Game Over No Second Chances

"Were you scared by a shadow?"

Serena gently comforted the kitten, her soft voice barely above a whisper. Her slender fingers smoothed the fur that had puffed up in fright, massaging lightly with her fingertips.

In just a few moments, Snuggle had melted into a little marshmallow in her arms, mewing softly and giving her fingers a few tiny, harmless nibbles-more like teething than a real bite.

The night breeze had grown cooler.

Serena stepped into the dim corridor, cradling the kitten in her arms as she made her way back to her room.

In the corner, a shadowy figure lingered silently, only turning to leave once she was safely inside, surrounded by light.

Back in her room, a new message popped up on her phone.

Ruth had sent her an address. "It's a bar opened by a friend from the orchestra. It's still pretty quiet since it's new. Drinks are half off. See if you like it."

It was clearly a spot handpicked for a cozy little birthday gathering. The music must be great or Ruth wouldn't recommend it otherwise.

Serena replied, "Sure."

That same night, Ruth booked a booth and a private room under her own name. They could sit outside and chat or head inside to dance and let loose.

It was a perfect setup.

But less than ten minutes later, this news reached Cole's phone.

He had just shaken off the clingy Sarah and was now lounging alone in a private room at a club. When he saw the notification about Ruth's reservation, he curled his lips into a sneer.

Last time, he had asked Sarah to help him get Serena. Who would've thought she'd swap herself in and end up in his bed?

This time, he figured he'd use someone else instead.

After all, Hugh couldn't give Serena children. But if he could win her over-or better yet, get her pregnant-if she bore a Larson family child, then Serena would only ever belong to him.

"Mr. Larson, she's here." Tara pushed the door open, placing several shots of strong liquor on the table.

She didn't raise her head, waiting silently for instruction.

Wendy stood behind her, now dressed in a clean, form-fitting camisole dress.

The tight fabric couldn't hide her curves, nor the fullness of her figure. Her face, though, was pure-those big eyes blinked with confusion.

"Why did you ask to see me alone?"noveldrama

"You want to win back a man's heart. I want to win over a woman's. We can help each other and get what we want."

Cole raised a glass of hard liquor and suddenly poured it all over Tara's head.

The alcohol ran down her hair, soaking her skin.

Wendy recoiled, startled. "You"

"Thank you, Mr. Larson." Tara didn't get angry.

She even raised her head, licked lips, and

gissed the empty wine glass, She was loyal and obede

like a dog.

Cole gave a satisfied smirk. His sharp gaze then turned to Wendy.

"Help me get Serena, and I'll help you win your man back. You can keep playing

the sweet little mistress...

"Or," he said, his voice deepening, "if

you're just another penniless woman chasing luxury, then your

neverth

is crawling at someone's feet, like Tara here."

He tilted the wine glass slightly.

And like a hungry dog scenting food, Tara moved closer.

She climbed onto his lap, and as the wine

Vol.ne

stripped down, she began

stripping off one piece of clothing after another—brazen and mechanical.

The sight made Wendy feel physically ill.

This wasn't a cooperation. It was blackmail!

She swallowed hard.

As Tara dropped to her knees, Wendy quickly interrupted, "What do you want me

to do?"

Cole raised a hand to stop Tara, lazily kicking her aside.

"I'll send you the location. Just get Serena to a certain spot. I'll handle the rest."

"But I have no backing in Javerton. How could I possibly get her to—"

"You have value." He stared at her intently, gaze assessing.