Chapter 17 - Seraphina

The house was unnervingly quiet without Iris. The absence of her playful chatter and tiny footsteps felt like a void I couldn't quite ignore. As much as I missed her, I knew sending her back to school was the right decision. She deserved normalcy, far from the storm brewing around me.

Standing by the window, I watched the car carrying her fade into the distance. A sigh escaped my lips as I rested my forehead against the cool glass.

"She'll be fine," Adrian's voice cut through the silence behind me.

"I know," I replied softly, still staring out. "But it feels too quiet now."

Adrian walked closer, his presence commanding yet comforting. "Enjoy it while it lasts. The peace won't be here for long."

He wasn't wrong. With Iris away, there was no excuse left. It was time to focus on my father. His secrets, his plans—everything he had buried deep would now be unearthed.

Lyra, my best friend and secretary, arrived shortly after, bustling into the room with her usual energy. She placed her laptop on the table, her sharp eyes scanning the documents Adrian had prepared. Lyra was more than a friend; she was my rock, someone I could always count on. And now, she was just as determined as I was to take my father down.

Nick strolled in a few moments later, a teasing smirk plastered across his face as usual. "Well, aren't we all serious today?" he said, flopping onto one of the chairs.

"Maybe because this isn't a joke," Lyra shot back, rolling her eyes at him.

Nick raised his hands in surrender. "Easy there, boss lady. I'm on your side, remember?"

Adrian, standing at the head of the table, crossed his arms. "Enough," he said, his voice firm. "We need to stay focused."

Lyra pulled up a series of files on her laptop. "Your father's been busy, Sera. He's transferring large sums of money into offshore accounts. It's not just business—it's a setup for something big."

I leaned forward, my stomach twisting at the thought. "And dangerous, no doubt."

Adrian's gaze locked on mine. "Whatever it is, we'll stop it. But we need to move carefully. He's not just powerful; he's unpredictable."

"I know," I said, swallowing hard. "And that's why we can't wait any longer. He's already done enough damage."

Nick, leaning back in his chair, studied me for a moment. "You're ready for this?"

"I've been ready for years," I replied, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside me.

Adrian stepped closer, his eyes filled with quiet determination. "We'll end this. Together."

Lyra nodded, her fingers flying over her keyboard as she pulled up more data. "I'm with you every step of the way."

Nick smirked. "Same here. Though I reserve the right to complain if things get boring."

I couldn't help but smile at that, a small bubble of warmth breaking through my fear. With Adrian, Lyra, and Nick by my side, I felt stronger than I ever had. My father had cast a long shadow over my life, but now, I was ready to face him.

This wasn't just about justice—it was about freedom. For me. For Iris. And for everyone who had suffered at his hands.

I leaned back against the couch, staring at the laptop screen Nick had placed in front of us. My head throbbed slightly, a combination of frustration and lack of sleep. Iris's kidnapping wasn't sitting right with Adrian—or with me. Something bigger was behind it, and the thought twisted my stomach.

Nick cleared his throat. "We didn't kill the maid. Adrian just injured her, so we could monitor what happens next."

I rolled my eyes. "Oh, how thoughtful of you," I muttered. "Should we send her a thank-you note for participating in your grand scheme of justice?"

Adrian shot me a warning look, his lips twitching like he was holding back a smirk. "Focus, Seraphina."

Lyra snickered beside me. "I mean, she's not wrong. You guys play everything like it's chess. Someone's going to lose their head, literally."

Nick ignored us both and clicked play on the footage. On the grainy screen, the maid was slumped in a corner of the warehouse, clutching her wound. Minutes passed before two shadowy figures entered the frame.

Adrian leaned forward. "Turn up the audio."

"I doubt it'll help," Nick said. "They're whispering."

The two men approached the maid, their faces blurred by the poor camera quality. One crouched beside her, whispering something inaudible while the other stood by, looking around cautiously.

Lyra frowned. "They're definitely not medics."

The crouching man suddenly stood, pulled out a gun, and without hesitation, shot the maid in the head. I flinched, biting the inside of my cheek to keep from reacting. The men exchanged a brief glance before heading out of the frame.

Adrian cursed under his breath, running a hand through his hair. "Rewind it."

"Rewind? What, you want to relive that masterpiece?" I said sarcastically, earning a glare from Nick this time.

Lyra tapped my arm. "Let the boys do their thing."

"Why, so we can watch two walking clichés murder someone again?"

Lyra shook her head, trying not to laugh, while Adrian ignored me entirely, his focus on the screen. Nick rewound the footage, this time focusing on the car parked outside the warehouse.

