Page 22 of Knot Heirs: Serenity's Reign

Twenty-four hours to disappear. Less, actually, since they'll be watching from the moment I leave.

"The Society will not interfere once the competition begins, but all parties are reminded that public exposure of our enterprises is strictly forbidden. Maintain discretion or face Society sanctions." Nikolai's tone made it clear those sanctions would be fatal.

"And if I refuse to participate in this medieval ritual?" Serenity asked, arching an eyebrow.

Victoria Zhao smiled coldly.

"Your protection under Society law would be forfeit immediately. You would be deemed fair game—not just for those in this room, but for anyone with an interest in your father's empire."

No real choice then. Just the illusion of one.

Serenity's mind was already mapping escape routes, safe houses, accounts that couldn't be traced. Her father had taught her to always have contingencies. She'd need all of them now.

"I understand," she said, injecting resignation into her voice while keeping her plans carefully hidden behind her eyes. "When does the twenty-four hour period begin?"

"At midnight," Nikolai answered. "You will be escorted to your quarters here until then. We wouldn't want anyone getting an unfair advantage."

Twelve hours until midnight. Six hours to escape. Eighteen to vanish completely.

"How generous," Serenity murmured, mentally calculating the contents of her go-bag in the trunk of her car. Passport, cash, weapon. Not enough, but it would have to do.

Lucian Blackthorn's smile widened.

"I do enjoy a good hunt. Makes the capture so much more... satisfying."

"I'm not prey, Mr. Blackthorn," Serenity said, meeting his gaze despite the prickling fear along her skin.

"We're all someone's prey, Miss Vale," he replied. "Some of us are simply better at playing the game."

"Now," Nikolai announced, tapping his gold-tipped cane against the marble floor, "each candidate will present their claim and intentions for the Vale Empire and its heir." He gestured toward the first Alpha. "Mr. Drake, you may begin."

Ronan Drake pushed away from the wall, his muscular frame moving with predatory grace. The scars on his knuckles stood out white against his tanned skin as he clasped his hands behind his back.

"My claim is simple," he said, voice rough like gravel. "The Vale territories border mine. I already control half the eastern seaboard's underground fighting circuits. With Vale's shipping operations, I could expand internationally." His green eyesfixed on Serenity. "As for the Omega heir, she'd be protected, educated in our operations, and expected to contribute her financial expertise."

At least he's acknowledging I have a brain, Serenity thought, keeping her expression neutral.

Two more Alphas presented, one suggesting dismantling parts of the Vale Empire, the other proposing absorption into his technology-focused criminal enterprise. The fourth, a silver-haired woman with a vicious smile, spoke of utilizing Serenity's genetics for advantageous breeding arrangements that made Serenity's skin crawl.

I didn’t want to pay them any mind in comparison to Drake, Lucian, and of course, Darius. Those three out of the individuals standing before me were currently giving me red flags on every category.

Not to ignore Father’s apparent Victoria who had close relations with my Father.

Then Darius Castellano rose.

Unlike the others who had prowled or postured, Darius simply stood, the action itself commanding everyone's attention. His tailored suit emphasized the breadth of his shoulders, his presence filling the room without effort.

"The Castellano family has maintained business relations with the Vale Empire for three generations," he began, his voice deep and controlled. "Our territories complement rather than compete. The transition would be seamless, preserving the Vale legacy while expanding our joint operations."

Serenity watched him, struck by the clinical detachment in his presentation. This was the man who'd kissed her breathless and fucked her with no mercy on his kitchen island like she was the orbit of his world just hours ago, now discussing her future like a corporate merger.

"As for Serenity Vale," Darius continued, his gray eyes finding hers across the room, "her financial acumen would be an asset to our organization. She would retain autonomous control of specifically designated Vale holdings, with proper security measures in place."

The words were reasonable, even generous compared to the others. But beneath them lay something else. His eyes flickered with meaning—a warning that made her pulse quicken.

What is he hiding?

"My claim is legitimate and beneficial to all parties," Darius concluded. "The Society would maintain its balance of power, and Miss Vale would retain elements of her independence while gaining the protection of the Castellano name."

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