Game Over No Second Chances

15 minutes ago, Serena had tried to pull herself together, but no matter how much water she splashed on her skin, she couldn't wash away the heavy scent of alcohol clinging to her.

If Hugh had shown up this early, it could only mean one thing-something urgent

had come up.

There was no shower in the staff room, so there was no way for her to properly clean up before facing him.

She weighed her options quickly. Ultimately, she clenched her teeth and decided to tell Hugh everything that had happened tonight.

"You wouldn't have rushed over unless it was important. If it's okay with you, I..." "I'm here." That was all Hugh said before ending the call.

Two minutes later, he was already at the bar and had cleared the hallway under the owner's instructions.

When he stepped inside and caught sight of her disheveled state, his sharp brows twitched into a frown. Still, he walked over and draped a warm, damp towel over her head.

"Go upstairs to clean up and get changed."

"Thank you." The heat from the towel seeped into her scalp, grounding her. Serena let out a quiet breath and followed him upstairs.

She didn't notice the way his nose twitched slightly before they left, nor the glance he cast toward the room with a frown.

After getting her settled in the suite and hearing the shower start, Hugh pulled out his phone and messaged Chandler.

"Don't let anyone know we cleared the hallway."

Chandler was puzzled. "It didn't seem serious. I think it wasn't worth raising the alarm..."

"Someone set Serena up. Keep it quiet. Let them panic when they realize something's off. Just check the surveillance and tell me what you find."

He sent the message quickly. From the bathroom, the steady sound of water filtered through.

Hugh sat in the shadows of the suite's couch. The lamp's warm glow barely reached past the edge of his polished shoes. The rest of him was draped in cold silence.

Another fight with Wendy. And once again, Serena hadn't come to him first nor to seek help from him. She hadn't trusted him enough. What

more did he have to do to earn that

trust?

It wasn't long before Chandler replied, "It looks like Wendy was behind it. Should I

send someone to step in?"

"No. Stay on alert." Hugh's reply was curt.

Just then, Serena emerged from thenoveldrama

bathroom wrapped in a robe and with her damp hair clinging to her shoulders. Barefoot, she padded into the room, giving him a sheepish look.

"I... couldn't find the hair dryer."

"It's out here," Hugh said, glancing away before his eyes could linger too long on

her feet. It felt wrong too intimate.

He stood and grabbed the dryer. As Serena walked over, he said, "Let me dry your hair."

"Huh?" She froze for a second and looked up at him. A droplet slid from her hair and traced down her cheek, like a tear. She looked vulnerable and innocent.

Hugh's breath hitched. His fingers tightened slightly around the dryer. "We're... short on time."

So, that was it—just practicality. Serena let out a slow breath, pushing down the mess of thoughts that threatened to rise.

He was just drying her hair. Nothing more.

She turned and sat down with her back to him, exposing the delicate curve of her neck.

Hugh flexed his fingers before gently gathering her damp hair. He moved with quiet care, as if he were handling something precious and fragile.

Serena stared at the clock on the wall with a frown, feeling confused.