Cole shot Hugh a vicious re. Was it really necessary for Hugh to guard against him like this?
Sarah was overjoyed. If Rachel hadn''t pinched her hard, she would''ve cheered out loud.
Meanwhile, Eric and Melissa looked absolutely livid.
Calvin continued, "Cole has acted recklessly and tarnished the Larson family''s reputation. Send him to a quiet spot on the ind to kneel and reflect. He is not to get up until a date for his engagement is set. Let him spend some time reflecting on the mistakes he has made!"
"Yes, Great-Grandpa." Cole lowered his head, swallowing his pride as he epted the punishment.
Calvin''s sharp gaze then silently shifted to Howard.
Howard felt a chill run down his spine and quickly spoke up.
"We failed to raise Sarah properly. We''ll take her back and ground her immediately. She won''t be allowed out until the engagement is finalized."
"Great." Calvin finally looked away and waved his hand, signaling everyone to leave.
Eric and Melissa dragged Cole away to serve his punishment.
As they left, Melissa broke down at the thought of Cole being forced to marry Sarah and kneel until the engagement was set.
She wailed and pointed at Serena.
"You''re really something, aren''t you? You managed to win Hugh over, and even got your own sister involved with my son. I won''t forget this!"
Howard also left, bringing Rachel and Sarah with him.
He dared not say much with Hugh standing nearby, but he shot Serena a poisonous re as if calling her a traitor.
In an instant, the two families had left the scene.
Serena couldn''t help butugh out of sheer anger.
"They''re the ones embarrassed, not me. Let them be angry."
With the matter finally settled, Serena noticed the sky was already starting to lighten. She even had a sudden urge to catch the sunrise by the sea.
Hugh stood silently by her side.
Seeing how calm she looked, he finally spoke up in a low voice. "About Sarah..."
"Whether you mentioned it or not, Grandpa has already made up his mind."
Serena had no interest in dealing with the family''s messy affairs. She turned and smiled at Hugh.
"Since the decision was made, you
just saved everyone time by
J.ne
speaking up. Now I might still catch the sunrise, is there a good spot. nearby?"
Hugh studied her easygoing expression. He felt a weight lift from his heart.
She wasn''t the type to worry over things that had nothing to do with her. That was exactly what made Serena so likable.
No wonder Cole couldn''t take his eyes off her.
Thinking of this, Hugh''s smile faded slightly.
"Let me take you there."
"What about Grandpa''s orders?"
"Chandler will handle it. Besides, we
haven''t fully investigated the
the man in
incident of the of the drugs and t ''drugs and the man in
the room. It''s safer if you don''t move
around alone."
It made sense. She didn''t argue and followed him onto a yacht heading for a nearby ind.
The sea breeze tossed Serena''s soft hair around her shoulders as the first light of dawn fell into her eyes.
Hugh stayed quietly beside her.
When the sun slowly rose above the
horizon, Chandler finally finished h?nding the matters on the ind. He rushed over to report but found Serena fast asleep, leaning against Hugh''s shoulder.
He instinctively held his breath, afraid to disturb her.
Hugh looked up at him and gave a subtle gesture for silence.
Chandler immediately understood. He ced the documents quietly on the table
and left without a sound, boarding another yacht to leave.
The captain asked, "There are quite a few tourists who want to visit that ind. Should we..."
"No one is allowed near the ind where Mr. and Mrs. Larson are staying. Have all yachts steer clear."
Chandler turned back and saw how Hugh was looking at Serena. He added, "Don''t disturb them."
It wasn''t often Hugh had an opportunity like this.