Game Over No Second Chances

Hugh and Serena walked out of the study, leaving Eric frozen in place, still trying to process what had just happened.

Sure, the mess of unfinished work was mostly his own doing, but when it came to Larson Group business, Hugh had never hesitated to step in and help.

And now? He had just dropped everything—all for a woman from a business marriage.

Serena, Sarah-it didn't matter. "Vixens! The whole damn Jansen family... Are they trying to twist every man in the Larson family around their fingers?"

He slammed his laptop shut. Work was the last thing on his mind now. With a sigh, he got up and headed back to his room.

But before he reached it, Sarah's smug voice rang out from downstairs.

"So what if you're a Larson family maid? I'm carrying the family's first great- grandchild! If you break even one of my cups, I'll have you fired on the spot!"

Eric looked down from the second-floor landing.noveldrama

The one being scolded was Jenny Tucker, an older maid who had always been close to Melissa. Jenny had looked after the whole family with genuine care over the years and had even earned Calvin's respect.

Now, she stood there with reddened eyes from Sarah's insults. She gripped her cap and threw it to the floor.

"Ms. Sarah, you're far too high and mighty for people like us. I've worked in this house for over ten years, but that's enough. I'm done."

"Jenny!" Melissa came rushing out at the sound of her voice.

The thought of losing Jenny, the one who always helped her with massages, was unbearable. She immediately chased after her.

But Jenny, fast and sure-footed after years of housework, was gone before Melissa could even reach the front door.

Frustrated, Melissa turned back and glared at Sarah. "You've only been here for a few hours, and you're already tearing the place apart!"

Sarah lounged lazily on the couch and ran a hand over her belly as she replied, "So what if I've only been here for a few hours? Mrs. Larson, you should carry yourself with authority. You're going after a maid-aren't you embarrassed? That's not exactly a good look for the family, is it?"

"You"

"And honestly," Sarah went on with a sweet, mocking smile, "you're supposed to be the wife of the eldest grandson, yet you can't even hold your own against Serena. Isn't that just because you're too weak?

"When I marry Cole, we'll basically be family. If you just listen to me, I promise I'll help you regain some dignity in front of Serena."

How outrageous. Melissa's whole body trembled with fury. Since when did a mother-in-law take orders from a future daughter-in-law?

Sarah was even more shameless than Serena.

Melissa stormed toward her, ready to slap some sense into her, but Eric caught her wrist just in time.

"She's pregnant with Cole's child. What do you think you're doing?"

"Eric! Didn't you hear what she just said to me? That I'm weak? That I should take orders from her-that little tramp? Do you expect me to just take that?"

Melissa's voice shook with rage, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she looked at Eric.

Sarah, meanwhile, recalled how Eric had stepped in to defend her just moments ago, and her smile only deepened.

Pregnancy really was her best protection.

Putting on her best innocent act, she said softly, "Mr. Larson, I admit I got a little emotional earlier-but I only wanted to help Mrs. Larson. Think about it.

"You're the Larson family's eldest grandson, and your wife is fighting with her future daughter-in-law over a maid. Isn't it only natural that I offer some advice, seeing her so worked up?"

Melissa, tongue-tied and seething, couldn't get a single word out.

Eric looked at Sarah's smug smile, and his expression darkened. "Do you really think that just because le stopped that slap, I can't tell right from wrong? Say what you will about Melissa-she's my legally wedded wife. She gave birth to the Larson family's first great-grandson.

"And you? You and your mother both clawed your way up through someone's bed.

What gives you the right to lecture her?

"If you hate the Larson family's maids so much, don't use them. Move your own luggage. But mark my words-if anything happens to that baby in your belly, don't expect anyone from the family to go easy on you."

At this point, Eric was sick of both Serena and Sarah. After delivering his scathing

words, he took the still-stunned Melissa and walked away.

The maids, sensing the storm had passed, scattered like startled birds.

When Sarah finally snapped out of her daze, she realized the living room was empty, with only seven or eight boxes still piled haphazardly on the floor. Her smile vanished instantly.