Hugh frowned as he walked over.


    Thinking about everything Serena had been through, he felt that two hours in the basement wasn''t nearly enough punishment. Yet here she was, taking a casual


    stroll.


    Serena was briefly surprised. But soon, she realized that Hugh hadn''t contacted her because he''d been investigating the hospital incident.


    After a short nap earlier, she''de to terms with everything.


    "Cole is the one who''s really hurt. Instead of staying home and worrying, I might as well take a walk. Besides, you skipped work this afternoon. Are you going to have to work overtime tonight? Will it be tiring?" She exined herself before showing concern for him.


    Hugh''s frustration disappeared instantly. He sighed, stepping closer. "No overtime, and I''m not tired."


    "That''s good. Want to pet Snuggie?" Serena smiled and lifted Snuggle, holding it out to him.


    Snuggle liked Hugh too. It spread its little paws and let out two soft meows.


    Hugh gave in, tapping the kitten''s head with a finger. In response, Snuggle meowed even more sweetly.


    Serenaughed and ruffled its fur. "Such a little attention-seeker. You turn into a sweetheart the moment you see a handsome guy, huh? Why don''t you ever act cute like this around me?"


    "Meow..." Snuggle immediately meowed again, as if to make up for it.


    Serena nearly buried her face in his fluffy belly from excitement. Hugh tugged lightly at the cat''s tail, as if praising its obedience.


    They were so absorbed in their yful exchange that they didn''t notice the growing whispers around them. A few parents were watching in amazement.


    "I thought she was just another single catdy, but she actually has a boyfriend?"


    "They live together, so he''s probably her husband! And he''s way taller than my husband and so handsome too. Ugh, I''m jealous."


    "Seriously! Comparing him to my husband just makes me depressed. If mine had even half this guy''s looks, I''d wake up smiling every day!"


    "You two are living the dream. Such a perfect couple with an adorable cat. All I have at home is a rowdy kid!"


    The parents'' eyes were filled with envy as they gushed over her.


    Serena hadn''t been showered with praise like this in ages. Standing in the middle of such enthusiastic neighbors, she felt a little shy. Her ears turned red as she struggled to respond.


    Hugh noticed and stepped in, squeezing past the crowd to pull her away. "It''s time to go home."


    "What?" But she had just started her walk.


    Serena nced back at the excited parents. Worried they might trap her in another round ofpliments, she quickly followed Hugh. "Okay, let''s go home."


    She picked up her pace and hurried after Hugh. As she walked next to him, she also stepped right into his line of sight.


    Hugh slowed down slightly. His


    fingers tightened around her arm for a brief moment before quietly loosening again. He couldn''t hold on too tightly. She might run


    For a fleeting moment, their eyes met beneath the shifting shadows of the trees. It was as if time itself had slowed.


    Behind them, the parents watched, utterly captivated. This was straight out of a romance drama!


    Oblivious to the attention, Hugh and Serena returned to the top floor.


    Serena hugged Snuggle and turned to say goodbye. But just as she was about to close the door, Hugh''s voice stopped her.


    "From now on, no matter what happens, don''t hold back because of the Larson family. Do whatever you want. If blood is spilled, so be it."


    He''d handle everything for her. His gaze was unwavering.


    Serena''s steps faltered. She turned back to look at him.


    Not only did he know what had happened this afternoon, but he was also standing firmly by her side At some point, their alliance had be something unbreakable.