His Regrets, Her Revenge

A Deal with Fate

Serena barely slept.

Every time she closed her eyes, she heard the same words.

"You're dismissed."

"Your trust has been suspended."

"Leave, Serena."

By sunrise, she had given up trying to rest.

She quietly stepped onto the small balcony outside Olivia's apartment with a cup of coffee. The cool morning breeze carried the scent of freshly watered flowers from the courtyard below.

Her life had changed beyond recognition in less than forty-eight hours.

She had no fiancé.

No job.

No inheritance.

And soon, if the investigation turned against her, she could lose her freedom.

She closed her eyes.

"No," she whispered to herself.

"I won't let them win."

---

Inside the apartment, Olivia emerged from the kitchen carrying two slices of toast.

"I knew you'd be out here."

Serena managed a faint smile.

"I've been thinking."

Olivia handed her a plate.

"That's dangerous before breakfast."

Despite everything, Serena laughed.

"You always know how to make me smile."

"It's my full-time job."

The laughter faded.

"What now?" Olivia asked.

"I need a lawyer."

"And money."

Serena looked down.

"I have very little of either."

Olivia reached across the table.

"We'll figure it out."

Before Serena could reply, her phone rang.

Unknown Number.

She hesitated before answering.

"Hello?"

"Good morning, Miss Brooks."

The calm, elegant voice belonged to Margaret Kingsley.

"This is Margaret Kingsley."

Serena immediately sat up straighter.

"Mrs. Kingsley."

"I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Not at all."

"I was wondering..."

Margaret paused just long enough to spark curiosity.

"...if you'd have dinner with me this evening."

Serena blinked.

"Dinner?"

"Yes."

"I'd like to thank you properly for saving my life."

Serena smiled politely.

"That isn't necessary."

"It is to me."

There was warmth in Margaret's voice, but also quiet determination.

After a moment's hesitation, Serena agreed.

"I'd be honored."

"Wonderful."

"I'll send a car for you at six."

The call ended.

Olivia looked at her expectantly.

"Who was that?"

Serena still seemed surprised.

"Margaret Kingsley."

Olivia nearly dropped her coffee mug.

"The Margaret Kingsley?"

Serena nodded.

"She invited me to dinner."

Olivia stared at her for a long moment.

"I have a feeling your life is about to get even more interesting."

---

Across the city, Adrian Kingsley was halfway through a strategy meeting when his assistant entered.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, Mr. Kingsley."

"What is it?"

"Mrs. Kingsley asked me to remind you about dinner tonight."

Adrian sighed.

"I told my grandmother I have work."

The assistant smiled apologetically.

"She said..."

He glanced at the note in his hand.

"...'Tell Adrian this isn't optional.'"

Several executives around the table chuckled.

Adrian rubbed his temples.

"My grandmother enjoys embarrassing me."

Lucas Reed grinned.

"Maybe she's finally found you a wife."

The room erupted with laughter.

Adrian wasn't amused.

---

That evening, a sleek black Rolls-Royce stopped outside Olivia's apartment building.

The driver stepped out and opened the rear door.

"Miss Brooks?"

Serena nodded.

He smiled respectfully.

"Mrs. Kingsley is expecting you."

Serena wore a simple emerald-green dress Olivia had convinced her to buy months earlier.

"It's beautiful," Olivia had insisted.

"You've never had a reason to wear it."

Until now.

Before getting into the car, Olivia hugged her tightly.

"Just be yourself."

Serena smiled.

"I don't know how to be anyone else."

---

Kingsley Manor looked even more breathtaking under the evening lights.

The gardens glowed beneath elegant lanterns.

A fountain sparkled in the center of the courtyard.

As Serena entered the mansion, Margaret greeted her with genuine warmth.

"You look lovely, my dear."

"Thank you for inviting me."

Margaret linked her arm with Serena's.

"Come."

"I have someone I'd like you to meet."

Before Serena could ask who, footsteps echoed from the staircase.

A tall man in a charcoal suit descended with calm confidence.

His sharp features and piercing blue eyes gave him a commanding presence.

Adrian Kingsley.

He stopped halfway down the stairs.

His eyes widened ever so slightly.

"You..."

Serena looked equally surprised.

"Mr. Kingsley."

Margaret smiled to herself.

Perfect.

"You two have already met."

"Briefly," Adrian replied.

Margaret gestured toward the dining room.

"Excellent."

"Then tonight won't be awkward."

Neither Serena nor Adrian looked convinced.

---

Dinner began politely.

Margaret carried most of the conversation while Adrian observed Serena in silence.

He noticed she thanked every member of staff.

She never interrupted anyone.

She spoke thoughtfully rather than trying to impress.

It was... refreshing.

Finally, Adrian asked the question that had been on his mind.

"How are you holding up?"

Serena looked at him.

For a moment, she wondered if he was asking out of politeness.

Then she saw genuine concern in his eyes.

"I've had better weeks."

A faint smile touched Adrian's lips.

"I can imagine."

Margaret watched them carefully.

There was no instant romance.

No dramatic sparks.

Only two guarded people trying to understand one another.

Exactly as she had hoped.

---

After dessert, Margaret invited Serena into her private library.

The room was lined with shelves filled with leather-bound books and family photographs.

Margaret motioned for Serena to sit.

"I asked you here for another reason."

Serena's expression grew curious.

"What is it?"

Margaret took a slow breath.

"My grandson needs help."

Serena frowned.

"I'm not sure I understand."

Margaret smiled gently.

"Neither does he."

She folded her hands.

"Adrian has devoted his entire life to business."

"He refuses to date."

"He refuses to marry."

"He believes love is a distraction."

Serena smiled politely.

"He sounds very determined."

"He is."

Margaret leaned forward.

"So am I."

Serena couldn't help laughing.

Margaret reached into a drawer and placed a neatly prepared folder on the table.

"I have a proposal."

Serena looked at the folder but didn't touch it.

"What kind of proposal?"

Margaret met her eyes.

"I want you to pretend to be Adrian's fiancée."

The smile disappeared from Serena's face.

She stared at Margaret, certain she had misheard.

"I'm sorry..."

"You want me to do what?"