Rejected By My Mate; Claimed By Lycan Quadruplets Chapter 374

The morning sun streamed through the wide glass windows of an upscale penthouse, casting golden hues over the elegantly furnished living space.

The atmosphere inside was tense but controlled as the four shareholders of Rocky’s Designs sat around a sleek mahogany table, waiting. The three men had arrived earlier, summoned by the one man who had been speaking about Serena’s removal for months.

They murmured amongst themselves, sipping on expensive coffee, exchanging subtle glances.

They knew the scandal had shaken the company, and whispers of instability had already spread through the business world. If ever there was a time to challenge Serena’s position, it was now.

Then the door opened.

Mr. Thomas Winters walked in with an air of quiet confidence, his sharp suit perfectly tailored, his movements deliberate.

He was a man used to getting what he wanted, and today was no different. He took a seat at the head of the table, adjusting his cufflinks before fixing them all with a piercing gaze.

“Gentlemen,” he began, his tone smooth but firm, “I’m glad you could make it.”

The leading shareholder, the one Thomas had spoken to the previous night, leaned forward. “We’re here because we want to hear exactly what you’re proposing, Mr. Winters. Removing a CEO is no small matter.”

Thomas smirked. “Of course it isn’t. That’s why we must act carefully. This isn’t just about a scandal—this is about the future of Rocky’s Designs. Serena Winthrop is a liability, and the longer she stays, the more damage she does to the company’s reputation.”

One of the other shareholders exhaled. “Her leadership has been strong in the past, despite the drama. The company has flourished under her.”

Thomas leaned back, crossing one leg over the other. “Yes, but at what cost? Investors are nervous. The board is restless. The media is tearing her apart, and she’s too distracted to steer the company in the right direction.” He let the words settle before adding, “What you all need is a leader with stability. One that doesn’t drag the company into personal scandals every few months.”

The men exchanged glances, considering his words.

Thomas leaned forward slightly. “I’ve already secured one vote. If the three of you join us, we’ll have a majority. A board meeting will be scheduled soon, and when that time comes, we push for her removal.”

One of them hesitated before nodding. “If what you say is true—if this is what’s best for the company—then I’m in.”

The second one followed. “Me too.”

The third sighed but eventually nodded as well. “We’ll need to be strategic about this. We can’t make a move until we’re sure the board will back it.”

Thomas smirked, satisfied. “Leave that to me.”

As they finalized their discussion, his phone buzzed with a message. It was Kate.

She would be pleased to hear about their progress.

Serena exhaled as she pulled up in front of Amy’s school, the morning rush still lingering as parents hurried to drop off their children. Amy was already buzzing with excitement, clutching her pink bunny tightly in her hands.

“Be good today, okay?” Serena said, brushing a stray curl away from her daughter’s forehead.

Amy nodded eagerly. “I will! And I’ll tell my friends about my new dresses!”

Serena chuckled. “Alright, go on. I’ll see you later.”

Amy leaned in for a quick hug before hopping out of the car and running toward her teacher. Serena watched her go, allowing herself a brief moment of peace before reality set in again.

She had work to do.

She drove straight to Rocky’s Designs, her fingers tightening around the steering wheel as the towering glass building came into view. This was her empire, her creation. And yet, as she stepped inside, she felt the weight of a dozen eyes on her.

Employees whispered among themselves, their voices hushed as she passed. She didn’t need to hear what they were saying to know.

The scandal was still fresh. The media had painted her as reckless, unfit, entangled in too many affairs to be taken seriously.

Serena held her head high, walking straight to the elevator without acknowledging the murmurs.

As the doors opened, Emma was already waiting for her, holding two cups of coffee.

“Morning, boss,” Emma said smoothly, handing her one of the cups.

Serena smirked, taking a sip. “You’re a lifesaver.”

Emma walked beside her as they entered the office. “How was the flight?”

“Exhausting,” Serena admitted, setting her bag down.

Emma leaned against the desk. “Well, it’s about to get more exhausting. The board requested a meeting.”

Serena exhaled. “I knew that was coming.”

“You couldn’t decline,” Emma said. “Not when things are this tense.”

Serena nodded. “Fine. Let’s get through it.”

Emma set down a folder. “Before that, here’s everything we’ve been working on while you were away. Some contracts are pending your review. I prioritized the urgent ones.”

Serena flipped through the pages, her sharp eyes scanning the documents. “Good. I’ll handle this before the meeting.”

Emma hesitated before adding, “Whatever happens today, just know you still have people here who trust you.”

Serena met her gaze and smirked. “I don’t plan on losing, Emma.”

Emma grinned. “That’s the spirit.”

She left Serena alone in the office, giving her a moment to breathe.

Ryan woke up to the soft weight of something—or rather, someone—pressing against him.

Kate.

She was still draped over his lap on the couch, her bare skin warm against his.

He exhaled, rubbing his temple as reality settled in. He had let his guard down, let the moment take control. And now, Kate was curled against him, still asleep, completely at ease.

Carefully, he shifted her off him, waking her in the process.

Kate stretched, blinking up at him sleepily. “Morning.”

Ryan didn’t respond immediately as he stood, running a hand through his hair. “I need to get ready for work.”

Kate smirked, watching him as he walked toward the bedroom. “Need some help?”

Ryan shot her a look. “Kate.”

She laughed. “Fine, fine.”

She followed him anyway, sitting on the bed as he pulled out his suit.

“You’re not mad at me, are you?” she mused, tilting her head.

Ryan buttoned his shirt. “Mad? No. Surprised? Yes.”

Kate stood, walking up to him, trailing a finger down his chest. “Then stop overthinking it.”

Ryan grabbed her wrist gently, stepping back. “I have a meeting to get to.”

Kate pouted but let him go.

As he grabbed his briefcase and keys, he leaned down, pressing a brief kiss to her cheek before heading out.

Kate waited until she heard the door shut before her phone rang.

She glanced at the screen. Mr. Thomas.

Answering, she leaned against the counter. “Tell me something good.”

Thomas’ voice was smooth. “We have four shareholders on our side now. The plan is in motion.”

Kate smirked. “Perfect.”

Serena had no idea what was coming.

And neither does anyone else.