Chapter 357

Did talking about the birthday party details with Ruth made him nervous? For some reason, Serena started feeling a little flustered herself. She downed the rest of her cocktail in a daze—the soft sweetness paired with a sharp, spicy aftertaste left her lightheaded. Her heartbeat quickened, and she thought to herself, "This drink sure packs a punch." Ruth, now completely convinced by Hugh's arrangements, left only one final message. "Fine, I'll reluctantly leave Serena's birthday party in your hands. A Larson family event, huh? I'll be watching." Then, she hung up. Right after that, she sent Serena a private message. "Was that cocktail made by Hugh himself? Is it good?" Serena glanced at it, and before she could think, the question slipped out of her mouth, "Did you make this yourself?" Hugh froze slightly. His palms were soaked in sweat. He had prepared himself for many possible questions—why the birthday party was so elaborate, why he had come to see her tonight, or whether s