Rejected By My Mate; Claimed By Lycan Quadruplets Chapter 360

Serena exhaled, stretching her arms as she closed the last file on her desk. It had been a long day, and though she loved her work, she was more than ready to head home.

She gathered her things, slipping her phone into her bag before grabbing the stack of files she needed to review later.

The office was quieter now, most of the employees had already left, leaving behind only a few staff still finishing up their tasks.

As she stepped into the hallway, the sound of her heels clicking against the polished floor echoed in the silence.

She was almost at the elevator when, out of nowhere, someone rounded the corner at full speed and crashed into her.

The impact sent the files flying from both of their hands, scattering papers all over the floor.

Serena stumbled slightly, her heart jumping in surprise. “Oh—”

“I’m so sorry!” the man said immediately, crouching down to pick up the papers. “I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

Serena sighed, crouching down as well. “It’s fine, just—”

She stopped mid-sentence as her eyes landed on the man.

For a second, she was speechless.

He was ridiculously handsome.

Strong jawline, sharp cheekbones, and the most striking cat-like eyes she had ever seen—golden-brown with flecks of green, sharp and piercing. His dark hair was slightly tousled, giving him a rugged, effortless charm.

Serena realized she had been staring when he smirked, handing her a stack of papers. “See something you like?”

Her cheeks warmed slightly, but she quickly schooled her expression, taking the files from him. “I was just surprised. I don’t think I’ve seen you before.”

“That’s because today’s my first day,” he said, standing up and adjusting his sleeves. “I just joined the team. Name’s Lucas.”

Serena straightened as well, still feeling slightly off-balance from the encounter. “Welcome to Rocky’s Designs, Lucas. What department are you in?”

“Marketing,” he replied, flashing her a lazy grin. “But honestly, if I knew the CEO looked like this, I would’ve applied for something closer to your office.”

Serena raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in her eyes. “Flirting with your boss on your first day? Bold move.”

Lucas grinned, his confidence unwavering. “What can I say? I like taking risks.”

Serena shook her head, but to her own surprise, she found herself smiling. It had been a long time since anyone had flirted with her so openly—without hidden motives, without complications. Just simple, effortless charm.

“Well, Lucas, enjoy your time here,” she said, stepping toward the elevator. “And try not to run into anyone else.”

He smirked. “No promises. But if I do, I hope it’s you again.”

Serena chuckled, pressing the elevator button. “Goodnight, Lucas.”

“Goodnight, beautiful,” he said smoothly, watching as the elevator doors closed.

Serena let out a small breath as she leaned against the wall of the elevator. That was unexpected.

And surprisingly to her, she didn’t mind it.

Across town, Ryan sat in his office, staring at his untouched glass of whiskey. His thoughts were scattered, frustration and exhaustion weighing heavily on his mind.

The engagement.

His father.

Serena.

It was all too much.

The sound of his office door opening made him glance up as Ethan walked in, his best friend’s usual smirk in place.

“Man, I swear, you’re getting more broody by the day,” Ethan said, dropping into the chair across from him. “You didn’t even respond to my messages.”

Ryan sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Been busy.”

Ethan scoffed. “Busy avoiding your problems, you mean.”

Ryan exhaled, taking a sip of his drink. “Did you come here to lecture me, or do you actually have something useful to say?”

Ethan smirked. “Both. So, tell me—how does it feel to be engaged to a woman you didn’t propose to yourself?”

Ryan shot him a glare. “Not funny.”

“I’m not joking,” Ethan said, leaning forward. “I saw the news, same as everyone else. So, what’s the plan? Are you actually going through with it?”

Ryan clenched his jaw. “I don’t know.”

Ethan frowned. “You don’t know?”

Ryan sighed, placing his glass down. “What am I supposed to do, Ethan? My father made sure the whole world thinks I’m engaged. If I back out now, it’s going to be a disaster.”

Ethan tilted his head. “And what does Serena think about all of this?”

Ryan tensed at the mention of her name, his mind flashing back to the night he had spent in her bed.

She hadn’t even reacted to the engagement news. She had acted like she didn’t care.

And that… that was what drove him insane.

“I don’t know,” Ryan admitted. “She doesn’t care.”

Ethan raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure about that?”

Ryan exhaled. “She’s… different now. She’s not the same Serena I married years ago.”

Ethan chuckled. “Well, can you blame her? You did cheat on her with Kate and divorced her.”

Ryan shot him another glare. “I don’t need a reminder.”

Ethan smirked. “Just saying. Maybe this is her way of getting even—stringing you along, making you chase her.”

Ryan clenched his jaw, his fingers tightening around his glass. “It’s working.”

Ethan laughed. “Damn, I never thought I’d see the day Ryan Winters actually admitted to being whipped.”

Ryan groaned, leaning back in his chair. “Shut up.”

Ethan grinned before taking a sip of his own drink. “Well, while you’re busy drowning in your problems, at least I’m having fun.”

Ryan raised a brow. “Oh?”

Ethan smirked. “Emma.”

Ryan’s eyes widened slightly. “Serena’s assistant?”

Ethan nodded. “Yeah. You know we’ve been… seeing each other.”

Ryan leaned forward. “And?”

Ethan chuckled. “And I’m madly in love, my friend.”

Ryan scoffed. “You? In love? Now that’s funny.”

Ethan placed a hand over his chest dramatically. “I’m serious. She’s incredible. Smart, sexy, and she doesn’t take my bullshit. It’s refreshing.”

Ryan smirked. “So, what? Are you planning on settling down?”

Ethan shrugged. “Who knows? Maybe.”

Ryan exhaled, shaking his head. “Well, at least one of us has their love life figured out.”

Ethan laughed. “Oh, you’re a mess. But don’t worry, you’ll figure it out. Probably.”

Ryan sighed, running a hand down his face.

He wished he had Ethan’s confidence.

Because right now, he had no idea what the hell he was doing.