Web Novel
Rejected By My Mate; Claimed By Lycan Quadruplets Chapter 370
The next morning, Serena stood by the tall French windows of her hotel suite, sipping her coffee as she took in the breathtaking view.
The sky was painted with soft hues of pink and gold, the early morning light casting a warm glow over the rooftops of Paris.
Her body felt well-rested, but her mind was already preparing for the day ahead.
Today, she was visiting a vineyard with Phillippe, another one of his carefully curated plans to make sure she “experienced” Paris the way he intended.
She still wasn’t sure whether he was doing all this just to impress her or if he truly wanted her to see Paris beyond the business meetings and high-end dinners.
Either way, she would take the opportunity for what it was—a moment to breathe before she returned to the chaos waiting for her back home.
Her phone buzzed on the nightstand.
Emma.
Serena picked it up and answered immediately. “Tell me something good.”
Emma sighed on the other end. “Depends on your definition of ‘good.’ The board hasn’t made any decisions yet, but they’re still on edge. The investors are split—some believe in you, others are questioning if the company should distance itself from your name.”
Serena closed her eyes briefly, inhaling deeply before setting her coffee cup down. “So nothing has changed.”
Emma hesitated. “Not exactly. The scandal is still growing, but Phillippe’s involvement with you is stirring some new rumors. Some investors think if you secure this deal, your image could shift more… respectable direction.”
Serena smirked. “So now they want me to be seen as a powerful businesswoman tied to an influential man rather than a ‘reckless’ CEO entangled in scandals?”
Emma sighed. “Pretty much.”
Serena shook her head. “They’ll twist the narrative however it suits them.”
“Exactly. Which is why you need to secure this deal.”
“I know,” Serena murmured.
There was a brief pause before Emma spoke again, her voice softer. “How are you holding up?”
Serena glanced out the window. “I’m in Paris, drinking coffee while looking at the Eiffel Tower. Can’t complain.”
Emma chuckled. “Enjoy it while you can. Who knows when you’ll get another trip without a PR disaster waiting for you.”
Serena smirked. “Good point.”
She ended the call after inquiring about her daughter and was sure that Amy was okay and coping well with her absence.
She placed her phone on the table, staring at it for a moment before shaking off the lingering tension. Today was about business, yes, but she wasn’t going to let her future be dictated by the opinions of board members who only cared about numbers.
She was going to enjoy the day.
The knock on her door came right on time.
She opened it to find Phillippe standing there, dressed in a crisp white button-up with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, black slacks perfectly tailored to his frame. He looked effortlessly polished, as always.
“Good morning,” he greeted smoothly, his green eyes scanning her. “You look beautiful.”
Serena had opted for something light and comfortable—a flowy sundress with soft pastel hues, paired with nude heels. She had kept her makeup natural, letting her hair fall into loose waves.
She smirked at him. “Flattery before we even leave?”
Phillippe chuckled. “Always.”
She grabbed her bag and stepped out, shutting the door behind her as they walked toward the elevator. “So, tell me about this vineyard.”
Phillippe led her to the waiting car, opening the door for her before sliding into the driver’s seat.
“It’s one of the finest in France, located just outside Paris. A private estate, family-owned for generations.”
Serena raised an eyebrow as she fastened her seatbelt. “And I assume you have a personal connection to them?”
Phillippe smirked as he started the engine. “Naturally. It pays to have friends in the right places.”
The drive was mesmerizing.
As the city faded into the distance, the scenery transformed into rolling hills and vast stretches of vineyards, their lush green leaves swaying gently in the breeze.
The air smelled fresher, filled with the scent of earth and grapes warmed by the sun.
Serena rolled down the window slightly, letting the breeze kiss her skin. “It’s beautiful out here.”
Phillippe glanced at her with a smirk. “A welcome change from the chaos of city life?”
She nodded. “Definitely.”
After an hour’s drive, they arrived at the vineyard. The estate was stunning—a grand château with ivy-covered walls, surrounded by endless rows of grapevines.
A cobblestone path led them to the main entrance, where an older man in a tailored vest and a warm smile greeted them.
“Phillippe!” the man exclaimed, his French accent thick with familiarity.
Phillippe stepped forward, shaking the man’s hand. “Jean-Luc, it’s been too long.”
Jean-Luc turned to Serena, his eyes crinkling with a kind smile. “And this must be the lovely Ms. Winthrop.”
Serena shook his hand. “It’s a pleasure to be here.”
“The pleasure is ours,” Jean-Luc said. “Come, let’s begin your tour.”
As they walked through the vineyard, Jean-Luc explained the history of the estate, detailing how the land had been in his family for over three centuries.
Serena listened intently, fascinated by the level of craftsmanship that went into each bottle of wine they produced.
They moved inside, where the scent of aged oak barrels filled the air. Jean-Luc led them through the cellars, where rows of barrels rested in the cool, dimly lit space. He pulled out a special bottle, dusting it off with care.
“This,” he said proudly, “is one of our finest vintages. Only a select few ever get to taste it.”
Phillippe smirked. “And I assume we’re among the lucky ones?”
Jean-Luc chuckled. “For you, my friend, always.”
They were led to a small, private tasting room, where glasses were set out for them.
A sommelier poured the deep red wine, the rich aroma filling the space. Serena lifted the glass to her lips, taking a slow sip.
The taste was exquisite—smooth, full-bodied, with just the right balance of fruit and spice.
She exhaled. “That’s… incredible.”
Jean-Luc grinned. “Ah, a woman who appreciates good wine.”
Phillippe leaned back in his chair, watching her. “She appreciates the best of everything.”
Serena rolled her eyes but didn’t deny it.
They spent the afternoon sampling different wines, learning about the aging process, and enjoying the peacefulness of the estate.
By the time the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson, Serena felt better and happier than she had in weeks.
As they walked back toward the car, Phillippe turned to her. “Did you enjoy yourself?”
Serena glanced at the sprawling vineyard, the air still carrying the faint scent of grapes and aged wood. “I did.”
Phillippe smirked. “Good. That means my plan is working.”
Serena arched her brow. “And what plan is that?”
Phillippe opened the car door for her, leaning in slightly. “To remind you that there’s more to life than boardrooms and scandals.”
Serena studied him for a moment before sliding into the seat.
Maybe, just maybe, he was right.