Chapter 3 Don't You Dare!

"Do you have the guts to say that again?"

"I said, from now on, we go our separate ways, Fifth Brother."

Serena emphasized the words "Fifth Brother," trying to draw a clear line. The man’s gaze was fierce, but she did not flinch.

"Treat Miss Cole well and live a normal life."

Having said what she needed to, Serena wanted to leave, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't free herself from James's grip. His hold only tightened.

"elder sister-in-law!"

Shirley's sudden appearance broke the standoff. James abruptly let go, and Serena quickly moved behind him to grab Shirley.

"Is something wrong?"

It was then that Shirley noticed the tense atmosphere and stammered, "Di... Dinner is ready. I came to call you."

The banquet hall of the Forrest family mansion was large enough to accommodate direct relatives and important friends at one table. As an unwelcome outsider, Serena's seat was at the far end, which suited her just fine. She kept her head down and focused on her meal.

During the meal, as the third sister-in-law had mentioned, the engagement announcement was made.

Derek Forrest looked at James with satisfaction and said, "Both your grandpa Cole and I agree that the sooner, the better. You two can set the date, but it shouldn't be more than three months away. You're twenty-nine this year, it's time to settle down!"

James smiled and said, "Second Sister is still free, yet you're rushing me."

Derek got angry at that, his wrinkled eyes scanning the table until they landed on the far end.

"Do you think I haven't been pushing her? I urge her every day, and she ends up hiding over there!"

Everyone followed the old man's displeased gaze, and Shirley, having no place to hide, poked her head out and said with a mournful face, "Dad, you have so many children to push. Look at Third Brother, three kids in five years! Don't count on me anymore!"

Derek slammed his chopsticks down, "Nonsense, your third brother is your third brother, and you are you!"

"Alright, alright!" Shirley's eyes darted around before she clung to Serena next to her. "Then I announce I'm coming out. I want to be with elder sister-in-law!"

"Pfft!" Third sister-in-law burst out laughing. "You might be willing, but elder sister-in-law might not be. She'd want to find a good man for a second marriage, not mix with you, a scoundrel!"

Third Brother glanced at Derek’s expression and tugged his wife's sleeve.

"Alright, alright, Derek. Let Shirley have her fun. Why spoil the family gathering with this talk? It's all James's fault!"

Derek's third wife, Nancy, tried to smooth things over. She had a plump face with round eyes and a kind smile. She turned her kind gaze to Serena.

"Shirley did remind me of something. Serena, it's been three years since William passed. Derek and I both support you moving forward." She paused, her kind smile growing even kinder. "I heard from Mrs. Cole that she saw you on a date the other day. That's great."

Serena's scalp tingled. So the vague feeling of being watched that day wasn't her imagination. Nancy's words were odd, and she couldn't think of a response.

James was quick to jump in, "Mom is right. I support it too. I'm sure Big Brother would support it as well."

He blinked after he spoke, looking every bit the healthy, cheerful younger brother. Only Serena saw the malice in his eyes.

She had to force a smile and tugged at Shirley.

Shirley got the hint. "Alright, alright, are women not allowed to sit at the table without men? auntie Nancy, James really is too old to stay. You should focus on discussing his engagement!"

The topic was finally redirected. Serena sighed in relief. She didn't mind the Forrest family's jabs; she just didn't want to look at the main table because James was sitting next to Derek.

They were discussing the engagement and Miss Cole. Occasionally, snippets of conversation reached her ears, accompanied by James's gentle tone and obedient demeanor, a stark contrast to how he had just spoken about her.

Alright, she understood how much James hated her. She didn’t need to be reminded constantly.

“Serena, that date you mentioned, was it the blind date I set up for you?”

Shirley usually called her by her name in private. Apart from their familial relationship, they were quite good friends.

“What else could it be, Miss? Please, do better next time. The guy was three years younger than me.”

“Tsk, being conservative now, aren't you? A man should be three years younger. I’m looking out for your future happiness.”

Serena unhesitatingly picked up a shrimp and stuffed it into Shirley's mouth, silencing her talk about men.

Shirley rolled her eyes, swallowed the shrimp, and then said, “Fine, next time I’ll introduce someone older.”

“No need for introductions. I’m not interested.”

Seeing Serena's gloomy expression, Shirley said, “You spend all your time either working or visiting your mother in the hospital. Your life is more desolate than a widow’s in ancient times. You’re twenty-seven, not seventy-two, Serena. Are you really planning to live like this for the rest of your life?”

“...”

“It’s time to move on. Let me tell you something sincere.” She lowered her voice, “The Forrest family will definitely be run by James in the future. He was raised by your big brother, and their bond is deep. The old man has issues with you, so James surely does too. You two were arguing about Big Brother just now, weren’t you?”

It wasn't entirely untrue. Serena nodded.

“Exactly. If you don’t get married, you’ll always be the daughter-in-law of the Forrest family. You have to attend family banquets and be in their sight. Knowing James’s personality... if you stay in his sight for too long, who knows what he might do.”

Serena couldn't help but marvel at Shirley's insight into James. She understood him well, but not deeply enough. In fact, she hadn’t even started causing trouble, and James had already been doing things for three years.

But she took her words to heart.

The family banquet ended just past nine-thirty. Serena had to get up early for work the next day and didn’t plan to stay overnight. After saying her goodbyes, she hurried to the garage.

In the garage, a row of luxury cars was parked. Her modest car, worth only a few tens of thousands, stood out like a chicken among phoenixes, easy to spot.

A new CEO was set to be appointed at the head office tomorrow, but they hadn’t been given any information, leaving the secretarial department on high alert. Serena, with her phone pinned between her shoulder and ear, fumbled for her keys as she walked.

“Andy, don’t worry. Keep looking. If you really can’t find it, I have a backup. I’ll send it to you later.”

Andy was effusive with gratitude on the other end of the line. Serena responded with a few “mm-hmms” as she found her keys, but before she could press the unlock button, the phone was taken from her shoulder.

James had appeared behind her without her noticing. Without looking, he ended her call.

“Why don’t you drive the car I gave you?”

“My monthly salary and profession don’t suit driving a Bugatti.” Serena held out her hand. “Give me back my phone.”

James's response was to pocket her phone and then get into the black custom-made Maybach, one of his usual cars.

Serena stared at the open car door and the assistant Henry standing beside it, feeling a surge of irritation.

This man was as domineering as ever, treating her words like air.

Standing straight at the car door, Serena said, “James, I shouldn’t have to remind you that there are cameras in the garage. If we're seen in the same car, your parents will subject us to a thorough interrogation tomorrow.”

James fiddled with her phone, not even bothering to turn his head.

“If you don’t cooperate, I’ll make sure they interrogate us tonight.” With that, he waved her phone, Derek's name prominently displayed on the contact screen.

“You wouldn’t dare!”

“Oh, I wouldn’t?”

The air grew tense.

Ten seconds later, Serena conceded.

She wasn't sure if he would dare, but she truly couldn't take the risk.