Chapter 14: A Surprise at York Corporation

The morning after the family dinner, Serenity returned to the bookstore with a light heart.

She couldn't stop thinking about how warmly the York family had welcomed her.

"You look happier than usual," Jasmine observed.

"Did the billionaire family approve of you?"

Serenity laughed.

"More than approve. They treated me like I'd always belonged."

"Especially Grandma May."

"That woman adores you," Jasmine teased.

"I think she adopted you before Zachary even married you."

The two friends laughed together.

Just then, Serenity's phone vibrated.

It was Zachary.

"Good morning," she answered.

"Morning," he replied.

"Are you busy this afternoon?"

"Not really. Why?"

"I'd like you to have lunch with me."

"At your office?"

"Yes."

"Ben will pick you up at noon."

Serenity hesitated.

"Will I be disturbing your work?"

"Never."

"I'll see you later."

At exactly noon, a black luxury sedan stopped outside the bookstore.

Ben stepped out and politely opened the rear door.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. York."

"Mr. York is waiting for you."

"Thank you, Ben."

Jasmine leaned toward Serenity and whispered,

"Enjoy your billionaire lunch date."

Serenity blushed before getting into the car.

Half an hour later, the vehicle stopped in front of York Corporation's headquarters.

Serenity looked up at the towering glass building.

"It's even bigger during the day," she murmured.

Ben smiled.

"Please follow me."

The moment Serenity entered the lobby, employees immediately recognized her.

"That's Mrs. York."

"She's even prettier in person."

"No wonder President York looks happier lately."

The whispers followed her all the way to the private executive elevator.

Within seconds, she arrived on the top floor.

Ben knocked gently.

"Mr. York, Mrs. York is here."

"Come in."

The office door opened.

Serenity stepped inside.

The room was enormous.

Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the entire city.

Modern artwork decorated the walls, and polished wooden shelves displayed business awards from around the world.

"Wow..."

"I didn't expect your office to be this impressive."

Zachary smiled.

"Sit down."

"Lunch will be here shortly."

A few minutes later, an assistant delivered an elegant meal prepared by one of the city's finest restaurants.

"You didn't have to order all this," Serenity said.

"I wanted to," Zachary replied.

"Besides... you cook for me almost every day."

"It's my turn."

As they enjoyed lunch together, Serenity noticed several framed photographs on a nearby shelf.

"I've never seen these before," she said.

She walked closer.

Most of the pictures showed Zachary receiving business awards.

Others featured him with Grandma May and the York family.

One frame, however, was empty.

"Who's supposed to be here?" she asked.

Zachary looked at the empty frame.

"No one... yet."

He paused.

"I was thinking of replacing it with a wedding photo."

Serenity smiled warmly.

"I'd like that."

At that moment, the office door suddenly opened without knocking.

"President York, the board meeting—"

A senior executive stopped mid-sentence after seeing Serenity.

"I... I'm sorry for interrupting."

Zachary calmly looked at him.

"It's fine."

"This is my wife, Serenity."

"Mrs. York," the executive greeted respectfully.

"It's an honor to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too," Serenity replied politely.

Within minutes, word spread across the executive floor.

The mysterious Mrs. York had finally visited headquarters.

Every employee became curious.

After lunch, Zachary walked Serenity toward the elevator.

"Thank you," she said softly.

"For today."

"I enjoyed it."

"So did I."

As the elevator doors opened, Serenity suddenly reached out and straightened his tie.

"It was slightly crooked," she said with a smile.

For a brief moment, Zachary simply looked at her.

The gesture was so natural.

So caring.

"You're spoiling me," he said quietly.

"Maybe," Serenity replied playfully.

"You'll have to get used to it."

The elevator doors closed.

Watching them descend, Ben couldn't hide his smile.

"Sir..."

"Yes?"

"I don't think this is a marriage of convenience anymore."

Zachary looked toward the closed elevator doors.

A rare smile appeared on his face.

"Neither do I."

Far away, in her luxury penthouse, Victoria Lang stared at a newspaper featuring a photo of Serenity leaving York Corporation.

Her expression turned icy.

"Enough waiting," she muttered.

"If kindness won't separate them..."

"Then I'll destroy Serenity's reputation instead."

The battle for Mrs. York's place beside the billionaire had only just begun.