Having said that, Serena released Nicholas's tie.
She turned her gaze, sweeping it across the top-tier suite.
Suddenly pushing Nicholas away, she clicked her heels and took a leisurely stroll around the spacious, luxurious room.
"The best suite really is something else." Serena trailed a hand over one piece of furniture after another, clicking her tongue in appreciation. "Look at this carpet, this sofa... my goodness, even the wall sconces..."
Every corner radiated an extravagance built purely on massive stacks of cash.
"Mr. Sterling Sovereign, your place is lightyears better than my room."
After finishing her little tour, Serena raised an eyebrow, flashed Nicholas a casual smirk, and held up two fingers.
The ship's organizers really knew how to play favorites.
Clearly intimidated by The Sterling Sovereign's status and power, they hadn't dared to cross the line.
In this entire massive suite, there were only two listening devices, and not a single camera.
Unlike her room.
They had actually installed a camera pointed right at her face.
Talk about double standards!
Serena walked over to the liquor cabinet, selecting a bottle of vintage red wine from the impressive collection. "Can you drink?"
Nicholas sat on the sofa, his eyes never leaving her. "Whatever you prefer."
Carrying the bottle and two wine glasses, Serena sauntered back.
She shoved them directly into Nicholas's hands, speaking with absolute authority. "Pour."
Making the supreme leader of the underground's most powerful financial syndicate open and pour her wine—she ordered him around without a shred of hesitation.
Nicholas raised an eyebrow, then broke into a smile. Sitting up straighter, he popped the cork and poured the wine into the glasses.
He offered one to her, a grin playing on his lips. "As you wish- Ms. Panacea, after you."
Serena took the glass, giving it a gentle swirl.
The crimson liquid danced, forming beautiful arches against the crystal.
She didn't take a sip. Instead, she raised an eyebrow at Nicholas. "So, my Patron, when are we settling the bill?"
Nicholas raised his glass, watching her with a smirk.
Serena pouted slightly and clinked her glass against his.
Taking a sip of the red wine, Nicholas pulled out his personal encrypted device and tapped the screen a few times.
"Ding!~"
Serena's device chimed.
She glanced at the string of
numbers on the screen, and her voice-which had held a hint of professional falseness just a moment ago instantly turned exceptionally sweet. "Thank you, my Patron~"
Her eyes curved into crescents as she raised her glass to lightly tap his again. "Working with you is an absolute pleasure~"
Watching her play the role of a greedy little money-grabber to perfection, Nicholas couldn't help but laugh.
She was really leaning into this persona... and playing it flawlessly.
He watched Serena take a sip of wine before suddenly reaching out, catching her wrist, and yanking her back into his lap.
Serena tumbled directly onto his legs.
"Ms. Panacea's life-saving skills are
truly awe-inspiring." The man's warm breath fanned across her ear his voice raspy and laced with a thick, dangerous undertone. "Since I handed over the money so easily, b really should... Inspect the goods myself."
Pressing a hand against his chest, Serena casually traced circles with her finger, smiling with intoxicating allure. "And how exactly does my Patron wish to inspect them?"
Nicholas didn't answer.
He simply snatched the wine glass from her hand.
With a swift motion, he flipped them over, pinning her against the expansive sofa.
The man planted one hand beside her head, while the other firmly gripped her slender waist.
His black silk shirt was slightly unbuttoned, revealing a glimpse of pale collarbone. The rich scent of wine blended with his crisp, cool cologne, completely enveloping Serena.
They were incredibly close.
So close that their breaths were seamlessly woven together.
Laying back against the sofa, Serena
curved her lips into a smile. She even reached up, slowly tracing a finger down his collar, her smile
mix of sweet and wicked. My
Patron, this kind of inspection..."
Her voice was as light as a feather, gently brushing against his heart. "Costs extra."
The man lowered his head, the tip of his nose gently grazing hers, his voice
incredibly hoarse. "Ms. Panacea is so seductive..."
"I've already given you my life; what's a little extra cash?"