"Zoom in on the plate," Adrian said.

Nick did as instructed, enhancing the image as much as possible. The license plate came into focus.

"Got it," Nick said, scribbling it down. "Now we trace it."

"Step aside," Lyra said, cracking her knuckles and pulling her laptop toward her. Her fingers flew over the keys, her expression sharp and focused. Within minutes, she leaned back, a name flashing on the screen.

"Car's registered under a company called Roses and Ferns," she said.

The room went quiet for a moment. My stomach sank as the name echoed in my head.

Adrian frowned. "Roses and Ferns? What is that?"

Lyra and I exchanged a knowing look. "Jennifer Rosenberg," I said, my voice flat.

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "And who is she?"

"Only the woman who's been trying to ruin my life since high school," I said bitterly.

Lyra nodded. "She's been trying to one-up Seraphina in every way possible for years. Business, reputation, you name it."

Adrian crossed his arms, his jaw tightening. "And now she's involving herself in kidnapping your daughter?"

I exhaled sharply, my hands curling into fists. "I wouldn't put it past her. If Jennifer's behind this, we're in for a fight."

Adrian's eyes darkened as he spoke. "Good. Let her try."

I blinked at him, startled by the steel in his tone. For a moment, I almost believed we could win this war. Almost.

Lyra leaned back in her chair, tapping her chin with a pen. "Jennifer has a soft spot for handsome men," she said, her tone teasing.

Nick perked up immediately. "Handsome? Well, I guess that rules me in." He grinned, flexing an imaginary bicep.

Adrian rolled his eyes and pointed to the door. "Great, Nick. Off you go. Win her over with that sparkling personality of yours."

Lyra snorted. "Let's be real, Nick. You'd probably trip over your words, call her 'ma'am,' and hand her our entire plan on a silver platter."

Nick placed a dramatic hand over his heart. "Wow. The betrayal. I thought we were a team!"

Lyra smirked and leaned toward Adrian. "My vote's for him."

Adrian immediately held up a hand. "No. Absolutely not. Why am I the default choice? Why not Nick? Or better yet, why not you?"

Lyra raised an eyebrow and exchanged a glance with Nick. Without saying a word, they both scooted closer to each other and threw their arms around one another.

"We're the back-end team," Lyra announced with a grin.

"Yeah," Nick agreed. "Brains of the operation. You know, the ones who don't risk their pretty faces."

Adrian blinked, clearly unimpressed. "This is a setup. A conspiracy."

I couldn't hold back my laugh. "Jennifer isn't going to buy it if you send Nick or Lyra. And as for me—" I gestured to myself. "There's no way she'd believe I have a boyfriend. Not when it's me."

Adrian crossed his arms, his jaw tightening. "And why is that?"

I raised a brow. "Because everyone knows Jennifer wouldn't settle for someone who hates her. It has to be someone neutral—or someone charming enough to fake it."

Lyra nodded in agreement. "That means you, Adrian."

Adrian threw his hands in the air. "So, let me get this straight. You're all volunteering me to play the sacrificial lamb in front of the woman who's probably orchestrating half the chaos in our lives?"

Nick shrugged. "Pretty much, yeah."

Adrian turned to me with an exaggerated pout. "And what about you, wifey? What if you get jealous seeing another woman liking your husband?"

I rolled my eyes so hard it was a wonder they didn't get stuck. "Oh, please. You'd be lucky if she even likes you."

Lyra burst out laughing. "She's got a point, Adrian. Jennifer's taste is... specific."

Adrian sighed dramatically, looking at Nick and Lyra. "Unbelievable. You two are hiding in the shadows while I'm thrown to the wolves."

Nick gave him a thumbs-up. "That's leadership, my friend."

"More like martyrdom," Adrian muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose.

I smirked and crossed my arms. "Admit it, Adrian. You're the best option."

He looked at me, his gaze softening just a fraction, before letting out a long breath. "Fine. But if she starts falling for me, don't say I didn't warn you."

Lyra grinned. "Oh, trust us. We'll be rooting for her to keep you."

"Traitors," Adrian grumbled, turning to Nick. "And you! You better be on standby if this goes south."

Nick clapped him on the shoulder with a grin. "Don't worry, boss. We've got your back... from a very safe distance."

Adrian shook his head, muttering something under his breath as we all burst out laughing. Despite his protests, we all knew he was the best shot we had at getting close to Jennifer Rosenberg.

As Adrian walked away to meet Jennifer, my eyes couldn't help but follow him. Damn, how could I not notice just how handsome he looked?

