The VIP Suite.
A soft knock echoed through the room. "Mr. Blackwood. Ms. Panacea."
Director Kaelen's voice drifted through the door.
Compared to his authoritative tone on stage, he sounded painfully cautious and deeply respectful.
Upon receiving permission, Kaelen pushed the door open, only to freeze at the sight of The Panacea resting languidly in the arms of The Sterling Sovereign.
The man had one arm wrapped securely around her waist, while his other hand absentmindedly played with her slender fingers.
Leaning against each other, they looked like an untouchable, dangerously glamorous power couple.
"Apologies for the intrusion," Kaelen said, bowing slightly. "The administration is still running the final verifications on the Living Asset that just appeared on stage, but our resident medical staff severely lacks expertise regarding these specific biological entities."
He glanced toward the large monitor in the suite.
On screen, the medical team was coordinating with security to inspect the exterior panels of the pod.
He continued, "Given that Ms. Panacea successfully handled Specimen Seven and possesses unparalleled knowledge of neural pharmacology... The Commodore requests the honor of having you step onto the stage to conduct a public appraisal of this asset."
He kept his head bowed, his posture radiating subservience.
Serena stopped playing with Nicholas's fingers.
She lifted her gaze, her cool, bright eyes settling onto Kaelen.
A faint smile touched the corners of her lips, deepening into a look of predatory amusement. "You want me to conduct a public appraisal for you?"
Kaelen nodded emphatically. "Yes."
He had clearly come prepared. Before Serena could say another word, he pulled a sleek black card from his folder and offered it to her with both hands.
"The administration knows you've had an exhausting night, Ms. Panacea."
"Since we are imposing on your personal time, we absolutely refuse to let you work for free."
His smile grew desperately sincere.
"This $100 Million Appraisal Fee is a token of The Commodore's
gratitude. Any equipment or
chemical reagents you require will
befully covered by the ship."
"If the situation demands you formulate additional serums, you will be compensated separately for those as well."
Serena glanced at the black card, arched an eyebrow at Kaelen, and chuckled
softly. "You people are finally learning how to play the game."
They were leaning right into the mercenary persona she had built.
"If you are willing to assist us, the honor is entirely ours," Kaelen replied quickly eager to please. "Since we are genuinely asking for your expertise, we must offer a boy worthy of your title."
Her pale, slender fingers casually plucked the card from his hands.
She rubbed the smooth surface with her thumb.
A distinct look of pleasure finally broke through the aloof melancholy of her stunning features. "Alright, then."
She tucked the card away, her red lips curving upward. "Since you've shown such wonderful sincerity, I'll do you this favor."
Kaelen exhaled a massive sigh of relief, his tone growing even more reverent. "Thank you, Ms. Panacea."
Serena stood up, fully intending to follow him out the door.
Suddenly, a strong hand caught her wrist.
Serena turned around.
Nicholas sat leaning against the sofa, his long legs casually crossed. He tilted his head up slightly.
Even through his flawlessly constructed disguise, his striking, aristocratic dominance commanded the room.
"Ms. Panacea."
His voice was a slow, lazy drawl. His
grip slid down her wrist until he
laced his fingers perfectly through hers "I brought you here to keep me company Yet first you vemish to synthesize drugs, and now you're running off to play appraiser."