Page 86 of Knot Heirs: Serenity's Reign

Ronan's expression flickered for just a second—enough to tell Serenity she'd struck a nerve. Good. She wasn't the only one with layers to peel back.

"Careful, princess," he warned, but the threat lacked heat. "Some mysteries are better left unexplored."

"I've never been good at leaving things alone." She gestured with her glass toward the massive window overlooking the estategrounds. "That's how I ended up here, isn't it? Digging into my father's past, claiming what's mine."

"And look where it got you." He moved closer, his large frame blocking out the light. "Hiding out with three alphas who all want different pieces of you."

The bluntness of his statement should have offended her. Instead, Serenity found herself responding to his honesty. "And what piece do you want, Mr. Drake?"

His eyes darkened, pupils dilating slightly. "The real question is—what do you want from us, Serenity Vale?"

The way he said her name—like he was tasting it—made her omega instincts stir beneath her carefully constructed defenses.

"Protection. Resources." She met his gaze squarely. "For now."

"For now," he echoed, amusement flashing across his features. "Always thinking ahead. I respect that."

From across the room, Darius cleared his throat. "If you two are quite finished with your little... whatever this is, we still have matters to discuss."

Lucian, who had been watching their interaction with calculating eyes, simply smiled. "Let them get acquainted, Darius. After all, we're going to be spending a lot of time together."

Serenity turned back to Ronan, finding him still watching her with that unsettling intensity. "Thank you for the drink," she said formally, attempting to regain some professional distance.

He nodded once. "Anytime." The simple word somehow sounded like a promise—or a warning.

As the evening progressed, they moved to a more comfortable sitting area. Darius outlined the next steps in securing Serenity's position within the Vale empire, while Lucian suggested strategic alliances to strengthen her standing.Through it all, Ronan contributed occasional insights that revealed a shrewd business mind beneath his rough exterior.

Serenity found herself relaxing fractionally as the conversation flowed. She kicked off her heels, tucking her feet beneath her on the plush sofa—a small concession to comfort.

"Your father's distribution network through South America has weakened since his death," Lucian was saying, gesturing to a map displayed on his tablet. "The Mendoza cartel is pushing boundaries."

"Let them," Serenity said thoughtfully. "For now."

Three pairs of alpha eyes turned to her.

"You'd willingly cede territory?" Darius asked, incredulous.

"I said for now." She leaned forward. "My father always said the Mendozas were greedy but sloppy. Let them overextend, then when their operation is too big for their infrastructure to handle..." She made a sharp cutting motion with her hand.

Ronan's chuckle was like distant thunder. "You're suggesting we let them grow fat, then slaughter them like market day."

"Precisely."

"Cold," Lucian observed. "But effective."

"It's business," Serenity replied. "And business requires patience. Something my father understood." She reached for her whiskey, savoring another sip. "Besides, we have more immediate concerns. Someone in my father's inner circle betrayed him. Someone who likely still has access to Vale assets and operations."

"You suspect Emerson?" Darius asked, naming her father's former right-hand man.

Serenity shook her head. "Too obvious. Emerson loved my father like a brother. I'm thinking someone less visible but with enough access to do real damage."

"Your father's personal assistant," Ronan suggested, sprawling back in his chair. "Quiet, unassuming. Perfect cover."

"Mills?" Serenity considered it. "Possible. He had access to schedules, knew about my father's movements."

"We'll put surveillance on him," Lucian offered.

"No," Serenity countered. "If we start watching him, he'll know we suspect something." She tapped her fingernails against the crystal tumbler, thinking. "Let's give him rope. Lots of rope."

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