Chapter 1018


    "Serena,’ Hans’ warm voice echoed from the other end of the phone.


    Serena gripped her phone, her subconscious nerves kicking in.


    For some reason, whenever she called Hans, she felt anxious and pressured.


    “Hans, I heard you''re attending a charity g next Monday and need a plus one. My friend happens to


    be free. Why don''t you take her?"


    "No need," Hans detected the underlying meaning in her words and declined nonchntly, “I already


    have someone in mind"


    Could it be Molly? Serena thought. Taking such a girl to such a high-profile event would be a disgrace


    to the Collins family and to Hans, wouldn''t it?


    Seeing her short-haired friend pleadingly sping her hands together, Serena had no choice but to say,


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    "Do you have any free time in the next couple of days? I''d like to have dinner with you."


    Hans, catching onto her intentions, replied lightly, "You''re pretty freetely?


    Your studies aren''t too taxing?"


    Was she really that concerned about his personal affairs?


    “Hans, I just want to have dinner with you.’ Serena guessed that Hans knew her intentions and quickly


    added, “I haven''t seen you in a long time."


    “Don''t harbour unnecessary thoughts. If you''re too idle, I can hire a few more tutors for you."


    “Hans"


    "I have a meeting."


    Hans’ meeting time had arrived. He was always punctual. At this moment, he hung up the cail and sat


    at the conference table, his gaze icy cold.


    Serena could hardly believe that she was hung up on by two of her brothers today!


    Seeing her short-haired friend''s hopeful gaze, Serena had to grit her teeth and lie, “Hans said he would


    ask his assistant to check his schedule, and I''ll bring you along to have dinner with him when he''s free."


    "Really??” Her friend was overjoyed, jumping up and hugging Serena, "I knew you would find a way!"


    Serena smiled, but inside, she was wondering how she could trick Hans into having dinner with her.


    Meanwhile.


    Alma finally recovered from her shock when her phone rang.


    She checked it and saw it was her mother, Beverly, calling.


    “Alma, I heard Mr. Eugene is in Summerfield. Your grandpa can arrange a meeting for us tonight.


    Come back home now, I''ll send the driver to pick you up. Dress up and meet him at the coffee shop


    tonight. Try to get him to y a game of chess with you. Remember, don''t make him lose face, but


    don''t appear too foolish, either. You need just the right bnce."


    She had to catch Mr. Eugene''s attention while also showing him she had potential. Only then would


    she have a chance to gain his favor and advice.


    “Mom, I don''t want to go."


    Alma was already upset about this matter, and now, her mother’s call was like another blow.


    Beverly sat in their home garden, sipping her tea elegantly, her tone casual, “What''s wrong?"


    Chess had always been her daughter''s pride and joy, but now, it seemed like she had taken a hit.


    "Mr. Eugene came to Summerfield College today. I lost to Arabe in front of him."


    "What did you say?" Beverly paused mid-sip, her gaze somewhat incredulous.


    “Arabe''s chess skills are incredible. Mr. Eugene personally said that he has known Arabe for over


    ten years, and he taught her chess. Also, he publicly asked Arabe to reconsider taking up his


    mantle."