Chapter 159. Confession

Throughout the meal, Christan was unusually lively—he laughed more freely than usual, his eyes lighting up as he engaged Serena in conversation, making her laugh several times.

He had always hated social dinners. Whenever he could skip one, he would. And when he couldn't, he usually sat there stone-faced, barely speaking a word. Yet tonight, his usual reserve was gone, replaced by an almost restless energy.

Grandpa Bryan, with his keen observation and decades of experience, immediately noticed his grandson's odd behavior. He leaned back in his chair, a small, knowing smile tugging at the corners of his lips, though he said nothing.

After dinner, Grandpa Bryan excused himself, citing fatigue, and left early, giving Christan and Serena some private time.

Serena had drunk a little, and a warmth spread through her, softening the tension in her injured leg and loosening the edges of her usual composure. Her head felt a little light, but her thoughts were clear—curious, o