Rejected By My Mate; Claimed By Lycan Quadruplets Chapter 365

The flight to Paris had been long, but Serena barely noticed. She had spent most of it reviewing the details of the upcoming business deal, skimming through files and making mental notes.

When the pilot announced their descent, she finally looked up from her documents, glancing out of the window.

The city stretched beneath her like a painting, glittering with lights that reflected off the Seine.

Even from above, Paris was breathtaking—historic buildings with intricate architecture, grand boulevards filled with life, and the Eiffel Tower standing tall in the distance, glowing golden against the darkening sky.

By the time she landed, the airport was bustling with travelers. Serena made her way through the VIP section, where a young man in a sharp suit stood holding a sign with her name on it.

“Ms. Winthrop?” he asked, his French accent thick but smooth.

Serena nodded, adjusting the strap of her bag. “That’s me.”

He smiled politely. “I am Julien, Mr. Smith personal assistant. I will be taking you to your hotel.”

Serena shook his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

As he led her outside, she took in the crisp Parisian air. It was cooler than back home, but refreshing. The private car waiting for her was sleek and luxurious, the driver already holding the door open.

Serena slid into the backseat, sighing as she leaned against the plush leather.

The drive into the city was mesmerizing. Paris at night was unlike any other place—cobblestone streets lined with charming cafés, their outdoor tables still filled with people enjoying wine and laughter.

The Seine shimmered under the moonlight, and the bridges that stretched over it looked as though they had been pulled from a dream.

Julien, sitting in the front passenger seat, turned slightly. “Your hotel is one of the finest in Paris, personally arranged by Mr. Smith. He wanted to ensure you are comfortable during your stay.”

Serena smirked slightly. “That’s thoughtful of him.”

Julien chuckled. “He can be very… accommodating.”

She didn’t miss the amusement in his tone, but she chose to ignore it.

When they arrived at the hotel, Serena was immediately struck by its beauty. It wasn’t just luxurious—it was old-world elegance mixed with modern comfort.

The lobby was grand, with high ceilings, chandeliers dripping with crystals, and marble floors that gleamed under the golden light.

A concierge greeted her warmly, taking her luggage while a staff member escorted her to her suite. The room was breathtaking—tall French windows that overlooked the city, a massive king-sized bed with crisp white sheets, and a private balcony with a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower.

Serena sighed in appreciation. She had traveled to many places, but Paris had a way of making her pause.

After freshening up, she changed into an elegant but simple black dress, letting her curls fall over one shoulder. She knew this dinner wasn’t just about business—it was also about leaving an impression.

When she stepped out of her room, Julien was already waiting. “Mr. Smith is expecting you on the balcony for dinner.”

She followed him through the hotel, passing dimly lit hallways that exuded luxury. When they finally stepped onto the private balcony, she immediately spotted him.

Philippe Smith was standing by the railing, a glass of wine in his hand, staring out at the twinkling lights of Paris.

He turned when he heard them approach, and Serena was momentarily taken aback.

The man was strikingly handsome.

Tall, with a strong build and an effortless elegance that only a French businessman could pull off. His dark brown hair was neatly styled, his sharp jawline accentuated by just a hint of stubble.

His piercing green eyes locked onto hers, and a slow, knowing smile spread across his lips.

“Ah,” he said smoothly, setting his glass down. “So the famous Serena Winthrop has arrived.”

Serena arched her brow. “I didn’t realize I was famous.”

Philippe stepped closer, his gaze sweeping over her in a way that was almost too intimate. “A woman as beautiful as you? It is no surprise that men cannot seem to stay away.”

Serena tilted her head slightly. “That’s quite the introduction.”

He chuckled, gesturing toward the table set for two. “Come, sit. I have been looking forward to this dinner.”

Serena sat across from him, noting the carefully arranged dishes in front of them—perfectly seared steak, fresh seafood, and delicate pastries for dessert. A waiter poured her a glass of wine before retreating silently.

Philippe lifted his own glass. “To business, to success… and to the company of a beautiful woman.”

Serena clinked her glass against his, smirking. “Flattery won’t get you a better deal, Mr. Smith.”

He grinned. “You wounded me, Ms. Winthrop. I am simply stating a fact.”

Serena took a sip of her wine, enjoying the smooth taste. “And what fact is that?”

Philippe leaned forward slightly. “That now I understand why there are so many scandals surrounding you and men.”

Serena blinked. “Excuse me?”

Philippe chuckled. “Come now. You mean to tell me you haven’t seen the news?”

Serena frowned, setting her glass down. “What news?”

Before he could answer, her phone buzzed beside her plate.

Emma.

Serena glanced at Philippe. “Excuse me for a moment.”

He gestured for her to take the call, looking far too amused.

Serena stood and walked a few steps away, pressing the phone to her ear. “Emma?”

Emma’s voice was sharp, tense. “Serena, tell me you’ve seen the internet.”

Serena frowned. “No, I’ve been traveling all day. What’s going on?”

There was a long sigh. Then, “It’s bad, Serena. Really bad.”

Serena’s stomach tightened. “What happened?”

Emma didn’t hesitate. “Someone took a picture of Ryan hugging you at the airport. It’s all over the news. People are calling you shameless, saying you’re still clinging to him despite his engagement to Kate.”

Serena’s grip on the phone tightened. “Are you serious?”

“That’s not even the worst part.” Emma’s voice lowered. “Another picture surfaced. One of you and Lucas at the shopping mall. They’re twisting it, making it seem like you’re playing two men at once.”

Serena’s breath caught in her throat. “What?”

“The media is ripping you apart,” Emma said. “And investors are getting nervous. The board is furious. They think this is going to damage the company beyond repair.”

Serena closed her eyes, inhaling sharply.

She had barely stepped foot in Paris, and already, her world was falling apart.

She turned slightly, catching sight of Philippe watching her with an amused smile, as if he already knew everything.

She gritted her teeth.

Someone was behind this.

And she was going to find out who.