Page 35 of Serpent King's Revenge

His gaze softened ever so slightly and for an instant, I saw another side to the ruthless Serpent–a father, perhaps unsure of his place in his son's life. But just as quickly that glimpse vanished, replaced by the calculated glare of a man who had learned not to trust easily.

"You've got guts," he said. “I can see why my son loves you.”

I swallowed, mouth dry. Kenny's words hung in the air. I knew what women with guts were to Kenny…I knew he’d killed his wife.

I was afraid. Terrified. I let it show; he would want to see that, expect it.

The air thickened as we sat in silence, his fingertips grazing the fine china with calculated ease. Each sip he took was measured, his brown eyes fixed on me over the rim of his cup. He knew my game–challenging the loyalty of his son as leverage. But this was no mere bluff; it was a gambit.

"Kenny," I started, my voice steady despite the nerves coiled tight within my gut. I knew I had to do this, even if it might give me away. “I have an idea."

“Do you?” he said with a belittling smile. “I’m listening.”

Chapter Fifteen: Abby

Taking a fortifying breath, I straightened my back and met Kenny's gaze.

"Nathan," I said simply, letting the weight of his name hang between us. His features hardened further at the mention of his son. I pressed on before he could interject. "I think we should break him out of jail.”

Kenny's reaction wasn't immediate. There was a flicker of surprise but that was soon replaced with skepticism. He didn't trust me–why would he? But he had a vested interest in protecting his firstborn son, surely. He had groomed him to take over after he died.

And he didn’t have anyone left…aside from the baby I was carrying, a baby I couldn’t let Kenny find out about.

The Golden Serpent needed an heir. I was counting on it.

"Abigail," he began, his voice devoid of warmth, "do you understand the magnitude of what you're asking?"

I met Kenny's piercing gaze, letting none of my anxiety show. "Yes, I do. And it's critical we act now."

Kenny's lips twisted into a wry smile that didn't reach his cold eyes. "You think freeing Nathan now is our best move? It's reckless. The cops are watching every move. You're blinded by your feelings for him. Nathan will do his time, then we’ll get him free…it’s the price people like us pay for recklessness."

I clenched my jaw but held his stare. "It's not about being blinded. It's about doing what's necessary. Nathan doesn't belong in jail, and we both know it."

"Ah, sweet girl," he mused with a chuckle, leaning back in his chair as if entertained. "Such a naïve little waitress you are, thinking love can overturn the chessboard."

"Maybe," I shot back, "but I'm also the one willing to make a move instead of sitting back and doing nothing." My heart raced, but I kept my composure. Nathan needed me to be strong.

Kenny's amusement seemed to grow, yet there was something else there, a flicker of respect—or was it just more calculation?

"Perhaps there are ways I could help Nathan," Kenny said suddenly, leaning forward. His voice was soft but carried a weight that made me uneasy. "I'm not too old to give the Zhou family heirs again. A powerful man, that's what you're drawn to, isn't it?"

I kept my face neutral, fighting the instinct to protect the secret I hadn't yet disclosed to Nathan himself. The thought of Kenny or any other man laying claim to what was growing inside me sent a chill through my veins, but I couldn't let it show.

"Power isn't what defines a man," I replied evenly, shifting in my seat to avoid his probing gaze.

"Isn't it?" he retorted. "Power is everything in our world. And it seems I may need to consider new heirs since Alex, Justin, and even Nathan seem…indisposed."

His eyes roamed over me then, predatory and unashamed, like he was appraising a piece of art—no, not art—an asset. I felt naked under his scrutiny, my usual confidence waning.

"Your concern for the future of your family is touching," I said. I needed to redirect his attention, keep him talking about anything but heirs and inheritances. "But let's focus on the present, shall we? Nathan's freedom—that's what I'm here for."

"Of course, let's," Kenny agreed, reclining back once again. His eyes still held mine, but I was determined not to look away first. This was a battle of wills, and I refused to lose. “But first, we have other things to address.”

“Like what?”

"Where are you staying?" Kenny asked, his question seemingly casual but loaded with intent. "After Nathan was taken to the county jail, it must be troublesome for you. I know you’re not staying at his home in South Beach; I tried to go see you there.”

I tensed, my mind racing. The last thing I needed was for Kenny to get wind of my hiding spot. It wasn't just about my safety–there were bigger things at stake.

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