The night in the Upper East Side shimmered with dreamlike brilliance, its streets adorned with twinkling lights. Inside a grand, classical manor, glasses clinked, and the air buzzed with the rustle of elegant attire and perfumed sophistication. Serena stepped out of a sleek black Bentley, her arm linked with Lucian's. She wore a deep red velvet gown, its smooth shoulder lines accentuating a cinched waist, the hem trailing behind her like a cascade of flames. Slender diamond earrings swayed delicately by her ears, framing her striking, icy beauty—an aura so commanding it was impossible to ignore.
Lucian, clad in a black tuxedo with a wolf-shaped brooch pinned to his lapel, exuded a refined yet predatory air. His amber eyes gleamed deeper under the lights as he leaned close to her ear, his voice a low murmur. "My people dug up something. The force behind Richard is tied to a port district gang. They're after Voss Group's overseas logistics channels."
Serena tilted her head slightly, a chill flashing through her gray-green eyes. "The port district? So he's not just after my seat—he wants to sell the whole company." She paused, her lips curving upward. "Thank you, Lucian. That's valuable intel."
Lucian raised an eyebrow, his tone laced with playful skepticism. "Don't thank me yet. Tonight's the real battlefield."
They entered the manor's grand hall, where the party was already in full swing. The room brimmed with New York's elite—bankers, real estate tycoons, politicians—all wearing practiced smiles that masked the sharp, predatory glint in their eyes. The moment Serena appeared, whispers rippled through the crowd.
"Isn't that the new Voss Group boss?"
"I heard she fell out with her uncle—and nearly got shot."
"She's here with Lucian Steele. That woman's no pushover."
Serena paid no mind to the murmurs. She released Lucian's arm, picked up a glass of champagne, and strode confidently into the heart of the gathering. Lucian lingered behind, hands in his pockets, his gaze trailing her with a faint, upward curl of his lips.
The first to approach was a balding middle-aged man, one of Richard's allies, Robert Crane. He held a glass of wine, his smile dripping with insincerity. "Miss Serena, I hear things have been rocky at Voss Group lately. Need a hand? I'm on good terms with Richard—I could put in a word for you."
Serena turned, swirling her champagne lightly, her voice calm but edged with steel. "Mr. Crane, how kind of you. But I hear you pocketed five million in 'consulting fees' from Richard last month. And now you want to speak for me? Your nerve's worth more than your hairline."
Laughter erupted around them. Robert's face flushed crimson, his attempt at a retort faltering, only to be silenced by Serena's next strike. "By the way, I've traced where that five million went. If you don't want to make tomorrow's headlines, I'd suggest keeping your distance."
Robert froze, then slunk away in defeat. Serena turned back to the crowd, engaging others with the same precision and bite—her words a hidden blade slicing through façades. She bantered effortlessly with a banker, deflecting his probing with ease, then sparred with a politician, cornering him into pledging support for Voss Group's loans.
Lucian watched from a distance, his initial scrutiny softening into admiration, even curiosity. This woman wasn't just clever—she thrived in this den of vipers, moving with the grace and danger of a leopardess. He picked up a glass of whiskey and approached, his voice low. "You're even more impressive than I thought."
Serena glanced at him, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "This is just the appetizer."
Lucian stepped closer, his tone dropping into something faintly suggestive. "Then I'm looking forward to the main course. You know, every eye in the room is on you tonight—even I can't help stealing a few extra glances."
Serena paused, turning to meet his gaze, a playful glint in her gray-green eyes. "Lucian, let's not forget we're partners. Look all you want—just don't get any ideas."
He chuckled lowly, stepping back half a pace, though he didn't deny her warning. "Don't worry, I know my limits. But someone like you—it's hard not to wonder."
Just then, the band struck up a waltz, the party's energy surging to a crescendo. Lucian extended a hand, offering an inviting gesture. "Dance with me?"
Serena hesitated for a heartbeat before placing her hand in his. They glided into the dance floor, their steps seamless and fluid. Her red gown flared with each turn, a blaze of fire, while Lucian's dark figure moved like a wolf king in the night—a striking contrast that captivated the room.
Every gaze fixed on them—some envious, some jealous, others calculating. Serena felt Lucian's hand tighten slightly at her waist, his eyes growing deeper, as if trying to pierce through to her core.
As the song ended, she slipped her hand free and offered a faint smile. "Thank you, my dance partner. It's been a pleasant evening."
Lucian held her gaze, his voice soft. "My pleasure. I'm growing more curious about what kind of woman you really are."
Serena didn't reply, turning instead toward the terrace, leaving him with the sight of her poised, enigmatic silhouette. The night breeze rustled her gown as she stepped outside, radiating a queenly glow. Behind her, Lucian's eyes lingered, his smile deepening.
Tonight, she ruled the party—and he was utterly captivated.