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...