His broad shoulders filled out that tailored suit perfectly, the deep navy fabric hugging his frame in all the right places. His dark hair, just the right length, fell effortlessly, giving him that "I woke up like this" charm that only a few men could pull off. I couldn't help but watch the way he moved—there was something so effortlessly confident in the way he walked, like he owned every room he entered.

But it was his eyes that really got me. Those Prussian blue eyes—dark, deep, and mesmerizing. They weren't just blue; they were a stormy, ocean-like shade of navy that made my heart skip a beat every time they locked with mine. There was something dangerous in them, something powerful, and yet... incredibly alluring. It was impossible not to get lost in them.

His jawline was sharp enough to cut glass, and his lips... those damn lips. When he spoke, they seemed to move with such precision, and all I could think about was how they'd feel against mine. I shook my head, mentally slapping myself. What was I even thinking?

But the thing that really got me was the way he carried himself. His presence demanded attention, and everyone seemed to fall under his spell without question. It was as if the air shifted when he walked into the room, like he was the center of everything. I hated how his confidence radiated from every pore, how he could charm anyone with just a smile.

God, he was so damn handsome it almost hurt to look at him sometimes. And the worst part was that, as much as I tried to convince myself I wasn't affected, I totally was. Adrian had this ability to completely take over my thoughts whenever he was near. His charm was infuriating, especially when he was being so goddamn smooth with Jennifer.

I couldn't tear my eyes away as he leaned in slightly, speaking to her, that knowing grin on his face. There it was—the kind of grin that promised mischief and trouble. Why did he have to be so damn perfect? And why the hell was I even thinking about him like this?

I forced myself to breathe, to look away, but it was no use. Every time I tried to focus on something else, my mind would wander back to him. Adrian. He knew how to drive me crazy without even trying. And it pissed me off that he was the one making me feel like this, while I was supposed to be the one in control.

Sitting in the dark corner of the club, my arms crossed tightly over my chest, I watched Adrian stroll toward Jennifer with the confidence of someone who knew they'd already won. The microchip in his ear transmitted every word of his conversation to us, and every syllable made my blood boil.

Nick leaned back in his chair, casually chewing on peanuts. "He's got the walk down. Smooth, calculated. This guy should've been an actor."

I shot him a glare. "You're enjoying this too much."

He grinned, unfazed. "I mean, who wouldn't? It's like watching live theater."

Through the earpiece, Adrian's deep, smooth voice came through loud and clear.

"Good evening," he said to Jennifer, his tone laced with charm. "Mind if I join you?"

Jennifer's laugh was light and flirtatious. "Well, that depends. What's a handsome man like you doing all alone in a place like this?"

Nick smirked. "Oh, he's laying it on thick. Classic move."

"Nick," I hissed, "shut up."

Adrian chuckled softly, the sound irritatingly genuine. "Waiting for the right company. Seems like I've found it."

Jennifer laughed again, her voice making me grip my glass so tightly I thought it might shatter. "You're quite the charmer. What's your name?"

"Adrian," he said smoothly. "And you?"

"Jennifer," she replied. "But I have a feeling you already knew that."

Nick snorted. "She's sharp. I like her."

I whipped my head toward him. "Nick, I swear to God—"

"Relax, Seraphina," he said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "It's just a job, remember?"

Meanwhile, Adrian continued his infuriatingly perfect performance.

"Well, Jennifer, I couldn't help but notice you the moment I walked in. A woman like you tends to stand out."

Jennifer giggled, leaning in closer. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Adrian."

I muttered under my breath, my stomach twisting. "Shameless. Both of them."

Jennifer's voice came through again, this time dripping with curiosity. "So, Adrian, what do you do? You don't strike me as the usual crowd here."

Adrian laughed lightly. "Let's just say I dabble in... acquisitions."

Nick raised an eyebrow. "Nice. Mysterious but vague. Classic spy move."

I glared at him. "Do you ever stop talking?"

Through the earpiece, Jennifer's laugh rang out again. "Interesting. And what brings you to this club tonight?"

Adrian leaned in closer, his tone dropping into something dangerously smooth. "I was hoping to meet someone as intriguing as you."

Nick clapped his hands softly. "Bravo. Ten out of ten delivery."

I groaned, rubbing my temples. "I'm surrounded by idiots."

Jennifer's voice softened. "You're quite good at this, Adrian. Tell me, do you always make women feel this special?"

"Only when they deserve it," Adrian replied, his tone smooth as silk.

I rolled my eyes, my blood boiling. "Unbelievable."

Nick leaned closer to me, grinning. "Jealous much?"

"I am not jealous," I snapped, though my voice betrayed me.

