Chapter 10
The headquarters of the Larson Group was several times larger than the Zarena Group.
At 4:00 pen, Serena stood in the CEO’s office on the top floor Across from her, seated at his desk reviewing documents, was the man she was about to marry–Hugh Larson
Rumors claimed he was impotent
Unlike Zach’s sharp and commanding presence, the man before her exuded an almost unnatural gentleness. Sunlight streamed through the floor–to–ceiling windows, casting a soft glow on him, making him seem entirely unthreatening.
His skin was fair, making his features appear even more striking. The deep–set eyes, the sharp bridge of his nose, and the sculpted lips with a natural dush–he was undeniably good–looking
Perhaps she had been staring too intently, as Hugh slowly lifted his gaze.
In that instant, the gentle and harmless atmosphere vanished. The air grew tense, suffocating-
It was
An indescribable pressure radiated from his eyes, making Serena’s heart tighten. She suddenly realized–it wasn’t gentleness at all. It was sheer indifference.
“You’re not Sarah,” His deep, magnetic voice broke the silence.
Serena snapped out of her daze and straightened her back, showing no sign of weakness. “No. My name is Serena Jansen. I’m here to marry you.”
A flicker of something unreadable passed through Hugh’s eyes.
The woman standing before him, with her bright eyes and striking features, slowly overlapped with the Etle girl from his memories 15 years ago.
She was still just as fierce and untamed–but no longer happy
Closing the file in his hands, his voice was low and compelling. “A last–minute replacement? Why should agree to this?”
Without hesitation, Serena answered, “Because Sarah thinks you’re beneath her.”
At the doorway, Chandler Moore, who had just been about to knock and deliver a report, froze on the spot.
The Jansen family must have a death wish, daring to speak such words to Hugh’s face.
Hugh never cared about what people thought of him. He only raised an eyebrow slightly. “And you don’t?
Serena flashed a smile, her answer nothing but sincere. “This is a marriage of convenience. There’s no love involved. Why would I have a problem with it?
Hugh’s fingers curled slightly. He thought, “Love?”
He wondered if the man in Yellowbrook City was the one she loved and the reason behind her unhappiness
He studied Serena for 30 seconds. His dark eyes were calm, but something unreadable stirred beneath the surface
When he finally spoke, his voice was as indifferent as ever. “Did you bring your ID?”
Serena hadn’t expected that on the very afternoon of her return to Javerton City, she would be marrying a man she had just met a man rumored to have a hidden medical condition. And yet, there she was, standing in the courthouse a minute before closing, signing her name on a marriage certificate
Staring at the marriage certificate in her hand, she felt a strange sense of disconnect. It was as if she had stepped into an entirely different life.
But in that moment, it felt like she had finally and completely severed all ties with Zach.
“Your contact information”
Hugh’s voice pulled her back from her thoughts. He stood beside her, backlit by the fading sunlight, his expression distant and unreadable.
Yet, as he handed her his phone, the gesture was surprisingly–cordul
After exchanging numbers, the first message he sent was a city map. A few red circles marked various locations.
Some were luxury penthouses in prime commercial districts. Others were serene townhouses in quiet suburban areas. There was even a riverside villa, elegant and secluded.
“Pick what you like ”
His voice remained flat, free of any emotion. This was a transactional marriage, nothing more
Serena didn’t hesitate. She selected a penthouse near Jansen Group for convenience.
Then, she picked the riverside villa–secluded and peaceful. It would be the perfect place to display the porcelain pieces her mother had left behind.
She was about to explain to Hugh why she had chosen those two properties. Before she could speak, he had already called his assistant, Chandler, instructing him to have both places cleaned.
She was both impressed by his efficiency and surprised by his unquestioning trust. “You’re not even going to ask why I chose those two?” she asked.
“Didn’t you just say it yourself? This is a marriage of convenience, no love involved”
Hugh raised an eyebrow slightly. His deep, unreadable eyes reflected Serena’s expression, as if silently seeking confirmation.
His words left her momentarily speechless. He was right. She was the one who had set the term.
hut after years with Zach, the habit of checking in was deeply ingrained.
He always said he didn’t want to lose track of her. So whenever he sent a message, she would instinctively reply with her location.
