Chapter 5 – Terms of Engagement

**Orion & Graves – Federal Case Prep Room**

“You’re sure about this?” Grace Lin asked, flipping through the deposition schedule.

Serena adjusted her cuffs. “It’s LuTech. There’s no such thing as safe distance.”

“Facing Julian in court could unmask you. Once your voice goes public, even filtered—”

“Then we make sure it’s filtered properly,” Serena interrupted. “Scramble the waveform, reroute through voice masking AI. My face stays a silhouette. You get the firepower, I keep the armor.”

Grace smirked. “You’re frightening when you’re like this.”

“I’ve had practice.”

**Ten Minutes Later – Elevator Lobby**

The doors slid open—and Serena stopped cold.

Vivian stood inside, lips painted, perfume cloying.

“Sister,” she said sweetly. “Still allergic to family?”

Serena stepped in. “Still allergic to shame?”

Vivian handed her a glossy document. “Last chance. Joint guardianship. The trust fund has doubled.”

“I said no.”