Chapter 373

"Thank you!" Serena said. Hugh's hand froze in midair. All around them, the crowd erupted into cheers and playful hollers. Someone even had the nerve to shout, "Mr. Larson, kiss her!" Hugh's icy expression almost cracked. He pressed his lips into a firm line, and his jaw was clenched so tightly it ached. He forced himself to push down the storm of emotions rising in his chest. Then, gently, he wrapped Serena in his arms and—just like he had said softly that morning, "Happy birthday." Serena didn't say anything in return. She simply held him tighter. Meeting an ally like him… she knew it was her greatest fortune. With the setting sun painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson, the two stood locked in an embrace while cheers and blessings echoed in the air. But in a shadowed corner of the deck, Sarah stood alone, seething. The seed of jealousy had long since taken root and now grew into a suffocating tree, blotting out the light around her. She felt her entire body trembli