CHAPTER 115: CHAPTER 115 A PLEASANT EXPERIENCE

Serena’s POV

I couldn’t decide what to suggest to Lucian without knowing his preferences.

His personality was still a mystery to me, and I didn’t want to risk stepping on any landmines with such an important potential partner.

"Since you’re interested in exploring, should we go out for a bit? Would you prefer enjoying some food and drinks, or perhaps seeing the sights and experiencing a bit of nature?" I asked, carefully watching his reaction.

Lucian considered my question for a moment before answering, "Let’s just relax a bit."

His vague response made my stomach tighten with anxiety. Dining could be relaxing, but so could sightseeing. I needed more direction than that to make sure I impressed him properly.

Perhaps sensing my unease, he clarified, "Whatever Miss Quinn wants to do for relaxation is fine with me. I’ll follow your lead."

The ball was in my court now. I nodded quickly, grateful for the opening. "I’ll go change clothes. Please wait just a moment."

I hurried to my office’s private bathroom, swapping my professional outfit for something more casual.

I topped off the look with a cute sun hat, instantly transforming from businesswoman to someone warmer and more approachable.

Looking in the mirror, I barely recognized the difference in myself - amazing what clothes could do to one’s entire presence.

When I emerged, I noticed Lucian still in his impeccable business suit and realized we had a mismatch.

"That outfit might not be ideal for what I have planned," I said, gesturing to his formal attire. "Perhaps I could accompany you to buy something more casual nearby?"

Lucian nodded. "I’ll follow your lead," he repeated, seeming genuinely amenable to my suggestions.

His car was waiting outside, and I couldn’t help noticing the stares we received as we left my office building together. I’m sure the rumor mill would be working overtime by tomorrow morning.

At a nearby high-end shopping center, I helped him select a comfortable but stylish casual outfit.

The transformation was remarkable - with his sharp business suit gone, the intimidating aura that surrounded Lucian West softened considerably.

"May I ask why you suggested I change into casual clothes?" he asked as we left the store. "Are we going to be exercising?"

I shook my head. "If you want to truly relax, it should be both mind and body. A suit constrains everything about you," I explained. "This way, the distance between us feels less formal, don’t you think?"

Lucian considered my words thoughtfully before nodding in agreement. "You have quite the insightful mind, Miss Quinn."

"Please, there’s no need to be so formal. Just call me Serena," I offered, hoping to further bridge the gap between potential business partners and something more comfortable.

"Serena," he repeated smoothly, the name sounding strangely formal yet intimate on his lips.

I blinked, my long eyelashes fluttering slightly. I hadn’t expected him to be so accommodating. This would make building rapport much easier, and keeping this potential investor happy was definitely my priority right now.

"Let’s go then. I want to show you my secret hideaway," I said with a smile.

My "secret hideaway" was actually a private coffee roastery located in a more remote part of the third ring of the city.

Its location made it relatively unknown to most people, which was precisely why I loved it. Despite the cheaper rent in this area, the spacious establishment still represented a significant investment.

When Lucian stepped out of the car, he looked momentarily taken aback.

"I love the coffee beans they use here," I explained, watching his face. "Do you enjoy coffee, Mr. West?"

"It’s acceptable," he replied noncommittally.

I could tell he was the type who probably drank coffee regularly during his long work hours.

He seemed slightly surprised by my choice of venue - clearly not what he had expected when a business partner offered to show him around.

"I find hand-grinding coffee beans incredibly therapeutic - the sound is so soothing," I shared as we entered.

Lucian seemed intrigued by this concept, watching as I visibly relaxed upon entering the familiar space. This place had always been my sanctuary.

I led him upstairs to the rooftop terrace where the afternoon sun created the perfect ambiance. "Please, have a seat," I said, patting the comfortable sofa beside me.

The plush sofa was irresistibly cozy, the kind that makes you sink in and never want to leave. Even Lucian, who I imagined always sat with perfect posture in board meetings, eventually allowed himself to relax into a more comfortable position.

