Page 21 of Knot Heirs: Serenity's Reign

Serenity cataloged the information, filing it away.Volkov. Russian origins. Likely old money and older connections.Shemaintained her mask of polite indifference while her mind worked furiously.

Nikolai gestured to his left.

"Each Alpha claimant will now introduce themselves and their stake in this matter."

The scarred Alpha stepped forward first, his muscular frame dominating the space. Power radiated from him like heat from asphalt in summer.

"Ronan Drake. Drake Security and associated enterprises." His voice was gravel and smoke, his green eyes fixed on Serenity with a predatory focus. "I've had business interests aligned with the Vale territory for years. I'm here to ensure they continue under proper management."

Drake. The fighter. Street enforcer turned legitimate businessman—on paper.

Serenity had heard whispers about his underground fighting rings. The way he carried himself—ready to explode into violence at any moment—confirmed those rumors.

Next came a woman with obsidian hair and cold, calculating eyes. I frown because she’s clearly not a part of the Alphas that are trying to claim me but she must have some added purpose by stepping forward to speak.

"Victoria Zhao, CEO of Zhao International. My corporation has been laundering—" she paused, smiled thinly "—assisting with the Vale financial portfolio for fifteen years." Her gaze stripped Serenity bare. "Your father understood the value of experienced guidance. You will require the same."

Threat level: extreme. Uses precision like a scalpel.Serenity kept her expression neutral despite the chill that ran down her spine.

A tall, elegant man with aristocratic features stepped forward next. "Alexander Beaumont, heir to the Beaumont dynasty." His French accent was minimal but deliberate. "Your father and Ihad an arrangement regarding European distribution channels. I'm here to ensure continuity."

Old world money meeting new world crime. Dangerous combination.

The other brother don’t seem like a concern to me, as their introductions go over my head because my attention is focused on the man who’s the obvious center of the crumbling world.

Or should I say the cause of it?

Darius Castellano remained where he was, his stance casual but his eyes never leaving Serenity.

"Darius Castellano. Castellano Group. Your father's closest business partner and his appointed successor." His voice was smooth, and controlled. "The Vale-Castellano merger was Marcus's intention before his untimely death."

"Funny, he never mentioned you to me," Serenity replied, sweetness coating the steel in her voice.

Darius's lips curved in a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "There were many things Marcus didn't tell you, Miss Vale."

The final Alpha, a man with silver-streaked black hair and an air of cultured menace, stepped forward.

"Lucian Blackthorn. Your father stole something that belongs to me. I'm here to reclaim it." His smile was razor-sharp. "And to assess what else of his might be worth taking."

Serenity felt his gaze like a physical touch, invasive and deliberate.Most dangerous of all. No pretense of legitimacy.

Nikolai Volkov nodded once all introductions were complete.

"Now to the matter at hand. The Society recognizes the competing claims to the Vale Empire, valued at approximately twelve billion dollars across various enterprises." He fixed Serenity with a stare. "As Marcus Vale's biological heir and an unmated Omega of exceptional lineage, Miss Vale herself represents a significant asset in this negotiation."

"I am not an asset," Serenity cut in, her voice sharp. "I'm the CEO and controlling shareholder of Vale Enterprises."

Ronan Drake's laugh was harsh.

"A little Omega running Marcus's operation? The cartels would eat you alive within a week."

"You'd be surprised what I can survive, Mr. Drake," Serenity replied coldly.

Nikolai raised a hand.

"The competition rules are as follows: Miss Vale will be given a twenty-four hour head start, as per our ancient traditions. During this time, she is untouchable. After that period expires, each Alpha claimant may pursue their interest by any means necessary—whether that be business negotiation, forced mating, or" —his eyes glinted— "elimination of competition."

Serenity's stomach twisted, but she kept her expression impassive.

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