Chapter 48
Wilson explained, “Jacob’s mom was David’s first wife. When Jacob was four, David threw him and his mom out of the family and
remarried within a month. As a result, Marcus Smith, David’s youngest son, was born.
“David had planned on letting Marcus take over the family business, but Marcus was a lost cause. On top of being talentless, he
also got into fights. He broke his leg during a recent racing incident and is now receiving treatment abroad.”
Wilson continued emotionlessly, “Several years ago, Smith Group ran into a crisis. David’s ailing health kept him from handling
it, and with a few senior directors pressuring him, he had no choice but to call Jacob in for help.
“So while Jacob looked like he was inheriting his birthright, he was actually made to straighten out the company’s mess.”
A wry smile curved Wilson’s lips as he concluded, “I reckon David and Jacob never had much of a father–son relationship, to
begin with. So, no, they don’t get along at all. If Marcus had lived up to the old man’s expectations, David would have kicked Jacob
out of the picture entirely.”
Serena couldn’t help her surprise. She never knew this about Jacob and began drawing comparisons between him and Wilson. Were they such good friends because they had the same tragic backstory?
Wilson noticed her staring and narrowed his eyes at her. “I notice you’ve been looking at me like that recently, Ms. Judd.”
Serena blinked. “Like what?”
“Like I’m a stray dog in need of sheltering.”
She was stumped for a moment and quickly looked away. “You’re mistaken.”
Wilson chuckled. He was about to lead her further into the hall when he spotted a familiar figure,
It was Shawn, his arm wrapped around a woman while he conversed with the other guests.
Wilson gave Serena a gentle shove and said, “Wait for me by the side of the room. I’ll catch up with you in a bit.”
Serena nodded and headed to the other side of the hall. When she saw Justin there, she changed direction and went to the grazing.
counter in the garden instead. Someone tapped her shoulder while she was grabbing a few hors d’oeuvres to snack on.
Serena whirled to see the person she least expected to be at the gala. “Laurie?”
Lauren wore the long, black dress she had picked up from Monique’s boutique. Her hair had been curled and pulled back into an elegant coiffeur. She also wore a light layer of makeup and looked like a bona fide socialite.
Serena asked, “What are you doing here?”
Rubbing the back of her neck, Lauren said, “When my boss said he was bringing me to a dinner party, I didn’t think he meant this
one…
The well–dressed, mild–mannered man beside Lauren immediately extended a handshake toward Serena. “Ms. Judd, it’s nice to
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meet you. Lauren has told me so much about you.”
+25 Bonus
Serena recognized him as Aaron. She greeted him jovially, “The pleasure is mine. I’ve heard a lot about you from Lauren as well.”
“I bet she hasn’t said anything kind about me,” Aaron joked.
Serena made no reply. She was not very good at lying.
Knowing this, Lauren straightened up and said, “Don’t accuse me of such things, Mr. Zimmers! As if I’m the sort to badmouth
anyone behind their backs. I had no idea you thought so little of me. I’m hurt!”
Aaron played along. “Yes, yes, I’m far too small–minded.”
“Give me a raise and we’ll call it even,” Lauren said.
While the trio jested, a cold voice suddenly rang out behind Serena. “Serena?”
She turned to see Justin approaching in his impeccable charcoal–gray suit. The smile on her face vanished at once as she said
stiffly, “Mr. Farrow.”
“Strangers already?” He gave her a humorless smirk as his gaze roved over her body. “I’m assuming Wilson got you the dress and
the necklace?”
Justin had been watching her since she arrived. He had seen her speaking with Damian and Jacob, and now, she was preoccupied.
with Lauren in the garden. She had made a full round in the hall but did not even spare him a glance, which infuriated him.
There was a time when she could not take her eyes off him!
Serena did not plan on giving Justin her time of day. “Laurie, shall we continue our conversation over there
instead?”
