Sarah''s wailing cut off abruptly.


    However, Serena wasn''t the least bit surprised. Cole might be the Larson family''s golden child, but no one from that family would waste money.


    She folded her arms across her chest and met Sarah''s stunned expression with a smirk.


    "Business deal? Well, here it is," Serena said.


    "But..."


    But this was her deal! And her Cole!


    Sarah clenched her fists as she was unwilling to ept the reality.


    In the end, all she could do was throw herself into Howard''s arms, sobbing. "Dad, since Serena already has Mr. Larson, why must she take Cole from me too? Don''t you want both your daughters to marry into the Larson family? Think about what that would mean for us!"


    Her words struck a nerve. Howard''s expression shifted. Cole was the Larson family''s future heir, after all. Securing a connection with him was no small matter.


    "Serena! Your sister isn''t wrong. Let her have this opportunity. If she ends up with Cole, it''ll benefit you too."


    "Ms. Jansen, Mr. Cole''s assistant is calling." Natalie''s voice cut in just then as her phone vibrated insistently in her hand.


    "Answer it! And tell him to reassign the project lead while you''re at it,” Sarah snapped.


    Natalie hesitated and nced at Serena for instructions.


    Serena arched her browzily. "Put it on speakerphone. Let''s see if Cole will agree to a new project lead."


    "Yes, Ms. Jansen."


    At hermand, Natalie tapped the screen and put the call on speakerphone.


    Howard''s frown deepened He didn''t expect Serena to have Jansen Group''s people wrapped around her finger.


    The call connected


    After hearing their request, Cole''s assistant responded in a calm and measured tone, "Mr. Cole has made it clear that this project will only move forward under Ms. Serena''s leadership. If anyone tries to force a different lead onto Larson Group''s projects, the deal is off. Feel free to reconsider your options."


    With that, the call ended


    Then, Serena started pping with a faint smile. "Impressive. Larson Group truly doesn''t mess around. A decision is a decision. Now, tell me-are we still changing the project lead?" Howard and Sarah paled as they couldn''t find words to argue.


    Larson Group''s projects weren''t small-time investments. Giving up millions just to win a petty family feud was unthinkable for Howard.


    "Fine. You''ll lead this project. Sarah, your mother has made you some soup. Go home."


    "But-"


    "Go home!" Howard''s tone left no room for argument.


    Filled with resentment, Sarah clenched the hem of her clothes so tightly it nearly tore. After stomping her foot in frustration, she turned and stormed off.


    She had barely taken a few steps before Howard hurried after her to coax her.


    "Sarah, ! wanted you to have the project too. But Serena is just like her mother unyielding. We can''t fight her head-on. Let''s go home and discuss this with your mother before nning our next move. If we lose this project, we''ll make sure you get the next one!"


    Seeing that Howard was taking her side, Sarah felt reassured and returned home to strategize.


    That afternoon, Rachel called Serena with an unusually gentle tone.


    "Serena, you''ve been back in Javerton City for a while now, but you haven''t really had time to shop for clothes. Coincidentally, your father wants to host a small family gathering in the next few days.


    "Since you and Sarah are about the same size, I''ve also bought you several outfits. Why don''t youe over and try them on? Let''s have a nice, peaceful family dinner, okay?" Rachel deliberately lowered her stance.


    Serena found it hard to be rude while she was being nice. Besides, she was curious to see what tricks they would pull next.


    1


    "I''ll be there."


    That evening, Serena returned to the Jansen residence.