Rejected By My Mate; Claimed By Lycan Quadruplets Chapter 368

Serena sat on the plush couch in her hotel suite, a silk robe draped over her as she held her phone to her ear.

The morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm glow over the elegant furnishings.

The Eiffel Tower stood tall in the distance, but Serena barely glanced at it. Her mind was elsewhere.

Emma’s voice came through the line, tense and laced with concern.

“The board is barely holding back,” Emma said. “They haven’t made any decisions yet, but only because you’re in Paris working on this deal.”

Serena pinched the bridge of her nose. “So they’re waiting to see if I actually bring something valuable to the company before they decide whether or not to throw me to the wolves.”

“Basically,” Emma admitted. “Investors are still uneasy, and the media hasn’t stopped. Every time your name is mentioned, it’s tied to Ryan, Kate, or that damn picture of you and Lucas.”

Serena exhaled sharply. “It’s ridiculous. None of those things have anything to do with my ability to run my company.”

Emma sighed. “You and I both know that, but the business world doesn’t work on logic. It works on perception. Right now, they see you as unstable, and that’s a problem.”

Serena leaned back, staring at the ceiling. “So what do I do?”

“Land this deal,” Emma said firmly. “If you come back with a signed contract, the board will have no choice but to support you. They won’t risk letting go of a CEO who just secured a major international expansion.”

Serena smirked slightly. “So it all rides on Phillippe Smith.”

Emma hesitated. “He’s interested in you, isn’t he?”

Serena rolled her eyes. “He flirts like it’s a sport, but I can handle him.”

Emma chuckled. “I don’t doubt that. Just be careful. He’s powerful, and men like that don’t play fair.”

Serena glanced at the itinerary Phillippe had given her. Tonight was their exclusive dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

It was meant to be part of her Parisian experience, but she knew it was also another opportunity for Phillippe to test her—to see how she carried herself in elite social settings.

She exhaled. “I’ll play my part. And I’ll win.”

“That’s the Serena I know,” Emma said. “Now go get ready. And call me if anything changes.”

Serena ended the call, setting her phone down.

She had a deal to secure. And she wasn’t going to fail.

By the time evening arrived, Serena was more than ready for dinner. She had chosen a sleek, off-shoulder navy-blue gown that hugged her curves perfectly.

Her hair was styled in soft waves, and her makeup was effortlessly elegant, with a bold red lip that made her features stand out.

When she stepped into the lobby, Phillippe was already waiting. He looked as effortlessly refined as ever, dressed in a tailored black suit with a crisp white shirt. He smiled as soon as he saw her.

“Ah,” he said, his green eyes sweeping over her appreciatively. “Now I truly understand why Paris is called the city of love. You fit right in.”

Serena smirked. “Flattery before we even get to the restaurant?”

Phillippe chuckled, offering his arm. “I find it sets the mood and keeps everything warm.”

She rolled her eyes playfully but accepted his arm as they stepped outside.

A sleek black car was already waiting for them, and within moments, they were gliding through the streets of Paris.

The city at night was breathtaking. The soft glow of streetlights, the glimmer of the Seine, the distant twinkle of the Eiffel Tower—it was all impossibly romantic.

Serena exhaled, letting herself enjoy the moment. She rarely allowed herself to slow down, but there was something about Paris that made her want to savor everything.

The car soon pulled up in front of the restaurant, a stunning building with golden lighting and an air of exclusivity.

As they stepped inside, the ambiance was immediately intoxicating—soft piano music played in the background, the air filled with the rich scent of fine wine and exquisite cuisine.

Phillippe led her to a private table near a large window that overlooked the city.

The restaurant was the epitome of luxury, with crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and white-gloved waiters moving gracefully between tables.

The sommelier approached with a bottle of wine, pouring a deep red into their glasses. Phillippe swirled his drink before taking a sip, nodding approvingly.

“This place has the best sommelier in Paris,” he said. “I hope you enjoy red wine.”

Serena took a slow sip, letting the velvety taste settle on her tongue. “I do. And you were right—this is excellent. I love the settings.”

Phillippe smiled. “Good. I like a woman with refined taste. You truly are blessed.”

Serena set her glass down, meeting his gaze. “I take it this isn’t just dinner. You’re still testing me.”

Phillippe smirked. “A little.” He leaned back in his chair. “I enjoy watching people in settings like this. It tells you everything about them. Their confidence, their control, how they handle pressure.”

Serena arched her brow. “And? What do you see when you look at me?”

Phillippe studied her for a moment before answering. “A woman who knows her worth. Someone who doesn’t flinch under scrutiny. And,” he smirked, “a woman who is quite good at playing the game.”

Serena took another sip of her wine. “I don’t play games, Phillippe. I just don’t lose.”

He laughed, genuinely amused. “Now that is an answer I admire.”

The waiter soon arrived, presenting their first course—delicate foie gras with fig compote. Serena took a bite, savoring the rich, buttery texture, paired perfectly with the sweetness of the figs.

As the courses continued—fresh oysters, seared duck breast, and a decadent chocolate soufflé—Phillippe kept the conversation flowing effortlessly. They spoke of business, of Paris, of ambition.

“You remind me of myself,” Phillippe mused, swirling his wine.

Serena tilted her head. “How so?”

He smirked. “You’re relentless. You see what you want, and you take it. No hesitation, no fear. That’s rare, especially in business.”

Serena leaned forward slightly. “And what do you want, Phillippe?”

He studied her, his gaze sharp yet amused. “Many things. But tonight, I’ll settle for your company.”

Serena exhaled, setting her silverware down. “I appreciate the dinner. And the… entertainment.”

Phillippe grinned. “Am I entertaining you?”

“A little.”

He chuckled. “Then my night has been a success.”

The meal stretched into the night, the candlelight flickering between them as the city of Paris sparkled outside the window.

By the time they left the restaurant, Serena felt… lighter.

Not because the pressure was gone—it wasn’t. But because for the first time in a long time, she had allowed herself to enjoy something outside of work, outside of stress.

As they stepped into the car, Phillippe turned to her. “Tomorrow, we will go on a boat cruise. I trust you enjoy it?”

Serena smirked. “I enjoy winning. And right now, I need this deal.”

Phillippe chuckled. “Then let’s make sure you get it.”

As the car rolled through the streets of Paris, Serena glanced out the window, watching the city lights blur past.

Tomorrow was another test.

And she was ready for it.