Chapter 28
Eric quickly regained his composure and smiled. “She’s right here. Why not have her thank me herself?”
Hugh remained indifferent, his voice calm. “The Jansen family may have fallen, but even in decline, their influence still holds weight. Their rides dietate silence during nurs rest, unlike our family, where formalities aren’t as strict”
He didn’t even lift his head as he added calmly, “Eric, you’re not sitting at the head of the table, yet you’re the first to speak. If this were the Jansen pesidence, you’d be punished by
the family”
The Jansen family’s rules weren’t that strict, but Serena couldn’t help but wonder how Hugh knew that.
Catching on to Hugh’s intention, Serena hitted her gaze–not at Eric, but at Cabin and nodded slightly in repert
Galvin watched the couple seamlessly back each other up and set down his fork and knife. “Compared to the Jansen family, we do have fewer rules. Eric, you’ve just returned focus on your food and get some rest after dinner.”
Eric, still recovering from Hugh’s sharp retort, could only respond obediently, “Yes, Grandpa.”
Calvin shifted his gaze to Hugh. “Spend less time working, Hugh Make sure to take good care of Serena.”
“Of course, Grandpa,” Hugh responded without hesitation
Erk’s expression eased slightly. In his mind, getting Hugh to step back from the company was exactly what he wanted
But only Hugh and Serena knew that Calvin’s words were sincere. He simply wanted them to have a good relationship.
The meal was filled with an undercurrent of tension. By the end, Serena telt utterly drained, her appetite long gone
At least Hugh hadn’t expected her to argue back.
Once dinner was over, Galvin left to attend a gathering with his old friends.
Before leaving, he turned to Hugh and said, “Now that you’re married and starting a family, bring Serena back more often.”
He wanted the rest of the family to recognize her as one of them.
Hugh understood Calvin’s intention and nodded.
Serena smiled politely at Calvin Spending time with him wasn’t so bad. But dealing
in that
dealing with the rest of the Larson family and their passive–aggressive remarks–she had no interest
Once Calvin left, the facade of liveliness in the Larson residence quickly faded. People lingered in the front hall and the garden, some discussing business, others whispering about
private matters.
Serena had no interest in joining any of them. She simply wanted to find a quiet corner and review the Jansen Group’s documents
“I’ll take you home.” Hugh was already a step ahead, standing beside her with his hand outstretched.
Serena glanced around. “Everyone else is still here Can we really leave ear
“The Larson family has no rules,” Hugh replied, not letting her finish.
Before Serena could respond, he grabbed her hand and pulled her up from the couch. His movements were firm and forceful, almost yanking het straight into his arms. Serena stumbled, barely steadying herself against his chest. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Eric approaching with a glass of wine in hand.
Eric smiled. “Leaving so soon, Serena?”
So that was it. He had wanted to start a conversation with her. That was why Hugh had been so eager to leave
Serena stayed silent as Hugh tightened his grip around her waist. “Serena has business to attend to tomorrow. Unlike some, she doesn’t have the luxury of idling around
The hushed whispers in the room instantly quieted
Eric let out a low chuckle. “Hugh, you really have a talent for rubbing people the wrong way.”
“Isn’t that exactly what you want, Eric?
With that, Hugh wrapped an arm around Serena’s waist and strode out without looking back.
Behind them, Eric’s expression darkened.
Hecursed inwardly, “That damn Hugh Why is he treating his arranged marriage partner like she’s the most precious thing in the world?”
On the way home, Serena stared at the neon lights flashing past the car window, feeling a dull ache in her chest
The Larson family was even more suffocating than the Jansen family
And yet, Hugh was just like her. Even in his own home, he wasn’t truly welcome
“Do you regret marrying me?”
