Chapter 431 Who Do You Think You Are?
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Timothy froze for a split second before his body reacted instinctively to shake me off. He jerked backward, struggling to break free from my hug.
“What are you doing here? Didn’t I already break up with you? We have nothing to do with each other anymore. Leave.” He turned his body away with effort, deliberately avoiding my eyes. His voice had gone completely cold,
I stared at him in shock. Shaking my head slightly, I still reached out, trying to grab his arm. “No… Timothy, your right leg hasn’t healed yet. It’s been so long since you last got it treated, hasn’t it? Hughie is already in Rivemon. Come with us. At least have your leg treated…”
“No need!” Timothy suddenly snapped, his face flushing with anger as he yelled, “I’m already a cripple! Why do you still care? I’m not going back with you!”
When we struggled with each other, the wooden cabin door suddenly swung open.
It was Rosaline.
For a moment, surprise flashed across her face when she saw Timothy.
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The instant I saw her, I felt like I had found a lifeline. Clutching Timothy’s wrist even tighter, I turned to her in desperation. “Rosaline, help me talk some sense into him! Timothy refuses to come back to Rivemon with us, and he refused to treat his leg … ”
“Are you deaf? I’m not going back! No matter what you say, it’s useless!” Timothy snarled, his emotions spiraling out of control.
Rosaline’s POV:
I scowled as I observed Timothy’s outburst, while Yura’s helpless and wounded expression made my chest tighten as if something sharp had lodged itself inside.
I sighed and signaled the werewolf bodyguards behind me. They stepped forward, each grabbing one of Timothy’s arms. Despite his resistance, they forcefully dragged him out of the cabin and shoved him into the car.
He continued to struggle even as he got into the car. However, once inside, he finally fell silent. He refused to speak, ignored Yura completely, and simply stared out the window with an unreadable expression.
As soon as we arrived in Rivemon, I wasted no time contacting Hughie. Together with Yura, we brought Timothy to the hotel where the wonder doctor was staying.
I spoke, “Hughie, this is Timothy. We finally found him. Please take a look at his leg.”
Hughie nodded, but the moment he laid eyes on Timothy’s right leg, his expression darkened.
He unwrapped the old, filthy bandages covering the wound slowly, and a foul stench immediately came
out.
I was secretly shocked. Timothy’s wound had deteriorated far more than I had expected.
Yura stared anxiously at Hughie. The werewolf medical master pressed his lips into a thin line. He
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Timothy’s brows furrowed tightly. Beads of cold sweat ppeared on his forehead, but he gritted his teeth and didn’t make a single sound..
Hughie straightened up after finishing his examination Yura immediately asked, “Hughie, how is Timothy’s condition? Can his leg still be treated?”
Hughie shook his head, his expression grave. “His right leg is severely injured, and he’s left it untreated for far too long. The wound has worsened, and the damage has already reached the veins. Even if I give it my all, I’m afraid it won’t fully recover. In other words, ever if his leg is treated, there’s a high chance he’ll be left with a permanent disability.”
“What?” Yura’s voice trembled in shock.
Timothy, however, didn’t react much as if he had expected this outcome. His eyes remained downcast, and instead of responding, he let out a soft snort.
Tears welled up in Yura’s eyes and spilled down her cheeks as she gazed at him, but he refused to meet her
eyes.
I stepped forward and gently took Yura’s hand. She seemed to have made up her mind. She patted my hand before letting it go.
She turned to Hughie with unwavering sincerity, her voice nearly pleading. “Hughie, no matter what, please do everything you can to help Timothy. We can’t just leave him like this. If this continues, he might lose his leg completely, and he won’t be able to handle that…
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Her voice broke as she spoke, fresh tears rolling down her face. Instinctively, her eyes flickered toward Timothy, but he remained unmoved, acting as if he hadn’t heard a single word.
My heart ached as I watched her, then turned to Hughie. “Hughie, please help him.”
According to my judgment, with Hughie’s level of medical skill, Timothy’s leg could have been cured long ago. Yet, because he refused to take care of himself, things had spiraled to this point.
Even if Hughie used the witch’s stone to heal him and avoid amputation, there was no changing the fact that he might still end up disabled. What a waste.
Hughie was silent for a long moment before finally nodding. “Alright. I’ll do my best to treat his leg. I’ll go prepare the materials first, then I’ll begin the spiritual stone treatment soon.”
The previously silent Timothy unexpectedly erupted like a madman when he saw Hughie turned around and was about to leave. “No! I don’t need your treatment! What a medical master! You’re all a bunch of quacks! I’m already a cripple! Why are you still wasting your time? Just get out and leave me alone!”
His wild gaze darted toward anyone who dared to approach him, especially Yura.
I couldn’t take it anymore. “Timothy, have you thrown enough of a tantrum?!” I snapped, stepping forward without hesitation. In one swift motion, I struck him at the back of his neck with the side of my hand.
Timothy’s vision blurred and he fainted instantly.
Upon seeing his condition, Yura cried out in alarm, rushing forward to check on him, “Timothy! Timothy, are you okay?”
I quickly pulled her back, shaking my head reassuringly. “Relax. I just knocked him out for a while so he’d
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stop resisting. Now Hughie can treat him in peace.”
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Then, I turned to Hughie, who held the witch’s stone in his hands, and gave him a nod. “Hughie, we’ll leave him to you.”
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Chapter 432 I’ll Drink With You
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When Timothy woke up again, the evening sun was already casting a golden glow through the windows.
He lowered his gaze slightly and saw that his injured right leg had been freshly bandaged.
“Timothy, you’re finally awake! Thank goodness! Hugh gave you some treatment and redressed your wound,” I said, relieved.
I brought over a glass of warm milk 1 had prepared carer and held it near his lips. “You’ve been asleep for a few hours. Here, have some milk. He said you shouldn’t eat anything too heavy just yet.”
“Why did you save me?” Timothy ignored the milk, turning his head away, and only spoke after a long
pause.
I hesitated for a moment but quickly masked it with a smile, pretending nothing had happened. “Because you’re my destined mate-”
“I’m not!”
Timothy’s furious roar filled the room. He turned and glared at me, his eyes burning red with anger.
Timothy’s POV:
Yura. Why doesn’t she understand?
I’m just a nobody who is dirt poor, and now I’m crippled. Staying with me will only drag her down.
I have already broken the bond with this foolish girl. I already severed our destined mate bond. Why is she still here?
I clenched my jaw, forcing down the ache in my chest and the urge to pull Yura into my arms. Instead, I glared at her, as she stood there dumbstruck. “Haven’t I already told you? We have nothing to do with each other anymore! I stood before the Moon Goddess herself and broke our bond. Why are you still here?” My voice grew louder, shaking with frustration. “Yura, how did I never realize how stubborn you are?
“You’re the heir to the Galehowl Pack, a spoiled, rich girl who’s had everything handed to her on a silver plate. And me? I’m just a poor nobody. I was only interested in your money. What did you think you ‘were?”
My voice cracked as I forced out the cruel words. I made sure my expression was cold, ruthless–anything to push her away. However, my heart was tearing apart on the inside.
Yura froze. I watched as emotions flickered across her face–joy, shock, then sorrow. Finally, she lowered her eyes and placed the glass of milk on the nightstand.
“Timothy, you’re in a bad mood right now. That’s okay. I’ll leave. The milk is here if you want it.”
Yura’s POV:
I walked out of the hotel. Feeling desolate, I had cried so much, but I stubbornly tilted my head back, forcing the tears to stay in my eyes.
For days, I continued to visit Timothy in the hotel, making sure he ate and had everything he needed. But he remained cold, his words sharp and distant. Not once did he say anything kind to me.
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I didn’t know what else to do. The effects of Timothy severing our bond had begun to sink in. A pain deeper than anything physical took hold inside me–a ache in my very soul. It was real.
Was this my punishment for defying the Moon Goddess?
If so, then let me bear this pain alone.
Night after night, I sat at the bar, ignoring every werewolf who tried to start a conversation. With a bottle of whiskey in hand, I drank nonstop.
I had no idea how much I had already consumed.
But being drunk felt nice.
Ryan’s POV:
When I walked into the bar with a few of my packmates, I immediately spotted Yura slumped over at the
counter.
She rested her head on her arm, staring at the empty glass in front of her, mumbling over and over again. “Timothy… Timothy …
The sight of her fragile figure halted me, causing a sharp pang in my chest.
“You guys go ahead. I’ll catch up later,” I told my friends before making my way toward her.
She reeked of alcohol, her face flushed red from drinking. Even in her drunken state, she kept whispering his name.
I sighed and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. “Yura, you’re drunk.”
“Huh? No, I’m not,” she slurred, instinctively turning her head. When she saw me, she started giggling.
Her cheeks were rosy from the alcohol, and she reached out, tugging at my sleeve. “Hey, Ryan. You’re here too? Perfect. Drink with me!”
She was determined. I had no choice but to sit beside her.
“Here, cheers!” Yura poured another glass of whiskey and shoved it toward me.
I didn’t take it. Instead, I watched her with concern.
I had heard about what happened between her and Timothy. But I never expected that in just a few days, she would look this broken.
When she lifted her glass for another drink, I instinctively grabbed her wrist. “Yura, stop. You’ve had enough.”
“Let go! Just let go!” She snapped, shaking me off. Her voice was irritated, her words slurring together. “If you’re really my friend, then drink with me. If not, then just leave me alone.”
With that, she tilted her head back and downed another large gulp.
I sat there, watching her drown in the sorrow. My heart twisted painfully.
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Having the person you love sever your mate bond–how could anyone bear that?
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I turned to the untouched glass on the counter. Suddenly, I was overwhelmed with an impulse. Without hesitation, I grabbed the glass and drank it all in one go
“I’ll drink with you.”
Yura’s eyes brightened at that. She grinned, lifting her glass to clink against mine. “Now that’s more like it. Let’s drink!”
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Yura’s POV:
The next morning, I woke up to the sunlight streaming through the window.
Slowly, I opened my eyes, only to be met with a pounding headache.
“Hiss!”
The severed bond of my destined mate sent waves of pain coursing through my body.
I sucked in a sharp breath of cold air, forcing myself to sit up as I took in my surroundings.
The curtains weren’t fully drawn, allowing slivers of light to filter into the room
The floor was a mess–my clothes were strewn everywhere.
And mixed in with them were pieces of men’s clothing.
Shocked, I quickly looked down at myself. I was naked.
What the hell? Am I in a hotel?
How did I end up here?
“Mmm… “A familiar soft groan came from beside me.
My stomach clenched. I snapped my head to the side–only to see Ryan lying next to me.
Ryan? Why am I in bed with Ryan?
What the hell happened last night?
I touched my temples and shut my eyes tightly, trying to recall the events of last night.
The memories came in flashes, like a broken film reel spinning in my head.
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I had been at the bar, drinking. I saw Ryan. We both drank too much. We stumbled out of the bar together. He said he’d take me home. And somehow, we ended up at a hotel and then…
Oh God.
I slept with Ryan last night.
My mind went blank. How did this happen?
What if Timothy finds out?
“He already severed the bond with us. Why are you still thinking about that jerk? Last night was fun, wasn’t it?” Avril, my wolf, had woken up and spoke lazily.
“Shut up.” I snapped at her.
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He rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. “Yu, I…
I bit my lip, staring at this man who was younger than me. My mind is in utter chaos.
Speechless, I simply gawked at him.
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Ryan looked just as lost. Last night, it happened so fast that neither of us had time to process it. He stared at me, unsure of what to say. Finally, after what felt like forever, he said, “Yu, I’m sorry. But don’t worry- I’ll take responsibility.”
I closed my eyes, feeling a pang in my chest.
My feelings were equally complicated. Timothy’s face kept flashing in my mind. I loved him. Even though he had severed our fated bond, I still couldn’t accept this.
Ryan looked at me, almost pleading.
I bit my lips, sucked in a deep breath, then threw off the covers and got out of bed. I pulled on my clothes without looking at him.
“Whatever happened last night, I don’t remember,” I said, my voice cold. “And you should forget it too.”
Igrabbed my purse and walked straight out the hotel door.
Timothy’s POV:
Something was off about Yura today. What’s wrong with her?
Normally, she had tried to speak with me, even when I treated her like crap.
I stole a few glances at her, frowning. I wanted to ask her what was wrong, but the words wouldn’t come
out.
Instead, I said forcefully, “If you’d rather not be here taking care of me, then just leave. No need to make things worse.”
Yura snapped out of whatever thoughts had consumed her. She pressed her lips together before finally speaking. “Timothy, you don’t have to treat me so awfully. You wanted to break up and sever our bond. Fine. I accept it.”
What?
Did she finally think it through?
A strange, tight feeling gripped my heart. I clenched my fists, forcing myself to swallow the question back.
I kept my expression neutral as I met her gaze. “It’s time you regained your composure. The outcome is for the best.”
Yura looked at me and asked seriously, “But you have to cooperate with Dr. Watts and complete your treatment. Once your leg heals, I won’t ever bother you again. I’ll let you go.”
She said solemnly, “I, Yura Nadine, heiress to the Galehowl Pack, swear before the Moon Goddess that I renounce my bond with Timothy Walker. Timothy, you’re free.”
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Her voice was cold as ice. And then–pain. A searing, unbearable pain tore through me, like someone was slicing through my soul with a knife, slicing into my body, a stab after another stab.
Lilian’s POV:
“Ms. Lilian, Ms. Crawford is here.”
The butler stood at the doorway and reported.
I was lounging on the couch, scrolling through the new on my phone when I heard Wendy had shown up uninvited. I let out a quiet scoff.
Moments later, Wendy strutted into the room, the sharp click of her high heels echoing against the floor.
The moment I saw her, I plastered a pleasant smile on my face. “Wendy, what a surprise! What brings you here today?”
She dropped onto the couch across from me without hesitation. “Enough with the small talk. I need your help with something.”
I tilted my head slightly, feigning curiosity, and looked at her. “What’s the matter?”
Oh, I already knew why she was here. What else could bring Wendy to my door, apart from a matter concerning Rosaline?
Wendy locked her eyes with me; her eyes flashed with a twinge of darkness, and she clenched her hands in her lap, her nails digging into her skin. When she spoke her voice was low, dripping with venom.
“Lilian, I need you to help me ruin that bitch. I want her completely destroyed. She has no business being near Caden.”
Bingo!
I laughed quietly. This high and mighty princess of the Wild Pack really was an idiot.
She lacked the ability to take Rosaline down herself–so here she was, running to me, begging for my help.
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What are you thinking? Can’t you come up with a plan I had remained silent for a while. Her impatience finally got the best of her, and she frowned as she asked
“No, no, it’s not that.” I quickly looked up and shook my head. Then, carefully leaning closer to Wendy, I hesitated for a moment before saying, “Listen, isn’t Starplay Entertainment holding the launch event for The Call of the Wild in a few days? That could be our chance.
“Are you sure?” Wendy looked at me, clearly skeptical.
I nodded firmly, showing my determination. Only then did Wendy smile, seemingly satisfied.
“Alright, I’ll be waiting for your good news.”
Rosaline’s POV:
That night, I rushed to the hospital to check on Timothy. Yura was just about to leave when I walked in, and she visibly froze for a second when she saw me.
“Yura,” I greeted her before turning my attention to Timothy, lying on the hospital bed.
“How’s your leg? Are you feeling better?”
To my surprise, Timothy gave no response, as if he hadn’t even heard me. He just turned to stare out the window. Even Yura stood quietly by the window, eyes downcast.
Something felt off. I glanced at Yura and asked, “What’s going on? Did something happen?”
Yura finally looked up at me, forcing a smile as she gently tugged on my sleeve. “It’s nothing. Let’s talk outside. We shouldn’t disturb Timothy while he’s resting.”
Her smile was forced–I could tell.
But I didn’t press her on it. Instead, I followed her out of the hospital doors.
Once outside, I noticed Yura’s distant, dazed expression Unable to hold back any longer, I caught up to her and grabbed her wrist. “Yura, something’s wrong. Back in the hospital room, both you and Timothy were acting strange. Tell me–what happened?”
“I swore an oath to the Moon Goddess and severed my fated mate bond with him,” Yura finally admitted. Her facade faltered, and she finally lost control, her voice shaky.
“What?” I was stunned. “But you would rather not break up with Timothy. Why would you suddenly-”
Yura shook her head and sniffled, trying to keep her emotions in check. Then, she met my eyes and told me everything–how she had been drinking with Ryan at a bar and how one thing led to another, ending with them in a hotel room for a one–night stand.
“What?! You and Ryan-” I couldn’t even finish the sentence. The shock struck me forcefully.
Of all the things that could’ve happened, I never imagined Yura would end up in a situation straight out of
a soap opera.
