Rejected By My Mate; Claimed By Lycan Quadruplets Chapter 376

Serena stormed out of the boardroom, her heels clicking aggressively against the marble floors as she made her way to her office.

Her entire body was tense, her hands balled into fists at her sides. She had expected resistance, but the fact that they had already set up a vote, that the plan had been in motion before she even stepped back into the building—it infuriated her.

Emma was right on her heels, practically jogging to keep up. “Serena, wait up!” she called, struggling to keep pace.

Serena didn’t slow down. She shoved open the door to her office, stepping inside and dropping her bag onto the desk with more force than necessary.

Emma slipped in after her, shutting the door behind her. “Alright, spill. What the hell just happened in there?”

Serena let out a sharp breath, running a hand through her hair. “They’re planning to vote me out,” she said bluntly.

Emma’s face fell. “What?”

Serena let out a humorless laugh, pacing across the room. “Apparently, my leadership is ‘too controversial.’ The shareholders—at least a handful of them—think my name being in the media is hurting the company. They’re using that as an excuse to take my position from me.”

Emma’s eyes widened, her brows furrowing. “Are you serious? They can’t do that!”

Serena stopped pacing, turning to face her. “They can. They already set up a vote. In two days, the board will decide if I stay or if they push me out.”

Emma swallowed hard, running a hand over her face. “This… this isn’t good, Serena. If they vote you out, it’s over. Whoever replaces you will gut this company. Everything you built—it’ll be gone.”

Serena clenched her jaw. “I know.”

Emma’s hands curled into fists. “They can’t just erase you like this! You’re the one who made Rocky’s Designs what it is today!”

Serena exhaled sharply. “They don’t care, Emma. They just want stability. They want a leader they can control, someone who won’t make headlines.”

Emma sat heavily on the chair across from Serena’s desk, her face pale. “So what do we do?”

Serena’s eyes hardened. “We fight.”

Emma nodded, determination flickering in her eyes. “Damn right, we fight.”

Serena sighed, grabbing her bag. “I need to clear my head. I’m picking up Amy from school.”

Emma stood up as well. “I’ll start making calls, see where the undecided board members stand.”

Serena nodded. “Good. Let me know if you hear anything.”

With that, she walked out of the office, her mind already racing with strategies.

The school parking lot was filled with parents picking up their kids, but Serena barely noticed as she stepped out of her car. She needed to push aside her frustration, at least for a little while. Amy didn’t need to see her like this.

When Amy spotted her, her face lit up, and she ran toward her. “Mommy!”

Serena bent down, scooping her up in her arms. “Hey, sweetheart. Did you have a good day?”

Amy nodded eagerly. “Yes! We had story time and art class! And I drew you something!”

Serena smiled, setting her down. “I can’t wait to see it.”

Amy grabbed her mother’s hand, tugging her toward the car. “Come on! I want to show you!”

Serena let Amy’s excitement wash over her, momentarily pushing her worries aside. For now, she just wanted to be with her daughter.

Once they got home, Serena had barely settled on the couch when there was a knock at the door.

Frowning, she stood up, wondering who it could be. She wasn’t expecting anyone.

When she pulled open the door, her eyes narrowed slightly.

Ryan.

He stood there in a dark suit, his expression unreadable. He looked like he had come straight from work, his tie slightly loosened, his hair a little tousled.

“Ryan,” she said, crossing her arms. “What are you doing here?”

Ryan let out a small breath, rubbing the back of his neck. “I just found out you’re back in town. I wanted to see you.”

Serena stared at him, her body still tense from the day’s events. “And?”

Ryan hesitated before sighing. “And I wanted to say I’m sorry. I had no idea that hugging you at the airport would cause so many problems for you.”

Serena scoffed. “That’s what you’re sorry for?”

Ryan frowned. “What else should I be sorry for?”

Serena threw up her hands. “Ryan, they’re planning to vote me out of my own company! The shareholders think I’m a liability, that my name in the media is hurting Rocky’s Designs. And guess what? That airport picture is just another thing they’re using against me!”

Ryan’s face darkened. “They’re trying to remove you?”

Serena nodded, her jaw tight. “Yes. In two days, the board is holding a vote. If they win, I’m out.”

Ryan exhaled, running a hand down his face. “Serena…”

She crossed her arms. “What?”

Ryan met her gaze. “Do you need my help?”

Serena let out a humorless laugh. “Help? How exactly can you help me, Ryan?”

Ryan stepped closer, his voice calm but firm. “You know I have influence. Some of those board members? I have connections to them.”

Serena studied him carefully. “You want to help me?”

Ryan nodded. “Yes. Whatever’s happening between us personally, I still respect what you’ve built. You don’t deserve this.”

Serena sighed, looking away for a moment. “I’ll think about it.”

Just then, a small voice interrupted them.

“Daddy!”

Amy ran into the living room, her face lighting up as she saw him.

Ryan’s expression softened. “Hey, princess.”

Amy rushed over, throwing her arms around his legs. “You came!”

Ryan picked her up, smiling. “Of course I did.”

Amy giggled, tugging at his tie. “Mommy’s back, so we can have fun!”

Ryan chuckled. “Oh? And what kind of fun are we talking about?”

Amy beamed. “An adventure!”

Ryan arched a brow. “An adventure, huh? And what do you want to do?”

Amy tapped her chin, deep in thought. “Something big! Maybe the zoo! Or the beach! Or… a treasure hunt!”

Ryan grinned. “A treasure hunt sounds fun.”

Amy clapped her hands. “Yes! Will you do it with me?”

Ryan glanced at Serena. “What do you think, Mom?”

Serena exhaled, watching them. For all the frustration she felt toward Ryan, she couldn’t deny that Amy adored him.

Finally, she nodded. “Fine. But you better make it a good adventure.”

Ryan smirked. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure it’s unforgettable.”

Amy cheered, hugging Ryan tightly. “Yay!”

Serena watched them, a small smile tugging at her lips despite the weight of everything hanging over her.

For tonight, she would let herself breathe.

Tomorrow, she will start preparing for war.