CHAPTER 171: CHAPTER 171 THE HIDDEN ALLIANCE

Author’s POV

While Serena and Ryan’s relationship continued to deteriorate, across town, a different kind of power play was unfolding. Lucian West and Kane Blackwood met in a private dining room at Noir, one of Manhattan’s most exclusive restaurants known for its impeccable discretion.

Kane lifted his crystal glass of aged whiskey, studying the man across the table with calculated interest. His smile didn’t reach his eyes.

"The famous Lucian West. I’ve heard so much about you," Kane said, his voice smooth as silk but sharp as a blade. "Your reputation precedes you."

Lucian barely acknowledged the compliment with a slight quirk of his lips, clearly not interested in meaningless pleasantries.

"Let’s cut to the chase. I invited you here to discuss a business proposition," Lucian said, swirling the amber liquid in his glass.

Kane’s eyebrow arched with interest. "Business? Surely you’re aware that I’m not exactly in the driver’s seat at Blackwood. My dear nephew has made sure I’m just the family embarrassment. What business could we possibly have?"

"Don’t sell yourself short. You may not control Blackwood Enterprises now, but that doesn’t mean things will stay that way," Lucian replied, his voice dropping an octave.

Kane let out a dry laugh. "What are you, some kind of fortune teller now?"

"Hardly. But we share a common enemy. Why not consider joining forces?"

A satisfied smirk played at Kane’s lips. This was exactly what he’d been waiting for. Still, appearing too eager would be a tactical mistake. He took a slow sip of his whiskey, savoring both the burn and the moment.

"And what exactly would this alliance entail? What could I possibly offer someone like you?" Kane asked, feigning reluctance.

Lucian’s fingers drummed methodically against the mahogany table, his gaze intensifying. "Inside information on Blackwood operations. Together, we can bring Ryan Blackwood to his knees."

Kane studied him with barely disguised amusement. "Mr. West, have you forgotten that I’m a Blackwood myself?"

Lucian made an impatient sound, his patience clearly wearing thin.

"Let’s not play games, Kane. I may be new to the American market, but everyone in New York’s business circles knows about the bad blood between you and your nephew. The boardroom coup wasn’t exactly kept quiet."

His eyes narrowed as he leaned forward. "Are you really content to live in Ryan’s shadow forever? Watching him run what should have been yours?"

Kane’s expression hardened instantly, all pretense dropping away as cold fury flashed across his face.

"Not even a little bit."

"Then this partnership is exactly what we both need."

Lucian nodded toward Kane. "Think about it. When you’re ready, contact me—but come prepared with Blackwood’s latest internal reports and strategic moves."

He paused for emphasis. "I need to know what we’re up against so I can counter Ryan’s every move."

Before Kane could respond, Lucian stood abruptly, preparing to leave.

"I’ve said what I came to say. Enjoy the meal—it would be a shame to waste such an impressive spread."

Lucian walked out with confident strides, leaving Kane alone in the private dining room. As the door clicked shut, Kane’s face transformed into a triumphant smile.

Sophie had done well. The fish had taken the bait faster than he’d anticipated.

"Start preparing the files," he instructed his assistant who had been waiting discreetly in the corner. "Get all the information about Blackwood’s upcoming bids, our regular suppliers, everything. Have it delivered to West tomorrow afternoon."

"Yes, Mr. Blackwood."

"Make sure it’s comprehensive. Our European friend might need help understanding how things work here."

Kane picked up his fork and sampled the expertly prepared beef Wellington. After two bites, he pushed the plate away with disgust.

"This is awful."

He waved dismissively. "Let’s go. I’ll eat at home. Next time we meet someone, find a restaurant that actually deserves its reputation."

His assistant remained silent, not pointing out that Lucian’s team had selected the restaurant, not him.

When Kane didn’t receive a response, he glanced at his assistant, suddenly recalling Lucian’s parting words about the meal.

"That bastard did this deliberately," he muttered.

---

Meanwhile, the collaboration between Serena and Ethan Quinn proceeded as planned, much to Sophie’s dismay when she received the news.

"Miss Hart, even if their partnership continues, there are other options to consider," Lucian’s assistant suggested over the phone.

"Like what?" Sophie snapped.

"Perhaps you could... influence one of the staff members involved in the collaboration. Create some chaos from within."

"You should approach someone from Ethan Quinn’s team."

Sophie scoffed. "Easier said than done."

"No need to worry, Miss Hart. We’ve already established contact with an assistant from LUXE. The rest is in your capable hands."

Sophie’s expression softened. "Fine, I’ll handle it."

After ending the call, Sophie received the contact information and immediately dialed the number. The call was answered promptly.

After Sophie explained her intentions, the voice on the other end responded with immediate understanding.

"So you’re Miss Hart? What would you like me to do?"

Sophie hummed thoughtfully, her mind racing with possibilities.

"The design drafts from Dreamland Studio—find flaws in them. Force them to redo their work."

"Can you manage that?"

"Of course. Consider it done, Miss Hart."

---

Just one day later, all the materials Lucian had requested were delivered to his office. The files were impressively detailed, and Lucian nodded with satisfaction as he reviewed them.

He personally examined the project documents, discovering that Blackwood was planning to bid on the commercial property along Winchester Boulevard—prime real estate they clearly intended to develop into a business district.

This could be an extremely profitable venture.

Lucian closed the file and gave instructions to his team.

"Begin preparation for the Winchester Boulevard project immediately. I want a complete strategy, from initial planning to execution. We’re going to compete aggressively against Blackwood."

He paused, tapping his finger thoughtfully on the desk.

"But keep this quiet for now. No leaks."

"Understood, Mr. West," his director of operations confirmed with a curt nod.

The wheels were in motion, and Lucian West was playing a long game where Ryan Blackwood was just one piece on the board.