Rejected By My Mate; Claimed By Lycan Quadruplets Chapter 361

Serena stepped into Rocky’s Designs, her heels clicking against the marble floor as she adjusted the strap of her handbag.

The office lobby was already buzzing with activity, employees moving around, and the faint sound of ringing phones filling the space.

She barely made it through the doors when she spotted Emma standing near the reception desk, engaged in a conversation with the receptionist.

The moment Emma’s eyes landed on her, she excused herself and hurried to Serena’s side, falling into step with her.

“Morning, boss,” Emma greeted cheerfully. “How was your night?”

Serena smirked slightly. “You mean the part where I got home late, stared at my ceiling for an hour, and then finally slept? Eventful.”

Emma chuckled. “Sounds like a wild night.”

Serena pressed the elevator button, waiting for the doors to open. “And yours?”

Emma sighed dramatically. “Ethan kept me up talking about how much he misses me already.”

Serena raised an eyebrow. “You two are getting serious, aren’t you?”

Emma grinned. “Maybe. I like him, Serena. A lot.”

Serena stepped into the elevator with her, pressing the button for the top floor. “I can tell. I’ve never seen you like this before.”

Emma shrugged. “Well, what can I say? The man is charming, and he actually listens when I talk. That’s rare.”

Serena smirked. “Let’s see how long that lasts.”

Emma gasped playfully. “Oh, ye of little faith.”

Serena chuckled, but her amusement was short-lived when Emma quickly switched gears, glancing at her tablet.

“Alright, back to business,” Emma said, her voice turning serious. “You have an urgent board meeting in a few minutes.”

Serena groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Let me guess. They want to talk about my personal life again?”

Emma hesitated. “That… and the company’s stability. Some investors are still being cautious.”

Serena sighed. “Figures. This is their second ‘urgent’ meeting in less than a month. What else?”

Emma hesitated for a moment, then cleared her throat. “I also have some news. A major business opportunity came up last night. A company in Paris—LaRue Enterprises—wants to meet with you personally to discuss a partnership.”

Serena blinked in surprise. “Paris?”

Emma nodded excitedly. “Yes. They want you there by tomorrow.”

Serena frowned slightly. “That’s sudden. What kind of deal are we talking about?”

Emma handed her the tablet, showing her the details. “They’re looking for a long-term design partner for their luxury hotel chains. If we land this deal, it could open doors for our expansion into Europe.”

Serena skimmed through the proposal, her brows lifting. “This is huge.”

Emma grinned. “I know. That’s why you need to go.”

Serena exhaled. “Fine. Get my flight booked and make sure my visa is in order.”

Emma clapped her hands together. “Already on it.”

Serena smirked. “Of course, you are.”

The elevator doors slid open, and Serena stepped out, her expression turning serious. “First, let’s deal with these board members.”

Emma sighed. “Good luck. You’ll need it.”

Serena rolled her eyes. “I always do.”

The boardroom was filled with tense silence when Serena walked in. The long table was occupied by the company’s top shareholders, their expressions ranging from impatience to quiet disapproval.

She took her seat at the head of the table, crossing her legs as she glanced at the faces staring back at her.

Mr. Caldwell, the oldest member of the board, adjusted his glasses before clearing his throat. “Ms. Winthrop, I believe you already know why we called this meeting.”

Serena leaned back in her chair, her gaze unwavering. “Enlighten me.”

A younger shareholder, Mrs. Lawson, tapped her pen against the table. “The company’s reputation is still fragile, and yet, you continue to make headlines.”

Serena sighed, already expecting this. “If you’re referring to Ryan’s engagement announcement, that has nothing to do with me.”

Mr. Caldwell frowned. “Perhaps not directly, but your history with him still affects public perception of this company. Investors are hesitant to fully commit when the CEO’s personal life is constantly under scrutiny.”

Serena’s fingers drummed lightly against the table. “I don’t control what the media chooses to focus on.”

Another board member, Mr. Hale, leaned forward. “Ms. Winthrop, with all due respect, it’s not just the media. Some of our investors believe you are distracted.”

Serena arched an eyebrow. “Distracted?”

Mr. Hale nodded. “Your recent association with Ryan Winters has raised concerns. The last thing this company needs is another scandal tied to your name.”

Serena exhaled sharply, holding back her irritation. “So, let me get this straight. You’re concerned about my ability to run this company because of rumors?”

Mrs. Lawson interjected. “It’s not just rumors. It’s perception. Whether true or not, people are questioning your focus. And if investors start doubting your leadership, we have a problem.”

Serena stared at them for a long moment before speaking. “I have given my blood, sweat, and tears to this company. I built Rocky’s Designs from the ground up. Every decision I’ve made has been for its success.” She leaned forward, her gaze sharp.

“I have never let my personal life interfere with my work, and I’m not about to start now.”

Mr. Caldwell adjusted his glasses again. “Then prove it.”

Serena narrowed her eyes. “Excuse me?”

Mrs. Lawson met her gaze. “Focus on rebuilding investor trust. Show us that you are committed to this company above all else.”

Serena exhaled, her jaw tightening. “I don’t need to prove anything. My work speaks for itself.”

Mr. Hale leaned back. “That may be true, but perception matters. Consider this your final warning, Ms. Winthrop. If things don’t improve, we will be forced to take action.”

Serena’s fingers curled into fists under the table. “Understood.”

The board members exchanged glances before standing up, signaling the end of the meeting.

Serena remained seated, inhaling deeply as she watched them leave.

She had worked too hard for this company, and she wasn’t about to let anyone threaten what she had built.

If the board wanted proof of her dedication, she would give it to them.

And Serena Winthrop wasn’t the type to back down without a fight.