The headquarters of Steele Group loomed on the city's edge, a towering structure of black glass curtain walls, its sharp lines resembling a dormant beast. As Serena pushed through the revolving doors into the lobby, a blast of cold air and the metallic ambiance made her narrow her eyes slightly. She was dressed today in a deep gray suit skirt, her stiletto heels clicking crisply against the marble floor, each step radiating an undeniable authority.
Caleb followed close behind, his voice low as he cautioned, "Lucian Steele isn't someone to take lightly. His company dominates the natural resources of werewolf territory—natural gas, rare minerals, with staggering profits. He's got not just money, but influence in the underworld too."
Serena nodded, the corner of her mouth lifting faintly. "That makes it all the more interesting."
Steele Group's operations weren't entirely above board. Werewolf territory was a protected zone under human-werewolf agreements, but Lucian exploited it under the guise of "development partnerships," quietly siphoning off resources. This made him a formidable figure in both the business world and among the werewolf clans, shaping his personality into something cold and domineering. Serena knew that to counter the forces backing Richard, Lucian was her best option—for now.
The elevator shot straight to the top floor. As the doors slid open, a secretary-like woman approached, her tone detached. "Miss Serena, Mr. Steele is waiting for you in his office."
When the office door swung open, Serena's eyes immediately landed on the man standing by the floor-to-ceiling window. Lucian Steele stood nearly six-foot-three, clad in a tailored black suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and long legs, his silhouette as imposing as a mountain. He turned, revealing a sharply chiseled face, his deep amber eyes sweeping over her with a cold, innate dominance. His presence was like that of a wolf king—overwhelming, almost suffocating.
"Serena Voss," Lucian's voice rumbled low, tinged with a hint of amusement. "The new head of Voss Group. I hear you've been keeping things lively lately."
Serena wasn't fazed by his aura. She strode to the sofa across from him, sat down, crossed her legs, and replied calmly, "Lively is a gift others have handed me. I'm just the one unwrapping it."
Lucian raised an eyebrow, walking over to sit opposite her. He crossed his long legs, fingers tapping lightly on the armrest. "Word is your uncle sent someone to put a gun to your head, and now your company's stock has taken a few hits. You're here because you want me to clean up your mess?"
The provocation was blatant—enough to rattle most people—but Serena only smiled, her gray-green eyes locking onto his. "No, I'm here to propose a partnership. Richard's got outside forces behind him. I need your resources and connections to rip them out by the roots."
"Oh?" Lucian leaned back, a flicker of intrigue in his gaze. "And why should I help you? Steele Group isn't short on partners."
Serena didn't rush to answer. She pulled a file from her bag and slid it across to him. "This is the latest R&D plan from Voss Group's biotech division—a drug that could let werewolves shift into humans at will. If it succeeds, I'll give you priority investment rights."
Lucian took the file, flipping through a few pages, his brow creasing slightly. He understood its value instantly. Werewolf territory might be rich in resources, but the clan's survival remained a constant challenge. If Serena was telling the truth, this deal could be a game-changer for both his business and the werewolves.
"Smart," he said, closing the file and looking up at her. "But what makes you think I'd trust you to deliver? Voss Group's a mess right now—you might not even hold your seat."
Serena stood, stepping closer until she was just a few paces from him, looking down at him with unwavering confidence. "Because I don't make moves I'm not sure of. Richard's a thorn—I'll pull him out—but I need a strong hammer to do it. And you, Lucian Steele, are that hammer."
Her words were bold, almost audacious, and for a moment, the air in the office seemed to freeze. Lucian stared at her, a strange glint flashing in his amber eyes. Then he laughed—a low, throaty sound spilling from his throat. "Interesting. You're the most unique woman I've ever met."
He rose, towering over her by a full head, his presence pressing down once more, but Serena didn't flinch, meeting his gaze head-on. They locked eyes for a few tense seconds before Lucian stepped back, his tone softening. "Fine, I'll help you. But there's a condition—next Friday, I'm hosting a party in the Upper East Side. All the high-society types will be there. You're coming with me."
"A party?" Serena arched an eyebrow.
"Yes." Lucian's lips curved slightly, his eyes glinting with mischief. "I want them to know who Steele Group's new ally is. And I want to see if you can handle that pack of old foxes."
Serena considered it for a moment, then nodded. "Deal."
She turned to leave, her posture straight and striking. Lucian watched her go, his fingers absently tracing the edge of the file as she exited. He muttered under his breath, "Serena Voss… what an intriguing woman."
Outside, Caleb approached her, his voice low. "How'd it go?"
Serena glanced at him, her tone casual. "It's done. But things are about to get even livelier."
Caleb frowned, a trace of something sour in his voice. "He's making you go to a party? That guy's obviously not easy to handle. Getting so close to him—I…" He paused, clenching his fists and lowering his head. "I'm not comfortable with it."
Serena stopped, turning to face him, a playful spark in her eyes. "What's this? Jealousy?"
Caleb's face flushed instantly, and he stammered, "I… no! I mean, he's the type with deep schemes. You need to be careful around him."
Serena chuckled softly, stepping closer to pat his shoulder. "Relax, Caleb. I know what I'm doing. He's the hammer, you're my shield. You both have your roles."
Caleb looked up at her, his expression a mix of relief and barely concealed disappointment.
Serena said nothing more, heading toward the elevator. Caleb trailed behind, his steps half a beat slower than usual, his gaze lingering on her back like that of a loyal, devoted pup.