Suddenly, Zach''s phone tang. He answered, and Morton''s voice came through the other end.


    "Bad news, Mr. Foster Ms. Smith fell down the stairs and broke her leg. She''s been rushed to the hospital!"


    "What?" Zach immediately furrowed his brow and instinctively began to walk out.


    But then he remembered that he still had to resolve things with Serena, so he paused and said, "I''ll go first"


    "Go ahead."Serena didn''t let him finish Shebrushed past him without a second nce.


    Zach hesitated for a moment, but with Morton''s repeated urging, be quickly left. The two of them went in opposite directions.


    Serena felt her heart grow colder, the pain cutting through her like a sharp de. Thankfully, she had already decided to leave him


    She walked toward Hugh. "Let''s go meet your grandfather."


    Hugh nced at Zach''s retreating figure, his eyes burning with anger. However, his expression remained gentle as he led Serena to the car.


    He said softly to her, "When we''re with Grandpa, just do what you feel is right. It something doesn''t sit well with you, just refuse it. No one will say anything"


    Serena had kept her gaze downward ever since she entered the car. She raised her head in contusion upon hearing his words. "Is there nothing I need to watch out for?


    "You''re already well-mannered. What else could I possibly ask of you?"


    Hugh''s words brought Serena a sense offort.


    Serena followed Hugh into the Larson residence. The entire Larson family seemed to be there. As soon as they entered, countless gates turned toward them.


    Serena instinctively tightened her fists, feeling a wave of nervousness.


    am


    Hugh gently held her hand and whispered in her ear, "No need to be nervous. They just want to meet you. Besides, this is a marriage of convenience, just act like you normally


    would."


    The Larson family saw Hugh''s affectionate gesture and interpreted it as a sign of how much he cared for Serena


    His grandfather, Calvin Larson, was particrly pleased. He waved at Serena and said, "Come here, Serena


    She walked over and responded politely, "Hello, Grandpa."


    The more Calvin looked at her, the more he found himself fond of her. He said, "She''s a good girl, Hugh. You''d better treat her well And Serena, if Hugh mistreats you, just call me.


    Fil take care of it for you!"


    "Thank you, Grandpa" Serena couldn''t help but think that Calvin really cared for Hugh. She added with a calm smile, "High hasn''t treated me badly. He even went out of his way to pick me up today."


    Around them, voices were lively, yet there was a sudden stillness for a brief moment. They were surprised to hear that Hugh was being so considerate


    Calvin was momentarily surprised but then smiled.


    Hugh knew his grandfather well and could tell he would keep asking questions. Looking at the group of people crowding around them, he felt a sudden surge of concern for


    Serena.


    "Grandpa, I''m going to take Serena with me now. You all carry on


    Then, he leaned close to Serena and whispered, "Let''s go to my room." "Ah? But Grandpa and your rtives..."


    "They''ll entertain themselves," he said with a cold nce at the crowd, and everyone fell silent, not daring to speak.


    It seemed that leaving the gathering early was perfectly eptabile Serena decided not to waste the opportunity to rest


    She followed Hugh to his room.


    Hugh''s roorn, much like him, was subdued and minimalist. There were no warm touches of life in it, and only the greenery of the garden outside added some color to the otherwise neutral space.


    He still had to greet other elders, so Serena stayed behind alone.


    While browsing the bookshelves, she found a poetry collection that had clearly been read many times. The pages were slightly curled at the edges


    She was surprised to find that Hugh read something like poetry. She opened it and found a bookmark falling out.


    Serena bent down to pick it up, her brow furrowing slightly. "This bookmark. It looks just like the one used in high school."


    Unfortunately, the one she had once used had been lost long ago. It must have just been a coincidence.


    She was about to return the bookmark to its ce when she noticed a few photos tucked inside the pages of the book, almost falling out


    If they fell now, it would be a mess


    She was about to set them back in pire when a hand, the fingers long and distinct, reached forward. It gently closed the book she was holding