The project manager, Lenny Mitchell, whom Serena had just met, walked in with his team while talking nonstop.


    "Of course, we''re well aware of Zarena Group''s reputation. For this coboration, we''re hoping to have an in-depth discussion... Huh? What are you doing here, Ms. Jansen?"


    His gazended on Serena. He was startled. Why had William seated her here, of all ces?


    Serena was just about to exin when she looked up-only to meet Zach''s eyes.


    Why did he have to keep haunting her like a ghost?


    Her brows knitted together as she rose to her feet. "I''ll find another spot to rest. You all go ahead."


    He was making Hugh''s partner give up her seat?


    Lenny felt a chill run down his spine. He''d be fired before he could even turn around. Without hesitation, he shot a look at his assistant.


    "Ms. Jansen, please stay and continue resting here. William, take Mr. Foster to the meeting room next door. Mr. Foster, if you''d follow me, we can discuss the coboration there."


    "I''m not leaving," Zach said as he deliberately took a step closer.


    His gaze was locked onto the diamond ring on Serena''s finger, and it turned dark and piercing.


    Serena had rejected his engagement ring. But she was wearing Hugh''s?


    And now, she was standing inside Larson Group.


    "If you won''t leave, then I will." His stare made her uneasy. Serena didn''t hesitate and moved to brush past him.


    But just as she did, a firm grip closed around her wrist.


    Not this again.


    This time, she managed to pull away just in time to avoid his grasp. Her gaze was cold. "You''re here for business. Why are you making a scene?"


    "Making a scene?" Zach fumed as he turned back to re at Serena.


    "The one making a scene is you! Didn''t I already tell you? Hugh is married! Why are you still clinging to him?"


    The words barely left his mouth before Lenny rushed to shut the door.


    What the hell was going on? Was Hugh married? Then, this woman... And she actually knew Zach? This was not definitely something that should be overheard.


    Serena felt a headache creeping in. "Why don''t you worry about Zarena Group instead of me?"


    Zach scoffed. "Do you even realize what kind of people the Larsons are? They don''t do love, Serena. You''re throwing yourself at him, but you''ll never be anything more than his mistress. "Serena, is that really what you want? To be his secret lover forever?"


    His words made her fingers tighten around the door knob.


    Secret lover...


    She had been with Zach for years, but they never even got married. At home, he treated her like she was everything. But in public, he barely acknowledged her existence. How was that any different from being a secret lover?


    But Hugh... Their engagement was nothing more than a business deal, yet just yesterday, in front of everyone, he had pulled her into his arms and introduced her as his wife. Compared to her 13 years with Zach, even a husband built based on business showed her more basic respect. But now, Zach dared to lecture her?


    Serena hadn''t even sorted through her thoughts when Zach, thinking she was hesitating, took another step forward to press his advantage.


    "Rena, I have my words. Whenever you''re ready, you can alwayse back to


    Before he could finish, Serena spun around and strode straight toward him.


    Zach''s lips curled up. Was she finallying to her senses and returning to him?


    The next second, Serena''s stiletto mmed into his shin with full force, shattering his delusion.


    "Sevena!" Zach''s vision blurred from the pain, and rage red in his eyes.


    Serena stood her ground as she ignored the sound of Lenny sucking in a sharp breath.