Game Over No Second Chances

"Ah!" Sarah screamed, staring in disbelief at Serena, who had just twisted her wrist. "You... How did you see-"

Serena glanced sideways at the decorative mirror in the corner. It reflected everything behind her with perfect clarity.

She let out a small laugh, then calmly took the champagne from Sarah's hand and poured it all over her.

"Who's dumb enough to try something like that right in front of everyone?"

Sarah shrieked uncontrollably. The pale liquid soaked her bare back, causing the surrounding guests to quickly step away.

Serena casually set the now-empty glass on a passing waiter's tray. Ignoring the stunned looks around her, she met Sarah's incredulous eyes with complete calm. "If you love champagne that much," she said coolly, "then drink your fill."

"Serena, you bitch!" Sarah's shrill insult cut off abruptly.

Her eyes froze, locked onto something-or someone-behind Serena.

Serena raised an eyebrow, then turned her head slightly-just in time to bump into a firm chest. She looked up to see Hugh, who had already reached out and was gently brushing stray champagne droplets from her fur shawl.

"It's stained. Have someone bring her a new one," he said evenly.

Holly rushed over at once. "Right away. Please prepare a fresh dress for Mrs. Larson."

smiled and stopped

no need. You've already brushed it all off. Compared to my

of the title lit a fresh fire in

champagne from her face and snapped, "Don't try

everything in its place your promise to Grandpa and Melissa still stands. You're not even officially

glanced at Hugh's chest. His tie was in place, but the clip was

him. He was always sharp but

a tie clip

Nebula Design event, it'd be a shame if you didn't

a tie clip before," Hugh said smoothly, opening

to tell whether he was inviting her into his embrace or

standing nearby,

was no way someone from the Larson family didn't know how

Sarah at

wet, had been reduced to the background. She hadn't expected to be ignored, thoroughly. Her

threw herself toward

blocking her and stepping away in

froze mid-step. Her shoulders slumped, the light

A sour