Game Over No Second Chances

54

Chapter 54

Pauline turned and tightened her grip on Serena's hand. "I-I'll think about it. But Nina... With you going back to Jansen Group and openly defying your father... Have you thought about what's next?"

Pauline trailed off, and her gaze flickered toward Hugh with a knowing look. She couldn't tell whose side Hugh was really on.

Was he standing with Serena, or was he prioritizing Jansen Group?

Hugh caught the meaning behind her stare. He knew Pauline thought highly of him, but at the end of the day, their relationship was built on business ties. There were some things she couldn't discuss openly in front of him.

"I have another appointment," Hugh said, rising to his feet. He made his way to the car, deciding to wait outside.

Pauline watched as Serena's eyes lingered on his retreating figure. Smiling, she said, "It looks like you two get along."

"He's... not like the rumors say," Serena admitted while rubbing her face awkwardly. "There's no love between us, but at least we respect each other."

Then, she told Pauline everything that had happened since returning to the Jansen family—especially about Rachel.

Pauline frowned. "And you? Do you think you can handle them?”

Instead of wasting energy on them, I'd rather focus

outright or digging out every bit of rot piece by piece, Serena vowed to see it

eyes and felt a

well. But you're all alone in Javerton City and fighting this battle by yourself. If you ever feel overwhelmed,

pulled Serena into a

leaned into Pauline's comforting hold and nodded. "You're the best,

stay with me a little longer."

both knew that Hugh was waiting outside. Before it got

"Think about it, Aunt Pauline. Maybe it's time to come back to

promised and waved her

pulled smoothly out

against the steering wheel. "Are there any good restaurants

if it's good food you're after, there's a great spot nearby. I'll

through the streets, bringing him to a restaurant tucked away in the

private dining spot. Back when she used to storm off to Pauline's place after fights with Zach, she'd often come here with Pauline's

started showing up and coaxing

she stopped

the restaurant had just been renovated and