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I asked worriedly. “What’s on your mind? It was just an accident-”
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“No,” Yura cut me off, shaking her head firmly. “I broke the Moonessing by being with another
werewolf before severing my mate bond. Rosaline, I love Timothy dearly. My heart belongs to him alone, but I still ended up in Ryan’s bed. How can I even begin to explain this to Timothy? He’ll never accept it.”
She inhaled deeply, as if trying to steady herself. “So I’ll respect his choice. I’ve already severed the bond. As long as he recovers, I won’t see him again. When he better, I’ll leave and return to Fostrau to start over. As for everything that happened here … ”
She dropped her gaze and let out a self–deprecating laugh. “I’ll treat it like a dream. One that never really happened.”
My heart ached for her. I knew how much pain she was in, even if she was trying to act strong. Gently, I placed a hand on her shoulder and spoke firmly. “Yura, no matter what happens, no matter what decision you make, I’ll always stand by you.”
She nodded and gave a small, forced smile. “That means a lot, Rosaline. I feel much better. I should go now–you should head home too.”
I watched as she walked away, her back straight, as if she wasn’t hurting at all. I sighed.
But I knew the truth. Breaking the mate bond with Timothy, she must be hurting more than anyone could imagine.
Ryan’s POV:
I stared at my phone screen, my frown deepening as the call was never picked up.
It had been an entire day and night, and Yura still hadn’t answered my calls. Sometimes, it went straight to voicemail; other times, it rang and rang, but no one picked up.
Even when I went to the hotel to find her, she refused to see me.
The more I thought about it, the worse I felt. I needed to talk to Yura–I had to–but I was out of options.
After weighing my options, I decided to ask Rosaline for help.
Rosie and Yu were close friends. If anyone knew where she was, it would be her.
Twenty minutes later, I knocked on Rosaline’s door.
“Who is it?” She called out before opening the door. The moment she saw me standing there, her expression darkened, and the warmth vanished from her face. She turned away and said coolly, “Why are you here?”
I pushed my way inside, desperation clear in my voice. Rosie, do you know where Yura is? She hasn’t answered any of my calls. I just want to talk to her, but I can’t reach her.”
Rosaline frowned and questioned, “Talk? What exactly do you expect her to say to you?” She sighed, then added sharply, “Ryan, you’re an adult.. You’re even a public figure. How could you be so reckless? Yes, Yura was drunk that night, but that doesn’t mean you should have gone along with it. And now…
She hesitated, exhaling heavily before continuing, “You knew she and Timothy were fated mates. You knew how much she loved him. And yet, you still–and now she feels like she betrayed Timothy. She’s
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barely holding herself together, Ryan. Do you really think she has the energy to deal with you right now? I’m telling you–leave her alone”
I stood there, stunned. My throat went dry, and when finally spoke, my voice wavered. “Rosie, you knew what happened between us?”
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Rosaline’s POV:
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I looked at Ryan, taking a deep breath as I calmed myself down. After a moment of thought, I tried to reason with him. “This is a huge deal. How could I not know? Yura is really upset right now. You should leave her alone.”
Ryan lowered his gaze, like he was gathering his courage. Then he looked up at me and said, “Rosie, the truth is, I’ve always liked Yu. That night, running into her at the bar was an accident. She looked so heartbroken, and I just wanted to keep her company and have a few drinks together. But I didn’t expect to get drunk and do something I shouldn’t have.”
The more he spoke, the more regret consumed him. He even started hitting his head in frustration. I couldn’t bear to watch, so I reached out and grabbed his hand.
“Rosie, I know I messed up. I shouldn’t have acted impulsively, but I’ve made my decision. I want to take responsibility for what happened. I want to be with Yu. Please, help me.” Ryan’s voice was filled with sincerity.
“You’re serious?” I pressed my lips together, studying him carefully.
“Of course I’m serious! Very serious!” Ryan blurted out immediately, nodding so fast he looked like a
pecking chick.
His determination was undeniable, and I could see he truly meant it. But I also knew exactly who Yura’s heart belonged to.
“This … ” I hesitated, unsure what to say.
Seeing that I was starting to waver, Ryan stepped closer looking me straight in the eyes with unwavering sincerity. “Rosie, I swear, I really love Yura. I love her so much I can’t even help myself. I want to protect her for the rest of my life. Please, help me.”
“Alright.” I sighed, finally giving in. There was too much sincerity in his gaze for me to refuse.
But I knew Yura’s personality well. Putting the future aside, she definitely wouldn’t want to see Ryan for the next few days.
Winning her over wouldn’t happen overnight.
After a brief moment of thought, I said, “Here’s what you should do. Go home for now. Don’t rush things, and definitely don’t bother Yura these next couple of days. Let her have some time to cool off.”
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Ryan’s face lit up the moment he heard that. He was smart–he knew exactly what I meant. He nodded eagerly.
“Alright, alright. I’ll head back then. Rosie, please help me talk to her.”
He left in high spirits, but as I watched his retreating figure, unease settled deep in my chest.
Heidi’s POV:
I lay in the hospital bed, staring silently at the door.
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It had been so long since I last saw Caden. Even after he returned from Yerkshire, he hadn’t visited me
once.
Did he rekindle things with Rosaline?
No. No, that couldn’t be. Caden is mine!
The more I thought about it, the more anxious I became. I threw off the blanket and sat up, grabbing my phone from the nightstand. My fingers trembled as I dialed Caden’s number.
“Hello, Caden.”
His voice came through the receiver, warm and gentle. Tessa, what’s wrong?”
His soft and gentle tone made me smile. It wasn’t until he called my name again that I snapped out of it and said, “Caden, have you been really busy these past few days? I haven’t seen you in so long.”
“I just got back from Yerkshire. There’s a lot to deal with at the company, so I haven’t had an opportunity to visit you in the hospital.”
Hearing that, I finally let out a breath of relief.
As long as he wasn’t with Rosaline, that was all that mattered.
But if that was the case
…
I bit my lip and said, “I talked to the doctors and nurses earlier. They said my condition is improving!”
I listened carefully for his reaction before testing the waters. “But the hospital felt suffocated. Caden, I want to leave. I want to stay at your place.”
He fell silent. listening to the sound of his breathing over the phone.
Igre OU
After what felt like forever, he finally responded. “Alright. Get some rest tonight. I’ll pick you up tomorrow and handle your discharge papers.”
A satisfied smile spread across my face as I hung up.
Caden still cared about me.
The next morning at 9 o’clock sharp, Caden arrived at the hospital as promised.
I had already packed everything in advance and even changed into the outfit I wore before I was admitted,
When he walked through the door, I immediately beamed at him. “Caden, you finally came to pick me up.”
“Yeah.” He smiled warmly. “I’ve taken care of the paperwork. Let’s get you home.”
Home?
My heart nearly leapt out of my chest. Did this mean he was acknowledging me as part of his family?
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Chapter 435 The Woman Who Stole Her Place
I swallowed my excitement and gave him a shy smile instead.
Caden really did care about me.
As for Rosaline? She was nothing but a thing of the past
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I schooled my expression into something more neutral, then met Caden’s gaze and nodded firmly.
If things continued like this, my plan would soon succeed. Soon, I would take Rosaline’s place and officially become the Luna of the Eclipse Pack.
That lowly Omega? In the end, she was nothing more than a disgrace–an unwanted third wheel.
As the car sped toward New Moon City, I carefully slipped my arm through Caden’s, leaning into him delicately.
“Caden, if I move into your place, will Ms. Sinclair be upset?”
I glanced up at him, watching his reaction closely.
In actuality, I had brought up Rosaline on purpose–I wanted to see how he felt about her.
As expected, he had been focused on his phone, probably texting someone, but the moment I mentioned Rosaline, his expression darkened.
“What would she be upset about? There’s nothing between us anymore. Just settle in, alright? If work isn’t too busy, I’ll be home often.”
Pretending to understand, I nodded obediently and didn’t press further. But inside, my heart swelled with satisfaction, my lips curling into a pleased smile.
Rosaline had clearly lost her place in Caden’s heart. And soon, she would lose everything else too.
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The car pulled up in front of New Moon City, and I followed Caden inside. My eyes widened with curiosity and excitement as I took in the furnishings.
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Caden placed my luggage beside the cabinet and turned to me. “Alright, from now on, this is your home. The room on the left is yours. I’ll have someone move your things in.”
“Thank you, Caden.” I gave him a shy smile and spoke softly in gratitude.
But before I could say anything more, Rosaline appeared at the doorway. “I just came back to grab–“–
Her voice trailed off as she spotted the two of us standing in the living room.
For a moment, she froze. Her brows knitted tightly, and anger flared in her eyes.
I was just as surprised to see her. “Rosaline? What are you doing here?”
She stepped forward, letting out a sharp scoff as her gaze raked over me with disdain. “And why shouldn’t I be here? I’m the rightful future Luna of the Eclipse Pack, acknowledged by the Alpha himself. That makes me a whole lot more legitimate than a homewrecker who used underhanded tricks to take what isn’t hers.”
She folded her arms, her expression smug. “Besides, my things are still here. I still have the keys to this place. Why shouldn’t I come and get them? Do I need your permission now? You should take a good look at yourself before making demands.” Her scornful gaze traveled up and down my body, as if sizing up something unimpressive.
Caden’s lips pressed into a tight line, his expression dark as he stared at Rosaline, but he said nothing.
Hearing her words, my chest tightened, and I instinctively clutched Caden’s hand. My voice trembled as I tried to suppress my emotions. “Rosaline, I’ve never done anything to you. Why are you accusing me of this? Could you please explain why you are interfering in the situation between Caden and me? You know, he loves me. He told me he wanted to marry me.”
Tears welled up in my eyes as I continued, my voice full of sorrow. “You are the one coming between us. Why do you keep blaming me?”
As I spoke, I turned to Caden, my tearful eyes pleading for help.
Rosaline’s arms stayed crossed, but her gaze flickered between the two of us before she let out a cold laugh. “Do you seriously think just because Caden likes you, that makes you the rightful Luna? Let me tell you something. The Alpha has chosen me. Only me. And you? You’re nothing more than an unexpected
arrival.”
Her usual grace and composure were gone, replaced by a look of pure fury.
“You bitch!” Anger flared inside me, but the words caught in my throat.
My vision blurred. I swayed slightly and brought one hand to my temple. The other instinctively grasped the sleeve of Caden’s shirt before I slowly collapsed against him.
“Tessa!” Caden’s face darkened with concern as he caught me, carefully lowering me onto the couch.
Feigning weakness and fainting at just the right moment–it was an art I had mastered perfectly.
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Caden turned back toward Rosaline, his expression thunderous. He stepped up to her and snapped, “Haven’t you caused enough trouble? Tessa just got out of the hospital! Could you please avoid creating any additional tension here?
He was arguing with Rosaline because of me?
It seemed this lowly Omega wouldn’t be Eclipse Pack’s mistress for much longer.
Rosaline’s eyes widened, disbelief flashing across her face. “Caden, did you just say I’m causing trouble? I see now–she must be critical to you.” Her voice was sharp as she spat out the words. “But please keep in mind–Alpha chose me to be your wife. If I don’t step aside, then she-”
will n
Rosaline jabbed a finger at me. step foot inside Eclipse Pack!”
Caden knocked her hand away, his voice laced with fury. “Show Tessa some respect and stop coming here to make a scene. And as for you and me? There’s nothing left between us. I’ll speak to my grandfather soon and bring Tessa into the pack.”
“You-!” Rosaline’s face twisted in shock. Her eyes narrowed as she turned her gaze away from him and focused on me instead.
Finally, she clenched her jaw, her voice dripping with venom. “Fine, Caden. If that’s how it is, then listen carefully—as long as Mr. Richard favors me, I will always be the Luna of the Eclipse Pack.” She shot me a withering glare. “You and she will never get what you want.”
“That’s none of your concern,” Caden said coldly.
Rosaline shot me one last glare before storming out, her fury palpable.
As the door slammed shut, I turned to Caden, feigning worry. “Is Rosaline really going to be okay?”
“Forget about her,” he said, irritation flickering in his eyes. But when he looked at me, his expression softened.
“All you need to do is rest and recover.”
“Mmm.” I nodded obediently, but deep inside, I was already celebrating.
Rosaline, this time–you’ve lost.
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Lilian’s POV:
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“Lilian, the launch ceremony for ‘Crown‘ is happening tomorrow. You better make your move during the event. I want Rosaline to be utterly humiliated in front of everyone–I want her to never lift her head again.”
Wendy and I were sitting on the terrace of my garden, sipping coffee. She set her cup down and made the declaration with an air of authority.
Yes, her tone wasn’t a request. It was an order.
I smiled, all eagerness and flattery. “Wendy, don’t worry about it. I’ve already made arrangements.”
“You have?” Wendy raised an eyebrow, skepticism lacing her voice, and looked at me in disbelief.
“Yes.” I confirmed. “I reached out to Luminex–he’s a well–known hacker. I hired him to breach Starplay Entertainment’s internal network. They’re going to play some video footage at the ceremony tomorrow, but what actually plays might be a surprise.”
She nodded with realization, a smile spread across Wendy’s lips. “I’ll leave it to you. Just make sure Rosaline makes a fool of herself.”
After Wendy left, I pulled out my phone and dialed Luminex. “You got the details I sent you, right?”
“Relax, I got this.” Came a voice from the other end–mechanically distorted, likely through a voice changer. “I’m already on it.”
“Good.” I smirked and promised, “If you pull this off, there’s a handsome payment waiting for you, but there’s one more thing.”
Rosaline’s POV:
With the launch ceremony just around the corner, I sat at my desk, fingers flying across the keyboard. I was double–checking the company’s internal network to ensure the video footage for tomorrow’s event was flawless. But the second I accessed the file, the screen flickered, and a cascade of garbled text flooded the monitor.
The preview video that we had prepared had been hacked.
I exhaled sharply, my brow creasing. Whoever did this used some high–level encryption–but for me, this was nothing.
Still, I wasn’t planning to crack the code. Not yet.
I had plenty of enemies, and there were a few predictable names on the list of people who would love to see me embarrassed. But there was also a chance someone had hired a hacker for this.
Leaning back in my chair, I pinched the bridge of my nose before casually shutting down the corrupted file. Then, I called Anthony.
“Wilda? Calling me this late–what’s up?”
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ceremony tomorrow? It’s nothing but a scrambled mess now.”
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Anthony was rather surprised. “What? How the hell did that happen? But wait–if it’s just encryption, you could crack it in no time, right? Or do you need something from me?”
“I could decode it, sure,” I said with a small chuckle. “But not yet. What I do need is for you to track down who’s behind this. Get me a name before midnight–I need to prepare.
“Got it,” Anthony agreed readily.
About 20 minutes later, my phone rang.
“Wilda, I found him. The hacker was someone who goes by the name Luminex. The guy’s no amateur- three years ago, he won an international hacking competition.”
“Aren’t you reliable?” I teased. “Thanks. Get some rest.
Hanging up, I studied the flashing codes on my screen, my smile deepening.
An international champion hacker?
Let’s see what you’ve got.
Hanging up, I flexed my fingers before launching into action. My hands moved with practiced speed, keystrokes rapid as I dove into the corrupted system. Within minutes, I had unraveled the virus, restoring the files.
Looking at the fully restored webpage and video files, I knew I wasn’t done yet. Instead, I entered another string with a specific code.
I was going to hack into their computer.
Luminex had a tight security system–I’d give him that. But compared to me, he was a few levels below.
Twenty minutes later, I leaned back with a satisfied sigh I had completely fried his system. Right now, his computer was probably as useful as a brick.
Without missing a beat, I called Anthony again, rattling off a set of numbers. “Anthony, I just found Luminex’s phone number and address. Go get him. Bring him to me–I want to propose a collaboration.”
A quick glance at the clock told me it was 8:30 p.m. Plenty of time.
About an hour and a half later, Anthony walked into my house, a young man in tow. Except, he wasn’t just any young man. He was a werewolf. The werewolf boy eyed me warily, skepticism in his gaze. But beneath that, I caught a flicker of excitement.
I walked up to him, cool and composed, nodded politely, and extended a hand. “Hey. Sorry about crashing your system earlier.”
To my surprise, he took my hand without hesitation, his expression shifting from cautious to outright admiration. “I’m Luminex. Anthony already filled me in. I’m in. I’ll work with you.” He hesitated before adding, “But I do have one question. My encryption was flawless. How the hell did you break it so fast and hack my computer?”
I smiled. “Once this job is done, I’ll tell you.”
