Page 67 of The Secret Heir Next Door

“That’s bullshit.”

“I’m aware. Always the type to bully and manipulate.”

Brant shakes his head in disbelief. “Damn. That’s low, even for them.”

“And now Serena’s caught in the crossfire,” I continue, the frustration boiling over. “Donald admitted he sent the eviction notice the wrong way, and he’s going to push her out as soon as he can. She has no idea what's coming. I told her I would make the eviction go away.”

“Alright, here’s what we’ll do. Call me in the morning, and we’ll go over everything. We’ll see what can be done to stop this.”

Just as I’m about to respond, I see Serena approaching out of the corner of my eye. She’s heading straight for us, her expression unreadable, but I can tell she’s heard at least part of the conversation.

“I don’t need your help,” she says, her voice cold and determined. “I already have a lawyer.”

Brant and I exchange a quick glance, both of us taken aback by the sudden change in her demeanor. “Serena,” I start, trying to explain, but she cuts me off.

“I don’t need Brant, and I don’t need you wasting your money on a lawyer,” she snaps, crossing her arms over her chest. “My sister is the best in the city, and she’s already started the process.”

I’m stunned for a moment, trying to process what she’s saying. Her sister? I didn’t even know she had one, let alone that she was a lawyer. “Your sister’s a lawyer?” I ask, more out of surprise than anything.

“That’s right,” Serena says, her chin tilted up defiantly. “And she’s damn good at what she does.”

Brant steps in, trying to diffuse the situation. “Look, Serena, we’re just trying to help…”

“I don’t need a white knight to save me,” she says sharply, cutting him off. She looks between us with a mix of determination and pride. “I can handle this on my own.”

Before I can say anything else, she turns on her heel and walks away, her back straight, her gait determined. I watch her go, a mix of frustration and admiration churning in my chest.

“Wow,” Brant mutters beside me, clearly taken aback. “She’s got fire, I’ll give her that.”

“Yeah,” I agree, my eyes still on Serena as she disappears around the corner. “But that doesn’t mean she has to do this alone.”

He gives me a look—one that tells me he’s thinking the same thing I am. Serena might not want our help, but that doesn’t mean we will sit back and let this happen. I owe it to her to make sure she doesn’t lose everything she’s worked for, even if she doesn’t see it that way right now.

“Call me in the morning,” Brant says again, clapping a hand on my shoulder. “We’ll figure this out.”

I nod, but my mind is already racing, trying to think of the next move. I can’t let Serena’s pride or my brother get in the way of what’s right. This fight is just beginning, and I’m not about to back down. Not when so much is on the line.

“Thanks, Brant,” I say, giving him a grateful nod. “I appreciate it.”

“Of course.”

As he walks away, I’m left standing there, the night quiet around me, but my thoughts are anything but. Serena might not want a white knight, but she’s getting one whether she likes it or not.

This isn’t just about the shop anymore. It’s about standing up to my brother, proving that I’m not the pushover he thinks I am. And more than anything, it’s about protecting Serena, even if she doesn’t think she needs it.

Because I know what’s at stake, and I’m not willing to lose her or let her lose everything she’s built because of some underhanded move by Chaz—or because of me.

15

SERENA

How dare he?

How dare he think that I need to be saved?

I’ve lived this long without a man saving me, and I’ll go the rest of my life doing it on my own, too.

I load the last of my things into the rental car and leave the party. I already said bye to Abby and Dee. I don’t really feel like speaking to Logan right now.