Page 48 of Knot Heirs: Serenity's Reign

"These show four separate security breaches in the house perimeter that day," she said, frowning as she studied the timestamps. "But the police report only mentioned the main gate being compromised."

"Because that was the only breach reported to them," Lucian confirmed. "The other three were systematically erased from the records given to investigators."

"By whom?"

"That," Lucian said, inclining his head, "is the question

Serenity stared at Lucian across the table, the glow of Parisian Christmas lights filtering through the lounge windows casting stark shadows across his perfectly symmetrical features. She watched a muscle twitch in his jaw—almost imperceptible—as his amber eyes remained fixed on her. The calculated intensity in his gaze occasionally fractured, revealing something raw and unfiltered beneath.

"You've been investigating my father ever since, huh," she said, her fingers still resting on the security logs. "Why? I get what he’s done and contributed, but you could have left things for the

authorities or secret agents.”

Lucian's lips curved into a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. He swirled the amber liquid in his crystal glass, the ice clinking delicately.

"Your father understood me," he said finally, his tone shifting to something more intimate. "In a world of posturing Alphasscrambling for dominance like rabid dogs, Marcus recognized my... unique perspective as an asset rather than a liability."

"Unique perspective," Serenity repeated, not bothering to mask her skepticism. "Is that what we're calling it?"

To her surprise, Lucian laughed—a genuine sound that transformed his face into something almost boyish for a fleeting second before the mask of control slid back into place.

"My therapist prefers 'alternative cognitive patterns,'" he said dryly. "The medication helps with the more... disruptive manifestations. Though I find the occasional descent into what others might call madness quite clarifying."

The candid admission startled her. Lucian Blackthorn, renowned for his ruthless business tactics and intimidating presence, discussing his mental health over whiskey as casually as discussing the weather.

He's giving me something real,she thought.But why?

"Most people hide their damage," she observed, studying him. "You wear yours like expensive cologne—noticeable but carefully applied."

His eyes sparked with appreciation at her assessment.

"Hiding implies shame, Ms. Vale. I've never found shame particularly productive."

A waiter approached their table, but Lucian dismissed him with a subtle gesture once again.

"The world made me this way," he continued, leaning forward slightly. "I simply adapted to survive. Those who consider themselves 'normal' merely haven't been properly tested."

"And what was your test?" she asked, finding herself genuinely curious.

"That's a story for our third date," he replied with a predatory smile and seductive wink that sent heat cascading through her body despite her better judgment.

Serenity took a long sip of her champagne, using the moment to regain her composure. Outside, snow had begun falling, soft white flakes twirling past the window and melting against the warm glass.

"I'm not afraid of your darkness, Lucian," she said finally. "I've got plenty of my own."

Something shifted in his expression—a sudden, intense focus that seemed to strip away all her defenses. For a moment, she could almost feel the Alpha pheromones radiating from him, calling to the most primal part of her Omega biology.

"That's precisely why we work," he said softly. "Your father understood the particular alchemy that happens when broken pieces align perfectly."

The mention of her father pulled her back to reality.

"You're suggesting he deliberately matched me with three Alphas who all have their own psychological damage?"

Lucian shrugged elegantly.

"Damaged is subjective. Effective is measurable."

"And are you effective, Mr. Blackthorn?"

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