Game Over No Second Chances

Hugh stepped off the gravel path and pushed open the door of the traditional restaurant. His cold, piercing gaze was like a blade pressing against Sarah's back.

A chill ran down her spine as sweat beaded at her temples. She turned around stiffly, just in time to catch a glimpse of a dark figure brushing past her shoulder.

Hugh walked right by her without so much as a glance, but the chill he brought with him lingered in the air like a storm front.

Sarah turned her head slowly, almost mechanically. There he was, tall and imposing, now standing protectively beside Serena.

His eyes were dark, unreadable, but his low voice cut through the tension like steel. "As long as I'm part of the Larson family, the Larson family will always have Serena's back.

"You're so eager to have her go crawling back to beg you and Howard. What is it, Sarah? Are you hoping that I drop dead soon?"

Sarah opened her mouth to explain, but Serena was faster. She tugged on Hugh's sleeve with a frown.

"It was just a pointless argument. Don't say things like that. It's bad luck. You're going to live a long, healthy life, okay?"

Some things should never have been said out loud. Words had power.

Serena's disapproval was written all over her face, and she tugged his sleeve with

a bit more force. There was a flicker of anger in the gesture.

Sarah's explanation got caught in her throat. To her disbelief, Hugh's icy

expression thawed. His eyes softened.

"You're right. That was out of line. My bad."

Serena let go of his sleeve, feeling satisfied. She didn't even notice the stunned looks Chris and Sarah had.

Did Hugh... just admit he was wrong?

Sarah shook her head. This wasn't the time to get distracted by Hugh's uncharacteristic humility. He had heard every awful and disrespectful thing she said earlier.

Panic surged through her as she stepped forward.

"I-I didn't mean what I said. I was just arguing with Serena. I've got nothing against you, Mr. Larson. I'd never wish harm on you—"

"You share a father with Serena, but that's never stopped you from cursing her without holding back," Hugh cut in coldly.

His gaze swept over her like a glacier. Then he spotted the restaurant manager hurrying over and lazily lifted a hand.

"I heard there's a shaman nearby who claims to be able to 'cleanse bad energy' with some kind of ritual. Perfect timing.

"Take Serena's dear sister there. Maybe she can get rid of that negativity from her mouth and stop her from cursing everyone she meets."

Get rid of the negativity from her mouth? How?

Sarah froze.

Before she could even react, the manager jumped in with an eager grin. "Oh, she's fantastic! A few minutes with the magic water, and all that bad energy will be gone.

"Since it's for Mrs. Larson's sister, I'll make sure she gets to her right away. You

won't have any problems after that."

"W-Wait... Hold on..."

Sarah trembled. What kind of ritual? Was this some sort of "energy healer" nonsense? No way...noveldrama

She tried to stop him, but Hugh

er

added without missing a beat. "Chandler stay and make sure everything's done properly. Film the whole thing, and send it to Mr. Jansen afterward. Tell him that if he can't control his daughter, we'll let someone else handle it.

"Understood, Mr. Larson," Chandler said smoothly. His sharp gaze landed on

Sarah. "I'll keep a close eye on her for Mr. Larson. Personally."

There was no escaping now. Sarah hadn't even been through the so-called "cleansing" yet, but her stomach was already in knots.

Meanwhile, Serena remained perfectly calm. When she learned Hugh was here to sign a contract, she looked over at him and said, "Good timing. I drove here today.

"If you could finish in 30 minutes after some drinks, I can give you a ride back."

"15 minutes," Hugh replied. He didn't reject her offer and just gestured for the manager to arrange a place for her to rest.

Chris, not wanting to be a third wheel, quickly slipped away.

Sarah, on the other hand, was dragged away by Chandler and led into a dark room.

Inside, a shaman, wearing a flowy dress and sporting a collection of eclectic jewelry, was performing some kind of chant.

She placed three large bowls in front

of Sarah, the contents of which were

a murky, herbal mixture. The woman smiled widely, revealing a set of perfectly white teeth.