Page 24 of Knot Heirs: Serenity's Reign

The problem was, what could she do about it in such a corner. A set of Alphas were waiting indoors for her return, to be the pawn in this newfound game where she’s the grand prize.

She wouldn’t have time to care about who rid of her father…and maybe that was true, but the mystery as to why Darius of all people would betray him — betray me — would have to be discovered through perseverance and patience.

Skeletons always come out of the hidden closet.

Eventually.

"How would you know?" The question came out sharper than she intended, but valid nevertheless.

"Because I've been investigating the potential for months." His jaw tightened. "Your father and mine had an agreement. When it was violated, Vincent sent me to find out why."

Serenity's heart pounded against her ribs.

"And?"

And is that why you killed him…leaving the poor man in cold blood?

It takes everything to not let that very question escape from my lip’s grasp.

"The trail leads back to someone in this house." His voice was barely a whisper now. "Someone who wants the Vale Empire dissolved, not transferred. Someone who sees you as a loose end."

Cold dread pooled in her stomach.

Like you…an Alpha who surely sees this as an opportunity to climb the ladder in a world of billionaires.

"Why tell me this? Why not just let me run?"I need to know his objective.

He wouldn’t simply do this out of the blue? Would he…

Something unsettling hums in the pit of my stomach at the thought, because this could prove this man, who’s known and practically fucked me over, is truly a stranger in my eyes.

And it’s hard to admit the idea hurts to think about…

His gaze was intense, searching.

"Because running won't save you. Not from them."

Not from him either…

There’s the ultimate truth in my harsh reality. Especially as an Omega.

I wasn’t born to stand a chance…

"And what exactly does that mean for me?" she asked, struggling to keep her voice steady.

"It means the competition is a façade. It means—" He stopped abruptly, his head turning slightly.

Someone was approaching.

"It means trust no one," he finished quickly. "Not even me. Especially when I'm being watched."

Being watched? By who?

Before she could respond, the French doors opened, and a tall figure stepped into the garden.

"Ah, the infamous Vale heiress," came a smooth, cultured voice that seemed to glide through the night air. "Already forming alliances, I see." The tone carried a hint of amusement, a rich blend of curiosity and control. There was no mistaking the arrogance behind it, the certainty that his presence would incite chaos like a match to kerosene.

Serenity turned to face the newcomer, every nerve in her body instantly on high alert. She should’ve seen this coming, should’ve known that Darius' cloak-and-dagger routine would draw attention like blood in the water.

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