The official invitation came.
Black envelope again.
Same quiet authority.
Inside was a simple offer:
Private meeting.
No pressure.
Just discussion.
Victor read it.
"This is rare."
"Why?"
"They don't usually ask twice."
Elara looked worried.
"This means they see real potential."
Nora asked the real question:
"Are you going?"
I looked at the letter again.
Then answered honestly.
"Yes."
"Why?" Nora asked.
"Because refusing without understanding is still weakness."
That night I prepared carefully.
Because I understood something clearly now.
Power doesn't only test strength.
It tests desire.
And tomorrow…
I would find out exactly what they believed I wanted most.
But one final note was written at the bottom of the invitation:
"We offer what your father refused."
And suddenly I needed to know.
What could be so powerful…
That even my father walked away?
The meeting location was not what I expected.
No skyscraper.
No luxury hall.
Just a quiet private residence.
Old money style.
Meaning real influence.
Inside were four people.
Not seven like the Council.
Fewer.
More dangerous.
One man spoke first.
"Lena Karev."
I nodded.
"You understand who we are?"
"I understand you like staying invisible."
A small smile appeared.
"Good observation."
Then a woman asked:
"Do you know why your father refused us?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because he believed power should have limits."
Silence filled the room.
Then the man said something unexpected:
"And do you?"
I answered honestly.
"Yes."
They exchanged looks.
Not disappointed.
Interested.
That worried me more.
Because predators lose interest in weak prey.
They become curious about strong ones.
And curiosity from powerful people is rarely safe.