NovelEnglishChapter 263 Hugh's casual remark, paired with his intimate yet familiar touch, instantly silenced the entire venue.
"Wife?" A sharp, disbelieving cry pierced through the air.
Then, the ballroom erupted in hushed murmurs.
"Mr. Larson is already married?" "But we never saw a wedding! Did he just apply for the marriage certificate without holding a ceremony?" "No wonder the Larson family hinted at a big announcement tonight-turns out they were preparing everyone in advance. Mr. Larson is already taken!" "Is this really the scold and distant Mr. Larson? Why does he look so gentle when he looks at Ms. Jansen?" Amidst the commotion, Hugh tightened his hold on Serena, his icy smirk directed straight at Zach. "Since when was my wife any of your concern?" His voice was leisurely, but every word struck like a hammer.
"Besides, tonight is an important occasion. Tell me, who else but Serena is worthy of standing by my side?" Zach stood frozen, as if his legs had turned to lead. His mind reeled.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHe suddenly recalled that the masked Mrs. Larson once told him she didn't mind if Hugh had a mistress. He also remembered Serena had once said she was already married.
"Everything you said before... was true." He muttered and then turning his head slightly, he saw countless questioning gazes locked onto him, as if trying to understand why he was so desperate to take away Hugh Larson's wife.
His face burned with humiliation. He looked like a fool.
Meanwhile, Serena made no attempt to escape Hugh's embrace. As per their agreement, she would play the role of a proper companion, not rejecting appropriate displays of affection.
Her gaze remained calm as she looked at Zach.
"You never believed me. But today, I still want to congratulate you as you've finally seen the truth with your own eyes." With that, she turned away, intertwining her fingers with Hugh's as they exchanged a knowing glance. Together, they walked to their seats, embracing the weight of countless stares. Zach remained rooted in place, watching as Serena's ocean-like gown rippled behind her.
For a fleeting moment, he was transported back to his first banquet after returning to the Foster family Back then, Serena had worn a similandress, running toward him like a surging wave, light as a butterfly.
But now, he was watching his ocean drifted toward another shore.
Meanwhile, on the stage, Wendy gripped her violin. She had watched helplessly, as Serena stole away all attention.
Even her own violin performance had becnothing more than background music-a ceremonial overture for Serena's entrance.
Once again, she was nothing but a supporting role.
At that moment, her violin string snapped abruptly.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmThe pianist shot up from his seat, rushing over to check if her fingers were hurt. Yet, despite the broken string, the audience erupted into applause-thunderous, relentless applause.
Her hand throbbed in pain. But her heart hurt even more.
For a split second, Wendy awoke from her illusion.
Her so-called moment of glory had been nothing but a setup for Serena's grand entrance. And those men in the audience hadn't been appreciating her music at all. They were just applauding a
pretty face. Like spectators at a show, watching her like a mere m eptertainment act. The realization hit her like a slap to the face.
Without another thought, she fled the stage.
Not far away, Serena noticed a figure retreating but didn't have tto see who it was as Hugh had already pulled her into her seat.
Then, without hesitation, he announced, "Tonight, on behalf of my wife, Serena Jansen, I will be En donating ten million." "What?" Serena's head snapped toward him, stunned. Was this part of the plan?
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