PopularNovelChapter 218 A few days later, the day of the engagement party arrived.
The Larson and Arnold families were both prominent in Javerton City. Though the event was private, many influential figures were invited, filling the venue with an air of sophistication.
Amid the clinking of glasses and polite conversation, Serena moved effortlessly through the crowd in an elegant gown. Here, no one questioned each other's status.
If someone was inside, they were either an honored guest or had ties to the Larson family. Either way, they were worth networking with.
Melissa, having just wrapped up her business overseas, arrived in a striking red dress. Seeing the engagement party meticulously arranged, she gave Serena an approving look before slipping a gift into her hand.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Hmph! At least you handled things well this time. Consider this my way of wishing you good luck." With such a joyous occasion, past grievances in the family were temporarily set aside.
Serena accepted the gift with grace. "Thank you, Melissa." Melissa simply smiled as she waved a hand dismissively and walked away.
As Serena tucked the gift away and prepared to head backstage, an arm suddenly wrapped around her waist. She didn't resist, already knowing who it was. Turning, she met Hugh's deep gaze.
"All done?" "Yeah. Did Melissa give you a hard time?" Hugh had only caught a glimpse of their conversation from a distance and couldn't hear what was said.
Serena lifted the gift slightly. "Not at all. She actually thankedfor overseeing the engagement party. This is her token of appreciation. Since it's a gift, we'll split it 50-50." "Deal." Hugh had no reason to refuse her playful proposal. But when he realized she intended to stay backstage, he firmly took hold of her wrist.
"Don't forget what Grandpa told you." "I remember," Serena assured him. But her gaze drifted toward the towering stage.
"But I had sadjustments made to the platform midway through. To ensure its safety, I need to stay close in case anything goes wrong. I don't want Cole and Regina to fall and get hurt." Hugh's expression darkened as he tightened his grip slightly. "Cole can take care of himself. He's the one who insisted on this ridiculously high platform. If he falls, then that's on him." Serena tilted her head in confusion. "I'm not worried about him. He's a grown man who's fully suited up. If he takes a tumble, I doubt he'll break anything.
"I'm more concerned about Regina. Her dress today is paired with sky-high heels. If she loses her balance and twists an ankle, she'll end up in the hospital." Hugh fell silent for a moment.
So, Serena wasn't worried about Cole at all. He had misunderstood.
Seeing how determined she was, he didn't stop her. Instead, he followed her and sat in the backstage corner closest to the stage.
The space was tight, and their shoulders brushed against each other's.
As the emcee guided the event outside, Serena couldn't help but comment, "This is your nephew's engagement party. Isn't it inappropriate for you to be hiding back here with me?" "He's just my nephew."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmSerena was momentarily speechless, but he had a point. They weren't that close anyway. Serena dropped the subject and focused on the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Hugh's gaze never left her, though she remained oblivious.
On the platform, Cole stood in a crisp white suit, waiting patiently.
Below him, Regina was in an elegant gown with a long train. She held the as she ascended the fabric delicately as stairs. Her usual playful charm had been covered with heavy makeup, highlighting the excitement in her eyes as she looked at the man above. Just a few more steps... and she would finally becCole's fiancée...
Under countless watchful eyes, she suddenly heard a faintclick.beneath her foot. A voice rang out from the crowd. "Did that platform just crack?"
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