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He paused, then nodded in understanding. Without another word, he pulled out his phone, adjusting the tiny voice modulator clipped to his collar. “Hey,” he said into the receiver. “It’s done. Their company’s internal network? Piece of cake to break through. Just remember to transfer the rest of the payment to my
account.”
Anthony and I exchanged glances before sharing a knowing grin.
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Chapter 438 Everything Went Just as I Planned
Lilian’s POV:
At 9 am, the next morning, the launch ceremony for The Call of the Wild was in full swing.
Reporters and entertainment journalists from all major media outlets crowded around the venue, their cameras flashing even before the main cast had appeared.
Wendy and I stood among the crowd, watching as the event’s host prepared in the center of the stage. Wendy had a smug look on her face, her gaze fixed on the large projection screen, her smile filled with confidence.
“After today, I’d like to see that bitch try to turn the tide!” Wendy sneered.
“Wendy, just wait and see,” I replied, playing along with her. “Last night, Luminex told me everything was ready. He guaranteed that Rosaline would be completely humiliated today.” I stood on the side, eager to please her.
The ceremony officially began. The host delivered the opening speech; the creative team took the stage. Finally, Rosaline and Jasper gave their remarks. One segment after another unfolded, and before we knew it, the launch ceremony reached its conclusion. Yet, throughout the entire event, the projection screen- meant to play the ‘special footage–remained perfectly normal. Not a single frame of compromising material appeared.
Wendy’s smile slowly faded. She stared coldly at Rosaline, who was now standing on stage for interviews, her fingers tightening around the leather of her handbag.
I frowned. The situation wasn’t right. Luminex had assured me that everything was in place.
Wendy’s charming face turned dark and stormy. She could no longer hold back her frustration. Leaning toward me, she hissed, “What the hell is going on? Didn’t you say your guy had everything set? The ceremony is over! Where’s the dirt I asked for? How did you get things done?!”
I was just as confused. Flustered, I tried to explain, “I don’t know what happened! Luminex told me last night that the plan was foolproof. He even said Starplay Entertainment’s internal network was a joke-”
A voice suddenly interrupted us from behind. “What exactly are you two discussing?”
Wendy and I whirled around in shock. Standing before us was Rosaline, flanked by two werewolf enforcers. But what truly made my stomach drop was the sight of Luminex standing beside her, tilting his head slightly with an amused smirk–at me.
“Rosaline?” Wendy narrowed her eyes in irritation, but the moment she noticed the werewolf enforcers, her expression shifted ever so slightly. “What do you want?”
“That’s something I should be asking you,” Rosaline said, her smile polite but distant. Then, with a flicker of cold amusement, she turned to the enforcers and motioned toward me. “Officer, this is the one,” she said.
Rosaline pointed right past Wendy–straight at me. “She attempted to infiltrate my company’s internal network and steal confidential data. Legally speaking, that constitutes corporate espionage. As for the
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Chapter 438 Everything Went Just as I Planned
hacker she hired…
Rosaline turned her gaze to Luminex. “He’s right here. And he’s our witness.”
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I stared at Luminex, my mind spinning. Panic shot through me as I scrambled to defend myself. “I–What proof do you have? You can’t just accuse me like this! Such behavior is slander! I’ll sue you for defamation!”
Luminex snorted coldly and stepped forward. Without a word, he pulled out his phone and hit play. A recording of my voice echoed in the air–clear as day. It was last night’s conversation. I had instructed Luminex to hack into Starplay Entertainment’s network during that conversation.
“You claim she’s lying.” Luminex mused, slipping his phone back into his pocket. “So, tell me. Is this recording fake, too? Sorry, but in the Werewolf Continent, no one gets away with breaking the law.”
The enforcers, now stern–faced, stepped toward me. One reached for my wrist and locked the handcuffs around my wrists. “Apologies, but we’ll have to take you in.”
“No! I didn’t–I’m innocent!”
Flustered, I tried to back away, but they wouldn’t listen. Their grip was firm as they dragged me toward the patrol vehicle.
Desperate, I turned to Wendy as they pulled me away. I exclaimed, “Wendy! Help me!”
But Wendy avoided my gaze. Her face was pale, her hands trembling. She didn’t say a word.
Rosaline’s POV:
I had been watching Lilian and Wendy’s little scheming from the very beginning.
I hadn’t acted against Wendy yet, not because I looked down on her. No–I was simply biding my time.
Just wait, Wendy. Once Lilian is out of the way, you’re next.
The reporters who had attended the ceremony hadn’t all left yet. Many had witnessed the scene firsthand. Camera shutters clicked wildly, capturing every moment.
A scandal of this magnitude–the heiress from the Moonveil Pack caught attempting corporate espionage and being hauled away by enforcers–was bound to send shockwaves through the industry.
And sure enough, by the next morning, social media was ablaze with headlines. Multiple trending topics covered Lilian’s arrest, and Starplay Entertainment’s name dominated the trending search list, tagged with markers like Hot and Explosive.
“Moonveil Pack Heiress Is Caught Attempting to Steal Starplay Entertainment’s Trade Secrets!”
“Starplay Entertainment: The Call of the Wild”
“Lilian White Taken into Custody–Full Story Inside!”
:
the company stock value soaring overnight.
Meanwhile, the Moonveil Pack, which had already been struggling, took another devastating hit. With Lilian’s scandal out in the open, the pack’s already declining business screeched to a halt. Partners withdrew their contracts. Calls flooded in, one after another–companies wanting out of their deals.
It was chaos. It was exactly as I had planned.
Lilian’s POV:
The Werewolf Police Station.
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I sat in the interrogation room, staring blankly at the table, my thoughts in complete disarray. My gaze flickered restlessly, unable to settle.
Across from me, a stern–looking officer leaned forward, his voice sharp. “Why did you attempt to steal your company’s confidential information? Are you aware that this is considered a crime?”
I shook my head frantically, my voice rising in protest. “No! I didn’t! I swear, I’m innocent! It wasn’t me–it was Wendy from Wild Pack! She forced me to do it!”
I never expected things to spiral out of control like this. I never imagined I’d end up here, at the police station, being interrogated like a criminal. If I didn’t expose Wendy, I would be held accountable. I’d go to prison. That would be the stain on my life forever, a disgrace to my pack.
Wendy, I’m sorry.
The officer was stunned at the mention of Wendy’s name. He exchanged glances with the officer taking notes, then nodded for him to record my statement.
“You’re saying she ordered you to do it? Do you have any proof?” he asked, his voice steady but probing.
“Proof?” A wave of panic crashed over me. I hesitated, then let out a shaky breath, shaking my head in defeat. “I don’t have evidence. But I swear, every word I’ve said is the truth! She did it out of jealousy–she made me get someone to hack into Starplay Entertainment’s network just to mess with Rosaline! I was just following orders!”
The officer nodded thoughtfully, setting his pen down. “Alright. We’ll look into this. But until the investigation is complete, you can’t leave the station. That’s all for now–you’re free to go back to the waiting area.”
I was escorted out of the interrogation room.
Wendy’s POV:
After returning from the launch, I couldn’t stop thinking about the way Lilian looked at me as she was taken away. The look in her eyes haunted me. And Rosaline–she was smiling.
Lilian wouldn’t betray me, right?
Doubt gnawed at me. If she did, I’d be in serious trouble. Prison wasn’t just a possibility–it was a looming shadow. And worse, it would drag Wild Pack down with me.
I had been following the news about Moonveil Pack nonstop. The wave of public outrage against Lilian was terrifying, and the thought of that turning on me made my stomach twist.
“Wendy? Wendy?”
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Chapter 439 The Stock Price Crashes
“Ah!” I jolted, snapping back to reality. Michael was staring at me, concern written all over his face.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, his brows drawn together,
I composed myself, forced a smile, and shook my head, “Nothing. I guess I’m just exhausted”
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We barely exchanged a few more words before a sharp knock sounded at the door. Michael walked over and opened it—only to find a group of werewolf officers standing there. He stiffened. “Can I help you?”
Breath caught in my throat. Panicked, I immediately averted my gaze, unable to meet the officers‘ eyes.
The lead officer stepped forward. “Good evening. We’re here regarding the corporate espionage case at Starplay Entertainment. We have reason to believe Ms. Crawford is involved. We need her to come with us to assist in the investigation.”
“Wendy?” Michael’s voice carried disbelief as he turned to me.
I shot up from my seat, panic surging through me. “No! I didn’t do anything! I was there that day, but I didn’t know anything about it! Michael, please—”
His expression hardened as he turned back to the officers. “Officers, you must be mistaken. My sister was just out clearing her mind. As for stealing company secrets–she would never do such a thing. She is also recovering from an illness. She can’t handle this kind of stress. If you don’t have solid evidence, you can’t just take her away like this.”
Michael wasn’t just my brother—he was Wild Pack’s heir, and his influence in Rivemon carried weight. He stood firm and vouched for me. After much negotiation, the officers finally left.
I thought that was the end of it. I believed that Wild Pack’s power had shielded me from harm. But neither Michael nor I expected what happened next. A reporter–one of those nosy, relentless tabloid types–had been lurking near our house, waiting for a scoop. And he caught everything on camera.
Within hours, the leaked footage showed officers arriving at the villa and attempting to take me in. And the fallout was immediate. Our company stock price plummeted. Within mere hours, our company was in a freefall.
As I stood in our estate, watching Grandpa explode in fury at Michael, my hands clenched into fists so tightly my nails dug into my palms.
Rosaline must have orchestrated this. She must have arranged this.
When she accused Lilian, she purposefully avoided mentioning me, waiting for the right moment. She planned this from the start.
That conniving, manipulative little snake–I’ll make her pay.
Rosaline’s POV:
I was checking the stock market when Wendy stormed into my apartment, her face full of fury.
The truth was I had already heard about the sharp decline in Wild Pack’s stock price. Seeing the downward trend on my screen, I couldn’t help but smirk.
“Alpha, you really outdid yourself this time! Wendy’s going to have to behave now,” Freya chimed in, sounding just as pleased as I was.
Right then, a loud knock sounded at my door. And, as if summoned by name, Wendy burst in, her rage barely contained.
“Rosaline! How dare you scheme against my pack, against my brother and Alpha? What makes you worthy of being with Caden? Does he even know what kind of manipulative bitch you are?”
Her voice rose hysterically as she pointed a shaking finger at me, like she had never done anything wrong
in her life.
I simply gazed at her with a calm expression before offering a slow, amused smile.
My indifference seemed to push Wendy over the edge. Her face twisted with anger, and she raised her hand to slap me. But before she could, I caught her wrist, gripping it tightly.
I squeezed just enough to make my point, my eyes locking onto hers. The smile on my lips faded, replaced by the cold, commanding presence of a Shadow Pack’s Alpha.
“Wendy,” I said, my voice steady but firm, “I’ve ignored your little stunts for a long time, but don’t mistake my patience for weakness. Lilian has been your lapdog from the start. Do you really think she dared to hack into my company’s network without your orders?”
My voice wasn’t loud, but Wendy’s face paled at my words.
I let go of her wrist with a sharp flick and warned in a low, icy voice, “If you try to sabotage me again, it won’t end as easily as this time.”
Then, I turned and sank back into the couch, watching her with detached amusement.
If she had even a shred of intelligence, she would realize that the message was just a warning. Next time, I wouldn’t be so lenient when she tried another of her underhanded tactics.
Wendy gaped at me, stunned. I could see the mix of emotions in her eyes–anger, disbelief, confusion.
But eventually, it was hatred that won out.
“You’ll regret this, Rosaline,” she snarled, her voice trembling with barely contained fury.
Then, with a sharp turn, she stormed out, slamming the door behind her.
I exhaled and shook my head.
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Chapter 440 Nightmare
She was a classic spoiled rich heiress–dumb as a rock.
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But I had no time to waste on her tantrums. My priority was ensuring the movie won the awards it deserved.
Heidi’s POV:
Ever since I moved into Caden’s place, I had been over the moon. I stayed busy every day, fully embracing the role of the lady of the house.
But my goal was much bigger than just living here—I wanted to become the future Luna of the Eclipse Pack.
It was already past eight in the evening. I sat on the couch, glancing at the clock on the wall every few minutes. Finally, the door opened, and Caden walked in. I immediately put on a bright smile and rushed over to greet him.
“Caden, what took you so long to come home?” I asked, trying to sound casual.
He ruffled my hair and smiled. “Work’s been hectic. I had to close a business deal, so I got back a little later than usual.
I watched him carefully, trying to gauge his mood. Since I moved in, he had barely been home. I worried that Rosaline might try to pull some trick.
But hearing his explanation, my worries eased a little.
Smiling sweetly, I took his hand and led him to the dining room. The table was set with dishes I had cooked myself–all his favorites.
“Caden, I made this dish just for you. Try it,” I said, watching him expectantly.
He picked up a fork and took a bite of bacon and eggs. After chewing thoughtfully, he nodded in approval. Then, as if something had just occurred to him, he turned to me. “Oh, Tessa, I almost forgot. Even though your health is improving, you still need to take care of yourself. Since I’m not home often, I hire a nurse to stay with you. She will move in tomorrow and monitor your condition closely. If anything happens, she’ll let me know immediately.”
I froze, my smile stiffening. My eyes flickered away from his, unable to meet his gaze.
A nurse? I had faked my terminal illness to get his sympathy–what if she found out the truth?
Caden asked, “What’s wrong? You don’t look happy.”
Snapping out of my panic, I quickly forced a smile. “No, it’s nothing! I was just thinking … isn’t that too much trouble for you?”
“Not at all. I already made the arrangements. She’ll be here tomorrow.”
After dinner, Caden went to his study to work, while I sat alone in the living room, trying to think of a
solution.
Only then could I be sure that Caden and Rosaline would never, ever rekindle what they once had.
I slipped into my new lace nightgown, the soft fabric hugging my curves just right. With a warm glass of milk in my hands, I walked to the study door and gave it a gentle knock before flashing my sweetest smile.
“Caden, I warmed this up for you. Have a sip,” I said, setting the glass down on his desk.
Leaning forward slightly, I let my neckline dip just enough to reveal the soft curves of my chest, hoping to catch his attention. But Caden barely spared me a glance before returning to his work.
“Thanks. Just leave it there–I’ll drink it later,” he said casually.
“Oh!” A pang of disappointment hit me. I mean, come on! I wasn’t just any girl–I had the kind of body that turned heads. And yet, standing right here in front of him, he wasn’t the least bit tempted?
With that thought, I slid my hand onto his arm and eased myself onto his lap, looping my arms around his neck. My voice softened into a whisper. “Caden, it’s getting late. You’ve been working all day at the office–why don’t you take a break and rest?”
As I spoke, I leaned in closer, lowering my eyes as I moved to press my lips against his.
Just as our lips were about to meet, a moan escaped my throat; Caden’s hand came up, firm against my shoulder, halting my progress.
Stunned, I looked up at him as he gently but decisively put space between us. His voice remained calm, polite–even warm–but there was no mistaking the rejection. “Tessa, it’s late. I still have work to do for tomorrow’s meeting. You’re not in the best health; you should get some rest before you catch a cold,” he said, his tone gentle but distant.
“Caden!” I widened my eyes in disbelief.
I hadn’t expected him to reject me. For a moment, I was at a loss for words, still unwilling to give up. But when I met his cool, unreadable gaze, the small flicker of confidence I had left was extinguished.
The heir of the Eclipse Pack certainly had an iron will.
Reluctantly, I let go of him and nodded. “Alright, I’ll head to bed. You should rest soon too,
Caden’s POV:
As soon as Heidi’s bedroom door clicked shut, I finally let out a breath.
I knew exactly what she was trying to do–she thought seduction would work on me,
She couldn’t have been more wrong.
Caden.”
I figured that would be the end of it, but barely three hours later, I heard her panicked voice calling out from down the hall. “Caden! Caden–help!”
Suppressing a sigh, I got up and walked toward the sound. It was coming from her bedroom.
Pushing open the door, I found Heidi sitting up in bed, her face pale, her eyes darting toward the door as
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Chapter 441 A Losing Battle
if she’d seen something horrible.
The moment she saw me, her voice trembled with unshed tears. “Caden, I–I’m scared.”
I exhaled slowly. She’s still at it, huh?
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Stepping closer, I took her hand in mine, my expression concerned. “Tessa, what’s wrong? Did you have a bad dream?”
Instead of answering, she wrapped her arms around my waist, pressing her face against my chest. “It was horrible,” she whimpered. “I dreamed we were back in that cabin, the one where those kidnappers kept us apart. It felt so real. I couldn’t see you; I couldn’t reach you. It’s terrifying.”
I clenched my jaw. Gently, I patted her back, my voice steady. “It was just a dream, Tessa. It’s over. Nothing like that will ever happen to you again, I promise. You’re safe now.”
