Chapter 69
Serena turned and walked away without hesitation.
Zach had planned to go to Jansen Group to discuss the business deal, so he stepped forward to match her pace.
“Serena, did you badmouth me in front of Mr. Larson on purpose? Are you trying to keep him from associating with me? Or are you just afraid he’ll find out about the 13 years we spent together?” he asked.
“You really think too highly of yourself.”
They stepped into the elevator together. As soon as the doors slid shut, leaving just the two of them, Serena let out a soft, amused laugh instead of getting irritated.
“I’m just Hugh’s ‘mistress.’ Why would he care about my past? I don’t have the power to make him pay attention to me. And you, the mistress‘ ex–boyfriend, should probably give up on trying to climb your way up.”
As Serena finished speaking, Zach’s expression turned sour.
Just then, the elevator stopped again.
What good luck.
Sarah walked in with her arms full of documents. She glanced at Serena and Zach, then deliberately blocked the other employees from entering, ensuring she had the elevator to herself.
As soon as the doors closed, she turned to Zach with a sugary smile. “Mr. Foster, why didn’t you bring your girlfriend to the meeting today?”
“Wendy is just my sister. My girlfriend… is someone else,” Zach responded without missing a beat.
Serena raised a brow. Sarah hadn’t named names, yet Zach had immediately assumed she was referring to Wendy.
So, it really was that obvious. Everyone knew Zach and Wendy were practically joined at the hip.
Sarah had meant to rile Serena up, but Zach’s quick clarification had killed the fun. How boring.
As she lost interest, she turned away, unwilling to embarrass herself any further.
silence.
The elevator fell into silence.
Serena, on the other hand, was perfectly content. She had no desire to waste words on these two clowns.
When they reached their floor, they headed toward the conference room.
Serena’s office was nearby, just past the conference room. They went their separate ways at the entrance–Sarah led Zach inside while Serena turned toward her office.
She had barely taken a step when Zach’s voice rang out. “Aren’t you the one handling today’s business meeting with me?”
Sarah immediately answered, “That would be me, Mr. Foster.”
Zach’s expression stiffened for a moment. Was Serena really planning to avoid him this much?
Bringing a major deal from Zarena Group to Jansen Group wasn’t just about business. It was also a way to help Serena solidify her position in the company.
She had already rejected him emotionally. Was she going to reject him professionally, too?
Zach’s frown deepened.
Serena simply nodded at Sarah’s response. “Jansen Group is a massive corporation, Mr. Foster. I’m sure you’ll find the right person to work with. Now, if you’ll excuse me-”
Before she could finish, Zach stepped to the conference room doorway and cut her off. He said, “I’ve personally designated you as the project liaison, Serena. I expect to hear your input at the meeting.”
Serena was at a loss for words.
Their standoff had drawn attention, and several employees peeked over and whispered among themselves.
The noise was starting to give her a headache. She sighed inwardly and decided to deal with this quickly
Zach and Sarah stepped into the conference room first. Serena followed last, only to find Howard already seated inside. Why was he here?
Howard knew about her past with Zach, yet he had shown up early. He was clearly here to stir the pot and make things worse for her.
Serena couldn’t stand the three clowns at the same table, so her cold gaze swept over the crowd.
“Mr. Foster, since the head of Jansen Group himself is here to discuss the project, I’m sure you won’t be needing a lowly manager like me. Enjoy your meeting.”
