Chapter 45

Serena's POV

As I approached the entrance of StarRiver Group, my heels clicking against the polished steps. I'd perfected the art of projecting calm authority, even when my morning was about to be disrupted by an unwelcome presence.

Nina stood by the revolving doors, affecting concern with practiced precision. Her cream-colored designer dress and perfectly styled hair screamed 'innocent younger sister' - a role she'd mastered over the years.

"Serena," she called out, her voice honey-sweet with fabricated worry. "Father's been trying to reach you all day."

I maintained my stride, not bothering to slow down. "My phone died."

"He's really worried about you." Nina fell into step beside me, her shorter legs working harder to match my pace. "You should at least call him back."

I caught the curious glances from employees entering the building. I stopped abruptly and turned to face her, my voice low but sharp. "Is he worried about me, or worried about himself?"

The flash of uncertainty in her eyes confirmed my suspicion. She was Lawrence's messenger, sent to gauge my stance on the factory situation.

"I don't understand why you're being like this," she said, her lower lip trembling slightly. "We're family."

"Family." I let the word hang between us, heavy with unspoken accusations. "If that's all, I have a company to run."

I left her standing there, knowing the dismissal would sting more than any words I could have chosen. The security guard nodded respectfully as I passed, and I felt Nina's gaze boring into my back until the elevator doors closed between us.

My office provided a momentary sanctuary. I inhaled the familiar scent of fresh coffee that Vincent had already placed on my desk. When my phone rang, I allowed myself a small, bitter smile. Right on schedule.

"Serena." Lawrence's voice carried that particular tone of authority he reserved for when he felt his control slipping. "You know how serious the factory situation is. Why aren't you answering my calls?"

I spun my chair to face the window, watching a cloud pass over the sun. "Is this a command performance? Should I bow before answering the royal summons?"

"This isn't a joke." His frustration crackled through the line. "Do you realize what could happen if this goes to court?"

"Perfectly." I traced the rim of my coffee cup with one finger. "The police have evidence of systematic safety violations. The prosecution has witnesses."

The silence that followed told me he hadn't expected me to be so well-informed. I pressed my advantage.

"I have three conditions," I said, my voice cool and professional. "Accept them, and I'll ensure this stays out of court."

"You're in no position to make demands."

"First," I continued as if he hadn't spoken, "full compensation for Lucas Harrington's medical expenses and damages. Second, a formal apology from those responsible, with a written guarantee against future disruptions. Third," I paused for effect, "Leon Hendrix and Arthur Burton resign immediately. Production operations transfer to my direct oversight."

The sharp intake of breath on the other end was deeply satisfying. "You can't-"

"Those are my terms. The hearing starts in two hours." I glanced at my watch. "I need your answer in the next thirty minutes, or we proceed as scheduled."

"Serena-"

I ended the call with a decisive tap, setting my phone face-down on the desk.

The intercom buzzed softly. "Ms. Sinclair? The legal team is ready for your briefing."

"Thank you, Vincent. I'll be there in five minutes."

Nina's POV

I tapped my perfectly manicured nails against the steering wheel as I pulled into the hospital parking lot. The bouquet of pink carnations lay carefully arranged on my passenger seat, their delicate petals a perfect match for my deliberately chosen outfit. Earlier, I had called Father about my plan to visit Lucas Harrington.

I checked my reflection in the rearview mirror one last time. The soft pink blouse complemented my complexion perfectly, and my makeup struck just the right balance between natural and alluring. I had learned exactly how to present myself during my time with Ian - a skill that had served me well. If I could win over someone as proper as Ian Whitmore, surely Lucas Harrington wouldn't be immune to my charms.

The private wing of the hospital screamed luxury, all granite floors and hushed voices. I found his room easily enough - the largest VIP suite on the floor. Taking a deep breath, I adjusted my expression into one of gentle concern before knocking softly.

The sight of him nearly took my breath away. Even lying in a hospital bed, Lucas Harrington commanded presence. His sharp features and those piercing grey eyes made my heart skip a beat. This was going to be more enjoyable than I'd anticipated.

"Mr. Harrington?" I stepped in with my most graceful walk. "I'm Nina Sinclair. I brought these for you."

His gaze flickered to the flowers, then back to me with such disinterest that I felt my first twinge of uncertainty. "Serena's sister," I added quickly, letting my smile turn shy.

"Half-sister," he corrected coldly. "Same father, different mothers."

I felt my smile strain but kept it firmly in place. "Yes, well... I wanted to come check on you. Serena's been so worried, but she's been swamped with work..." I moved to place the flowers on his bedside table.

"Worried?" His voice sharp. "The same way you were worried about her when you pursued her fiancé?"

I froze, my fingers still wrapped around the flower stems. "That's... Ian and I... it wasn't like that." My voice wavered exactly the way I wanted it to. "We fell in love naturally. These things happen..."

"Save it." The two words sliced through my explanation like a knife. "I'm not interested in your version of events. Or in anything else you have to say."

Heat crept up my neck, but I forced myself to stay composed. This was just a minor setback. Men like Lucas Harrington enjoyed the chase - I just needed to adjust my strategy. After all, I had won Ian over despite his initial devotion to Serena. This would be no different.

The sound of the door opening made me turn, and there she was. Serena looked annoyingly put-together in her designer suit.

"I was just leaving," I said softly, gathering my dignity around me like a shield. I had almost reached the door when Lucas's voice stopped me.

Serena and I locked eyes, and I couldn't help the small smirk that tugged at my lips. Poor Serena, always showing up at the worst moments.

"Miss Sinclair."

My heart leaped. I turned back, letting hope and vulnerability show in my expression - a look that had never failed to work on men before.

"Yes?"

His eyes met mine, cold and sharp as winter frost. "I should mention something. I have a severe allergy."

I blinked, glancing at the carnations still in my hands. "Oh! I'm so sorry about the flowers-"

"Not to the flowers." His voice was precise, cutting. "To you. Please don't show up here again."

The words hit like a physical blow. I stood there, frozen, as humiliation burned through my veins. Through the roaring in my ears, I heard Serena's small intake of breath. The flowers trembled in my grip as I forced myself to walk - not run - to the door.

Only when I was safely in my car did I let the tears fall, hot and angry down my cheeks. This wasn't over. Not by a long shot. Serena might have won this round, but I had learned from my experiment with Ian. I knew how to play the long game.