I carefully selected some specialty coffee beans and began preparing them, but made sure to include Lucian in the experience by handing him the grinder and patiently teaching him the technique.

"The process isn’t complicated, but it requires patience," I explained, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere that settled between us.

Lucian seemed genuinely interested in this new experience, watching my movements carefully and following my instructions. I could tell he hadn’t done anything like this before.

"You’re doing great," I encouraged softly, guiding his hands. "Just like that, continue with that rhythm."

After our combined efforts, Lucian finally tasted the coffee he’d helped create. His eyes brightened noticeably at the rich, complex flavor.

"Do you come here often?" he asked, seeming genuinely curious about my habits.

I nodded. "I used to come whenever I had free time. They have an incredible variety of beans. The owner is a Brazilian businessman - a hidden millionaire who runs this place purely for the joy of it."

"It’s not widely known - they hardly advertise at all," I added.

I discovered this place through sheer chance. Actually, it was because of Ryan. He was incredibly particular about his coffee, and I’d searched the entire city trying to find beans that would please him at home and at the office.

For years, I’d faithfully ground fresh coffee beans for him every morning.

After our divorce, that ritual ended abruptly, like so many other aspects of our life together. Between that and my increasingly hectic work schedule, I hadn’t visited this place in ages.

My reminiscing was interrupted when Lucian looked over at me.

"This is indeed relaxing. Thank you, Serena," he said, using my first name with a naturalness that surprised me.

I smiled brightly at him. "Then I guess I’m doing a decent job as your tour guide."

Lucian nodded, visibly more at ease than when we’d first arrived.

"As a thank you, allow me to take you to dinner tonight," he suggested. "We can discuss our potential partnership further. I have a feeling this collaboration will be quite successful."

My eyes lit up with excitement. I hadn’t expected things to progress so smoothly. "I’d be delighted."

"The coffee was excellent, by the way. Thank you," he said, raising his cup in a small toast.

Our eyes met over our coffee cups, and we shared a smile. The afternoon sunlight streamed around us, creating a perfect moment of connection.

Dinner was at an exclusive private restaurant Lucian had reserved.

The elegant atmosphere was perfect for conversation, and we found ourselves discussing design philosophy and industry trends with increasing enthusiasm.

The details of our partnership began taking shape naturally through our conversation, with the formal contract to be handled by Lucian’s assistant later.

"Will you be staying in the city for long?" I asked, curious about his plans.

He hesitated briefly before nodding. "I have friends here as well. Now that I’ve made time to return home, I plan to stay for a while."

Both of us clearly valued this potential partnership, and I was thrilled at how well things were progressing.

By the time dinner ended, it was much later than I’d realized.

Lucian insisted on driving me home, and I watched his car disappear around the corner before turning toward my building entrance.

That’s when I noticed Ryan standing nearby, his expression unreadable in the shadows.

Our recent argument about Sophie had left things tense between us. I was still angry and had no interest in dealing with him tonight after such a productive day.

He silently followed me into the elevator.

"Who was that dropping you off?" he asked, his voice controlled but tight.

I wasn’t surprised by the question - clearly, he’d been waiting around for a while to catch me coming home.

"A business partner," I replied flatly.

The elevator dinged as we reached my floor. I stepped out first, heading straight for my apartment door without looking back.

Ryan followed, quickly stepping forward to block the door with his arm just as I’d opened it.

"What are you doing?" I frowned up at him, annoyed by his presumption.

"Serena, we need to talk," he insisted.

"There’s nothing to talk about," I replied coldly.

My chilly demeanor was a stark contrast to how animated and warm I’d been with Lucian all day.

Hearing my words,his expression darkening with what looked suspiciously like jealousy as his tone grew sharper.

"Why not?"

I couldn’t help but laugh bitterly.

Did he seriously expect me to be okay after he’d so blatantly defended his precious Sophie?

And now he had the nerve to act wounded when I refused to engage? The audacity of this man was truly something else.