Game Over No Second Chances novel Chapter 160

The next morning, Serena woke up in the studio's rest area to the sound of her phone ringing—it was Ruth calling.

"How's the composition coming along?" Ruth asked.

Serena rubbed her drowsy eyes and looked at the stack of papers on the nightstand, filled with densely written musical notes.

The past few hectic days at Samuel's studio had been filled with inspiration, and she had diligently jotted down every idea.

"Actually, I've come up with some new ideas. Your call couldn't have come at a better time."

With that, she got up to freshen up and arranged to meet Ruth at her studio.

Serena drove her Cullinan straight to the studio.

The moment she pulled up, Ruth, who had been waiting by the sidewalk, leaned into the car.

"Tsk, tsk. Your husband really spoils you. One look at this car, and it's obvious he's completely smitten with you."

"Why assume he bought it? Why couldn't I have bought it myself?"

She got out of the car, locked it, and linked arms with Ruth as they walked inside.

Ruth chuckled. "No matter how rich you are, I doubt you'd splurge on a car like this just to get around. To you, a car is just a means of transportation—there's no need for something this expensive. Your husband must have bought it."

Serena laughed. "You really do know me well."

Her thoughts drifted to her relationship with Hugh. She murmured, "He really is the best ally anyone could ask for."

Ruth raised her eyebrows, casting one last glance at the Cullinan before turning away.

Even the closest of allies wouldn't gift something this extravagant so quickly. Were they really just allies?

Still, it wasn't her place to question a married couple's relationship, so she kept her thoughts to herself.

When Serena and Ruth arrived at the studio, the orchestra members were already setting up for their weekly practice session. One of them approached Ruth.

"Ruth, we're missing a violinist. Should we start taking attendance, or wait a bit longer?"

"The violin section rarely has absences. Let's wait a bit. Check with someone and see if there's a valid reason for it."

Ruth furrowed her brow.

As they talked, a woman came running in from outside, breathless.

"Sorry, I was caught in traffic and ended up running late. Please forgive me, everyone!" she said.

"Why do you always seem to get stuck in traffic?"

"Kade, I remember you don't live far from the orchestra. Could traffic really have caused such a big delay?"

The other violinists gathered around, expressing concern and checking in on her.

Serena turned toward the voices, recognizing Kade as the violinist who had fallen ill during a performance and asked her to step in.

After the performance, Ruth followed protocol and placed Kade on a two-week probation as a warning, temporarily barring her from performing.

However, her salary and benefits remained unaffected.

Ruth had never been one for leniency when it came to orchestra matters.

Without hesitation, she stepped forward.