"Cole... I did what you asked. I found a way to break off your engagement with Regina. So... does this mean you''ll finally consider being with me?" Sarah asked.


    Her slender fingers trailed across Cole''s chest, stoking the fire between them as she was desperate for his affection.


    Cole stiffened. He looked up once more at the rows of memorial lining the wall— names he had no respect for.


    The rage and hunger he''d buried deep within him surged like a fire long overdue, roaring to life with just a single touch. He turned sharply and pulled her close, just so her soft curves could mold into him.


    His eyes settled on her face. Sarah''s brows were almost identical to Serena''s. Even the curve at the corners of her eyes looked uncannily simr. They were nearly a perfect match.


    Sarahy demurely on the cushion with her cheeks flushed as she gave him a yful push. "Are you that eager? You just called off your engagement... and this is a family chapel, after all."


    "That makes it all the more thrilling, right?" Cole chuckled, flipped Sarah over, and tore away theyers of clothing until her pale skin wasid bare.


    But his mind was filled with Serena-her voice, her touch, and the way she held his arm with such genuine concern.


    Since he couldn''t be with Serena, a substitute was more than enough to burn off the ache.


    The candles flickered beside the memorial, casting shadows that danced wildly along the walls. Their gasps and whispers echoed like quiet chants, rising and falling until night swallowed the sky.


    Two figures remained tangled.


    Sarahy nestled against Cole, no trace left of the bashful woman from before. She kissed his chin with her eyes soft with longing.


    "I''m yours now, Cole... Won''t you make it official? I know I''m not worthy of standing beside you yet. But if you just give me a chance, I''ll prove myself.


    "One day, I''ll earn that ce to stand by your side with your name. Just trust me... Please?"


    With that, Sarah suddenly sat up, straddling him like a rider on horseback while watching his pleasure with hungry eyes. She leaned down and nipped at his throat, right at his Adam''s apple.


    Cole''s eyes were half-lidded. In the wavering candlelight, he seemed to see Serena for a fleeting second.


    Sarah... She was useful.


    He sat up abruptly and pulled her tightly into his arms. "Alright... Whatever you say."


    "You''re so annoying..." Sarah squealed withughter but melted against him almost instantly.


    The night was filled with heat and breathless moans, echoing long into the darkness.


    The next morning, Serena had finally managed to sleep in, only to be jolted awake by Howard''s call.


    "You''ve been bending over backwards for the Larson family, and guess what? Sarah just snagged a major project from them!


    "Get to my office now and see the scale of it for yourself. In a few days, find a way to bring it up with Mr. Larson too."


    As soon as Howard finished his words, the line went dead.


    Serena frowned, confused.


    The Larsons had only just paid billions to the Arnold family, and they''d already made huge reparations after Rachel''s miscarriage. How could they possibly have another project to


    vel


    spare-for the Jansen Group, no less?


    She got up, quickly dressed, and headed to the office. As soon as she opened the door, Sarah shot her a smug smile.


    Her shrill voice cut through the air. "How early for you to be here, huh? Are you


    sure you still deserve to be a manager at the Jansen Group?


    "Or have you been spending so much time with Mr. Larsontely acting like Mrs. Larson, that you''ve forgotten your ownst name? You''re a Jansen, you know. A daughter of this family."


    Serena shut the door behind her and gave a slow, icy smile.


    "And what exactly is there to be proud of about being a Jansen? But if being Mrs. Larson'' means so much to you... then I guess the title must be worth something after all."