessa Holt]
They were enjoying the hotel’s breakfast when Celine shared the news. Serena also noticed how the people at the next table were talking about it.
“I heard Vanessa Holt crashed Kline BioSolutions’ celebration party, and Nathaniel Thorne aired her dirty laundry p>
“I thought they were dating p>
“I did too, but apparently it was all just a rumor p>
Serena read one article carefully. It reported that the entire Holt family was in police custody while awaiting confirmation of Vanessa’s DNA test. Lawyers from their camp wer negotiating for house arrest, a
request that Nathaniel’s lawyers
firmly opposed.
The report added that investigators were continuing to examine related parties, as well as medical and financial records, noting that the case could widen as new evidence emerged.
Serena hoped Nathaniel would find evidence linking them to Alice’s accident. And when that happened, Serena would personally ensure that the Holts paid for it.
After breakfast, they all prepared to leave. Their private flight was scheduled to depart after lunch.
Nathaniel and Gavin met them at the airport. Thanks to Nathaniel’s connections, his car was allowed onto the tarmac.
“My mother is at the research institute for blood pressure monitoring, Nathaniel explained Bianca’s absence. “When she read the news this morning, she became
agitated, and her blood pressure spiked. She couldn’t come to see the kids off p>
“Oh my. Is she all right?” Celine asked. Even Serena couldn’t help but feel some sympathy for Bianca.
“She’s stable,” Nathaniel said. “I just wanted to make sure she’s closely monitored, given her past illnesses p>
“I hope she feels better soon,” Serena said politely.
“Thank you, Serena,” Nathaniel replied with a smile. Then he turned to the children.
Sebastian and Alisa approached him instinctively. Nathaniel crouched to their level, cupping each of their cheeks. His smile looked strained. Tears clearly welled in his eyes.
“Well,” Nathaniel said softly, “I guess I won’t see you two for a while p>
Alisa stilled, looking hurt. She immediately asked, “Why p>