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

You've already brushed it all off. Compared to my dear future niece-in-law over there,

use of the title lit

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

Larson family's event," Serena cut in coldly. "We agreed to keep everything in its place your promise to Grandpa and Melissa

chest. His tie was in place, but the

him. He was always sharp

she pulled a tie clip

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

never worn a tie clip before," Hugh said smoothly, opening his

was hard to tell whether he was inviting her into his embrace or just

standing nearby, quietly

way someone from the

Serena didn't seem to care about Sarah at

She hadn't expected to be ignored, thoroughly. Her eyes

threw herself toward Cole.

muttered, blocking her

Her shoulders slumped, the light in her

A sour