Author's note: this is from Duke's point of view

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When I saw Luca and Ash fighting in the forest, I feared how Serina will be affected by this.

She was looking forward to hosting this party and letting her fosterlings enjoy some good time with their friends, and when the birthday boy ends up in a fistfight with his supposedly best friend, that can't be good.

While walking back to the villa with four silent teenagers, I held Serina's hand with the hope that she knows I am by her side. Her discomfort was palpable, and it was gnawing at me from the inside.

I believed that things will be clarified once we reach the villa and they explained themselves, but the reality proved me wrong.

I was vexed that they stayed silent when Serina asked what's going on. She was only trying to help.

Don't they see how much their stubbornness is impacting her?

I thought that Zoe, Luca, and Ash will be grateful that Serina took them in and is providing for them, but their behavior made me doubt that. First their fight, then their silence. In both cases they showed disregard for Serina and that their petty grievances and convictions are more important than she is.

She spent time and effort organizing this outing, and this is what she got in return.

Disrespect.

I saw many people looking down on Serina and I vowed that it will not happen again.

It became my mission to protect her and ensure she has a happy life.

I spent years building my fortune and connections, and I waited what seems like forever in order to be by Serina's side, and what do we have here? Three teenagers trampling over her feelings and taking her for granted.

Do they think that I will stand on the side and do nothing?

I was aware that smacking sense into them is not the right approach. I wanted them to know that even if Serina is kind, I will not allow them to disparage her without consequences. I needed a plan, so I made one.

While waiting outside the study, I paid attention to every word spoken inside. I heard Serina asking for an explanation and them staying silent.

I also observed Cristina who was fidgety, and it was obvious that she knew something. She cared about at least one of the teens that were inside, and I had a feeling that she will speak up if I push her in the right direction.

The door of the study opened, and Zoe, Luca, and Ash came out solemnly.

Zoe walked down up the stairs with her head lowered while Ash and Luca went to the living room. Serina asked Lazarus to go with the boys.

"I need to instruct the maids to make necessary preparations.", Serina told me and walked away.

I saw with the corner of my eye Cristina slowly retreating.

"Are you OK leaving things like this?"

My question made her freeze.

"What can I do?", Cristina asked timidly.

"The three of them will be punished as guilty and there is a possibility that everyone goes home early. Do you believe that's the right outcome? Or are you trying to protect the one who is behind all this mess?"

She pressed her lips into a line.

"I don't expect you to talk to me.", I said and her eyes full of confusion were fixed just below my chin.

Why are these kids not maintaining eye contact? Or is my shirt messy?

"I hope that you will talk to Serina and tell her what you know." Before she could refuse, I started the blame game. "Will this party continue if Ash and Luca are sent home? Do you want this event to be cut short because of a misunderstanding? Two boys fought and one instigated it, but I know how that goes; Whoever talks will be called a sissy and a traitor. Serina spent weeks planning for this. She welcomed you into her house and arranged for the trip and food and everything else you are enjoying here. Is honesty too much to ask in return? Don't you hear your conscience urging you to do the right thing?"

Cristina's eyebrows furrowed and that reluctance was all I needed.

"Go ahead…", I said and turned to Serina who was walking toward us. "She wants to talk to you."

Cristina was caught unprepared and she followed Serina inside the study. One problem solved. I knew that Serina will take it over from there.

After dealing with this, I had another thing to take care of.

I wanted to talk to the boys, but knowing that Lazarus is with them, I decided to postpone that.

Lazarus kept his distance from me since our fight, but that doesn't mean I didn't feel his hostility. The last thing Serina needs is to deal with another fight.

It's not that I forgive Lazarus for stubbornly going after Serina, but I will deal with him some other time. I want to understand exactly what their relationship is and what experiences they shared, but even little that I know so far is enough for my desire to swell to beat him into pulp. Serina is mine!

I headed to the room where the girls stayed, believing that Zoe is on her own because Cristina is with Serina and the other two girls are still somewhere outside.

Zoe opened the door, surprised to see me.

"Can we have a word?"

Zoe stepped to the side, letting me in.

I could see the distress on her face, and it only confirmed to me that whatever happened between Luca and Ash, she was not just a spectator.

Zoe didn't want to speak up because that will be choosing sides between the two boys she is attached to. Of course, that only ticked me off and showed Zoe's immaturity because she didn't realize that silence is not helping anyone and is actually harming Serina.

Zoe offered me to sit on a chair, but I refused. I had no intention of making myself comfortable. She sat on the bed that I assumed it's hers.

"I am here to ask you to fulfill your part of the bargain.", I said, and Zoe gave me a quizzical look.

"Don't tell me you forgot the deal. I buy meat for the barbecue, and you get first picks in exchange for telling me about Serina."

She was relieved that I didn't ask about the fight. Ah, she has no idea where I'm going with this.

"What do you want to know?", she asked.

"I want you to tell me what all Serina did for you."

Zoe didn't get it. "What?"

"From the moment she found you in the forest, alone, fending for yourself. I want you to tell me about how she took you in and made sure you have a roof over your head and food in your bellies and that you are safe. Fill me in on the details and all the other pieces I'm missing."

Zoe opened her mouth to speak, but I raised my hand, stopping her from talking.

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