The Black Rose Syndicate's main nest, after all, was on Norvane soil.
Trying to clean house on someone else's turf was always tricky and restrictive.
A huge pain.
"What a coincidence," Nicholas said with a smirk. "My people just finished liaising with your government's side. They've obtained the files from the recent raid on The Black Rose Syndicate, all the detailed information about them, and... the interrogation transcripts of the Black Mirage members from the syndicate."
Serena's eyes instantly lit up, and she looked up at him.
The sight made the smile on Nicholas's lips deepen. "The files contain all of The Black Rose Syndicate's known strongholds, safe houses, financial flows, and so on."
Serena stopped in her tracks, forgetting about dancing. "Where are the files?" she asked eagerly.
Nicholas also stopped, but his hand remained on her waist.
His well-defined fingers toyed with hers, one by one. A roguish glint appeared in his eyes, but his tone was laced with a mock-aggrieved complaint. “Serena, am I not more interesting to look at than some files?"
Serena couldn't be bothered with his deliberately dramatic act. She grabbed his hand and pulled him off the dance floor. "Cut the crap. Let's go."
The two of them left the dance floor and headed toward the main residence on the other side.
As they passed the catering area, Serena spotted Black Jack moving among the exquisite pastries, a plate in her hand.
Her plate was noticeably larger than the others and was piled high with all sorts of delicate cakes and desserts.
Black Jack was popping them into her mouth one after another, eating with zero grace, her cheeks puffed out.
Her beautiful eyes were squeezed into happy slits of contentment.
"Hazel."
Serena called out, “I have to take care of something. Coming with?"
Black Jack looked up from her feast, a piece of cake still in her mouth, and mumbled, "No way, no way! I finally got to dress up all pretty in this elegant and sophisticated evening gown and crash this high-end party thanks to you. I haven't had my fill of fun yet!"
As she spoke, she even puffed out her chest, showing off her incredibly luxurious gown. "It's not every day get to be princess. I have to enjoy it to the fullest!"
Serena was speechless.
Looking at Black Jack's current eating habits-like she hadn't eaten in a week—
where was the sophistication, the elegance, the princess?
Besides, the venue was filled with powerful people, many of whom were Black Jack's targets.
Leaving her at this party was too dangerous.
Serena narrowed her eyes.
Black Jack immediately raised a cream-covered hand, her face a picture of innocence. "Relax! I know what I'm doing."
Knowing Black Jack's personality, what limits could she possibly have?
Serena didn't believe it for a second.
She dragged Nicholas over to Julian,
who was standing not far away.
"Julian could you please keep
close eye on her?
at let out of
your sight."
Her tone sounded unusually serious.
Julian glanced at Black Jack, who was eating like a little chipmunk.
If he remembered correctly, this was her third plate of pastries, wasn't it?
Her appetite was truly a match for his own little sister.
He figured his sister was probably just worried her good friend would eat herself into the hospital.
With that thought, Julian nodded in agreement.
Having entrusted Black Jack to her older brother, Serena pulled Nicholas away.
In the distance, Old Mr. Blackwood watched the two leave "hand in hand," his face beaming. He deliberately nudged Old Mr.
cane. "Old Mr. Lancaster, see that? Did you see? They're so in love! Holding hands, thick as thieves They're sneaking off for a private date."
Lancaster's wheelchair with bil net