Serena sat across from Uncle Robert in the grandeur of the Sutherland Mansion, her brows furrowed in confusion as he divulged his plans for a dinner with the Alderbrandts.

"Wait, a dinner with the Alderbrandts? Why, Uncle?" Serena questioned, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Uncle Robert leaned back in his chair, his expression serious as he explained, "The Alderbrandts hold a significant 10% share in Santech, the cornerstone of the Vanderbilt empire. If we're going to dismantle the Vanderbilts, targeting Santech is our best move."

Serena's confusion deepened. "But why involve the Alderbrandts? And why do I need to be there?"

"Whisper, I'm doing this to assist you," Uncle Robert replied, his gaze penetrating. "James, your bodyguard, has been keeping a close eye on things. He's sent me reports and pictures of you with that Vanderbilt girl. Tell me, do you truly have feelings for her?"

Serena's resolve remained firm as she met Uncle Robert's gaze. "Yes, Uncle. I do. But I've made it clear that I want to keep Charlie out of this."

Uncle Robert's smiled but his expression remained unreadable.

"Didn't I tell you the last time we talked that she's a liability? You won't be able to protect her, Serena. If you want my help, then you should do as I told you..." Uncle Robert's voice was firm, leaving little room for argument.

Serena's hands tightened into fists, but she fought to maintain her composure. She knew Uncle Robert's warnings were rooted in his desire to protect her, but she couldn't ignore her own convictions.

"That friend you're talking about who needed Anne Klie's help... It's the Brat's friend, right? Now, I will try to be understanding of that... but Serena, you shouldn't forget why you are in this mess after all. Prove to me that my help to you will not be in vain," Uncle Robert's words carried a sense of urgency.

"I understand, Uncle... I'm doing everything I can to learn about the business world. So please, don't touch Charlie..." Serena's voice wavered slightly, but she held firm to her request.

"I know, Whisper... So be a good girl and come meet the Alderbrandts..." Uncle Robert's tone softened slightly, though his resolve remained unwavering.

"Okay, Uncle..." Serena replied.

"Why do I have to meet with the Alderbrandts? I know Uncle Robert is trying to match me with that Cato guy... Either way, Uncle is right, if we were to bring down the Vanderbilts, we need the Alderbrandts' help... I'll do this for Charlie..." Serena's thoughts churned with determination.

Her internal deliberations were interrupted by Uncle Robert's dismissal. "Alright, then you can go now Whisper, Have James take you home, it's late..." his voice broke through Serena's reverie.

In the car, Serena turned her attention to James, her bodyguard, with an intensity in her gaze that belied her usual calm demeanor.

"James, are you my bodyguard or are you my Uncle's guy?" Serena's voice was cool, but firm.

"M-Miss?" James stuttered in response, caught off guard by Serena's direct question.

"I want to know where your loyalty stands right now. I know you've been reporting to my Uncle..." Serena's tone remained steady, but there was a hint of urgency beneath her words.

"That... Miss Serena, I'm sorry, but even if I'm technically your bodyguard, I still work for your Uncle..." James hesitated, his gaze shifting uncomfortably.

Serena's expression softened slightly as she continued, "I just want to tell you, I won't forever be under my Uncle's supervision. Once I turn 18, I'll get my inheritance back... I need people to trust... That's why I'm asking you, where does your loyalty belong?"

James smiled, his eyes meeting Serena's with newfound determination. "If that's the case then, I'll be loyal to you starting from now, Miss Serena..."

Serena's lips quirked into a small smile of satisfaction. "That's good. So starting from now, I don't want you reporting back to my Uncle about me and Charlie... Understood?"

"Yes, Miss. Understood," James replied, his voice firm with resolve.

As Serena's words settled in the car, James felt a pang of guilt for his dual allegiance. He prided himself on being one of the best bodyguards at Stephen Schuyler's security firm, and loyalty was paramount to him. Yet, reporting to Uncle Robert about Serena's activities left a sour taste in his mouth.

But as Serena continued to assert herself, asking where his loyalty truly lay, James couldn't help but feel a newfound respect for her. She wasn't just a regular teenager, let alone an Omega. Her conviction and determination shone through, painting a picture of a young woman far beyond her years.

In that moment, James realized that he was honored to be serving someone like Serena. Her strength and unwavering resolve were qualities to be admired, and he felt a renewed sense of purpose in his role as her protector.

With a sense of clarity, James made a silent vow to himself. From now on, his loyalty belonged solely to Serena. He would do everything in his power to ensure her safety and well-being, even if it meant defying Uncle Robert's orders.

After a few days, the dinner with the Alderbrandts arrived, taking place at a renowned Italian restaurant in the heart of the city.

Serena was in her room, carefully selecting her attire for the evening ahead. She opted for a simple yet elegant white dress from her wardrobe, featuring a classic A-line silhouette adorned with delicate lace trim. The sweetheart neckline and thin spaghetti straps added a touch of sophistication to her ensemble. As she slipped into the dress, Serena felt a sense of confidence wash over her, ready to face the night with grace and poise.

"You're going out?" Charlie's voice broke the silence, catching Serena by surprise as she entered the room and noticed Serena dressed up.

"Yes... I need to go to the library," Serena replied, a slight hesitation in her voice as she attempted to conceal the true purpose of her outing.

'She must be meeting Robert Stuart considering she's all dressed up...' Charlie speculated silently, her thoughts lingering on Serena's secretive demeanor.

"Okay, be careful and just message me if you need a driver to pick you up later, okay?" Charlie offered, concern evident in her tone as she looked at Serena.

"Okay. Are you going out as well?" Serena inquired, noticing Charlie's equally elegant attire.

Charlie dazzled in a sleek black dress, exuding an air of sophistication and style. The fitted bodice accentuated her slender frame, while delicate lace detailing adorned the neckline and hem, adding a touch of femininity to her ensemble. Paired with stylish black heels, Charlie's outfit was a perfect balance of chic and graceful.

"Yes, Dad said he's picking me up and we're gonna have dinner," Charlie replied with a smile, her eyes reflecting excitement for the evening ahead.

"Okay... Be careful, okay? See you later. I'll head out now," Serena said, offering her final words before leaving the room.

"Okay... you too, be careful..." Charlie responded, her gaze lingering on Serena's retreating figure, a mixture of concern and affection in her eyes.

After a few minutes since Serena left, Cornelius arrived at the Vanderbilt Mans