The place Dominic took her to was louder than she expected.

Not a club—just a relaxed rooftop bar with soft music, strings of lights overhead, and groups talking over drinks and laughter. It felt casual. Exactly what she hadn’t had in weeks.

“You’re thinking too hard,” Dominic said, glancing at her as they stepped inside.

“I always do,” Serena replied.

He grinned. “I noticed.”

His friends were already seated around a long table. Introductions came easily—no awkward pauses, no curious stares. If anyone recognized her from the scandal, they didn’t show it.

No questions or pity.

Eli was the first to notice.

He leaned back in his chair, eyes flicking...