CHAPTER 424

Back in the guest room...

Serena stood her ground, fingers brushing the brooch at her neckline—small, nearly invisible, but she clung to the hope that it was working.

That someone, anyone—Declan—was watching. That he'd see her. Hear her. That this wouldn't be for nothing.

She swallowed hard, steeling herself just as Valerie broke the silence with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"Well," Valeri