“I know,” she whispered. Then, tilting her head up, she gazed at me with wide, pleading eyes. “But I still feel so scared. I can’t fall asleep. Will you stay with me, just for a little while?”
She looked heartbreakingly fragile, her tear–streaked face adding to the effect. I’d heard she used to sing at a bar, and plenty of werewolves had been drawn to her beauty.
Too bad I wasn’t like those other wolves.
I studied her for a moment, then sighed, forcing patience into my voice.
“Alright. Just lie down and try to sleep. I’ll stay here.”
Relief washed over her face as she nodded and sank back into the pillows. Yet, even as her breathing steadied, she refused to let go of my hand, her grip unyielding.
Rosaline and I had already anticipated Heidi’s tricks. I might not have wanted to deal with her, but for now, I had no choice. So, I sat there, offering her quiet reassurances, making small talk until her breathing finally evened out, signaling that she had fallen asleep.
Only then did I allow myself to relax, slowly easing my hand from her grasp as I stood up.
I had more pressing matters to attend to. I’d sent Yale to handle the land deal over at Azure Bay. Investing 300 million dollars in what was basically a wasteland–Everett had pretended not to care, but I knew he was desperate to offload it.
It had been days. If everything had gone as planned, Yale should have closed the deal by now.
Everett, it looks like your little scheme is about to fail.
Chapter 442 A Bold Move
The next morning, just as I stepped into my office and barely had time to open my files, there was a knock at the door. Yale entered, holding a tablet.
“Mr. Holbrook.”
“What is it?” I minimized my browser and looked up at him.
Yale approached and handed me the tablet. Displayed on the screen were the proposals for the new project we had planned for Azure Bay.
“I’ve taken care of everything you instructed. As expected, once BPL found out about the industrial park project, they were desperate to offload the land. I contacted a familiar intermediary and got in touch with BPL’s project lead for Azure Bay. We reacquired the land for 60 million. Now, we can begin the project anytime, as soon as you give the word.”
I swiped through the architectural plans, studying them before nodding in approval.
“You did well. Everett didn’t suspect anything, did he?”
Yale smirked knowingly and shook his head. “No. The intermediary never mentioned that we were the buyers. Besides, Everett was in such a rush to get rid of Azure Bay, he wouldn’t have questioned it even if someone told him.”
I nodded again and focused on the screen. In our previous meetings, we had already decided to build a massive amusement park on the site. The land was vast and ideally located. With the right investment and marketing, it would attract massive crowds.
In the end, the real winner was still us.
Handing the tablet back to Yale, I said, “You did a great job. Now, start making preparations for the amusement park construction.”
Yale nodded but hesitated before turning back to me. “Mr. Holbrook, but what about Rivemon’s industrial park project?”
I acknowledged his concerns and replied, “That’s not something you need to worry about. I’ve already handled it. Just focus on the amusement park.”
Getting Rivemon’s industrial park relocated was no trouble at all. A city that big-moving an industrial park to another location was an easy fix.
Everett’s POV:
I stood by the floor-to-ceiling window in BPL’s headquarters, a glass of red wine in hand. The liquid swirled slightly, but I was not in the mood to drink.
Therefore, I had spent 300 million fighting Eclipse Pack for Azure Bay, prying it from Caden’s hands, thinking I could develop a lucrative residential area. But then Rivemon’s government had to announce an industrial park project there.
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Chapter 442 A Bold Move
Just like that, 300 million had washed down the drain. What a miserable turn of events.
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Sure, I had to sell the land at a loss, only managing to recover 60 million. Compared to my initial investment, the amount was insignificant. Still, at least I got rid of it, so I didn’t have to dwell on the loss.
More importantly, Caden didn’t get it either.
Fine. I lost this round. But at least Caden didn’t win. That was good enough for me.
Taking a sip of wine, I allowed myself to feel slightly better about the situation.
Several days later.
“Boss! Bad news!” My assistant burst into my office, breathless and flustered.
I frowned and shot him a warning glance. “Calm down. Speak clearly.”
Catching his breath, the assistant stammered, “Haven’t you seen today’s news? The Rivemon government just announced that due to Azure Bay’s prime location, they’ve decided to relocate the industrial park project!”
I froze, staring at him in disbelief. “What?”
Seeing the panic in his eyes, I felt a sharp pang of unease. I quickly pulled up the news, and there it was- front-page headlines declaring the government’s decision to relocate the industrial park.
My stomach dropped. My grip tightened around the mouse until it cracked under the pressure.
Motherfucker! I had just sold Azure Bay. Was I completely played?
That land was a goldmine!
Then a sudden thought struck me. I immediately searched for recent updates on Caden. It didn’t take long before a video appeared on my screen.
“Azure Haven! Eclipse Pack’s Grand Move!”
The moment I saw the headline, a sinking feeling settled in my chest.
I clicked on the video. On the stage at a press conference stood Caden, his usual confident smirk in place. Behind him, a massive backdrop displayed the words: Azure Haven Project.
How was such an arrangement possible? An intermediary company had purchased that land.
They informed me that a small-scale firm expressed interest in using it for a factory project, but they lacked the necessary funds.
Everything clicked into place.
Caden, you snake!
That company never existed. Even the intermediary was a front, orchestrated by Eclipse Group to buy
And as for Rivemon’s government? Well, it wouldn’t have been difficult for the heir of the Eclipse Pack to pull some strings.
I clenched my fists, my gaze locked onto Caden’s smug expression on the screen. With a furious strike, I shattered my monitor.
Chapter 443 Stealing the Proposal
The assistant approached cautiously, straightening the shattered computer screen.
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I waved him away in frustration, and he scurried out of the office as if he had just been granted a pardon.
I sank into deep thought.
Azure Haven, huh?
Caden, I won’t let you have the final laugh.
I’ll make sure your plan crumbles–no matter what it takes.
Heidi!
Her name suddenly popped into my mind. The last time we spoke, she told me that Caden was utterly devoted to her. Maybe it was time to use that to my advantage.
With that thought, I dialed Heidi’s number.
Heidi’s POV:
The nurse Caden hired had just finished checking my blood pressure and heart rate. I gave her a polite nod and smiled faintly. “Thank you. You must be tired. Why don’t you take a break? I’m fine.”
The truth was, I had been faking my illness all along. If this nurse stayed glued to my side much longer, she might eventually catch on.
No, I had to come up with a better plan. I needed to keep Caden wrapped around my finger–for good.
As I was lost in thought, my phone buzzed.
It was Everett.
My heart sank at the sight of his name. I quickly picked up the phone, forcing myself to stay composed before answering.
“Hey, Everett. What’s up?” I kept my voice low, making sure the nurse in the next room wouldn’t hear anything incriminating.
“What are you doing?”
“I–I’m resting.” His voice was as cold as ever, making me nervous.
“Enough small talk. Tell me, how are things going with Caden?”
My stomach churned at his words. I instinctively glanced toward the nurse’s room, lowering my voice. “I’ve already moved into his house. He’s barely around, but he treats me well. Oh, and he and Rosaline had a huge fight the day I moved in. They’re not in contact anymore. So, don’t worry, Everett.”
“Good.” His tone was deep.
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Chapter 443 Stealing the Proposal
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Just as I exhaled in relief, his next words sent a chill down my spine. “When Caden’s home, keep an eye on him. Try to find out anything you can about Azure Haven.”
“Azure Haven?” I asked in confusion.
Caden hadn’t mentioned anything about the Azure Bay project in ages. Now, suddenly, there was a new amusement park?
Everett scoffed coldly. “You really don’t know, huh? Figures. Caden is too cautious to tell you anything important.”
“That’s not true!” I blurted out.
I couldn’t let Everett think I was useless. If his pack abandoned me, I’d lose all my connections and comfortable life. I’d be thrown back into the gutter, drowning in debt and misery.
No. I refused to go back to that.
Cold sweat broke out on my forehead. Forcing myself to breathe steadily, I whispered, “Caden really trusts me now. When I brought up Rosaline, he clearly didn’t want to talk about her anymore. Everett, could you please allow me a bit more time—”
“That’s enough.” He impatiently cut me off. “I need you to steal Eclipse Group’s amusement park proposal. I want Caden to know what it feels like to be crushed beneath someone else’s heel.”
My stomach twisted, and I instinctively frowned at his instruction. Not only did Caden always lock his study door when he worked, but would he really leave something crucial lying around the house for me to find on a project this big?
“But Caden might not even let me see the proposal. And there’s no guarantee he keeps it here.”
I tried to persuade him.
“That’s your problem.” Everett’s voice darkened. “You either get it, or you suffer the consequences. Failure is not an option. Got it?”
His commanding tone made my stomach churn. I was powerless to change his mind. However, when I considered his brutality and the potential consequences of my disobedience, I found myself compelled to firmly accept his decision.
After hanging up, I collapsed onto the floor, my whole body drenched in sweat.
I was sick of Everett controlling my life. If I didn’t marry Caden soon, I might never escape his grip.
But if I could marry him–if I became the Lady of Eclipse Pack–even Everett wouldn’t be able to touch me.
Caden! This isn’t over!
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It had been days since I last checked on Yura, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. So, I made my way to the hotel where she was staying.
Yura hadn’t returned to her apartment for days, choosing instead to rent a room at a hotel. When she saw me at the door, she looked surprised.
After letting me in, I sat casually on the edge of the bed, watching my best friend with concern. “You’ve been staying here this whole time? When are you planning to go home?”
What had happened between her and Ryan that night was something she couldn’t seem to move past. But hiding away in a hotel wasn’t a long–term solution.
Yura silently shook her head. The past few days had taken a toll on her; she looked exhausted, completely drained.
She sat beside me, staring down at her hands, her fingers trembling slightly. After a long pause, she finally asked, “Timothy … How is he doing?”
I sighed. I hadn’t wanted to bring up anything that might upset her, but since she asked, I answered honestly. “Hughie has been treating him these past few days. He isn’t resisting like he used to–in fact, he’s cooperating more and even talks to Hughie occasionally. His mood seems better.”
“Really?” A faint smile touched Yura’s lips, a sign of relief washing over her. “That’s good to hear. And thank you for everything.”
Her reaction made my heart ache. I reached out, giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t mention it; it’s what best friends are for. Of course, I’d help take care of him for you. Oh, by the way, his right leg is getting better after the witch’s stone treatment. He can even take a few steps now. Hughie says moving around will help his recovery.”
That seemed to ease Yura’s worries a little. She lowered her gaze, thinking for a moment, then took my hand in hers, her voice almost pleading. “Rosaline, I want to see him. Will you take me to him?”
Her request brought a sense of relief to me.
Everything she had gone through lately had hit her hard. She was the rightful heiress of the Galehowl Pack, but now she seemed like a shadow of her former self. I had been worried, but at least now she was willing to step out of this self–imposed isolation.
“Of course,” I said with a nod, squeezing her hand before letting go.
We left the hotel together, but she was still anxious. After only a few steps, she stopped, chewing her lower lip nervously. “What if Timothy refuses to see me?”
I hesitated, remembering how Timothy had been these past few days. When he wasn’t cooperating with his treatment, he spent hours staring out the window in silence.
He never said anything, but I had a feeling he was thinking about Yura.
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Chapter 444 Mom Is Sick
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Still, I didn’t say that out loud. Instead, I reassured her, shaking my head and saying, “He won’t. You two have already talked things through. He won’t treat you like he did before.”
I started driving toward the hospital, but Yura sat stiffly in her seat, her brows furrowed in deep thought. She didn’t say a word the entire ride.
Then, her phone rang.
She pulled it out, glanced at the screen, and took a deep breath before answering, trying to steady her voice. “Mom? What’s wrong?”
A weak voice came through the speaker. “Yura, I’m not feeling well. Can you come home now? I truly miss. you.”
The moment Yura heard those words, she tensed up. “Mom? What happened? Don’t worry, I’ll book the next flight and come home right away!”
Her urgency startled me. Instinctively, I applied the brakes and turned to her, perplexed. “Your mom is sick?”
Yura nodded frantically, eyes filled with panic. “Rosaline, I can’t see Timothy now. Can you drive me to the airport? I need to get home to my mom!”
“Of course. Don’t worry, I’ll get you there.” I made a sharp U–turn and sped toward the airport.
I had met Yura’s mother before. She was a beautiful and kind woman. I liked her a lot.
Yura was overcome with anxiety. “How did she suddenly get sick? Why is everything happening at once?”
With everything piling up, she finally broke down and started crying. I tightened my grip on the steering wheel and did my best to console her. “Hey, hey, don’t cry. Your mom is strong, and the Moon Goddess will protect her. She’s going to be okay.”
I drove as fast as I could, weaving through traffic until we finally reached the airport in just 20 minutes.
The moment I stopped, Yura threw the door open and ran out. I grabbed her bag from the backseat and chased after her. “Yura! You forgot this!”
She spun around, took the bag from me in a rush, then bolted toward the entrance. She looked like a spinning top, moving from one thing to the next without stopping. I sighed, feeling heartbroken for her.
After a moment’s thought, I pulled out my phone and dialed a number. “Hey, where are you?”
The number I called belonged to Ryan.
Right now, Yura needed someone who truly cared about her.
I just hoped Ryan wouldn’t let her down.
Not long after Yura entered the airport, I saw a familiar car pull up outside. Ryan stepped out, his gaze immediately locking onto mine. We exchanged a silent look. Then, with a firm nod, he rushed inside.
Chapter 445 A Proposal at the Airport
Yura’s POV:
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I had already bought my plane ticket. There was still some time before departure, so I sat on one of the benches outside the terminal, waiting.
“Yu!” A familiar voice called out right next to me.
I turned, and to my surprise, saw Ryan standing there.
“Ryan? What are you doing here?” I asked, puzzled. I had been so distracted, worrying about my mom’s illness, that my eyes had been unfocused the whole time–I hadn’t even noticed him.
“I followed you all the way to the airport,” Ryan admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he straightened up, holding a bouquet of flowers in front of me with a serious expression. “Yu, I’m here to propose to you. I know your mind has been a mess these past few days, and you’ve been avoiding me. But I need you to know that I’m serious. Marry me. Be the future Luna of the Storm Pack.”
Passengers waiting for their flights had turned their attention toward us, some curious, others surprised. A few young werewolves in the crowd even started cheering and whistling.
I had never experienced a moment like this before–or rather, I had imagined it. However, Timothy had always been the one making the proposal in those fantasies.
I pressed my lips together, meeting Ryan’s burning gaze. Then, I shook my head slightly. “Sorry, Ryan. I don’t want to talk about this right now. And besides, whatever happened between us–it was an accident. I -I don’t have feelings for you.”
Ryan’s face instantly fell. Seeing his dejected expression, the crowd lost interest and began to disperse.
I had no energy to deal with Ryan or his emotions. My thoughts were elsewhere. Without another word, I turned away and fixed my eyes on the departure board.
Time was running out. I stood up, heading straight for my gate without looking back.
Three hours later, my flight landed at the airport in Hego.
I followed the flow of passengers through the terminal and stepped outside to catch a cab. But just as I reached the curb, I spotted Ryan again–this time at another exit.
“Why are you-” I sighed helplessly.
Ryan cut me off and said solemnly, “I know you won’t accept me now, but I’m willing to wait.”
“Ryan, I already told you–I don’t have feelings for you. What happened between us was just a mistake.” I pivoted and began to walk away. However, I caught a glimpse of him still trailing behind me. I stopped and looked him straight in the eye, my tone firm. “Stop following me around.”
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Chapter 445 A Proposal at the Airport
Without waiting for a response, I hailed a cab and left the airport.
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This time, Ryan didn’t chase after me. When I arrived home, I barely made it through the front door before calling out anxiously, “Mom? Mom, are you okay? Do you need to go to the hospital?”
I hurried into the living room–only to find both my parents sitting stiffly on the couch, their expressions unreadable.
My mother averted her gaze as soon as she saw me.
I froze, struggling to make sense of what was happening. “Mom? Dad? What’s going on? Mom, weren’t you sick?”
Dad finally lifted his head, his voice cold. “If we hadn’t told you your mother was sick, you’d probably still be in Rivemon right now, wouldn’t you? Sticking by that boy?”
My eyes widened. Suddenly, everything clicked. I remained motionless, frozen in place.
For a long moment, I couldn’t find my voice. Then, with difficulty, I forced out a single word. “Mom?”
“Yura.” Mom frowned as she called my name, then motioned for me to sit beside her. “You have no idea how much trouble you caused this time–running off to the earthquake disaster zone with Rosaline to rescue people, and we had no idea where you were. And if something had happened to you while you were with Timothy, what would your father and I do? You have to understand–the future Alpha of Galehowl Pack is meant to be you.”
