The room falls into a heavy silence, the weight of the situation hanging thick in the air.
After what feels like an eternity, Damon finally speaks, his deep voice cutting through the tension. “How exactly do you plan on helping us if your mother knows you’re around the club now?”
His piercing gaze bores into me, searching for any hint of deception.
My mind races as I try to formulate a plan on the spot.
I know I need to tread carefully here.
One wrong move and I could lose the any trust I have an intention of gaining.
But I refuse to back down now.
Not when I’m so close to making a real difference.
I meet Damon’s gaze head-on, my voice steady despite the nerves fluttering in my stomach. “I have an idea, but it’s risky. I’m going to need the club’s support if we’re going to pull this off...”
I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what I’m about to propose. “I’m going to do what Abe did—go undercover. On the outside, I’ll make it look like I’m fully dedicated to helping my mother, that I’m even more committed to her cause than ever before. But in reality, I’ll be working with Abe and the club, feeding you information and trying to thwart her plans from the inside.”
Turmoil’s hand tightens around mine, his brow furrowing with concern. “Sera, no. It’s too dangerous. You can’t put yourself at risk like that.”
His aqua eyes blaze with protective intensity as he turns to face me fully.
A spark of defiance ignites within me and I narrow my eyes at him. “Don’t you dare tell me what I can and can’t do, Abe. This is my decision.”
My voice is low but firm, leaving no room for argument. “I’m the only one who can get close enough to my mother to find out what she’s really planning.”
Dixon lets out a bark of laughter, breaking some of the tension in the room. “Well, well. Looks like you’ve got yourself a spicy one, Turmoil.”
He grins, clearly amused by my show of backbone.
I keep my gaze locked on Abe, willing him to understand.
I know he wants to protect me, but this is something I have to do.
For the club, for him, and for myself.
I need to prove that I’m more than just the daughter of a vengeful woman—that I’m someone who’s willing to fight for what’s right, no matter the cost.
Abe searches my face, his own expression torn between worry and admiration.
After a long moment, he sighs heavily, his shoulders sagging in resignation. “I don’t like it, but I know there’s no talking you out of this once you’ve made up your mind.” He brings our joined hands to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to my knuckles. “Just promise me you’ll be careful, okay? I can’t lose you, Sera.”
Damon leans back in his chair, his piercing gaze assessing me thoughtfully. “If you’re sure about this, Seraphina, we’ll gladly take any assistance you can provide. Your mother’s movements have been damn near impossible for us to track.” He spreadshis hands, frustration evident in the set of his jaw. “She’s always been two steps ahead of us.”
I nod, unsurprised by this revelation. “My mum has always been like that— secretive, calculating. She plays her cards close to her chest.” A wry smile tugs at my lips, devoid of humor. “I guess it runs in the family.”
Damon’s expression softens slightly, something akin to understanding flickering in his eyes. “We appreciate you taking this risk, Seraphina. It’s not an easy thing, going against family.”
“She stopped being my family the moment she laid her hands on me,” I reply, my voice hard. “I’m doing this for myself, and for the people I care about.” My fingers tighten around Abe’s drawing strength from his steady presence beside me.
Dixon claps his hands together, breaking the somber mood. “Well, I think that about covers it. It was nice meeting you under better circumstances, Seraphina.”
He stands, signaling an end to the impromptu meeting.
Abe and I rise, following Dixon’s lead.
We exchange handshakes and nods with the President and VP, a newfound respect and understanding passing between us.