Richard's POV.
I cleared my throat, trying to break the tension.
Serena and Ross turned to me, their eyes expectant. But I didn't know what to say. I felt like I was losing Serena, like Ross had somehow become the center of her universe.
"Serena," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Reject me."
Serena's eyes snapped towards me, her voice trembling. "Wh...what did you just say?"
But before I could respond, Ross spoke up, his voice calm and collected.
"You both don't need to go through that deal. Whatever I did, it wasn't because of our agreement."
I felt a surge of confusion.
"What deal?" I asked, my eyes darting between Serena and Ross.
Serena looked away, her voice barely above a whisper. "Never mind, Richard."
But I wouldn't let it go. I shook my head, my voice firm.
"An