Dad cut in, his face stern. “Are you back with Timothy? Do you even realize how worried we were when we found out you went to the disaster zone to save him? The heiress of the Galehowl Pack has no business throwing her future away for some poor boy!”
“That’s right,” Mom added, stroking my hand, her voice laced with concern. “Timothy’s pack is small–no power, no money. How can he ever protect you? For the sake of our pack’s future, you need to think carefully, sweetheart.”
I had never expected my usually open–minded parents to react like this. Desperate to explain, I shook my head. “Why are you telling me this? I’m not … I’m not with Timothy anymore.”
“You broke up?”
Dad shot up from his seat, stepping closer to me. His piercing gaze locked onto mine as he reached out, lightly touching my face. Then I felt it. He was using his Alpha senses–reading my body, my emotions.
“Moon Goddess! You severed the mate bond?” He murmured, his brows knitting together. He let out a long, heavy sigh.
Mom pulled me into her arms, tears slipping down her cheeks as her heart ached for me. “Oh, sweetheart.”
“Yura,” Dad said, his voice more composed now. “Things are what they are. Your mother and I called you back home because we want you to stay for a while. Take a break.”
“No.” I stood up immediately, rejecting the idea outright.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door.
Mom reached out to calm Dad before walking over to open it; standing on the other side was Ryan.
Chapter 446 Feigned Intentions, True Feelings
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Ryan saw my mom and immediately nodded politely. “Hello, I’m here to see Yu. Is she home?”
Hearing Ryan’s voice, I instinctively turned my head. The moment he saw me, he strode over, one hand briefly resting on my shoulder before quickly pulling away. He flashed a polite, humble smile and nodded toward my dad. “Hi, Alpha.”
Both of my parents knew who Ryan was–Storm Pack’s heir and a well–known celebrity. Seeing him standing in our home, speaking so familiarly with me, left them visibly surprised. Naturally, they were left feeling a bit skeptical.
Dad hesitated before finally speaking. “I know you. Ryan, right? The next in line for Storm Pack and a celebrity. You and Yura know each other?”
Ryan glanced at me, a smile unconsciously appearing on his face. He nodded firmly, and in the next second, he took my hand. “Alpha, Luna, actually, I’ve been with Yu for a long time. She just agreed to be my girlfriend. She told me a while back that her mom was sick and she needed to come home. I wanted to come with her, but she wouldn’t let me, so I followed her in secret.”
As he finished, Ryan even smiled sheepishly.
The moment he grabbed my hand, I instinctively tried to pull away. I was completely dumbfounded by the lies he fed my parents.
How shameless could he be?
But with my parents standing right there, I had no way to outright reject him. All I could do was lower my head, a mix of frustration and confusion burning inside me as I glared at Ryan.
My mom, on the other hand, was already looking at him with pure satisfaction. He was a handsome heir and a famous star, and in her eyes, he was clearly the perfect future son–in–law.
Dad, however, remained unconvinced. His gaze moved back and forth between me and Ryan before finally settling on me.
“Yura, why didn’t you ever mention you were dating him? Are you two trying to trick us?” his tone was
stern.
I let out a sigh. The last thing I wanted was to drag Ryan into my mess, especially when I had already
turned him down.
Just as I was about to deny everything, Ryan leaned in close, lowering his voice so only I could hear. “Yu, this is for your own good. If I pretend to be your boyfriend, your parents won’t try to keep you here. You don’t want to be stuck here forever and never return to Rivemon, do you?”
His words caught me off guard. The denial I was harboring quickly disappeared.
I stared at Ryan, momentarily stunned. His gaze was steady, unwavering. I sighed and reluctantly gave in.
Turning back to Dad, I forced a smile and nodded. “Yes, we just got together recently. I thought it was too big of a deal to bring up right away. And Ryan’s a celebrity. I would rather not cause a fuss. Mom, Dad,
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Chapter 446 Feigned Intentions, True Feelings
you’re not mad at me, are you?”
As I finished speaking, I sighed silently.
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I would rather not be locked up at home, nor did I want to be cut off from Timothy. Honestly, I missed him.
Since I had admitted we were in a relationship, Dad’s expression finally softened. He gave a small nod. “Alright, if you two are really together, I’ll trust you. But Yura, the truth is a big deal. You should’ve told us instead of making us worry.”
Mom, meanwhile, was practically beaming at Ryan, looking more than pleased.
Thanks to Ryan, the whole crisis had been temporarily resolved, bringing a sense of harmony to our home. But online? Things had completely exploded.
The moment Ryan proposed to me at the airport, a paparazzo managed to snap a picture. The news quickly spread across social media. In just two hours, it had climbed to the top three trending topics, marked with bold “TRENDING” labels.
Explosive News! Ryan Proposes to a Mysterious Woman
Rivemon Airport
Ryan’s Proposal
Similar headlines flooded the trending list, filling up at least three or four spots in the top ten. Pictures of Ryan’s proposal had already taken over every major platform, with engagement numbers climbing by the second.
Ryan’s die–hard fans were losing their minds in the comment sections–some wailing in heartbreak, but most choosing to be optimistic, offering their support. After all, Ryan was more than just a beautiful face in the industry. And with so many scandals happening lately, at least their idol was openly pursuing love instead of hiding behind a mask.
His phone had been buzzing nonstop with calls from his manager–five or six already. But right now, he was sitting at our dining table, casually enjoying dinner, not the least bit concerned about the chaos online.
I scrolled through the endless stream of headlines and photos, caught between laughter and disbelief.
And then, a thought crept into my mind. I wondered how Timothy was handling all of this.
Chapter 447 Yura’s Has a Change of Heart.
Timothy’s POV:
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Lying in my hospital bed, I scrolled through the news on my phone, trying to kill time. The moment I saw Ryan’s name trending, a sense of unease crept into my heart.
I tapped on the link, and what I saw made my blood run cold–Ryan proposing at Rivemon Airport. The person he was proposing to was…
Yura.
The angle of the photos was a little tricky, but they were clear enough. I zoomed in, and there was no mistaking it–it was Yura’s face.
My heart plummeted.
It turned out Yura had moved on.
I stared at the picture, unable to look away. Ryan was holding a bouquet, and the scene seemed blindingly dazzling in my eyes–so dazzling it almost felt like mockery.
My gaze dropped to my bandaged right leg. A tangled mess of emotions tightened in my chest, suffocating
- me.
Maybe this scenario is for the best. I’m a cripple now, and I won’t be holding her back anymore.
Heidi’s POV:
It had been a week since Everett last called about the Azure Bay project proposal. I was already on edge, but for some reason, Caden had been acting distant. Every time he came home, he would either lock himself in his study or completely avoid talking about work. Even when I tried to mention it, he would skillfully change the subject.
Just as I was drowning in frustration, my phone rang again—it was Everett.
“How’s it going?” His voice was as cold as ever, laced with command. “It’s been a week. When will I have that proposal in my hands?”
I clenched my jaw. No matter how many years had passed, Everett’s voice always had a way of making my nerves tighten.
“I- It’s not ready yet. Just give me a little more time. I’ve been trying to talk to Caden about it, but every time I bring it up, he dodges the topic. I can’t even get into his study.” My voice trailed off as I pleaded, “Just a little longer. Please.”
“I’ll say this one last time–that’s your problem.” Everett’s tone darkened, his words carrying an undeniable threat. “Heidi, you may have the patience to wait for Caden to come around, but I don’t. You have three days. If I don’t have that proposal by then, you know the consequences.”
The call ended abruptly. The flat dial tone rang in my ears.
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Chapter 447 Yura’s Has a Change of Heart
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I set my phone down, my fingers trembling. Everett had been calling me more and more frequently over the past few days, even when Caden was home. If I hadn’t been quick enough with my excuses, he might have already caught on to something.
No. I had to marry Caden quickly. I was willing to do whatever it took.
Caden’s POV:
When I got home that evening, I found Heidi in the dining room, setting the table–dressed in a black lace nightgown. The fabric clung to her curves, leaving little to the imagination.
I frowned. Anyone with half a brain could tell what she was up to.
As I contemplated this, I walked over to the couch, grabbed a jacket, and draped it over her shoulders. “You shouldn’t wear so little. You’ll catch a cold.”
Heidi’s face lit up with a pleased smile the moment she saw me. She reached for my hand and slowly guided it to her waist. “You’re finally home.” She murmured, leaning in and saying, “I wasn’t feeling well earlier, so I got up. You’ve been buried in work for days. I missed you.”
She turned off the stove and wrapped her arms around my waist, resting her head against my shoulder.
I stepped back, putting distance between us. “I just got home. I’m going to go change.” I picked up the jacket and placed it back on her. “Put this on. You don’t want to get sick.”
Without waiting for her response, I turned and headed upstairs. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught the flicker of disappointment on her face–but I ignored it.
At 11:30 p.m. that night, I slipped out of the bedroom and into the living room, quietly opening the door to check if Heidi was still asleep. She was. At last, I exhaled with a sense of relief.
I’d been dodging her for days. And in the meantime, I hadn’t seen Rosaline once. I missed her.
Rosaline’s POV:
I was fast asleep when a rustling noise from the living room yanked me awake. Frowning, I cracked my
eyes open.
Even deep in the recesses of my mind, Freya yawned lazily.
“A thief? Or maybe a stalker?” She mused, sounding excited.
“It doesn’t matter who it is. Stay put–I’ll handle it.” I whispered back with a smirk.
I slipped out of bed, moving as quietly as possible. The sound in the living room had faded, but I wasn’t taking any chances. Grabbing a wooden chair from beside the door, I wrapped my fingers around the handle and cautiously turned it open.
A shadow stood in the dim light. Without hesitation, I raised the chair high and yelled, “How dare you break into my house-”
“It’s me.” The deep voice cut through the silence, right before the living room lights flicked on.
Standing in front of me was Caden, and he was smiling at me.
I froze. Slowly, I lowered the chair. “Caden? What brings you here?”
Chapter 448 Just a Show
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Caden’s eyes lit up with amusement as he saw my surprised expression. He stepped forward, took my hand, and pulled me into his arms, wrapping them around my waist. “I missed you,” he murmured. “I had some spare time, so I came to see you. It wasn’t easy to get away.”
There was a slight hint of grievance in his voice, which made me chuckle. I slipped my hand from his grasp and said softly, “You couldn’t have come during the day or after work? It’s already midnight- shouldn’t you be at home resting?”
Caden frowned and let out a weary sigh. “I’m not just busy with work; there’s also the Azure Haven project. And when I do go home, I have to deal with Heidi. Honestly, I’m exhausted.”
“Oh, work, I understand. But being with Tessa–how could that be tiring? She takes such wonderful care of
doesn’t she?” I teased, smiling.
you,
Caden leaned down, his voice low and slow, brushing against my ear like a whispering breeze. “Are you jealous?” His tone carried a playful edge, laced with something deeper, something teasing. “Forget about my apartment for now. I miss you every single day; I just want to be with you.”
He stepped behind me, his arms circling my waist again, his chin resting on my shoulder. His lips barely grazed the sensitive skin below my ear.
I tilted my head slightly, turning in his embrace so that I was facing him. Cupping his handsome face with both hands, I smiled warmly. “Alright, alright. I know you missed me. I missed you too. I’m happy you came tonight. But-” I stretched out the word playfully, “-we have to focus on the bigger picture. So you’ll just have to bear with it a little longer.”
I winked playfully before rising onto my tiptoes to press a quick kiss to his forehead. “Don’t be upset–oh, by the way, Heidi has been living at your place for a while now. Has she done anything unusual?”
Caden let out a long sigh and pulled me to the couch. As we sat down, he said, “She’s been pestering me these past few days, constantly looking for excuses to come into my study–bringing me snacks, soup, that kind of thing. Tonight, she even asked if I’m working on a major project since I’ve been so busy. I think she’s getting ready to make a move.”
I fell silent, my thoughts aligning with what I had already suspected. Heidi was trying to get something out
of Caden.
An idea sparked in my mind–one that might just work.
But it would require some sacrifice from Caden.
I hesitated before finally saying, “If someone sent her to get close to you, then why don’t we use that against her? We could feed her a little information–maybe leak some information about the amusement park project and see what she does with it.”
Caden nodded instinctively, but he quickly realized that something was off. His brows furrowed, he turned to me and asked skeptically, “Wait. Are you telling me to get closer to Heidi deliberately?”
I met his gaze and nodded seriously.
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His lips pressed into a thin line before he gave me a half–joking, half–serious look. “So you’re telling me to spend more time with her? Won’t that make you jealous?”
His question caught me off guard. I was momentarily stunned before bursting into laughter, consciously avoiding his gaze and adjusting my posture.
To be honest, a little jealousy was unavoidable. But I was mostly rational–if we didn’t deal with Heidi now, we’d never have a peaceful future.
A little patience wouldn’t kill me. What else could I do?
Caden’s voice grew heavier with emotion. “Are you secretly hoping I’ll end up with Heidi?”
That question stunned me.
I turned, staring at him in disbelief. Before I could even laugh it off, he reached out and gently pinched my cheek.
His face suddenly loomed before my eyes, so close that I could see every detail, his deep eyes locked onto
mine.
“Have you been spending more time with Jasper while I’m not around? Do you two talk a lot?”
Oh, boy. Seriously, men in love could be so childish and petty.
Only now did I truly understand why those dramatic love spats in movies weren’t so far–fetched.
I gave Caden a helpless look but couldn’t think of a response, so I simply scooted a little farther from him, picked up my cup, and gently blew on the rising steam.
The air between us grew thick with an awkward, unspoken tension.
Chapter 449 Last Attempt
Caden’s POV:
In the end, Rosaline shoved me out the door, just like always, saying it was too late. A fire burned inside me, but we had an agreement, so I had no choice but to leave.
I threw myself back into work for Azure Haven. The video from the press conference had already gone live. Regarding Rosaline and myself, there wasn’t much to discuss. She was jealous, sure, but I had already made my decision about Heidi.
“Caden, you’re home!”
That night, when I walked through the door, Heidi greeted me the same way she always did, clinging to my side.
“Yeah.” I mustered a small smile and brushed my fingers against her cheek, my thumb lingering there, grazing her skin deliberately. “I got home a little late today. Did the nurse take good care of you? You need to be careful with your health.”
“I took my meds on time, even when you weren’t around. The nurse said, I’m recovering quickly.”
We chatted briefly before sitting down to dinner, but Heidi barely touched her food. Instead, she sat there, watching me.
Puzzled, I frowned slightly and wondered, “What’s wrong?”
“Caden, you’ve lost weight.” Her voice was laced with concern. “Have you been overworking yourself? Should I make you some soup to take to the office tomorrow?”
She was finally getting to the point.
I paused, spoon hovering over my plate, before shaking my head and forcing a casual tone. “It’s not that. My company just acquired Azure Bay, and we’re planning to build an amusement park there. Currently, we’re finalizing the proposal and working out the environmental details, so it’s been keeping me busy.
“Once the project is settled, things will slow down, and I’ll have more time for you. But for the next few days, I need to focus on getting the proposal done, so I’ll be in my study most of the time.”
I added a small, apologetic smile at the end.
Heidi stared at me, waiting for me to finish, then nodded thoughtfully after a moment. “Alright. You should focus on work; don’t worry about me.”
Dinner didn’t last much longer. As I stood up to head to my study, I paused at the doorway and glanced back at her. “This project is about to kick off soon. I need to double–check every detail in the proposal, plus handle a lot of other little things. It’ll probably be tedious. You should find something fun to do to keep yourself entertained, okay?”
I spoke in a way I never had before–soft, almost affectionate. Her eyes lit up immediately. She nodded. “It’s fine, Caden. Go ahead and work.”
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Chapter 449 Last Attempt
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Heidi’s POV:
I sat down on the couch, listening to the sound of the study door closing, before picking up my phone.
But my hand hovered over the screen, motionless for a long time.
Now that I knew the Azure Bay project was about to begin, it meant my mission from Everett was already halfway done. Caden trusted me completely now.
The only remaining task was to relay this information to Everett and steal the proposal while Caden was
away.
But if I did that, Everett would only tighten his grip on me, making it impossible for me to escape.
No.
I had to make Caden mine–completely, undeniably mine. That was my only way out.
With that, I placed my phone down, flipping it face–down on the couch, and made my way to the kitchen.
Half an hour later, I carried a steaming bowl of pumpkin soup and knocked on the study door.
“Come in,” Caden’s voice came from inside. Pushing the door open, I saw him sitting at his desk, fingers moving swiftly across his laptop’s keyboard.
“Caden.” I called his name sweetly as I walked over, holding out the bowl. “I know you’re busy, but you barely ate at dinner, so I made you some soup. Just take a quick break and have some.”
