Chapter 260 The Hearing She Couldn’t Win

Chapter 260: Chapter 260 The Hearing She Couldn’t Win

Vincent left the room without another word.

He crossed the hospital corridor at a near run, his pulse pounding and anger burning through the confusion in his mind.

When he reached Serena’s room, he pushed open the door.

"Why are you and Eira going to court?" His voice cut through the sterile silence. "What else haven’t you told me?"

Serena flinched against the pillows. Panic flashed across her face before she reached for her phone. Her fingers shook as she opened a photo and held it out.

It was a contract Jordan had placed in front of her weeks ago and told her to sign.

The image showed only part of the document, but Vincent recognized the account names.

"Your research funding came from Sebastian?" he asked.

Serena nodded.

"And Eira is trying to recover all of it?"

Another nod.

Tears slid down her cheeks. She looked so pale and fragile that Vincent’s anger faltered.

From the chair by the window, Lainey spoke gently. "Don’t worry, Vincent. I already connected Serena with Mason. Once he reviews the contract, he can build a defense."

Serena lowered her eyes.

Mason could limit the damage. He could negotiate the repayment amount and protect her from the worst of the public fallout.

He could not make the money disappear.

She was still going broke.

Her gaze drifted toward Vincent.

He noticed. His expression softened.

"Hey. Talk to me. What’s wrong?"

Serena shook her head. "Thank you. Both of you. You keep standing by me even after everything."

"You don’t have to thank us," Vincent said.

"Yes, I do." She twisted the hospital blanket between her fingers. "Eira has the Sterling Pack behind her now.We don’t stand a chance."

Vincent’s brow tightened. "Killian is involved?"

Lainey gave a small, knowing smile. "When I visited Luna Seraphina, Killian had already brought Eira home to meet his parents."

Her voice stayed light, but her fingers tightened around her purse.

"They looked good together," she added.

"I told you Killian wasn’t worth chasing,"The protectiveness in his voice was raw.

"I want to meet Mason," Vincent said. "I’ll hear the whole strategy from him myself."

"No, Vincent." Serena reached for his hand. "You don’t need to get involved."

"She’s right," Lainey said as she stood. She smoothed the front of her cream silk blouse. "Let Mason handle the legal side. If you have time, stay with Serena. She needs someone she trusts."

Vincent hesitated, then nodded.

"I have a shoot for Carter Group in a few days," Lainey continued. "I’ll be buried in fittings and rehearsals, but call me if you need anything."

"Take care of yourself," Vincent said. "And keep your medication with you."

"I will."

She leaned down and hugged him briefly. At the door, she looked back at Serena.

"If you need anything, lean on my brother. He won’t complain."

"Thank you, Lainey."

"That’s what friends are for."

Once the hospital doors closed behind her, Lainey stepped onto the sidewalk and called Mason.

"Listen carefully," she said. "Whatever happens in court, keep Serena’s reputation intact. Reduce the repayment as much as you can, but protect her name first."

She looked back through the glass doors.

If the Winthrop name goes up in flames, Serena will never get close to Vincent again. Not as a mate. Not even as a friend.

--

The Carter Group lobby smelled of cold brew, polished glass, and expensive floor cleaner.

Fiona was waiting beside the reception desk when Lainey stepped out of the elevator.

One look at Fiona’s face put Lainey on guard.

Before Lainey could ask about the shoot, Fiona spoke.

"You’re back from the Omega Home?"

"Washington," Lainey replied with a thin smile. "I went home to see my parents."

"And the promo shoot?"

"Not finished. I’ll head back when I can."

Fiona’s eyes sharpened. "Back to finish the campaign, or back to see where Eira grew up?"

There was no point pretending she did not understand.

"Both, I suppose." Lainey adjusted the strap of her purse. "I wanted to understand what makes Killian so drawn to her. If you want to know someone, you start with her past."

"You could try asking Eira before turning her life into a research project."

Lainey’s smile remained perfectly polite. "How ironic. Luna Seraphina once hoped Killian would get closer to you. Now he’s chosen Eira, and Carter Group has lost one of its most valuable talents because of her. Yet somehow, you’re the one standing here defending her."

Fiona looked her over from her heels to her carefully styled hair.

"And?"

Lainey’s expression cooled.

"A man like Killian Sterling has never interested me," Fiona said. "As for Sebastian, he made his own mess. Anyone who keeps him on the payroll is only dragging Carter Group toward the same cliff."

"You’re right, of course." Lainey gave a light laugh. "I must have misunderstood the situation."

She turned and walked into the conference room.

Fiona watched her disappear, her expression darkening. Then she took out her phone and texted her brother.

[Send me Eira’s number.]

There was no reply.

Fiona tried Barry Wood instead. He answered almost immediately.

Fiona: I need Eira’s number.

Barry: Why do you suddenly need Eira’s number?

Fiona: Girl business. Stay out of it.

Barry: You need her permission first.

A few minutes later, Barry sent the number after confirming that Eira had agreed.

Fiona typed carefully.

Fiona: Hi, Eira. It’s Fiona. A while ago, I asked Finn to warn you about Lainey. Do you remember?

Eira replied a moment later.

Eira: I ran into her at the Omega Home. You were right. She was asking questions about me.

Fiona’s mouth tightened.

Fiona: Then be careful around her. She’s not as harmless as she looks.

Eira: I will. Thank you.

Eira had always seemed to like the Carter siblings, and Fiona appreciated that. Still, she could not resist adding one more message.

Fiona: Anytime. And don’t get too hung up on Killian. My brother’s single, easy on the eyes, and a lot of fun. Just saying.

Eira read the message twice.

So that was what this was about. Fiona was trying to set her up with Finn.

Eira stared at the screen, unsure how to answer.