Chapter 467

Hugh suddenly felt a laugh bubbling up. The urge to reach out and brush Serena's cheek came over him, but his voice betrayed him first. "I wonder… how long do you plan on protecting me?" "Forever?" The answer slipped out of Serena's mouth before she could stop herself. She caught the flicker of surprise in Hugh's eyes and immediately remembered—this was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, and a calculated alliance. So she quickly backpedaled. "I mean, at least until you find someone you love more… or until you've completely taken over the Larson family, and no longer need our marriage to put Grandpa at ease. Until then, I'll stay." "What if I said those days will never come? Would you still stay by my side?" The words rose to Hugh's lips—but were swallowed again, interrupted by the creak of the terrace doors. "Mr. Larson, Mr. Larson Senior is asking for you in the front hall. The banquet's about to start." Hannah stood there, clutching her sleeves nervously. Her cheeks wer