Game Over No Second Chances

Serena pressed her lips together.

So, was this Hugh's way of letting more people come to know her mother's name?

Art and design often crossed paths, so collaborations between the two industries were common. And this gesture-it was Hugh's way of showing he cared.

"Alright," she said softly. "I'll follow his arrangements."

"Please follow me," Holly said warmly, leading her inside.

Outside, one of the associates was still holding the black card, speaking quietly with the assistant manager.

"A black card even covers limited editions for free?"

"Of course not!" The assistant manager scoffed. "Not even royalty gets limited editions for free. That was Mr. Hugh. He called just now to cover the cost.

"It's between husband and wife, so don't go blabbing. Mr. Hugh isn't someone you want to cross."

While he was at it, the assistant manager gave the whole staff a stern warning to keep this under wraps.

Cole, who was waiting near the entrance with Sarah, caught snippets of the conversation.

His gaze darkened slightly. So, his uncle liked Serena, huh? Too bad that affection only went so far-just enough to buy her gifts and dresses.

Because in the end, the one meant to build a future with Serena was him.

After her fitting, Serena even made time to head back to the office for a quick meeting. By the time she clocked out, the sky was painted in sunset hues.

She arrived at the Nebula Design event dressed in a deep green silk evening gown with elegant embroidery. A soft rabbit-fur shawl rested on her shoulders- perfect for a breezy rooftop evening party.

The outfit made her bright eyes even more striking. With her delicate jaw occasionally tucked into the fur collar, the sharpness she normally carried softened into something unexpectedly charming.

Serena was starving.

Scanning the venue for food, she realized that, for a gathering of designers and collectors, there wasn't much to eat. There were hardly any cookies or desserts in sight. With a sigh, she settled for a glass of juice.

Then, she looked around.

There was no sign of the person who insisted she attend. Where on earth was Hugh?

She frowned slightly. Standing here alone wasn't exactly thrilling.

Not long after, the crowd stirred with excitement.

"Mr. Cole really is a rising star. He and his fiancée make such a picture-perfect couple."

"His speech was excellent too. Sure, Nebula Design's success was due to Mr. Hugh, but it's clear Mr. Cole's stepping up. When the time comes, he'll take over smoothly."

Serena arched an eyebrow.

So, that was what this was all about. With Hugh not present to speak at the launch, people had mistaken Cole as the heir apparent and were lining up to flatter him.noveldrama

It looked like it was going to be another dull evening.

Serena sipped her juice just as the crowd parted.

Sarah emerged from Cole's side, strutting toward her in a tight, black backless

gown and heavy makeup, a champagne glass in hand.

She sneered at Serena's juice like it had offended her.

"At an event like this, full of high-profile guests, are you really sipping fruit juice like you're abovez everyone?" Sarah asked, her voice dripping with disdain. "Anyone who doesn't know might think Hugh actually got you pregnant and that you're avoiding alcohol for the baby."

Serena gave her champagne a quick glance and smiled faintly.

"Oh, everyone knows you're drinking freely and definitely not pregnant. So, there's

no need to shout about it. You didn't have to trap Cole with a baby, after all."

Sarah froze, caught off guard. Her face twisted in fury as she stepped forward.

"You... At least I can have children!"

"You've been going on and on about babies ever since you got engaged," Serena said flatly. "Maybe you should put the champagne down before you mess up your body. Of you end up not being able to have kids for real... well, you'll be the one crying, not me."

With that, Serena turned, ready to brush past her.

A flash of anger sparked in Sarah's eyes. Her hand shot up, champagne glass

high in the air.

"Let's see you cry first, you bitch!"