“Thanks.” He paused his work and gave me a warm smile. “But I’m not hungry yet. Just leave it here—I’ll drink it later.”
I bit my lip. He had treated me with the same manners for days–gentle, polite, but always keeping me at a distance. I couldn’t let this opportunity slip by again.
After a brief pause, I flashed another smile and said, “But it’s best when it’s hot. If it cools down, it won’t taste as good.”
As I spoke, I moved the bowl closer. Caden was about to refuse when my hand “accidentally” trembled, spilling the soup onto his shirt.
His brows furrowed as he instinctively stepped back, the warm liquid soaking into his clothes.
“I’m so sorry, Caden!” I gasped, setting the bowl aside and grabbing some napkins. I rushed to dab at the stain.
“I didn’t mean to–I was just trying to …”
“It’s fine.” He let out a deep breath and shook his head. “It’s not your fault. I needed to change anyway.”
Even after I wiped away the soup stain, a faint yellowish mark remained on the fabric.
“Oh no.” I murmured, staring at the stain with an apologetic expression. “Let me grab you some clean
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Without waiting for his answer, I hurried to the closet and returned with a fresh set. Holding them out, I hesitated before reaching for his shirt, fingers brushing against the top button, ready to help him change. But the moment I touched the fabric, he took a step back.
I froze, looking up at him with wide, hurt eyes. “Do you not want me near you? I just want to help you change.”
Chapter 450 Half Truths
Caden’s POV:
I fell silent for a moment, thinking about what Rosaline had told me. I had been ready to refuse outright, but the words got stuck in my throat. In the end, I nodded, letting Heidi help me change.
One button at a time, my shirt came undone, revealing my well–toned chest, built from years of training.
Heidi kept her eyes lowered, but I could hear her breathing grow heavier. At first, she was just helping me change, but soon, her fingers started wandering over my body. From the hem of my shirt, they trailed over my skin, brushing against my muscles.
Her fingertips traced lightly over my chest. When I glanced at her, she was watching me with a teasing smile. I turned my gaze away, avoiding her eyes as naturally as I could.
“Caden, do you like me?” she asked softly. “Why does it feel like you’ve been avoiding me lately?”
“Why would I?” I composed myself quickly, turning back to face her. Catching her wrist gently, I stopped her from continuing her little game.
Looking into her eyes, I softened my expression, pretending to be deeply sincere. “I’ve just been really. busy lately. And I don’t want our time together to feel rushed or half–hearted.”
I reached out, tucking a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. “The reason I don’t want to get intimate is because I want to save it for the day we get married. You’ve been amazing to me–how could I ever let you down?”
A bright smile spread across Heidi’s face. She wrapped her arms around my waist, pressing her cheek against my chest as she nodded earnestly.
Yura’s POV:
Ryan had been staying at my place for several days.
He had been working hard behind the scenes to suppress the rumors about us and tried not to bother me too much. But since we’d been around each other constantly, he was thrilled, even told me that he wished he could stay longer.
I didn’t feel the same.
During lunch, I paused for a moment before speaking to my parents. “Dad, Mom, Ryan, and I have been here for too long. I still have work to do back in Rivemon. If you don’t mind, we should probably head
back soon.”
Under the table, I lightly kicked Ryan’s foot, signaling him to back me up.
Catching on instantly, Ryan flashed his signature charming smile at my parents. “Yeah, I snuck away from my company to come with Yu. They probably have a ton of work lined up for me.”
“You’re leaving so soon?” My mom asked, clearly disappointed.
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Over the past few days, she had grown more and more fond of Ryan. He had been nothing but warm and respectful, knew when to advance and retreat. Moreover, as the heir to his pack, Ryan was a perfect match for me. Even my father, who had initially been indifferent, had started warming up to him. They had even played chess together a few times.
“Work is work,” I said, pouting slightly at my mom.
My father set his fork down and gave her a reassuring look. “They’re adults now. Of course, they have their responsibilities. And Ryan’s a public figure–he must have a lot to deal with. That’s just how it is.”
“Indeed, Ryan chimed in sweetly. “We’ll come to visit whenever we have time.”
My mom nodded reluctantly, while my dad thought for a moment before turning to me. “Ryan has been staying with us for days, but you two haven’t gone out much. Since this is his first time here, why don’t you take him around town after lunch? Show him some of the sights. Let’s not make him think there’s nothing interesting here. Hahaha.”
Ryan quickly waved his hands and said sweetly, “Oh, no, Mr. Isadore, I’d love to stay and play a few more rounds of chess with you. And honestly, just being around Yu makes me happy enough.”
I forced a small smile in return, but my mind was elsewhere.
After all, I just wanted to get back and see Timothy.
After lunch, my mom practically pushed us out the door, insisting I take Ryan sightseeing.
Hego was just as lively as Rivemon, if not more so, and the scenery was even better.
As we stepped out of the house, I wasn’t in the mood to talk, keeping quiet as we walked. Meanwhile, Ryan trailed beside me, taking in the sights with a bright expression. “I’ve never taken a proper look at this place before. It’s way prettier than Rivemon. Even the air feels fresher.”
Soon, we reached the edge of a forest park. The place was lush and green, with a few older werewolves stretching and exercising in the morning sun.
Ryan kept talking, his voice droning on like a wind–up toy. It was driving me crazy
“Enough,” I finally interrupted, stopping in my tracks and turning to him with an exhausted look. “If you want to walk around, go ahead. If you get lost, just call me. I just need a moment alone. Sorry.”
Without waiting for a response, I walked away, lowering my head as I headed for a large rock in the distance. I sat down, gazing into the horizon, my thoughts already drifting far away.
I missed Timothy. And I wondered–how is he doing now?
Ryan’s POV:
Seeing Yura like that left me feeling let down, but I held back my words and turned toward the nearby hillside instead.
To the Alpha and Luna of the Galehowl Pack, I was Yur’s partner, yet deep down, both of us knew there was nothing real between us.
Whatever. I might as well just hike up the mountain.
The view along the trail was breathtaking. By the time reached halfway up, I was already drenched in sweat. Just as I straightened up to take a breather, my eyes landed on a figure in the distance.
I paused for a moment before stepping forward and spotted an elderly werewolf woman fainted on the ground. Kneeling beside her, I gave her arm a gentle shake.
“Madam! Madam! Please wake up!”
However, she remained completely unresponsive.
The mountain trail was nearly deserted at this hour, and I had no way of knowing how long she had been lying there. Without wasting any more time, I crouched down, carefully hoisted her arms over my shoulders, and began making my way down the slope with her in tow.
The phone in my pocket kept buzzing nonstop, but I ignored it, clenching my teeth as I held onto the elderly grandma’s wrist without a second thought.
Yura’s POV:
“What’s wrong? Why aren’t you picking up?”
I set my phone aside and scanned my surroundings, feeling a sense of unease creeping in.
This was Ryan’s first time in Hego. Though the forest park wasn’t particularly vast, it was still easy to lose your way without knowing the trails.
Nearly an hour had passed, and there was still no sign of him. Had he gotten lost?
I rose from the rock, recalling that Ryan had gone toward the small mountain in the west. Without hesitation, I followed that path, occasionally breaking into a run as I called his name, hoping he’d hear me.
At last, I reached the base of the small mountain and spotted Ryan descending, an unconscious elderly werewolf slumped over his back. His movements were sluggish, his unsteady steps revealing just how much energy he had already spent.
“Ryan!” I called out as soon as I recognized him and hurried over, extending my arm for support. He gripped it, and I helped steady him as we carefully made our way down. Together, we rushed the unconscious elderly werewolf to the hospital.
“It’s fortunate that the patient arrived in time–who knows how things might have turned out otherwise.
a bit.” The werewolf doctor placed a reassuring hand on Ryan’s shoulder before turning to assess the elderly woman’s condition in the ward.
Ryan let out a small, sheepish laugh. “As long as she’s okay, that’s all that matters….
Watching him like this–usually so carefree, yet today, he had gone out of his way to leave work, come all the way to Hego in secret, and selflessly help a stranger–it was both unexpected and touching.
Just then, a commotion broke out in the corridor. A young werewolf rushed over, followed closely by an elegantly dressed werewolf woman who appeared to be his wife.
“Nurse! Nurse! How’s my mother? Is she alright?!” The young werewolf panted, his forehead glistening with sweat as he clutched the nurse’s wrist, anxiously pressing for answers.
“She’s stable now,” the nurse reassured him. “She’s receiving a saline drip and resting in the ward.” Then, she gestured toward Ryan. “This gentleman found her just in time and brought her here. Now, please lower your voice–you don’t want to disturb the patients rest.”
The young werewolf let out a deep sigh of relief before grabbing Ryan’s hand, his face lighting up with gratitude as if he had just escaped a catastrophe. “I … I know you! You’re that famous star!” he exclaimed, his excitement momentarily overpowering his worry. Then, his expression turned sincere. “Thank you- really, thank you for bringing my mom to the hospital. I don’t even know how to repay you.
…
apter 452 A Smooth Start
Rosaline’s POV:
Before long, the official filming for “The Call of the Wild” had begun.
As the CEO and screenwriter of the company, I made sure to be on set to oversee everything myself.
The cast had shown up early, with Naomi being particularly punctual. Spotting her, I approached with a smile. “Naomi, how are you feeling? Ready for today?”
“Ah… Ms. Sinclair!” Naomi had been speaking confidently, but the moment she heard my voice, she spun around and nodded, looking a little flustered. “I’ve memorized all my lines and practiced at home over and over, but… I still feel a bit nervous.”
Although Naomi had already gained some recognition, this was her first time acting alongside Jasper, a widely popular star. On top of that, this film was a crucial project for the company, so she wasn’t taking any
chances.
I gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “Just take it easy and focus on your role. You’ve handled plenty of endorsements for the company–I have no doubt in your abilities.”
Naomi nodded with determination, flashing me a confident smile. “I won’t let the company down!”
Once everyone on set was in position, the assistant director snapped the slate, and with that, filming officially kicked off in full swing.
The opening scene featured a heated exchange, with Naomi’s character rushing backstage to confront Jasper’s, laying the groundwork for the play’s pivotal climax. This moment was essential to the entire story.
As a seasoned film star, Jasper had mastered every aspect of on–screen performance, whereas Naomi, though less experienced in comparison, made up for it with raw emotion. Despite their differences, they worked surprisingly well together.
“Cut!”
Seated behind the camera, the director closely monitored every detail of the actors‘ performances. When the final confrontation played out, he unexpectedly signaled for a cut.
Rising from his chair, he turned to Naomi with a firm yet patient tone. “Naomi, your tears shouldn’t fall so quickly at this moment. You need to hold onto that feeling of persistence–your emotions aren’t quite where they should be. Let’s go again. Alright, one more take.”
This marked the third time he had halted the scene.
Naomi couldn’t help but feel a bit disheartened, her expression growing uncertain. “Mr. Cooper, we’ve been filming for quite a while. How about taking a short break to reset and refocus?” Jasper, noticing her distraction, flashed a reassuring smile before turning to the director.
After getting approval, the two headed back to the rest area. Jasper picked up the script and approached Naomi, striking up a conversation.
I chose not to interrupt them, knowing Jasper’s experience and his way of guiding newer actors. Naturally, with my Alpha hearing, I still picked up every word of their conversation
Flashing a friendly smile, Jasper held up the script with highlighted sections. “You know, that last scene wasn’t as difficult as it seems. The female lead is meant to be a composed and determined girl from the countryside–even in a heated argument, her emotions shouldn’t be too overwhelming. He paused before asking, “So, have you ever had a disagreement with a boyfriend or an ex before?”
Naomi hesitated briefly before giving a small nod. “Yea…”
“Alright, then later, just picture me as your ex. Imagine we’re in the middle of a fight–you’re upset, but instead of breaking down, you just want to get your point across. Try to hold back the tears, keep that frustration simmering beneath the surface. I’ll do my best to draw out your emotions. But if you still struggle to cry, use external triggers–look toward a light source or find something that helps. That’s a last resort, though.”
As Jasper spoke, he used subtle gestures to encourage Naomi, trying to help her get into the right mindset.
Noticing his patience and willingness to guide her, Naomi’s uncertainty faded. A smile replaced her hesitation as she nodded. “Alright! Thanks, Jasper! I really appreciate your help-”
Sensing the moment was right, I strolled over and took a seat beside Jasper, flashing them both a smile. “What are you two chatting about?” I asked casually.
Naomi smiled and said, “I was just asking Jasper for some help with that last scene. I didn’t do too well…
Jasper shook his head. “Not at all. Naomi’s putting in a lot of effort–it was just a minor setback. No worries, we’re a team.”
Then, turning to me, he handed over the script. “By the way, Rosaline, I have some thoughts about the male lead’s character…
Before long, Jasper and I were deep in conversation about the script, while Naomi stood quietly by, listening attentively. However, I couldn’t help but notice that her eyes remained glued to Jasper the entire time.
During the afternoon shoot, thanks to Jasper’s coaching Naomi delivered a flawless performance in just one take. Since the female lead only had a few brief scenes left, the rest of the day primarily focused on Jasper’s shots. However, with his years of experience, he finished filming in no time.
Once we wrapped up, Jasper waited for me at the exit. But the moment we stepped outside, we were instantly swarmed by a crowd of reporters. Camera flashes burst around us in a relentless frenzy.
I raised a hand to shield my eyes from the blinding flashes, while Jasper instinctively turned to shield me. Ahead of us, the assistant worked tirelessly to clear a path through the chaos.
Amid the commotion, reporters thrust their microphones forward, bombarding us with questions.
“Ms. Sinclair, what are your thoughts and expectations for Starplay Entertainment’s upcoming film, “The Call of the Wild?” one journalist pressed eagerly.
Another reporter quickly followed up, “Ms. Sinclair, we’ve heard that “The Call of the Wild is being positioned for major film festivals. What do you think gives Starplay Entertainment an edge?”
I smoothly navigated through their inquiries with polished, professional responses. But just as I thought I had everything under control, a question came out of nowhere–one designed to stir up headlines.
“Ms. Sinclair, there are rumors that you’ve ended things with the Eclipse Pack Group’s heir. What are your plans moving forward? Jasper is under your management, and the two of you seem to work closely together. Your relationship appears quite strong–are you considering taking things to the next level with Mr. Sullivan?”
I had remained composed up until that moment, but my expression darkened slightly at the intrusive question.
I’ve never been one to put my personal life on display.
“Apologies, but Jasper and I have wrapped up work for the day, and we’ve already addressed questions about the film. We are not taking any more interviews at this time–please make way.” My voice remained steady, but the firmness in my tone left no room for argument.
“Ms. Sinclair, can you share something about Jasper?”
Despite my firm response, the reporters showed no signs of leaving. Though they stepped back slightly, their determination didn’t waver.
“Jasper, say something. Do you plan to take things further with Ms. Sinclair? Does having her as your boss put any pressure on you?”
Jasper suddenly came to a halt.
I shot him a questioning look, my confusion growing. Why wasn’t he walking away? What was he about to say?
Jasper cleared his throat, his gaze settling on me with a faint smile before turning to the microphone with a serious expression. “Right now, Ms. Sinclair and I are just colleagues and friends,” he stated. “However, I’ve always admired her and am actively pursuing her. As for taking things further… well, that’s up to her and when she’s ready to accept me.”
Jasper’s words exploded like a “time bomb” among the reporters, sending a wave of silence through the crowd. The journalist who had posed the question seemed momentarily stunned before a satisfied smile crept onto his face.
The relentless clicking of cameras filled the air.
I blinked in surprise, my brows knitting together as I turned to Jasper, studying him carefully.
“So, Ms. Sinclair, how do you feel about this?” another reporter quickly jumped in. “Do you have feelings for Jasper as well?”
“Ms. Sinclair, please answer our questions… Ms. Sinclair!”
I kept my lips pressed together, lowering my head slighly in silence.
Why would Jasper say something like that in front of the press–especially after I had already turned him down?
Sensing my hesitation, Jasper flashed me a smile and asked gently, “What’s wrong?”
I lifted my head, my eyes burning with anger as I glared at Jasper. Grabbing his arm, I hissed, “Stop talking nonsense!”
Without waiting for a response, I strode ahead, my pace quick and firm. Jasper trailed behind me, unfazed, as we hurried into a private van, leaving the reporters scrambling in our wake.
Sure enough, by the next day, his words had already spread like wildfire across the internet.
“Ms. Sinclair from Eclipse Pack Healing from Heartbreak! Unwilling to Reveal Romance with Jasper!”
Countless similar headlines and articles swarmed social media, quickly climbing the trending charts.
Lilian’s POV:
Five days later, I was finally released from the police station.
