Game Over No Second Chances

"You..." Sarah shot to her feet. Her teeth clenched in anger, and she looked ready to slap Serena.

At his desk, Howard cleared his throat, breaking the tension. "Shut up, you two. Stop bickering like children. Besides, Sarah, don't you have an announcement to make?

"Show Serena the contract. Let her see what it really means to use your connections wisely."

His words worked like a splash of cold water, instantly sobering Sarah up. Sure, she couldn't win with words, but she had something far better-a major deal in hand.

With a smug smile, she lifted her chin and slapped a thick folder down on the coffee table with a loud thud.

"This is the island development project we're working on with the Larson family. If it goes through, Jansen Group's revenue will double over the next two years."

"And that's a project your sister managed to pry from the Larson family. It's no small feat. But look at you. You're Hugh's legal wife, and he adores you very deeply. So, why haven't you used your position to help this family?" Howard asked.

Sarah quickly chimed in to twist the knife. "Don't tell me your marriage is just for show? No real love between you and Hugh?"

Serena didn't bother responding to their jabs. Instead, she picked up the file and flipped through it in silence.

Island development? If it wasn't government-funded, it was probably for eco- tourism—both highly profitable ventures.

Which made it all the more suspicious. Why would Larson Group hand over such a golden opportunity to the relatively limited Jansen Group instead of taking it for themselves?

Serena skimmed through the pages at lightning speed, then tossed the file back into Sarah's lap without a second thought.

"My relationship with Hugh isn't yours to comment on. As for this project... Did either of you actually read it? If we sign this deal, Jansen Group is headed straight for bankruptcy."

The folder smacked into Sarah, making her jump. But it was Serena's words that truly made her blood boil.

She frowned. "What the hell are you talking about? This project has government subsidies! Once it's tied into the city's development plan-"

"You didn't even calculate the upfront investment, did you?" Serena cut her off and turned her cold gaze to Howard.

"This kind of project doesn't turn a profit until it's fully completed. It's on a remote island, covering a massive area. Not to mention the coastal construction.

"The materials and the logistics-it all costs far more than building on land. Even if Larson Group pours in billions of dollars, one misstep and it all falls apart.

"And with Jansen Group's limited

resources, the second we hit a cash flow issue, the project stalls, and we're left with a half-finished disaster. Are you ready to shoulder a billion-dollar debt by then?"

Each of Serena's words rang with reason and warning.noveldrama

But Howard only heard the words "Jansen Group" and slammed his palm on the table. "Are you seriously questioning us? Jansen Group has

City

been @cornerstone Full

for years! You think we can't handle this?

"And we're not even investing in this project alone. Larson Group's backing us. If

something goes wrong, they take the hit too!"

Serena stepped forward with her eyes locked on him. "Larson Group can afford to lose. Can you?"

"Like hell I can't!" Howard barked.

He clenched his teeth in fury. He'd only brought up the contract to pressure Serena, but now she was openly questioning his judgment. And he couldn't stomach that.

He pointed a trembling finger right at her face and said menacingly, "Don't you forget where you came from, Serena! People call you Ms. Jansen because of my blood, sweat and tears.

"Don't get comfortable and start biting the hand that fed you. Look at the size of Jansen Group! We could take on two of these island projects and still come out on top!"

"How insane," Serena thought. She was too stunned even to respond.

Did he really think a project this size could be pulled off just by puffing up his chest?

If it wasn't because Amber had a share of Jansen Group, she'd walk away right now and let them bury themselves.

Serena sighed and rubbed her temple, preparing herself to try reasoning with them one last time.