Chapter 139
She withdrew her gaze and turned to the handsome man beside her.
“Mr. Larson, what brings you here today?”
“I got an invitation, so I’m just filling in at the last minute.” Hugh’s response was brief and
short.
Serena was surprised. She hadn’t expected Hugh to be the type to step in as a last–minute replacement.
Given their alliance, she chose not to ask further. Instead, she told Gene to head back to the
villa.
There were some music composition devices in the luggage she had brought earlier.
Zach didn’t question her decision.
The two of them made their way to the villa in silence.
Serena didn’t bother hiding her musical skills. Right in front of Hugh, she opened her equipment case, picked out the devices she needed, and was about to ask the maids to load
them into the car.
Before she could speak, Hugh strode over and gently pulled her arm.
“There’s no need to bring them. The cables are broken.”
Serena was shocked. Then, she quickly looked down to check on the equipment.
At the very bottom, two cables had already snapped. Even if she took the equipment back, it probably wouldn’t work.
Serena’s shoulders sagged, the light in her eyes fading.
This was bad. Even if she ordered a new set of professional equipment, it might not arrive in
time for Ruth’s performance.
“Let’s headack,” Hugh suggested.
Even if the cables could be repaired, it would still take some time, so there was no need to rush tonight.
Serena knew better than anyone else. Feeling disappointed, she had no choice but to follow Hugh back.
When they returned to Crestview Bay, Serena parted ways with Hugh and went straight to her
room.
She immediately began searching for nearby equipment suppliers. She needed something fast
and discreet.
The last thing she wanted was for the Jansen family to find out about her interests.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Glancing at the security monitor, she saw Chandler was standing
outside.
What was he doing here this late?
Frowning in confusion, Serena got up from the couch and opened the door.
Then, she saw a neatly arranged set of music equipment stood behind Chandler. Several trained workers flanked either side, waiting to install it.
There was also a well–maintained piano sat in perfect condition behind the equipment set.
A wave of warmth spread through Serena’s chest as she slowly clenched his fists.
Hugh had figured it out. He had even remembered the exact models of the equipment in her villa. Even the piano had clearly been handpicked by a professional.
She hadn’t said a word about it, yet Hugh had taken care of everything.
Noticing her silence, Chandler spoke up. “This is the best piano we could find nearby. Per Mr. Larson’s instructions, if you’re not satisfied, I can have someone pick out another one
tomorrow.”
“I like it,” she said.
Serena shook her head, turning down the offer to replace the piano. She stepped aside, allowing Chandler and the workers to bring the equipment inside.
She lingered by the door for a moment. Across the hall, another door slowly opened.
Hugh had washed up and shed his jacket, leaning lazily against the doorframe.
“Is it enough?”
His tone was light, as if tracking down such specialized equipment had been effortless.
Serena looked at him, her eyes full of gratitude.
“This is way too much. My old equipment was outdated, and you brought me the latest upgrades..uidn’t do anything to deserve this. It’s you who have been helping me. If you’re free sometime, let me take you out for a meal.”
Something unreadable flickered in Hugh’s eyes, like a shadow shifting in the light.
Just as he was about to respond, a shrill ringtone cut through the quiet. It was probably Another late–night work call.
Irritated, he raked a hand through his messy hair, then gave Serena a long look. “I’ll hold you to that.”