Exhausted and unsteady on my feet, I climbed into the family car, where the driver was already waiting. The ride back to the Moonveil Pack’s mansion was silent, the weight of everything that had happened pressing down on me.
The moment I stepped inside, I spotted my father–the Alpha–seated on the couch, his face grim and unreadable. Instinctively, I lowered my head, avoiding his piercing gaze.
I made a beeline for the stairs, hoping to slip away unnoticed, but his voice rang out, sharp and commanding. “Stop right there!”
Though his voice wasn’t raised, the sheer authority behind it made my body tense. A shiver ran down my spine as I stood frozen in place. After a long pause, I finally turned around and forced myself to take slow, hesitant steps toward him. My throat felt dry, but I still managed to whisper, “Dad … ”
“You still have the nerve to call me that?” he snapped, his voice laced with fury. His piercing glare burned into me as he stood, stepping around the couch until he was right in front of me. Before I could react, his hand swung through the air–striking me hard across the face.
I stood there, completely stunned, my mind blank as I clutched my face. The sting of pain barely
registered before a wave of grievance and heartbreak crashed over me, and tears began streaming down my cheeks.
“You still have the audacity to cry?” my father’s voice thundered, his fury unwavering. “Do you even understand the disaster you’ve caused this time? It’s one thing to mess around, but getting yourself thrown into the police station? If I hadn’t pulled some strings to bail you out, you’d be rotting in jail right now!” His finger jabbed toward my face.
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“Dad.”
The sheer force of his presence overwhelmed me, making me drop to my knees. Pressing my forehead against the fabric of his trousers, I wordlessly begged for his mercy.
At this point, I fully understood the damage I had caused. The Moonveil Pack’s stock had taken a steep fall, and multiple deals my father had painstakingly secured were now being pulled by investors. The clan’s businesses were facing even greater financial strain.
And it was all my fault.
Regret consumed me, but my hatred for Wendy burned even hotter–and Rosaline even more so. If not for them, would I have fallen into this mess?
“I know I was wrong … Dad, I won’t do it again … “I sobbed, tears spilling down my cheeks.
“Get back to your room! And don’t step out unless necessary–you’ve caused enough trouble already!” he snapped, his fury boiling over as he kicked me to the ground.
I scrambled to my feet and rushed to my room. As soon as I shut the door behind me, I threw myself onto the bed, sobbing uncontrollably.
Out of nowhere, my phone chimed twice. Blinking through my tears, I reached for it and unlocked the screen–only to be greeted by a glaring headline. “Rosaline, Star Entertainment CEO Secretly in Love with, Jasper!”
Instantly, my grief faded. I sat up, hurriedly wiping my face, my eyes locking onto the article on my phone.
Rosaline, Jasper?
I frowned deeply, my fingers gliding relentlessly across the phone screen as I carefully read through the reporter’s sensationalized article.
Rosaline…
I clenched my teeth, fury blazing in my eyes.
“I have to eliminate you! Jasper only belongs to me!”
Caden’s POV:
“As for the Azure Haven proposal…”
Inside the meeting room, I was in the midst of a discussion with senior executives, going over the next steps for the amusement park project and exploring strategies to draw in investors.
Out of nowhere, my phone buzzed in my pocket.
Five minutes later, when we paused to collect our thoughts, I took a sip of coffee from the cup on my desk and pulled out my phone. A news alert about Rosaline and Jasper immediately caught my eye.
phrase “secret affair” in the headline, I could no longer remain still.
“I need to step away for a moment to make a call, my apologies.” After briefly informing the board members, I swiftly exited the meeting room in search of a quiet place to contact Rosaline.
The moment she picked up, I wasted no time pressing for answers. “Rosaline, what’s going on with this news about you and Jasper’s ‘secret affair‘?”
She let out a weary sigh before responding patiently, “Is all made up by the media. I never said anything like that. Don’t be jealous, alright? My PR team is already handling the situation.”
A bit of relief washed over me. Having known Rosaline for so long, I was well aware of her character. Still, I couldn’t shake off my frustration.
Who said the heir to the Eclipse Pack wasn’t allowed to feel jealous?
No matter how composed I seemed on the surface, I wasn’t devoid of emotions.
But since Rosaline had given me her explanation, I had no choice but to suppress my feelings–for now.
I pressed my lips together before finally responding, “Alright.”
Then, after a brief pause, my tone turned firm, carrying a clear warning. “But Rosaline, you belong to me in this lifetime–no one else. Don’t even think about another man, and don’t you dare set your eyes on anyone else. Got it?”
“You’re so possessive,” she chuckled. “Alright, alright, I understand. Don’t you have work to do? Go focus on that.”
Lilian’s POV:
“Lilian, come down for dinner.”
After returning home, I stayed locked in my room all day, only coming downstairs when the servant called
- me.
Dad and I sat across from each other at the dining table His expression remained stern, and he made no effort to speak to me.
I quietly picked at my food, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t muster an appetite.
“If you’re not going to eat, then go back to your room.” Dad shot me a sharp look and spoke in a low, cold voice. “Several of our companies lost investors because of you. If you can eat, then do it quietly–don’t show me that attitude here! Thanks to you, the Moonveil Pack is on the brink of bankruptcy!”
Bankruptcy?
I was stunned. I knew I had made a terrible mistake this time, so I didn’t try to defend myself. But how had things spiraled so badly that our entire Moonveil Pack was on the verge of bankruptcy?
“What are you staring at? This is all your fault!” Dad’s anger only grew as he spoke. He slammed his fork down on the table, leaned back in his chair, and glowered in frustration.
I had completely lost my appetite. Sitting there felt suffocating, so after a brief pause, I pushed my chair back and stood up. “I’m heading out,” I said.
“What are you planning now? Are you trying to cause more trouble? The Moonveil Pack is already in chaos -get back here!” my dad shouted, his frustration boiling over.
Ignoring his fury, I strode straight out the door.
I wanted to find Wendy.
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Wendy’s POV:
I froze when I saw Lilian. “What are you doing here?”
She moved closer, silent, her eyes never leaving mine.
“Help me. Help the Moonveil Pack,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
At first, her presence made my skin crawl. But the words she spoke… I felt my tension ease.
Help her? Ha.
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After everything she’d caused, if I helped her now, wouldn’t it mean I was somehow responsible for all the mess? It would tie me to her failures.
“How can I help?” I asked, my tone flat, indifferent.
Lilian met my gaze, her lips pressing together as if weighing her next words. “Because of my arrest, Moonveil Pack’s business has fallen apart. We’re close to bankruptcy … Wendy, please, talk to your brother. Ask him to invest in Moonveil Pack. If he does, we can survive. Your pack won’t lose too much … Wendy, just help me this once. I won’t hold anything against you. Nothing.”
“Won’t hold anything against me?” I raised an eyebrow, finding it almost absurd. “What do you mean by that?”
The theft charges against her didn’t matter anymore. The police had dropped them, no evidence left. And yet, here she was, trying to use that as a threat.
She was delusional.
Lilian tensed, her fingers tightening into the fabric of the couch. “Wendy … You think you can just act like it never happened? If you don’t help us, I will expose everything about Luminex and Starplay Entertainment.”
“Go ahead,” I said, smirking. Lilian needed me now. If she wanted to save Moonveil Pack, it all came down
to me.
“The police have no evidence. They can’t arrest me. And you–well, you’ve just been released. I’m sure you don’t want to go back.” My words were casual, but they stung. I could see her expression shift, her confidence crumbling.
“On top of that, my pack is sinking because of you. Why the hell would I help you? Lilian, I’ve never met anyone as dumb as you.” I stood, towering over her. “People like you … shouldn’t exist.”
Her face drained of color, her body shaking. She crumpled, deflated, as if all the life had been drained from her.
I smiled, knowing my words had cut deep. I leaned in close, locking eyes with her. “But if you want Moonveil Pack to survive…”
Before I could finish, Lilian dropped to the floor, gripping my legs in desperation. “Wendy, please. I’ll do anything. Just tell me what I need to do to save my father, to save the pack. I’ll do it all.”
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Chapter 455 Get Rid of Rosaline
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I chuckled softly, running my fingers through her hair Lilian, you’re going to help me take care of Rosaline once and for all. Then, maybe I’ll think about helping you. But if not, don’t waste your time.”
My voice grew colder at the end. I turned away and got back to my business, not sparing her another glance.
Lilian’s POV:
I stood there, frozen, Wendy’s words echoing in my mind.
I had come to her for help, but now she was setting her terms, demanding something in return. For the sake of the Moonveil Pack, I had no choice but to comply. There was no turning back.
“Rosaline!”
The word hung in the air like a curse. If I ended up behind bars, the Moonveil Pack would fall apart, and Jasper …
That damn Omega was the cause of it all.
The rage, the envy, they’d been festering inside me for so long, but now, they exploded, a burning, relentless fury that clawed at my insides.
“Fine. I understand. I’ll get back to you,” I muttered, turning on my heel and leaving Wild Pack’s territory behind.
When I got home, I locked myself in my room, drowning out my father’s furious voice.
I didn’t care anymore. The only thing that mattered now was Rosaline. I scoured the internet, hunting for anything–anything–that could give me the edge. I even dug through articles on “The Call of the Wild“.
“Starplay Entertainment President Rosaline takes the reins on the script! Spends eight hours a day on set supervising!”
She was everywhere. A star on the rise. The news couldn’t get enough of her. Every other headline seemed
drama. to feature her and Jasper, tangled together in some endless, messy
Then, buried on the second page, I found what I was looking for.
I leaned closer to the screen, my eyes fixed on the photo of Rosaline on set. The smile on her face–it twisted something inside me. A deep, searing hatred surged through my veins.
Rosaline. How dare she take everything I could never have, especially Jasper?
I had to get rid of her. The thorn in my side, the obstacle standing between me and what I deserved, had to be destroyed.
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Rosaline’s POV:
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“Alright, everyone, great work today. Let’s call it a wrap and head home to rest,” I said, clapping my hands to signal the end of the shoot.
I’d been keeping my eyes on the progress all day. The director gave a subtle nod, and I quickly checked the playback to ensure everything was fine. Satisfied, I called it a day.
The actors let out collective sighs of relief and made their way to the lounge to pack up. Naomi approached me with a polite smile. “I’ll be heading out now.”
Since there was no scene with Jasper in the afternoon, his absence made the day feel lighter.
After the online chaos Jasper had stirred up, I couldn’t shake the awkwardness. It had been days since we’d had a real conversation. Outside the set, our exchanges were almost nonexistent.
I snapped out of my thoughts and returned Naomi’s smile. The progress she’d made on set was hard to ignore. If she kept at it, she’d be a star in no time.
“Alright, take care and get some rest. You earned it,” I said warmly.
The actors trickled out one by one, and I let out a sigh of relief. Pinching the bridge of my nose, I stood, stretched, and made my way home for some much–needed rest.
The next morning, just as I finished washing up and was about to throw on my jacket to head to set, my phone buzzed from the shoe rack.
“Hello?” I said, slipping on my shoes and grabbing the phone.
It was Caden.
“Got time tonight? Want to grab dinner?” he asked.
“Caden?” I replied, a bit confused. Glancing at my watch, I realized it was too early for work. “Why are you calling me now?”
“Is that a problem?” His voice was light, teasing almost.
I chuckled, but then the thought of dinner made me hesitate.
If we met privately, wouldn’t Heidi catch wind of it?
“I just “I paused, “Won’t it look suspicious if we meet now? What if Heidi finds out?”
–
Caden’s tone shifted, more subdued now.
He took a beat before replying, “It’s fine. She trusts me now. Doesn’t cling as much anymore. Actually, she’s been a little distant. Probably still thinking about that plan I shared with her. Anyway, if you’re free tonight, let’s meet at Wisteria Restaurant. I’ve already booked a table. She won’t see you, so it should be fine.”
bad it all worked out, and honestly, his reasoning made sense. I didn’t hesitate for a
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“Alright, I’ve got a scene later this evening. I’ll head over once they’re done. If you get there early, just wait for me,” I said.
“Okay.” Caden’s voice softened, the tension lifting now that I’d agreed
Jasper’s POV:
When Rosaline walked onto the set, I was already running lines with my scene partner.
She was the one everyone deferred to. The big boss. One by one, people greeted her. I felt a tug in my chest, a mix of nerves and something else, and turned to look at her.
I wouldn’t lie–I’d made sure to mention in front of the press that I was interested in Rosaline. It was my first time putting it all out there.
I really wanted to give it a shot. It seemed only natural. But lately, her coldness made it impossible to know how to approach her. So, I could only manage a stiff smile.
“Great work, everyone,” Rosaline announced, her voice clear and warm. “After the shoot, grab a milk tea and take a break,” she added, holding up two bags filled with the drinks.
During the break, she walked over to me with a cup in her hand. “Here, you can have one too. No sugar- keeps you in shape,” she said, handing me the drink.
I glanced up and saw her, smiling, and I couldn’t help but smile back as I accepted the tea. “Thanks.” She turned to leave, but I couldn’t let her walk away without saying something. “Wait, hold on.” She paused and turned, looking at me curiously. “Is something wrong?”
I hesitated, my throat tight. Finally, I sighed. “I’m sorry Back when we were talking to the press… I said something
Without thinking it through. I didn’t consider your feelings. I was wrong for that. I apologize.”
Rosaline blinked, surprised for a moment, her expression tense. But then, she shrugged it off. “I was angry, yeah. But the PR team handled it. Just … don’t say things in front of the media that could be taken the wrong way. It makes things difficult for me too.”
I nodded, feeling the weight of her words. “Got it.” But there was something still nagging at me. I paused, trying to find the courage to ask the question stuck in my throat. “So … we’re still good, right? Still friends?”
She smiled softly, the edges of her tension easing. “Yeah.”
That small answer was enough. I could breathe again.
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ilian’s POV:
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I sat up in bed, the soft thud of the door shutting as my father left echoing through the quiet house. He must’ve gone to the company, leaving only me and the housekeeper behind.
I crept downstairs, each step careful and deliberate. The housekeeper was in the kitchen, lost in her work. Perfect.
I slipped into the storage room at the corner of the first floor. My eyes scanned the shadows until I found it–the rifle. My father’s short hunting gun, tucked away in an old metal box. He’d mentioned only a month ago that it was still in working order.
It was the perfect time.
I lifted the rifle, the magazine still intact, its weight solid in my hands. It was powerful–far more so than a regular gun. But against an Alpha wolf king, it wouldn’t do much. Rosaline, though, wasn’t an Alpha. She was just an Omega.
I moved quickly, slipping the rifle into the pocket of my coat and stepping back into the hallway. “Leynelle,” I called softly, “I’m just stepping out for a bit. Gonna grab some food. I’ll be back soon.”
The housekeeper appeared, concern in her eyes. I waved it off with a smile. “I’m fine, really. Don’t worry. Į won’t cause any more trouble.”
Once outside, I pulled out my phone, scrolling through until I found the article I’d saved.
Rosaline had been on set recently, right? Perfect. I’d make sure she learned what it meant to regret everything.
I gave the taxi driver the address for the film set. “Take me here. I’m visiting a friend.”
Half an hour later, I arrived at the set.
I surveyed the area, eyes landing on Rosaline and Jasper by the director’s monitor. I moved silently, blending with the crowd as I crept closer.
“Cut!” the werewolf director called, grinning at the footage on the screen.
“Jasper, you nailed it. You captured the character’s inner conflict, the sadness in your eyes–it was perfect. No wonder you’ve got that best actor award.”
Jasper smiled, shaking his head in humble disbelief. “That’s all thanks to you, director. Actors and directors -we’re a team.”
“Enough with the modesty. I just watched it with the director. You did great. But the next scene, when the military takes the lead actor–it’s crucial. There are a few things we need to iron out … ” Rosaline smiled back at him, her voice warm. “Don’t worry. We’ll get it right.”
Jasper laughed, and they moved off to the side, deep in conversation about the scene.
The set was a blur of activity, people rushing in and out lights flickering, cameras rolling. No one noticed me slip in.
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Chapter 457 Lilian’s Last Hurrah
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I stalked forward, each step heavier than the last. Rosale and Jasper sat in the corner, talking in hushed
tones.
Their words were muflled, but it didn’t matter. The sight of them, smiling at each other like that, was enough to make my blood boil.
I moved faster, closing the distance between us. My gaze locked on Rosaline, and I hissed her name like a snake’s venom. “Rosaline.”
She snapped her head toward me, startled, her eyes wide. Jasper’s face mirrored her shock, confusion pulling his brows together.
“Lilian? What are you doing here?” he asked, his voice sharp with concern.
