Chapter 101
Hugh stood with his back to Serena, his long fingers unfastening his tic.
“I’m not going to do anything. Don’t worry. Get some rest.”
He didn’t leave her any room for negotiation, and Serena didn’t push it any further.
After changing into a fresh set of pajamas, Serena lay in bed, scrolling through her phone. Moments later, Hugh walked out of the bathroom, wearing a neatly tied robe, his toned muscles faintly visible beneath the fabric.
Serena averted her gaze, then set her phone aside and shut her eyes tightly. She said urgently, “I’m going to sleep now.”
Hugh’s eyes traced the outline of her figure under the blanket. His voice dropped to a soft murmur as he said, “Good night.‘
He walked over to the bed and turned off the bedside lamp for her before quietly making his way to the small couch.
The spacious room fell silent, with only their steady breathing filling the space.
At dawn, Serena stirred awake in the unfamiliar room. Her sleep had been restless. As she had woken up early, she rose quietly, careful not to make a sound.
From across the room, she spotted Hugh curled up on the couch, still deep in sleep.
Serena softened her steps, making sure not to wake him as she slipped out of the room.
Downstairs, the maids had just started their morning duties and greeted her softly as she passed by.
She made her way to the kitchen for a glass of water.
Just then, a maid entered with a phone in hand. “Ms. Jansen, it’s a call from the Jansen family. They might be looking for you.‘
“At this hor
Serena glanced at the time–5:00 am. She wondered what could have happened for them to call so early.
Her brows furrowed as she took the phone.
Rachel’s voice came through. “Mr. Larson Senior, you have to talk some sense into Serena! Her father was so furious that he ended up in the hospital.
“This morning, he even coughed up blood. His health is deteriorating-”
“If he’s coughing up blood, shouldn’t you be calling a doctor instead of making this call?”
Serena put the call or speakerphone while dismissing the maid with a wave.
As she poured herself a glass of water, she said sharply, “If you still have the energy to call and complain, it sounds like my father isn’t in critical condition.”
“Serena! Why is it you? This isn’t even the Larson residence’s number…”
“I’m right here,” Serena said before taking a sip of water, letting its warmth chase away the lingering grogginess.
“Your father is dying because of you! Get to the hospital right now!”
In the background, Serena could hear a string of exaggerated, overly dramatic coughs.
She thought, “Who coughs like that without gasping for breath?”
Serena couldn’t be bothered to call Rachel out on it. Instead, her voice turned cold as she asked, “Why are you calling the Larson family at 5:00 am and disturbing Mr. Larson Senior’s rest? Be careful, or the Larsons might just cut ties with your family.”
“You’re making things up
“You don’t believe me? Go ahead. Call again after I hang up, and see what happens.”
Rachel was fuming, and Serena could still hear her sharp, uneven breaths over the phone.
Disturbing Carvin’s rest was no small matter. If something went wrong, not even his son could bear the consequences, let alone the Jansen family.
The next second, Howard took the phone.
“Nina, it’s good that the Larsons favor you, but I’m still your father. Come to the hospital, and let me explain… Zach still has feelings for you.”
So, in the end, it all came down to using her past relationship with Zach to secure a business.
deal.
For Howard to sell his daughter like that… There was nothing worth listening to.
Serena hung
without hesitation and turned to leave. “They called this early just to ruin my morning. What bad luck.”
C