Jennifer's laugh grew softer, more intimate. "Well, Adrian, consider me intrigued. Why don't we move somewhere quieter to talk?"

Adrian hesitated for a fraction of a second. "As tempting as that sounds, I enjoy the atmosphere here. Besides, I wouldn't want to miss seeing your smile under these lights."

Nick burst out laughing. "Oh, he's good. She's eating it up."

Before I could retort, Adrian's voice cut through the earpiece again.

"Tell me, Jennifer, what's a successful woman like you doing in the company of roses and ferns?"

Jennifer's laugh faltered slightly, and I sat up straighter, suddenly more alert.

"Roses and Ferns is just a business, Adrian," she said lightly. "Nothing more."

"Hmm," Adrian hummed, his tone playful but probing. "Funny. Most florists don't need armed guards."

Jennifer leaned back slightly, her tone turning guarded. "You're observant, Adrian. I like that. But let's not talk business tonight, shall we?"

Adrian smirked, and I could hear it in his voice. "Of course. After all, the evening is young."

I clenched my fists under the table. Every second of this exchange made my chest tighten, and I hated how it felt. Watching Adrian flirt so effortlessly with Jennifer, even for the mission, was like swallowing shards of glass.

Nick nudged me with his elbow. "He's handling it. Relax."

"I'm perfectly calm," I said through gritted teeth.

Adrian glanced over his shoulder briefly, his eyes locking with mine for a split second. His smirk deepened, and I knew he was fully aware of the effect this was having on me.

That smug, infuriating...

Jennifer's voice pulled me back to the conversation. "Well, Adrian, you're full of surprises. I look forward to seeing what other tricks you have up your sleeve."

Nick chuckled. "She's hooked. Mission accomplished."

But as I watched Adrian lean in closer to Jennifer, laughing softly at something she said, I couldn't shake the knot in my stomach.

This wasn't just about the mission anymore. And I hated it.

I could barely sit still as I watched Adrian and Jennifer's exchange unfold in front of me. My eyes flicked from Adrian's confident, yet teasing smile to Jennifer's flirtatious laugh, and it made something inside me tighten. The knot in my stomach only got worse as they stood closer to each other, the chemistry between them almost palpable.

Nick could sense my growing agitation, but he didn't say anything. He knew I was struggling, and he was just letting me simmer in my frustration.

Then it happened.

Jennifer, with that mischievous grin on her face, reached up and lightly cupped Adrian's face. He froze for just a second, his usual cool demeanor flickering. But before I could process what was happening, she planted a soft, lingering kiss on his cheek.

I was up before I even realized it, my fists clenched tightly at my sides. I could feel my heart hammering in my chest, and a wave of pure rage washed over me.

"That bitch!" I spat under my breath, moving toward the door, ready to storm over there and rip her away from Adrian.

"Seraphina, wait—" Nick's voice rang out behind me, but I didn't stop.

"Don't you dare," I muttered, my voice shaking with anger. "I swear, if she touches him one more time—"

I was just steps away from the exit, my focus solely on Jennifer and Adrian when Nick appeared in front of me, grabbing my arms to stop me.

"Seraphina, stop! You can't do this!"

I struggled against his grip, fury clouding my thoughts. "She kissed him! Right in front of me, Nick! On his cheek! She can't just—"

"I know! But if you walk over there right now, you're going to make it worse. Adrian knows what he's doing, okay? He's got this under control. You need to calm down!"

"Calm down?" I yelled, glaring at him. "She kissed him! I was just standing there, watching her kiss him, and I—"

Nick gave me a look that could only be described as both amused and exasperated. "I know you're pissed. But trust me, if you go charging over there, you're going to look like a jealous mess."

The words stung more than I'd like to admit. But he wasn't wrong.

I huffed, taking a few deep breaths, trying to steady myself. My heart still raced, my fists still clenched, but somehow I managed to pull myself back from the edge.

Nick finally released his hold on me, though his eyes stayed firmly on me. "You really like him, don't you?"

I bit my lip, unwilling to admit it out loud. "It's complicated."

"Not for me," he said with a grin. "But hey, I won't say anything if you won't. Just... let Adrian handle it. And if things get too far out of hand, I'm here to punch some people for you."

I shot him a glare, but he only winked. I rolled my eyes in response.

As we stood there, waiting for Adrian to deal with the situation with Jennifer, my thoughts churned. I was frustrated, angry, and—admittedly—jealous. Watching Jennifer lean into Adrian like that, kissing him without a second thought, made me feel like I was suffocating.

But I knew, deep down, this wasn't about her.

It was about me not wanting to lose him.