Serena tapped her finger lazily against the edge of the mattress, her voice laced with impatience. "My role as a consultant only covers keeping Specimen Seven alive until we dock at Whitecliffe Harbor."
"I only got paid to stabilize it. Now you expect me to play tour guide too?"
Hearing her tone, Director Kaelen immediately understood her implication.
Without waiting for her to demand a price hike, he offered proactively, "Rest assured, Your Excellency. The ship will provide additional compensation for your escort services."
"How much?" Serena drawled lazily.
Director Kaelen quoted a figure.
Serena said nothing.
Sweat prickling at his brow, he hastily tacked on another substantial amount.
Only then did a slow smile spread across her face. "It seems the administration is finally learning how things work."
Director Kaelen secretly exhaled a breath of relief. "So, does this mean Your Excellency accepts..."
Serena sat up gracefully, a faint chuckle in her voice. "Once the money hits my account, I'll be there."
He replied instantly, "Understood. I'll process the transfer immediately."
Meanwhile.
Up in the highest VIP tier of The Merchant's Quarter.
Inside Nicholas's suite.
A new notification from the ship flashed across the massive terminal screen.
[Sentient Cargo Status: Provisionally Stabilized.]
[Priority Viewing Clearance Confirmed for Top-Tier Client: The Sterling Sovereign.]
[Viewing Schedule: Pending Final Confirmation.]
[Due to potential medical risks associated with the cargo, a specialized medical consultant will be assigned as escort.]
[Escort Consultant: The Panacea.]
Nicholas sat heavily on the sofa, his black shirt unbuttoned at the collar. His posture was languid yet exuded a cold, aristocratic elegance.
When his gaze landed on the words "The Panacea," his alluring eyes narrowed slightly.
The Panacea was highly likely the very person the ship had scrambled to hire to save the cargo.
The ship mandating a medical escort for the entire viewing.
On the surface, it was to brief the buyers on the asset's condition.
But in reality, it screamed of paranoia that the cargo might spiral out of control during the showcase.
Which meant the danger level of this sentient cargo was far greater than what Dr. Geoffrey Grant had estimated.
And this Panacea was already closer to the truth than almost anyone else on board.
Nicholas leaned back against the leather upholstery, tapping his fingertips rhythmically against the table.
Back when he was dining with the Lancaster family.
Julian had offhandedly mentioned this exact name.
It was someone Hazel had connections with one of the embedded assets Serena had positioned on this ship.
Serena hadn't boarded, but the operative she planted not only infiltrated successfully, they were now among the first to directly interact with the cargo.
This Panacea must be holding a massive amount of intel.
Nicholas's eyes deepened into a predatory shade.
Originally, he couldn't have cared less about whatever medical consultant the ship assigned.
But now...
This private viewing might just yield far more valuable information than the cargo itself.
He was incredibly eager to find out exactly how much this Panacea knew.
He only hoped she wouldn't disappoint him.
Staring at the fresh deposit in her account, a look of profound satisfaction settled across Serena's features.
She buried herself into the mountain
of cash on her bed once again,
throwing an arm over an open
briefcase overflowing with
hundred-dollar bills. fo FindNovel.net
She looked every bit the absolute money-grubber, determined to sleep while guarding her newly acquired fortune.
The cameras in the corners whirred silently. Seemingly oblivious to them, Serena hugged a stack of bills tight against her chest a cortent smile on her face as she drifted into a deep sleep.
In truth, she was simply waiting.
Waiting for this Fenris to prove he was smart enough.
Smart enough to decode the true meaning hidden in her words.
"As long as nobody touches the thing inside, it won't die before we reach Whitecliffe
Harbor."