Rejected By My Mate; Claimed By Lycan Quadruplets Chapter 369

The soft hum of the Parisian streets filled the air as Serena stood outside the hotel, waiting for the black luxury car Phillippe had arranged to take them to the Seine.

The evening had begun its slow descent, casting a golden glow over the city, making the streets look even more breathtaking.

Serena adjusted the thin silk scarf around her neck, the cool evening breeze teasing the edges of her hair.

She had dressed for the occasion—a flowing ivory dress that hugged her frame just enough to be elegant, yet comfortable.

It wasn’t often she allowed herself to indulge in moments like this, and though she had told herself this trip was purely business, something about Paris made her want to pause, to take in the beauty of the moment.

At least, all of this gets her to forget all of her scandals for a while.

A sleek black car pulled up in front of her, and the driver swiftly exited, opening the door for her.

Phillippe was already inside, looking effortlessly refined in a charcoal-gray suit, his green eyes gleaming with amusement as he took in her appearance.

“Ah, ma chérie,” he greeted, his voice smooth as silk. “Paris suits you.”

Serena smirked, sliding into the seat beside him. “I think Paris suits everyone.”

Phillippe chuckled as the car pulled away from the hotel, gliding through the cobbled streets. “Perhaps, but I suspect it’s different with you. You seem… lighter than when you arrived.”

Serena glanced out the window, watching the people strolling along the riverbanks, the soft hum of life filling the air. “Maybe Paris just has a way of making people forget their problems for a while.”

Phillippe smirked. “Or maybe it’s the company.”

Serena rolled her eyes but didn’t argue.

The drive was short, and soon they arrived at the dock where a magnificent boat was waiting for them. It wasn’t one of the crowded tourist cruises—this was private, sleek, and exuded quiet luxury.

A uniformed attendant greeted them, guiding them onto the boat’s open deck, where a beautifully set table awaited. Golden lanterns hung from the edges, casting a soft, romantic glow over the space.

The scent of fresh roses lingered in the air, blending with the subtle saltiness of the river breeze.

Serena raised an eyebrow. “You certainly don’t do things halfway, do you?”

Phillippe grinned. “Would you expect anything less?”

She sighed, shaking her head in amusement as she took a seat at the elegantly arranged table. The boat slowly began its journey down the Seine, the gentle rocking of the water soothing, almost hypnotic.

A waiter arrived, pouring two glasses of chilled champagne before disappearing silently. Serena took a sip, the crisp bubbles dancing on her tongue.

Phillippe leaned back in his chair, watching her. “You know, I’ve been thinking.”

Serena arched her brow. “That’s never a good sign.”

He chuckled. “You and I… we have more in common than I originally thought.”

Serena tilted her head slightly. “And what makes you say that?”

Phillippe gestured toward the city lights reflecting off the water. “We both understand power. We know what it means to have people watching our every move, waiting for us to fail. We don’t have the luxury of making mistakes.”

Serena’s expression remained unreadable, but she knew he was right.

She had spent years building Rocky’s Designs from the ground up, fighting every step of the way to be taken seriously in an industry that rarely respected women in leadership. And now, even after all her success, more and more scandals are threatening to undo everything.

Phillippe studied her face, as if reading her thoughts. “Tell me, Serena… what would you do if you lost everything?”

She blinked at him, caught off guard by the question. “I don’t plan on losing.”

Phillippe chuckled. “Neither do I. But humor me.”

Serena exhaled, looking out at the river, watching the gentle ripples in the water. “If I lost everything… I’d rebuild. From scratch, if I had to.”

Phillippe nodded approvingly. “Good answer.”

She turned to him, studying him for a moment. “And you? If everything you built crumbled tomorrow, what would you do?”

Phillippe smirked, swirling his champagne. “I’d do exactly what you would. I’d rise from the ashes.”

Serena leaned back, crossing her legs. “So we’re both too stubborn to accept defeat.”

Phillippe chuckled. “Exactly.”

The boat glided smoothly under the Pont Alexandre III bridge, its golden statues glowing under the night sky. The soft strumming of a violin played in the distance, blending with the quiet murmur of the city.

For a brief moment, Serena let herself relax.

The weight of the board’s decision, the media scandal, the investors—it all seemed so far away. Here, on the river, under the glow of Paris, none of it mattered.

Phillippe must have sensed the shift in her because he leaned forward, his voice softer. “You’re allowed to enjoy yourself, you know.”

Serena glanced at him. “Who says I’m not?”

He smirked. “Because even now, you’re thinking about what happens when this boat ride ends. When Paris ends.”

Serena exhaled, taking another sip of champagne. “I can’t afford to get too comfortable.”

Phillippe studied her for a long moment before speaking. “Let me ask you something, Serena. When was the last time you did something just for yourself?”

Serena hesitated.

She had spent so many years making calculated decisions, building a life around strategy and ambition. Everything she did was for a reason—to protect her company, to prove herself, to stay ahead.

Phillippe took her silence as his answer and smiled knowingly. “That’s what I thought.”

Serena set her glass down, tilting her head slightly. “And you? When was the last time you did something just because you wanted to?”

Phillippe exhaled dramatically. “Right now.”

Serena narrowed her eyes. “Flirting doesn’t count.”

He laughed. “Then let’s call it… enjoying good company.”

Serena shook her head, but a small smile tugged at her lips. “You’re impossible.”

Phillippe raised his glass. “I prefer ‘irresistible.’”

Serena chuckled, clinking her glass against his.

The boat continued its journey down the Seine, passing by the glowing facade of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, its towering silhouette standing against the deep blue sky.

Serena exhaled, closing her eyes for a moment, letting the cool breeze brush against her skin.

For the first time in weeks, she felt a little lighter.

And maybe, just maybe, she was starting to understand what Phillippe meant.

The night stretched on, the boat gliding effortlessly through the heart of Paris, the city whispering secrets in the wind.

And for a long time, Serena let herself listen.