Pauline turned and tightened her grip on Serena''s hand. "I-I''ll think about it. But Nina... With you going back to Jansen Group and openly defying your father... Have you thought about what''s next?"


    Pauline trailed off, and her gaze flickered toward Hugh with a knowing look. She couldn''t tell whose side Hugh was really on.


    Was he standing with Serena, or was he prioritizing Jansen Group?


    Hugh caught the meaning behind her stare. He knew Pauline thought highly of him, but at the end of the day, their rtionship was built on business ties. There were some things she couldn''t discuss openly in front of him.


    "I have another appointment," Hugh said, rising to his feet. He made his way to the car, deciding to wait outside.


    Pauline watched as Serena''s eyes lingered on his retreating figure. Smiling, she said, "It looks like you two get along."


    "He''s... not like the rumors say," Serena admitted while rubbing her face awkwardly. "There''s no love between us, but at least we respect each other."


    Then, she told Pauline everything that had happened since returning to the Jansen family—especially about Rachel.


    Pauline frowned. "And you? Do you think you can handle them?”


    "Those two aren''t even worth my time. Instead of wasting energy on them, I''d rather focus on taking back control of Jansen Group.”


    Whether that meant seizing power outright or digging out every bit of rot piece by piece, Serena vowed to see it through.


    Pauline saw the fire in Serena''s eyes and felt a rush of pride.


    "That''s my girl! You''re doing well. But you''re all alone in Javerton City and fighting this battle by yourself. If you ever feel overwhelmed, just call me. I might not be able to do much, but I can always listen."


    She pulled Serena into a warm embrace.


    Serena leaned into Pauline''sforting hold and nodded. "You''re the best, Aunt Pauline."


    "Then, stay with me a little longer." Pauline chuckled softly.


    But they both knew that Hugh was waiting outside. Before it got toote, Pauline urged her to leave.


    At the door, Serena turned back and said, "Think about it, Aunt Pauline. Maybe it''s time toe back to Javerton City."


    "I will. Safe travels." Pauline promised and waved her off with warmth in her eyes.


    The car pulled smoothly out of the neighborhood.


    Hugh tapped his fingers against the steering wheel. "Are there any good restaurants around here?"


    "Sorry you had to wait for so long. But if it''s good food you''re after, there''s a great spot nearby. I''ll show you."


    Serena guided him effortlessly through the streets, bringing him to a restaurant tucked away in the business district.


    It was a quiet, private dining spot. Back when she used to storm off to Pauline''s ce after fights with Zach, she''d oftene here with Pauline''s family for dinner.


    That was, until Zach started showing up and coaxing her to go home.


    After that, she stoppeding.


    Now, the restaurant had just been renovated and reopened. Business was


    booming, and the ce was packed with Yellowbrook City''s elite.


    Conversations filled the air. Serena, however, was just here to eat.


    1


    "Can we get a quieter table? It''s too loud out here," she said to the waiter.


    "Of course, Piease wait a moment," he replied and then hurried off to check the seating.


    As Serena was telling Hugh about the restaurant''s signature dishes, Hugh spotted a familiar face from Yellowbrook City.


    The man had just finished his meal and walked over with a warm smile. "Mr. Larson."


    Hugh nodded, clearly recognizing him.


    Servna remembered he was Yellowbrook City''s major yer. Assuming they had business to discuss, she quickly found an excuse to step away.


    After leaning in close, she murmured near Hugh''s ear, "I''ll wait for you in the lounge."


    Hugh gave a slight nod.