Page 99 of Knot Heirs: Serenity's Reign

"Ms. Vale," he called, gesturing her forward after a brief exchange. "They're expecting you on the fourteenth floor."

In the elevator, they stood side by side, reflections multiplied in the mirrored walls. Serenity caught him studying her.

"What?" she asked.

"I'm trying to understand you." His voice was thoughtful. "Most people who discover they've inherited a criminal empire would either run or dive in headfirst. You're... calculating. Measuring each step."

"I'm a financial consultant, Darius. Calculation is what I do."

"It's more than that." His eyes narrowed slightly. "You're playing a longer game than anyone realizes."

The elevator doors opened before she could respond, revealing a reception area with muted lighting and expensive furniture.

"Ms. Vale," a professionally dressed Beta greeted them. "Elena called ahead. I have your documents prepared."

They followed her through a maze of cubicles to a conference room where a sealed envelope sat on polished walnut.

"Would you care for coffee while you review the materials?" the receptionist offered.

"No," Serenity and Darius answered simultaneously.

When they were alone, Serenity broke the seal, spreading documents across the table. Darius positioned himself at her side, not hovering but present, his eyes scanning the papers with practiced efficiency.

"There," he pointed to a series of transactions. "That's not your father's signature style. Too cautious, too small."

Serenity nodded, impressed despite herself. "Someone's testing the waters, seeing if these accounts are being monitored."

They worked through the documents methodically, Serenity identifying discrepancies while Darius noted potential connections to rival organizations. They moved like partners who'd done this countless times, anticipating each other's questions, building on observations without wasted words.

"They don't know you've found these accounts yet," Darius concluded, tapping a finger on the most recent statement. "That's an advantage."

"But they'll realize soon enough." Serenity gathered the papers, organizing them into her leather portfolio. "I need to move these funds before they disappear."

"I have people who can handle that. Discreetly."

She hesitated, the businesswoman in her recognizing the practical offer while the suspicious daughter of Marcus Vale questioned the motive.

"Why help me secure assets that could potentially strengthen my position against your family's interests?" she asked bluntly.

Darius's expression remained impassive, but his eyes held that same unexpected warmth. "Perhaps I'm investing in a future where our interests align."

The moment stretched between them, heavy with possibilities neither was ready to name.

"We should go," she said finally, closing her portfolio with a decisive snap. "I don't want to leave a trail of exactly how long we spent here."

He nodded, allowing her to lead the way.

As they walked back toward the elevator, his hand returned to the small of her back—a gesture that now carried the weight of their shared secret, the line they'd crossed together, and the unspoken agreement that whatever game they were playing had fundamentally changed.

The heavy glass doors of the office building closed behind them with a soft mechanical hiss. Serenity clutched the portfoliocontaining her father's financial records against her chest, her knuckles whitening from the pressure.

The city around them seemed sharper now—more dangerous—as if the knowledge contained in those files had altered her perception of the world.

"You're tense," Darius observed, his voice low enough that only she could hear.

Serenity's gaze darted to the street corners, scanning for unfamiliar faces. "These files represent billions in hidden assets. People have been killed for far less."

"No one will touch you," he replied with such casual certainty that it sent a chill down her spine. "Not while you're with me."

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