No Escape from Love novel Chapter 191

Mr. Hastings Senior didn't specify what aspect of Alex he was asking about.

I knew this was a test. My throat moved with difficulty, but I forced a light smile as I looked at him. "Mr. Hastings Senior, I think you've trained Mr. Hastings to be too perfect."

Mr. Hastings Senior's gaze instantly became wary. "What do you mean?"

"Mr. Hastings' business skills and strategies are far beyond what others his age could achieve. In just a few years, he has expanded Hastings Group several times over, which proves that he's more than capable."

Hearing this, Mr. Hastings Senior finally relaxed. "Besides that?"

"Hmm…" I pretended to think for a moment. "He's also very generous to his employees."

Mr. Hastings Senior finally laughed heartily. "Serena, I've been considering something for a while. I really like you as a daughter, so I was thinking of changing your last name."

"Why?" I asked, feigning curiosity.

"I want to change your last name and then choose a day for a formal introduction. I want everyone to know that you're my daughter," Mr. Hastings Senior said with a hint of concern in his voice.

"I'm sure you've seen the heated discussions online about you and Alex. Hastings Group can't afford to be caught in such gossip. Besides, you and Alex are both young, and being entangled in a scandal like this is not good for either of you. Don't you agree?"

I nodded. "I'll do whatever you want."

…

When we were leaving at night, Mr. Hastings Senior deliberately gave Alex a look. "You should really learn from Serena. Look how sensible she is."

Alex glanced at me in confusion, but I quickly averted my eyes, avoiding his gaze.

"Be nicer to Serena from now on. In a few days, I'll choose a time to publicly announce that she's my daughter," Mr. Hastings Senior said, looking at Alex.

Alex's first reaction was to look at me. I forced myself to smile and turned toward Mr. Hastings Senior.

The black car looked like a massive beast when it was in front of me. But as it drove off, it gradually shrank into a tiny red dot in the distance until it disappeared completely.

A sharp pain spread in my chest, and it felt as if a piece of me had been carved away.

I didn't sleep all night.

…

The first call I received the next morning was from Lila. On the other end of the line, she sounded unusually excited.

"Serena, I'm back in Grandview!"

"Really?" My heart should have been jumping with joy, but my soul felt empty.

"What's wrong? You sound so lifeless. Aren't you happy that I'm back?"