Serena flipped her hand over to lace her fingers with his. Her bright, usually indifferent eyes held a rare intensity.
She glanced at Nicholas before turning to her brothers. "I promise you, I won't do anything reckless."
Jasper's eyes widened, staring at her unblinkingly as if trying to spot a single crack in her facade. "Really?"
"Really." Serena's expression was calm and perfectly steady. There wasn't an ounce of guilt in her demeanor as she spoke earnestly, "In three days, we board together." The tension in Jasper's shoulders finally dissipated.
He collapsed back onto the sofa, letting out a long exhale. "Alright. Then we have three days to prep."
Still not entirely convinced, he pointed a finger at her to emphasize his point. "We have a deal. In three days, we all board together."
Jerrick leveled a strict look at Serena. "You are not allowed to go off on your own during these three days."
Julian's elegant features still held a trace of worry, but his tone had completely softened. "Serena, leave the boarding passes, black-market identities, and the boarding channels for Whitecliffe Harbor to us."
"All you need to do is rest, get your strength back, and in three days, we depart as a team."
Nicholas didn't say a word.
He simply held Serena's hand, his thumb gently caressing the back of her knuckles.
His gaze remained locked on her.
It was as if he was trying to verify if her promise was actually genuine.
Serena looked at the men surrounding her.
Seeing their tight expressions and the overwhelming, fiercely protective love they couldn't hide, a slow smile curved her lips.
The smile was faint.
But it was enough to soften her naturally icy features.
"Okay," she nodded. "I'll listen to you guys. We'll board together in three days."
"When the time comes, we'll see who exactly ends up trapped in this little setup.' Jasper slammed a hand on the table. "Then it's settled! Whoever backs out is a total coward!"
Jerrick sighed. "Jasper, you're an older brother now. Can you try acting a little more mature?"
Jasper scoffed defensively. "It's called setting the stakes. Do you even understand the concept?"
Jerrick replied flatly, "No."
Jasper rolled his eyes. "You ancient dinosaur, you don't understand
anything No wonder Serena net
me better than you.
likes
Jerrick's brow twitched. He clenched his fists, shooting an icy glare at his younger brother.
Who said he wasn't favored?
His sister adored him!
Perhaps because Serena had
promised not to act recklessly thet
heavy atmosphere in the room had finally dissipated.
They could even afford to throw a few jokes around.
Just as the two brothers were about to engage in a 'friendly physical debate,' a soft
knock echoed from the door.
They all paused.
Julian walked over and opened it.
Catherine Vinton and Edward Lancaster stood outside.
Catherine was holding a tray, while Edward carried an insulated food container.
Catherine looked at the kids in the room.
Even though none of them showed it on their faces, how could she, as a mother, not notice?
The atmosphere had been suffocating.
It looked as though a literal mountain had been pressing down on each of their shoulders.
Especially Serena.
The young woman looked perfectly calm, her expression cool, as if nothing in the world could faze her.
But Catherine's heart ached for her.
Her daughter had only just returned to her.
She was supposed to be cherished, spoiled, and protected by the entire family.
Yet, she was burdened with so many secrets and so much danger.
But Catherine didn't pry. She just offered a warm smile. "Are you all finished? I brought some late-night snacks."
Jasper immediately jumped up, grinning broadly as he hurried over to take the tray from his mother. "Mom, your timing is perfect! We're starving!"