Chapter 65
7/1
The table was filled with an array of exquisite dishes.
Howard wared Serena over with a warm smile. “Come and sit down. Rachel has made all of this for you as a welcome back feast. Try some.”
“Serena, these are some beautiful clothes I’ve picked out for you. You’re representing Jansen Group now, and appearances matter. Take a look, and see if there’s anything you like,” Rachel said while gesturing toward the mountain of shopping bags stacked on the couch.
The styles of the clothes weren’t visible, but the luxury brand logos emblazoned across the bags were impossible to miss.
Rachel had dearly gone all out this time.
Sevena gave a half–hearted nod and sat down indifferently. She picked at her food and took a few bites.
Rachel placed a freshly poured bowl of soup in front of her. “Serena, if Sarah and Cole end up together, you’ll have a sister in the Larson family to support you. It’s a win–win situation, don’t you think?
“Oh, and I’ve recently met with a pastor and picked a meaningful date to have your mother’s memorial placed back in the family chapel. Once that’s done, any tension between you and Howard will be smoothed over. Then, as sisters, you and Sarah can work together to secure your stake in the Larson family.”
Rachel painted the picture beautifully. It sounded grand, seamless, and almost too perfect.
Even the spoon she placed into the soup made no sound as it touched the bowl, as if she had gently smoothed out every ripple before it could appear.
The family at the table smiled as if everything was falling into place. But Serena felt nothing but cold seeping into her bones.
Howard’s sudden warmth in her adult years had nothing to do with her. It was just another move to secure a better future for his other daughter.
Rachel, who had once refused to budge, was now miraculously willing to compromise–all for a chance to cling to the Larson family. It was just ridiculous yet pathetic.
Without hesitation, Serena shoved the steaming bowl of soup aside.
Too bad. I’ve changed my mind I don’t want my mother’s memorial in the Jansen family’s family chapel anymore.
“The so–called elders runding that place are corrupt to the core, and the ones hiding behind closed doors are just as bad. A filthy place like that is unworthy of my mother’s name. I won’t let her memory be tied to it forever and remain trapped in that disgraceful mess!”
After finishing her words, Serena pushed back her chair and stood up.
Rachel’s face twisted, but thinking of Sarah and Cole, she forced herself to smile and grabbed Serena’s hand “It’s my fault. Let’s not talk about this today. Sit down and have a proper meal.” “Let’s not talk about Sarah. Tell us how you’ve been lately.” Howard forced himself to suppress his anger as he patiently motioned for Serena to sit.
Serena raised an eyebrow slightly. These two were holding back more than she expected. What else did they have up their sleeves?
Curious, she sat back downL
Howard wasted no time shifting the conversation to Larson Group’s project in Yellowbrook City.
“The Yellowbrook City project is a major deal. If you can secure it, your position in Jansen Group will be set. This project—”
*As long as you transfer the appropriate shares, I can make it happen. It’s entirely up to you, Dad,” Serena said casually while eating. She effortlessly tossed the ball back into his court as if she couldn’t be bothered to fight for it
Howard’s jaw tightened Why was she still refusing to let go of those shares?
Just as he was about to snap, Rachel grabbed his hand under the table, giving him a sharp look. Everything in the Larson family had to go through Serena right now. They couldn’t afford to offend her.
And so, Howard swallowed his anger.
However, Serena had already set her cutlery down and wiped the corners of her mouth.
She said, “I’m full, so I’ll be going now. Oh, and Ms. Lloyd, thank you for the generous gifts today. It would be rude of me to refuse such kindness from an elder, so I’ll be sure to make good use of them. Goodbye.”
With that, she called for a driver to take all the shopping bags away.
A: Serena left, she didn’t bother hiding her amusement at how their faces darkened
Rachel was the first to break as she slammed into Howard’s chest in fury. “She… She took everything and gave us nothing in return! Howard, is this the daughter you’ve raised?” Howard clenched his teeth so hard that his jaw ached Serena was becoming completely uncontrollable.
