Chapter 211

Serena's POV

I watched Atticus Thorne's Adam's apple move slightly as he considered his next words. I knew he must have uncovered something.

Sure enough, he asked, "It's about the kids, isn't it?"

My expression must have changed, because he quickly added, "It wasn't exactly hard to find out."

"Mr. Thorne, if this is your approach, I don't think we have anything further to discuss," I said, my voice ice-cold.

"I'm not using the children as leverage, I assure you. I'm not that kind of person," he hurried to explain. "I just believe that a mother will do anything for her children. Don't you want to create a better, more stable future for them?"

"That's my personal business," I replied sharply. "I suggest you drop this line of conversation if you're not genuinely concerned about their welfare."

"Fair enough." He nodded and shifted gears. "Miss Sinclair, don't you want to take control of your own destiny? Are you content letting Rachel Thorne push you around, or are you banking everything on Lucas Harrington? No matter how he feels about you, Harrington is still a businessman, and when it comes to profits, very few people stay true to their principles."

I gave him a cynical smile. "Mr. Thorne, you're a businessman too. We've had one meeting - why should I trust you enough to work together? Is aligned interest really enough? What happens when those interests change? Politics shift all the time, and the Thornes are still family. After your little family squabbles are over, you'll all make up, and I'll be left holding the bag."

"That's exactly why I brought some insurance," he said, pulling a document from his leather briefcase.

I looked at him, instinctively assuming this was a bribe attempt, ready to shut it down.

"Just take a look," he said quietly.

I took the document and opened it. My face must have shown my shock as I read it. I stared at him.

"If I ever double-cross you, Miss Sinclair, you can use this to end my career," he stated simply.

I hadn't expected him to put himself on the line like this for a partnership.

He continued, "Whatever happens between Lucas Harrington and Rachel, right now, I'm your only real protection. At least with me on your side, Rachel won't dare try to use her connections to set you up."

I stayed silent, processing his words.

"Think it over, Serena," he said, standing to leave.

"Your document," I tried to hand it back.

"Keep it. As long as you haven't said no, I still have a shot at this partnership," he replied.

"I'm in," I decided suddenly.

I caught his slight smile before he masked it. My change of heart wasn't because I was moved by his show of trust, but because of what he'd said about a mother's strength. For Milo and Stella's sake, I needed to fight back.

Meeting his eyes directly, I said, "I can't promise I'll help you handle Rachel Thorne. The only thing I can guarantee is that I'll do everything in my power to maximize the business value of this partnership."

"That's enough. Rome wasn't built in a day. Rushing things just leads to mistakes," he replied.

"Should I brief you now on StarRiver Fashion's strategy?"

"No need. I'm just the capital - everything else is your call."

"Understood," I didn't elaborate, knowing that as a politician, business operations weren't his forte.

"Would you join me for dinner to celebrate our agreement?" he asked.

"I'm sorry, I can't. I need to pick up my kids," I declined firmly.

"Then I won't keep you from your family time," he said smoothly. "Could I get your cell number? We should stay in touch."

"Of course."

After exchanging contact information, he left.

Lucas's POV

Rachel called about the family situation - her grandfather was pushing the marriage arrangements again, citing the importance of "securing the family's future." I kept my voice neutral, responding briefly before ending the call.

A week later, I returned to Manhattan and headed straight to Serena's penthouse. It was already 11 PM. She just finished tucking in Milo and Stella. She looked surprised to see me standing there. "The kids just fell asleep. Tomorrow after school, either have Walter pick them up or go yourself. They have soccer practice at Riverside."

"We need to talk," I said. Despite the 14-hour flight from London, I tried to maintain my focused demeanor. I could tell Serena probably knew what this was about. While her partnership with Atticus Thorne hadn't made the journal, it was the talk of the cocktail circuit. Nobody expected the Thornes to partner with Serena's emerging StarRiver Group. But the deal was done, and now every hedge fund manager and venture capitalist was watching to see how it would play out.

"Come in," she stepped aside, leading me into her living room.

I sat on the couch and cut to the chase. "Why Atticus Thorne?"

"Right opportunity, right time, right value proposition," she answered calmly.

"Are you aware of what's happening inside Thorne family right now?" I pressed.

"I know enough to see the upside of this deal."

Fighting to keep my voice level, I said, "Serena, you can't tell me you don't see Atticus's endgame here."

"It's strictly business, Lucas."

I leaned forward. "Atticus told you about Clarence's political ambitions threatening the family's position. These aggressive moves against the family's traditional power structure. Because the timing is perfect. With this much at stake, do you really think getting involved is smart?" I challenged.

"Atticus can shield me from Rachel's vendetta," she replied coolly.

"And when he loses his board seat?"

"I'll cross that bridge when I come to it."

"This isn't like you, Serena. You never move without a long plan."

"So I should just trust your protection instead?" Her voice carried an edge.

My jaw tightened. "Have I ever given you reason not to?"

"You just said it yourself - Clarence has the SEC, and half of Congress in his pocket. If Atticus, with all his insider connections, can't touch him, what makes you think you can?!"

I watched her intently as she continued. "I was perfectly happy running my startup, Lucas. You pulled me into this world of old money and power plays, and I had to adapt. Let's be real - I'm on Rachel's hit list. As long as her family controls the East Coast financial sector, I have to watch my every move, wondering if the next 'random' SEC audit or negative press leak will destroy everything I've built. Atticus is my only shot at evening the odds. Without him, I'm just waiting for Rachel to finish what she started."

Her eyes glistened as she challenged me. "Lucas, what would you do in my position?!"

"Can't you see that partnering with Atticus hasn't just made you Rachel's target - you're now in Clarence's crosshairs too!" I struggled to keep my composure.

"So be it," she said with resignation. "There isn't much difference between a wolf and a pack of wolves."