“Rosaline, you Omega bitch!” I snarled, my teeth gritted so hard I thought they might crack.
Before Rosaline could even respond, Jasper stepped in, his tone sharp and defensive. “What the hell are you talking about?”
His eyes flashed with a mix of confusion and anger.
I looked at the man I loved, and my heart twisted painfully. A surge of bitterness hit me hard. I blinked, but tears spilled over, betraying me. I couldn’t stop them.
Not when I’d just seen the way Jasper had looked at her his eyes full of warmth and affection, everything I’d hoped for, now given to her.
For him, I’d destroy her. This Omega bitch didn’t deserve him.
Jasper’s face hardened, his voice cold and commanding “This is a film set. Get out. Now.”
I locked eyes with him, my heart crashing into my ribs. But I had no time for him now. I turned my full attention back to Rosaline. My anger boiled over like a storm, pouring out with every word I spoke. “You think you’ve won, huh? First, you seduced Caden, only to get tossed aside. And now you’ve wormed your way into Jasper’s life, making him your backup plan.”
I sneered, my voice thick with disgust. “You look all sweet and innocent, but you’re nothing but a cheap, slutty Omega. I should’ve torn your mask off in front of the cameras, shown the world what you really are. The president of Starplay Entertainment, reduced to a fucking whore who’ll sleep with anyone.”
I could feel my hand reaching for the rifle in my bag, my fingers brushing the cold metal.
Rosaline frowned, her gaze sharp, but still laced with that fake concern. “Lilian, are you out of your mind?”
“YES!” I screamed, my voice cracking under the weight of everything I was holding back.
The scene had drawn the attention of everyone nearby. Eyes turned to me, confusion and surprise etched on their faces. Some reached for me, but I shoved them away with a force I didn’t know I had.
“I don’t get it! How is it that a disgusting Omega like you can play both sides, have both of them wrapped around your finger?” My voice trembled with fury. “Rosaline, you’re a master of manipulation. And you’ve ruined me. You trapped me in that police station for days. You nearly destroyed the Moonveil Pack, all for your own twisted games. You owe me, Rosaline. You owe me everything!”
My voice rang out, raw and desperate. The words seemed to hang in the air, thick with the weight of
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everything I’d lost
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Chapter 458 Take the Bullet
Rosaline’s POV:
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I shook my head, a mix of disbelief and pity creeping it for Lilian. But there was no sympathy. None at all.
“Lilian,” I said, my voice cool and deliberate. “You need to get this through your head. You were the one who started all of this. If you hadn’t helped Wendy plot, making all those terrible decisions, if you hadn’t hired a hacker to break into our company’s network, we wouldn’t be in this mess.”
I let the silence settle for a beat. “As for the Moonveil Pack nearly going bankrupt, that’s on you, not me. If your actions hadn’t been exposed, you wouldn’t have ended up in the police station. And I? I was only defending myself. Seeking help from the law to fix your mess. Do you still not see how you screwed up?”
I spoke without emotion, but inside I knew this wouldn’t reach her. Lilian was not only stubborn but reckless. She’d only learn the hard way.
My words clearly pushed her further. Her face flushed crimson, her fists clenched so tight her knuckles turned white.
Before I could process what was happening, she pulled a hunting rifle from her pocket, aiming it directly at me. She slammed her eyes shut, and with a feral scream, shouted, “Then you can just die!”
My breath caught. Was she really going to pull the trigger?
“Rosaline, watch out!” Jasper’s voice sliced through the tension. He lunged, throwing himself between us, taking the bullet.
The crew was thrown into disarray at first, but my bodyguards quickly came to my aid.
The shot echoed like thunder, sharp and sudden.
The air thickened with smoke. When it cleared, Jasper was slumped against me, blood seeping through his clothes, staining everything.
I froze, my mind refusing to catch up with what had just happened.
Jasper had taken the shot for me.
His lips were slick with blood, but he still managed to rasp out, “Rosalin e… are you okay?”
“I’m fine, I’m fine,” I stammered, panic rising like a storm. “Jasper, hold on. The ambulance is coming. Just hang in there!” My hands were shaking, fingers slipping on the phone as I tried to call for help.
Lilian stood motionless, rifle still in hand, as if unable to understand the devastation she’d just caused.
The werewolf bodyguards stormed in, grabbing her by the arms, dragging her away. Someone had already called for emergency services.
Fortunately, the film set wasn’t too far from the city. Within ten minutes, the ambulance arrived, werewolf paramedics rushing in with a stretcher.
Together, we lifted Jasper onto it, and I stayed close, never leaving his side as the ambulance sped toward the hospital.
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Chapter 458 Take the Bullet
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The werewolf paramedics moved with brutal efficiency their hands working quickly as Jasper’s blood soaked through his clothing. Panic gnawed at me, tight and cold, threatening to drown me in its grip.
I’d witnessed werewolf clans fighting before–savage, rw power unleashed. But never had I imagined Jasper, of all people, would take a bullet for me.
Not when he wasn’t even Alpha of the Thunderune Pack yet. That shot… so close. I couldn’t even allow myself to think of what could have happened if he hadn’t acted.
At the hospital, the chaos of it all blurred. Werewolf doctors rushed him toward the operating room, their footsteps loud and hurried. I sat there, still, my hands clasped together so tightly my knuckles ached.
My fingers trembled, and I could feel the weight of what was happening pressing down on me. Jasper had been the one worried about me, even after the bullet stuck him.
The door to the operating room swung open, and a doctor stepped out. His brow furrowed, face set in grim lines. “Are you a relative of the patient?” he asked, his voice grave.
I stood quickly, barely able to breathe. “I’m his friend… Doctor, how is he? Is he going to be okay?”
The doctor’s expression didn’t soften. “It’s a close–range shotgun wound. The damage is severe. We need to operate immediately to remove the pellets. If we don’t, he could-” He paused, eyeing me carefully. “Can you contact his family and sign the consent forms?”
“I’ll sign,” I said, my voice barely a whisper. I reached for the pen, my hand shaking, but I signed it as quickly as I could.
There was nothing else that mattered right now but getting Jasper through this.
“I’ve already covered the surgery,” I added, trying to steady my breath. “Can I see him before you start?”
The doctor nodded once. I pushed through the door, stepping into the sterile, bright room. Nurses were already prepping the equipment. And there, lying on the bed, was Jasper. His skin was pale, and a respirator kept his chest rising and falling.
Tears welled in my eyes, hot and sudden. I wiped them away hastily, trying to control the flood of emotion that threatened to spill over.
I walked to his side, my hand reaching for his, and I squeezed it tightly. “Jasper … Jasper, please, are you okay? Can you hear me?”
He stirred slightly, his eyes fluttering open. When they landed on me, a faint, weak smile tugged at his lips. “Rosaline… you … you okay?”
I nodded quickly, my grip on his hand tightening. “I’m fine. I’m fine, Jasper. They’ll start the surgery soon. You need to stay strong, okay?”
“It’s okay, Rosaline … “His voice was barely a whisper, his gaze never leaving mine. “I just … want you to know… I love you. If it makes you happy, I’ll do anything. Even if it’s just for you to look at me that’s enough.”
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I squeezed his hand harder. My voice cracked as I spoke, my emotions breaking free. “Not now, Jasper. Not
ROW.”
I knew he loved me. I’d known it for a while. But with him lying there, fighting for his life, there was no
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Chapter 458 Take the Bullet
room for words like that. Not now.
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“You… just focus on the surgery, okay? We’ll handle everything else when you’re better,” I murmured, my voice tight, each word a struggle.
The phone buzzed again–three times, at least–its vibrations a relentless pulse in my bag. But I couldn’t bring myself to answer.
With everything that had just gone down, there was no space for anything else. Not one call mattered more than this.
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Caden’s POV:
I stood frozen at the hotel door, the dial tone echoing in my car once more.
With a sharp tap, I ended the call, frustration simmering beneath my skin.
My gaze swept the area, restless energy prickling my nerves.
I’d tried reaching Rosaline four times. Each call went straight to the voicemail. Not a single return.
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We’d planned to meet for dinner. She’d told me the shoot should be done by now. So why wasn’t she answering?
Had something gone wrong at the set?
I pulled my phone from my pocket, scrolling quickly through the screen. Then, a news alert flashed at the
top.
“Chaos at “The Call of the Wild‘ set! Jasper shot–his fate uncertain!”
My stomach twisted.
Jasper had been shot?
But what about Rosaline?
I didn’t hesitate. I rushed to my car, the engine roaring to life as I sped toward the hospital.
I arrived at the hospital, barely able to control my pace as I stormed toward the surgery floor. The werewolf doctor, standing near the door with the tools for the operation, spotted me barreling toward him and immediately blocked my path. “Sir, you can’t go in there!”
I didn’t care. I shoved past him, barely registering his protests as I reached the door. That’s when I heard it. “I love you, Rosaline.”
The words hit me like a cold gust of wind, and my stomach sank. My heart clenched when I saw Jasper’s hand wrapped around hers, his grip tight despite the pain.
Rosaline. I’d told her–no other men.
Especially not Jasper. Not after everything that had happened between them. After the rumors and whispers from just days ago. What if someone saw? What if this got caught on camera?
“Clear the way! The patient needs preparation for surgery, everyone out!”
The doctor shoved me back, his strength surprising. I stumbled, but before I could recover, Rosaline was escorted out, her face pale, her eyes flicking between the door and me.
When she saw me standing there, her face froze, and for a moment, time seemed to stop.
But she didn’t say anything. We just stood there, a distance between us that felt like miles. She wouldn’t meet my gaze.
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“Aren’t you going to explain?” I asked, my voice low but sharp with anger.
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She stayed silent, and my frustration only deepened. I pointed toward the surgery room, my voice a dangerous whisper. “Is it true? You’ve fallen for Jasper? He took a bullet for you, and now you’re in love with him, aren’t you?”
Rosaline’s POV:
Unbelievable.
I was already on edge, and then Caden’s words slammed into me. I blinked up at him, feeling like the air had been knocked from my lungs. “Caden, Jasper’s in surgery right now. We don’t even know if he’s okay. Can you just drop it?”
“Drop it?” Caden scoffed, his eyes burning with anger. “Who’s taking advantage here? I waited outside the hotel for an hour. I called four times–nothing. And now you’re in here talking love with another guy?”
I didn’t respond.
The more he ranted, the less I cared. I had no energy for this.
Too much had already happened. We were talking about life and death, and Caden was stuck on whether Jasper had feelings for me.
I turned away, not giving him the satisfaction of a reply
Caden must’ve seen the shift in my expression, because his voice turned sharp. “I’m right, aren’t I?”
“Caden,” I sighed, trying to keep my frustration in check. I looked at him, my voice steady but firm. “This is a hospital. Right now isn’t the time to argue about feelings. I need to know if Jasper’s surgery went okay.”
His face twisted in irritation, but I took a slow breath, forcing myself to stay calm. “We’ll talk after his surgery. It’s not the time, not with him in there. It could cause a mess if people start gossiping.”
Caden fell silent for a moment, his anger simmering, before he spoke again, his tone quieter, but still determined. “Fine. We’ll wait until Jasper’s out of surgery. But you owe me an explanation.”
The minutes crawled by. The sign on the door still read “Surgery in Progress.”
I had no idea what was happening on set. My mind kept circling back to Jasper’s words, and Caden continued pacing, his tension making the air feel thick.
The silence hung heavily between us.
Two hours later, the sign finally flickered to green, and soon after, the werewolf doctor stepped through the door.
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Chapter 460 Stay With Him
I heard footsteps approaching, my heart leaping in my chest as I rushed forward. “Doctor, how is Jasper? Is he… okay?”
Caden remained by the wall, his posture stiff, his gaze sewhere.
The doctor’s shoulders relaxed, and his voice softened. You can breathe easy now. The surgery went well. We got to him in time. The shotgun pellets, though there were plenty, didn’t hit any critical organs. They’ve all been removed. He’s lucky–good physical condition, especially as the heir. He’ll need a couple of months to fully recover. No stress, no heavy activity. He’ll stay here for now, make sure everything heals right. Once the wounds are fully closed, he’ll be good to go, but he’ll need rest, lots of it.”
I exhaled, feeling the weight lift off me. “Thank you, doctor. I understand.”
He gave a small smile and waved it off. “Don’t mention it. He’s resting now, so keep the noise down. We don’t want to disturb him.” “Of course. Thanks again.”
I watched the doctor leave, my chest still tight, but the relief flooding in slowly.
For a moment, a sharp fear had clenched my chest. If Jasper hadn’t made it … if his life had been stolen because of me… the guilt, the weight of that, would’ve been a burden I couldn’t bear.
Caden’s POV:
I kept my eyes on Rosaline, searching for any sign that she’d relaxed, that the tension had lifted. When I saw her finally let out a breath, I felt the tightness in my chest loosen, but the storm inside me didn’t pass. I clenched my jaw and turned my gaze away, emotions flooding me in a rush I couldn’t control.
On Werewolf Continent, it was unthinkable for a wolf to see his mate care for another.
The jealousy–it was instinct. It couldn’t be helped.
“We…” I began, but before I could finish, Rosaline was already heading toward the hospital room. I had no choice but to follow.
The door was closed, and she stood there, staring at Jasper. He lay unconscious on the bed, his breathing steady but shallow. The emotions on Rosaline’s face were raw, unguarded.
“Now that he’s okay, can you finally explain things to me?” The words tumbled out, sharp with frustration. I couldn’t stand it any longer–the way she kept her gaze on him, as if I didn’t even exist.
Rosaline dropped her eyes, taking a moment before turning toward me. “Caden, why don’t you go back for now? I’ll call you later. I need to stay with Jasper. He got hurt because of me, and I just can’t leave him right now.”
I felt the rage boiling inside me. It was like a fire that just needed a spark. I couldn’t contain it. My voice was low, controlled, but laced with a steel edge. “Rosaline, you’re my girlfriend, and you’re going to be the Luna of the Eclipse pack. Jasper’s awake. The doctors are here. They’ll take care of him.”
“He got hurt because of me. I think I should stay here.” She didn’t finish the sentence, but I wasn’t waiting for her to.
I grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at me. Without warning, I kissed her–hard. My lips slammed
amainet hare damandine “mmant Invind harm with
mushing
noid
She made a sound of protest, her hands pushing again my chest. Her strength surprised me, but she managed to break free, her face flushed red, gasping for air. Before I could react, her hand shot out, slapping me across the face.
“You’re crazy!” she yelled, her voice trembling with anger.
The slap stunned me. I stood there, stunned, my head turning to the side from the force of it.
I slowly raised my hand to my cheek, touching the spot where her palm had landed. The heat from the slap still burned, but my anger flared, hotter than before. I met her eyes, my voice barely a whisper, heavy with accusation. “You hit me … for him?”
I never imagined Rosaline would slap me.
Rosaline’s eyes were red, teetering on the edge of tears, her face a mask of both rage and restraint. It was clear–she was as furious as I was. I stared at her, the tight knot of frustration in my chest only growing.
My throat burned with unsaid words, but they wouldn’t come. With a sharp breath, I turned away, my boots thudding heavily against the floor as I left without a word.
She didn’t follow. The silence that hung in the air only made my anger more suffocating.
Back in New Moon City, I stormed through the front door, my mood dark and oppressive. Heidi was sitting on the couch, eyes fixed on the TV. When she saw me, a smile flickered on her lips, but it felt distant. “Caden, where’d you go today?”
I gave her a quick glance, barely acknowledging her presence. Heidi and I were just playing a game, and with everything swirling in my mind, I couldn’t be bothered with her right now.
“Nothing. Just work stuff.” I spat the words out like they were poison, then turned and headed upstairs, each step heavier than the last.
Heidi caught the shift in my mood. Her eyes softened, and she rushed to the kitchen, returning with a glass of water, setting it down in front of me. “It’s tough when everything piles up, huh? You’re home now, so don’t frown. Drink this. You’ve had a long day.”
My mind was a storm, but I took the glass, feeling the dryness in my throat from the argument. The water was a small, fleeting comfort.
I drained the glass, then made my way to the study, desperate for some space.
A few minutes later, Heidi knocked, then entered with a plate of snacks. She placed it next to me, her smile back in place. “Caden, you must be starving after being out so late. I made these myself. Want to try?”
She sat next to me, her arm sliding around mine, her hand light on my chest as if trying to calm the storm inside me.
I pulled away, my voice clipped. “I’m not hungry. I’ll eat later. I’ve got work to do.”
Heidi’s voice softened, a touch of pleading in it. “Caden, I worked hard on these. Just a bite. Please?”
I rubbed my forehead, irritation crawling up my spine. I don’t have the energy for this right now. If you don’t need anything else, just go. I’m busy.”
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