The next morning, the mansion felt colder than usual. Seren had not slept well. Thoughts of Rowan's warning and Alaric's silent stare haunted her. Every shadow in the hallway seemed longer, heavier.
She drank her coffee slowly, trying to calm her nerves. The sun hit the city skyline through the wide windows, but it brought no comfort. The world looked perfect from up here. The truth underneath was chaos.
Alaric appeared in the kitchen doorway, tie loose, sleeves rolled up. He didn't smile. He rarely did.
"You're awake early," he said. His tone was neutral but sharp.
"I couldn't sleep," Seren replied. "Too many thoughts."
He leaned against the counter, silent for a moment. Then, "I need you to understand something."
She braced herself.
"The people who ruined your family," he said slowly, "they're still out there. And they will come for you. Not just for revenge. To send me a message."
Seren stared at him. "And you?"
"I protect what I care about. You're included. But I can't shield you from everything. Not when others are involved."
The words were a warning, and she felt it deep in her chest.
---
Hours later, Seren was dressed and heading toward the study when she noticed movement outside. A black SUV lingered near the gates. Guards noticed it too, but the vehicle didn't move. No plates. No logo.
Her heart rate spiked.
Alaric joined her silently, observing. "I see it," he said. "Stay calm. Watch everything. Don't approach."
She nodded, gripping the edge of the railing. She felt both small and exposed.
The SUV stayed until the sun rose fully. Then it disappeared.
"You felt that?" Seren asked quietly.
"Danger doesn't knock. It waits," Alaric replied. His eyes were sharper than usual. "And it's already here."
---
By afternoon, the mansion's energy shifted. Guards doubled. Cameras moved. Everyone was tense.
Seren spent the day studying security feeds, listening to conversations, noting every detail. She realized Alaric had eyes everywhere, but he missed nothing, not even the subtle glances exchanged between the staff.
A young assistant hurried up to her. "Mrs. Vale, there's someone at the front. He claims he's a delivery man."
Seren's stomach sank. "Do not let him in," she said firmly.
Alaric appeared behind her, moving silently. "Good instinct. Let him wait."
The man was kept at the gates, but Seren watched him closely. Something about his posture, the way he held the package, didn't feel right.
Hours passed. Finally, Alaric instructed, "Search it. Everything."
The package contained documents. Nothing threatening. But Seren knew it was a test. A warning.
---
That evening, Alaric invited Seren to the study.
"You saw the SUV," he said as he closed the door behind her. "It's not over. Whoever wants to hurt me or my empire knows how to reach you. I can't guarantee protection outside these walls."
She looked down. "Then why stay?"
"Because leaving means weakness," he replied. "And weakness invites attack."
She swallowed hard. "I didn't come here to be safe."
"You came here for revenge," Alaric said. "And you're learning that revenge always comes with risk."
Seren nodded. "I'm not afraid."
Alaric studied her face. "You should be. At least a little. It keeps you sharp."
They were silent for a moment. Seren realized this mansion, this billionaire, was teaching her something she didn't want to admit.
"Do you trust me?" Alaric asked suddenly.
Seren hesitated. She wanted to lie. She wanted to say no. But the truth was, she didn't know.
"I… I don't know yet," she admitted.
He didn't push. He only nodded once.
"Good," he said. "Trust too soon gets people killed."
---
Later, Seren returned to her room. She checked her phone. No messages from Rowan. No warnings. Just silence.
She sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the ring on her finger.
She had thought marriage was part of her plan. A way to get close. A tool.
But now, it felt like a cage.
And she didn't know whether it was for her protection—or her punishment.
Outside, the city lights glimmered like a promise and a threat all at once.
Seren whispered to herself:
"Then I'll fight. Even if it kills me."