Chapter 366

Chapter 366
Serena’s POV
I turned back to face him, irritation simmering inside me. I didn't want any more entanglements, but politeness won out.
"Something you needed?" I asked, trying to keep my voice neutral.
"About last night..." Mateo hesitated, his gray eyes searching mine.
I didn't want to hear his apology or revisit what had happened last night. That would only make things more awkward between us. I cut him off before he could continue.
"It's fine," I said firmly. "Anyone would react the same way in that situation. If someone I loved was in danger, I'd lose my temper too. I understand."
Mateo held my gaze, and I could see he was struggling with something, words forming and dying on his lips. His Adam's apple bobbed slightly as he swallowed whatever he had been about to say.
"Take care," was all he finally offered.
I nodded curtly and got into the waiting car with Benjamin. As we pulled away, I couldn't help glancing back in the rearview mirror. Mateo stood motionless, watching us leave. Something about his solitary figure made my chest tighten, but I quickly pushed the feeling away.
"Why didn't you let him apologize?" Benjamin asked once we were on the road.
I leaned back against the leather seat and gazed out at the passing scenery. These things weren't worth dwelling on.
"Because I know he didn't mean it," I replied dismissively. "What's there to apologize for? Besides, people who aren't important... engaging with them is just a waste of my time."
"You don't have any... special feelings for Mateo?" Benjamin asked carefully. "He really does look like Lucas."
At the mention of Lucas, my heart skipped a beat, then raced to catch up. Mateo always had that effect on me, even just his name. But I wasn't about to let Benjamin see how much it affected me. I managed to keep my voice steady.
"Looking alike and being the same person are two different concepts," I said coolly. "And I've always been a rational person."
"Sometimes extreme rationality and extreme indifference are just... signs of hiding something deeper."
I chose not to respond to this observation, turning my attention to the window as if I hadn't heard him. Perhaps he was right, but some emotions, no matter how deeply buried, shouldn't be excavated so easily.
When we arrived at the Kennedy estate, Joseph was already awake. He looked up as we entered, immediately asking about the situation.
After hearing that the misunderstanding had been cleared up, he nodded with satisfaction. Then, his eyes softening, he said, "I'm sorry you were put in such an uncomfortable position last night."
I smiled, feeling a rush of warmth. Grandfather was always so considerate.
"Now that the truth is out, I'm not uncomfortable anymore," I reassured him. "Grandfather, I didn't sleep much last night. I think I'll go rest for a while."
"Go ahead, go ahead," he said kindly, waving me off.
I went upstairs directly to Milo and Stella's room. When I pushed open the door, I was shocked to find it empty. Panic rose in my throat as I quickly pulled out my phone to call Stella.
"Mommy." Stella answered almost immediately.
I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, but couldn't stop myself from asking, "Where are you?"
"I asked Walter to take us sightseeing in Washington," she explained. "I know you and Uncle Benjamin are busy, and I didn't want to bother you. Don't worry, Walter is taking good care of us, and we're having a great time."
Walter's voice came through the phone: "Please don't worry, Miss Sinclair. I brought two security guards with us. We'll ensure their safety."
Hearing this, I felt slightly more at ease. "Thank you for looking after them."
"It's my duty," Walter replied promptly.
I put down the phone, feeling a mix of emotions. Because Milo had been kidnapped by Rachel once before, I'd been overly protective of him these past three years. But the truth was, I hadn't made any enemies, and Milo wouldn't suffer because of me.
Besides, Milo was ten years old now. I needed to learn to let go gradually. Soon enough, he would have his own private life.
Milo and Stella returned very late that evening. If I hadn't been able to reach them by phone the entire time, I would have assumed they'd been kidnapped. Seeing them return safely finally put my worries to rest.
"Where did you go? You were out so long," I asked, not reproachfully—I never reproached Milo and Stella.
"Well..." Milo looked at me, seeming torn about what to say.
Before he could answer, my grandfather interrupted: "Let's eat dinner." He took both children by the hand and led them to the dining room.
Stella glanced back at me, her expression conflicted, as if there was something she wanted to tell me but couldn't quite decide. I noticed something hidden in her eyes but didn't press her.
Throughout dinner, both Milo and Stella seemed distracted. I began to worry that something had happened.
"Are you feeling unwell?" I asked them softly.
They both shook their heads.
"Too tired from playing all day?" I tried again.
"Maybe," they nodded in unison.
Seeing how exhausted they looked, I decided not to question them further. "After dinner, take a shower and go to bed early."
"Okay," they responded quietly.