Serena hadn''t nned on taking the project.


    Seeing her cautious demeanor, Hugh felt an inexplicable frustration. Was she still afraid of him after all the times he''d helped her?


    His voice dropped a notch. "Your newly acquired Amber Group perfectly fits this funding project. You should give it a shot."


    "Wouldn''t that be pulling strings?" Serena asked in a low voice.


    She wanted the project for Amber Group.


    But personally, Hugh was her strong ally. She didn''t want to owe him too much. After all, she might not be able to repay it all in the future.


    Hugh shook his head without hesitation.


    "No. Everything''s done fair and square. You would''ve heard about this sooner orter. Instead of hesitating because ofplicated connections, I''m giving you a direct shot."


    He made it sound so casual.


    But Serena understood how crucial timing was.


    The project hadn''t been fully announced yet. But Zach had alreadye running


    to her, trying to secure a backdoor deal. That alone showed how intense thepetition would be.


    If she could get the information earlier, she could prepare sooner. Since it was fair and impartial, she wouldn''t feel burdened.


    "I''d like to try, but I need to review the group''s operations first. Can you give me some time?"


    "Fairpetition. As long as it''s before the deadline, do as you please," Hugh answered nonchntly.


    He didn''t trust Amber Group, but he trusted Serena.


    Serena wasn''t aware of his thoughts. She thanked him sincerely before returning home.


    As soon as she set down her cat, it darted away and curled up in a corner to observe her at work. Serena reviewed the project timeline carefully.


    "It''s not enough."


    The Larson Group''s investment project still had some time before the deadline. But could Amber Group, currently operating at a loss, hold on until then?


    After some calctions, she realized the cash flow was too fragile if relying solely on Amber Group''s current assets.


    After some thought, she sent Rachel a message.


    "Pay up as soon as possible. If I have to wait any longer, I''ll start charging interest."


    "Are you a loan shark?" Rachel replied instantly.


    Serena smirked coldly and texted, "Compared to interest, it seems you''d rather watch Bryan go to prison."


    Rachel fell silent for a long time.


    Just as Serena''s patience was running out, Rachel finally sent an address and a time. "Let''s talk."


    "Don''t bete," Serena replied.


    The next day, she met Rachel at the café as nned. The moment they sat down, Rachel mmed her bag onto the table in frustration.


    "That''s six million dors! How the hell am I supposed to pull that together


    overnight? Can''t you give me more time?"


    Serena leaned backzily, her fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup.


    She countered, "Did Bryan give me time?"


    Rachel thought of the car ident and was left speechless. Bryan was just an idiot who always caused trouble.


    She had no choice but to coax Serena, trying to buy more time. She couldn''t let Howard find out about this.


    In the corner, Sarah pressed her back against the wall. Her heart was racing as she listened to their conversation.


    She thought, "No wonder Mom gave Serena my bag that day. It''s because she owes Serena six million dors."