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

Compared to my dear future niece-in-law over there,

use of the title lit a fresh fire in Sarah's

champagne from her face and snapped, "Don't try to pull rank on me! We're

"We agreed to keep everything in its place your promise to Grandpa and Melissa still stands. You're not even officially part of this family

was

him. He was always sharp but never

she pulled a tie clip from her purse and

a shame if you didn't wear at

worn a tie clip before," Hugh said smoothly,

whether he was inviting her into his embrace or just making room for her to clip it

nearby, quietly

was clearly lying. There was no way someone from

Sarah at all. She

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

a fit of frustration, she threw herself toward Cole.

Cole muttered, blocking her

shoulders slumped, the light

A sour