Game Over No Second Chances

Chapter

Hugh had leaned in at some point, his sharply defined features close enough for her to see every detail, Ills duke

reflected nothing!

Thenext moment, Serena felt a firmband grasp her chin. His grip was strong andvandelding, and be tied her face spward with quiet authority.

Her head tipped back until their eyes met, locked in an unspoken tensions.

ats lips parted slightly. "But now, you're Mrs. Larson. These oldcards from the past —shouldn't you get rid of them?—

His deep voice, smooth as a cello's melody, carried no anger. If anything, it sounded almost gentle..

Serena's long lashes tuttered as his fingers petuated. She picked up the card again. The memories that once felt sweet now carried nothing but pain,

She heard herself saying, quietly but firmly, "You don't need to tell me. I would've taken care of it anyway"

Huch let od a quiet hom et acknowledzevent, his equession unrealable

It seemed she still hadn't let go of that man

Soon mough, thecar pulled to a smooth stop outside the riverside villa,

The villa was understated yet elegant. The view from the terrace overlooked a river, tolling green hills framing both sides. It was serre and picturesque,

At the entrance, stacks of Large boxes were neatly arranged inside them were the porcelain pieces.

They were her mother's porcelain pieces that serenahad arranged to be packed and delivered earlier.

The moulds moved to help, but Serena shook her head. Til do it myself"

She had already lost two pieces while with Zach. She couldn't afford to lose another.

The porcelain was fragile. She didn't trust the maids, who had no experience handling them properly.

She was about to call a professional service, wondering if they would even take a last-minute job this far out. If the wait was too long, the temperature shifts between day and night could make the porcelain even more susceptible to damage.

Before she could dial, Hugh had already shrugged off his jacket. His whär dress shirt chng in his frame, sleeves puslied up to reveal strong forearms.

"There's free labor right here. Are you really going in waste it?

Serena couldn't help but wonder if he was joking

Her eyes drifted to his forearms, strong and defined she hesitated, then pressed her lips together. "Let's do it together. It looks like a lot, but it's mostly small items."

Serena went along with it and began unpacking the items. One by one, she cardully removed the layers of paper and foam..noveldrama

Hugh didn't ask any questions. He simply took the packages from her, wing off the approaching mulds before carrying them into the designated room.

When setting them down, he cushioned the bottom of each package with his fingers, making sure they landed gently. He had no idea what these things were. But they were important to ber

From the doorway, Serena watched his careful movements. A warmth flickered in her gaze.

Maybe Hugh wasn't as cold and distant as the rumors claimed.

1. He was methodical and composed, knowing when to exert force and when to show restraint. If they could

Once everything was sorted, Serena found herself reevaluating the man. I discuss teens for their marriage, perhaps they could discuss business too.

She needed to secure her position in the Jansen Group as soon as possible.

Taking a chance, she asked, "Do you want to sit down for abit? We could also discuss the Secrest Bay project. It's the collaboration between the Larson Group and the jansen Group

She had already instructed the maids to prepare suitable refreshments. -

But the moment the words left her lips, Hugh's expression darkened.

I personal sentiment toward him.

So that was it she had used him as free labor, and now she was bringing up the Jansen family's business interests. There wasn't even a trace of p

The tension in the room was so thick it could be cut with a knife. The air tell felt header, almost suffocating

Serena hesitated for a brief second. First, she had set the ground rules for their marriage, and now she was bringing up business.

She realized she had been a battles.

She didn't particularly like Hugh, but he had treated her with respect. The last thing she wanted was to antagonize him. "We can discuss it another time if you prefer "Do on," he interrupted.