Game Over No Second Chances

To avoid drawing suspicion from the Larson family, Serena followed the maid to Hugh's room.

It looked different from last time. A few books now lay scattered on the table. Fresh flowers brightened the coffee table, and several art prints—mostly impressionistic landscapes-adorned the walls.

The only familiar touch was the contemporary rug, clearly chosen with a woman's taste in mind.

But the couch was still the same narrow two-seater. Was Hugh really going to sleep on that again?

Serena recalled the dark shadows beneath his eyes and felt a twinge of concern.

The maid noticed her slight frown and, mistaking it for dissatisfaction, quickly offered an explanation.

"Mr. Larson still has work to attend to. He'll be staying in the study tonight. But if you have trouble sleeping alone, Mrs. Larson, we can arrange something for you there as well."

"The study?" Serena's brows lifted slightly in surprise as she turned to the maid.

The maid nodded. "Bringing back Mr. Cole's fiancée was a last-minute decision. Mr. Eric and Mr. Larson rushed home and had to put off some work. They'll likely be up late tonight.

"But Mr. Larson has instructed us to prepare a light snack or anything else you might need, in case you can't sleep..."

He didn't even plan to sleep? Even the strongest person would break down at this pace.

Serena instinctively felt a surge of indignation for Hugh. But then again, she reminded herself, she was just an ally. Stepping in to interfere with how things were run in the Larson family might be overstepping her bounds.

After a moment's thought, she sent him a message asking how things were going with work.

He replied instantly, "It's important, but the deadline isn't tonight."

So, he meant it could wait.

Serena raised an eyebrow as she typed, "What if you left it for tomorrow?"

His quick responses suddenly paused.

Across the hall, Hugh sat at his large desk, tapping his pen restlessly against the wood. What was Serena getting at?noveldrama

To avoid the awkwardness of sharing a room again, he'd even dragged Eric into the study for some late-night work. And now Serena was saying this?

Was she asking him to come back and sleep in the bedroom? Did that not make her uncomfortable anymore?

The thought settled strangely in his chest-something like relief, though

he

dn't quite explain why. He

frowned slightly and replied with the truth.

"It can wait. It's just Eric's mess I'm cleaning up."

"Wait for me," she texted back. Then, she went quiet.

Hugh stared at his screen. Wait... for what?

Just then, the door creaked open.

Eric walked in with a grim expression, muttering, "How are Serena and Sarah even sisters? They have the same dad, yet they're worlds apart. That woman's screeching is driving me insane."

"This isn't your private venting lounge," Hugh said coolly, casting him a sharp glance.

Though he was older, Eric still knew

better than to push Hugh when it came to work. He grumbled under his breath, then dropped into a chair and started flipping through documents with visible irritation.

A moment later, there was a soft knock.

A maid stepped inside, carrying a glass of warm milk. She said, "Mr. Larson."

Hugh set down his pen and looked up. "Does Serena need anything?"