Game Over No Second Chances

Chapter 202 Zach said, "Back then..." He stood frozen in place, shock and disappointment flashing in his eyes as if his whole world had just shattered. In the past, Serena might have felt a pang of pain for him.

Now, she was indifferent and distant. She was untouched by emotion, with only a deep, unshakable coldness lingering within her.

"The meeting is about to begin. Representatives from all companies, please proceed inside," the staff announced.

The voice pulled the both of them back to reality.

Before Zach could call out to Serena, she had already stepped into the conference room without a second glance.

Wendy clung to his arm affectionately. "Zach, maybe Serena was just angry back then. She probably made that decision on impulse. You can always win her over again later, but if we miss this business opportunity, we might not have a reason to keep her around." She spoke as if she was being generous, but deep down, jealousy burned in her chest.

Zarena Group wasn't a small company. Serena had once held the company's shares while living comfortably in luxury. Yet, she had thrown it all away without a second thought.

Wendy gritted her teeth. She would've done anything to have what Serena had so easily discarded.

She was seething with jealousy and resentment, but she swallowed it down, forcing a sweet smile as she led Zach into the conference room.

Deep down, frustration gnawed at her. She thought, "When will I finally stand by his side as his rightful partner?" Inside the conference room, everyone took their seats.

The meeting stretched from day to night. Several rounds of discussions left everyone drained, their throats dry and energy depleted.

The Larson Group executives focused much of their attention on Amber Group.

"Over the past few years, the market has been volatile. Yet, Amber Group, as a subsidiary, has managed to keep a steady balance between revenue and expenses. That was thanks to their foresight in investing in a large number of retail properties.

"Now, under the leadership of someone as young as you, Ms. Jansen, we're quite optimistic about its future." Hearing this, Serena discreetly pinched her palm to pull herself back into focus. "Thank you for your confidence in us." Hearing this, Wendy, who was exhausted and overwhelmed, jumped to conclusions. She thought they had chosen Amber Group over Zarena Group.

Before she could stop herself, she blurted out, "Serena, you've really got foresight. You latched onto the Larson family early, and now you're sitting here enjoying their favor." The moment those words left her mouth, the conference room fell silent. Every pair of eyes landed on Serena. Serena's marriage to Hugh hadn't been made public yet, and the executives of Larson Group were unaware of her status.

Most of the attendees were young up-and-comers without inside information. Their gazes lingered on her, filled with unspoken meaning.

Such a beautiful woman cozying up to the Larson family... Clearly, she was just someone's mistress. Zach's expression darkened. He quickly grabbed Wendy's wrist. "Watch what you say " "Zach! Serena might have helpedin the past, but Zarena Group needs this project just as much. How can I just sit here and watch her snatch it away from you?" Wendy's voice trembled, laced with grievance.

Tears welled up in her eyes and then fell pitifully down her cheeks.

Zach hesitated. He hadn't expected Wendy to be speaking out of concern, and a flicker of guilt tightened his chest. Maybe he had been too harsh.

But then again, he was also worried that Serena would take offense. He wavered.

However, Serena merely smiled and said, "Ms. Smith, you're quick to throw out baseless accusations the moment you speak. The Larson Group runs fair and transparent projects.

"Every company's credentials were presented earlier today, yet you chose to ignore them. Instead, you've enore them.

accusedof seducing someone from the Larson family. So, why don't you mention that I once held shares in Zarena Group too?

"I played a role in building Zarena Group from the ground up. Amber Group's large-scale investment in retail properties was a decision my NO.

mother entrusted tobefore she passed.

"I've contributed to both companies, yet now that I'm at the negotiation table, my experience is being treated ve like a bargaining chip. Ms. Smith, are you staying quiet about that because you're afraid my credentials alone will overshadow both you and Zach?" The weight of her words settled over the room.

The room was dead silent. Everyone was in awe.

They had to admit-Zarena Group and Amber Group were both industry leaders. And Serena had been instrumental in both.

No one else in the room could match her qualifications.

Wendy's face turned ghostly pale. Under the table, her hands clenched tightly into fists, with her nails digging into her skin.

She had wanted to paint Serena as sscheming mistress, but instead, Serena had turned the tables, taking credit and making herself look even more impressive.

Zach's expression darkened as he shot Wendy a warning glance before sighing. "Serena's right. She did play a key role in Zarena Group's early days."