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.

Too bad that

meant to build a future

time to head back to the office for a quick

a deep green silk evening gown with elegant embroidery. A soft rabbit-fur shawl rested on

striking. With her delicate jaw occasionally tucked into the fur collar, the sharpness she normally carried softened into something

Serena was starving.

realized that, for a gathering of designers and collectors, there wasn't much to eat.

Then, she looked around.

of the person who insisted she attend.

frowned slightly. Standing here alone wasn't exactly

after, the crowd stirred with

really is a rising star. He and

Hugh, but it's clear Mr. Cole's stepping up. When the

Serena arched an eyebrow.

what this was all about. With Hugh not present to speak at the launch, people had mistaken Cole as the heir apparent and were

was going

her juice just as

side, strutting toward her in a tight, black

a champagne glass in

at Serena's juice