Chapter 1400

Martin stepped forward, the epitome of contrition. "This isn't on Serena, it's my fault for not asking the

right questions."

Serena's eyes lifted in disbelief, her heart swelling in her chest. The boy beside her, still standing up for

her even now.

Emotions swirled in her gaze, a cocktail of gratitude and shock.

Her nose tingled, and she was a blink away from tears.

"I'm sorry,’ Martin said, turning to Romeo with a bow of his head, a gentleman's apology. “I thought you

were being fickle, flaunting your new flame in front of Serena just to hurt her."

At those words, Romec's brow raised. Flaunting? His and Bella's affection was genuine, no show

needed.

“Especially after bumping into you several times today, I assumed you were trying to make Serena feel

small.

Plus, I was clueless that Arabella was a Collins, and that your engagement to her was a given. Seeing

you outside Aunt Eunice’s place, I thought you were there to rub it in Serena's face."

That was why he had stepped out of the car, ready to throw a punch, feeling they had crossed a line.

"I figured as much; Arabella said, having anticipated this. That was why she had kindly warned him he

was no match for Romeo, and picking a fight wouldn't end well for him.

Martin hadn't expected the girl before him to be so understanding. He bowed again, more earnestly this

time.

"I'm sorry for the misunderstanding."

"No harm done. You took a hit from Romeo, so let's call it even’ Arabella said, noticing the swelling on

his face, a clear sign Romeo didn't pull his punches. In this round, they had the upper hand on Martin.

"Please, have a seat,’ Eunice gestured for Martin to join them. "Now that we've cleared the air, let's

move on.

Your granddad and uncle aren't here today, and I apologize if I haven't played the hostess well. The

tea's getting cold, and the pastries won't taste as good."

They each picked up a treat, lost in thought.

Eunice’s phone rang. It was one of her associates.

“Excuse me, I need to take this."

As Eunice stepped away to take the call, Martin's gaze drifted back to Serena, sizing her up, or

perhaps reassessing.

Serena didn't respond, didn't even meet his eyes for a fleeting second.

Meanwhile, Romeo and Arabella shared a tender smile, their eyes filled with unspoken affection.

“Alright, I'll be there soon’ Eunice said after hanging up, smiling apologetically. "Sorry, I've got to handle

something urgent. Make yourselves at home. It's your place too. Bella, Serena, while it's still early, why

don't you show your partners around? I'll have to excuse myself."

“Aunt Eunice,’ Arabella began, wondering if her help was needed.

Eunice patted her head as she passed, reassuring her. “Don't worry, I've got this."

Comforted, Arabella nodded. "Come back soon."

“I will" Eunice said, then turned to Romeo with a satisfied look. "Keep Bella company: "will do."

No sooner had Eunice left than Serena dashed through another door, heading straight for the garden.

“Serena!” Martin called after her, hurrying to catch up.

Romeo, embracing the girl in front of him, whispered tenderly, “Aunt Eunice said to show me around. I'd

love to see your room."

“Who invites someone straight to their room?" Arabella teased, wrapping her arms around his waist in

response to his embrace.

“The room holds the essence of you. I want to see what your everyday life is like."

“You've seen my everyday life. Are you pretending we haven't shared the same room before?"

Her words drew him closer, his voice deepening. "You're getting quite the flirt, aren't you?"

Arabella was puzzled: How had she flirted with him?

“The fire you've started. Aren't you going to put it out?” Romeo chuckled lowly, his gaze on her filled

with adoration.

In the background, the staff melted into puddles of envy at the display of affection.