Chapter 131 Sudden Explosion
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“Let’s go,” Caden said, his voice sharp, eyes locking with Jones. The silent command was clear; lead the way.
Without hesitation, we followed, making our way toward factory one.
“Who’s in charge of the raw materials?” Caden asked, his eyes scanning the documents Jones had handed him.
“That would be Alissa,” Jones replied, his tone steady. “She oversees all raw material procurement for the Fostrau site.”
“All of them?” I raised an eyebrow, glancing at Jones. “If procurement’s the problem, why is only factory one affected?”
“Alissa’s been with us for years,” Jones shrugged slightly, unconcerned. “She’s handled the sourcing for as long as I can remember. I don’t think she’s the issue.”
I nodded, processing his words. “Where is she? I’d like to speak with her.”
Without missing a beat, Jones pulled out his phone and dialed. “Alissa, please come to my office.”
Ten minutes later, a middle–aged woman entered–a werewolf with a strong build and a warm presence. Her curly hair framed her face, softening her features, and her steps were calm but purposeful.
“Alissa, Mr. Holbrook and Ms. Sinclair are here,” Jones introduced us with a nod. Then he turned to Alissa. “They’ve come to discuss the issues with the raw materials for Ice and Fire.”
Alissa bowed her head slightly, her expression filled with regret. “I apologize, Mr. Holbrook. I’m responsible –for the raw materials, and I take full responsibility. However, I assure you, the materials were sourced
properly, and every procedure was followed according to company standards.”
Caden’s voice was steady, his gaze unwavering. “Where did these materials come from?”
Alissa stepped forward, placing the procurement contracts on the table. “These materials were sourced from three different companies. We’ve been working with them for more than three years, and there’s never been an issue before.”
“Were spot checks done when the materials arrived?” I asked, eyeing the contracts as I spoke.
“Yes,” Alissa responded without hesitation. “Every procedure was followed as per the guidelines.”
Caden nodded slowly, flipping through the documents one last time. He looked up at Alissa. “Alright, you can return to your work now.”
Alissa gave a respectful nod. “Of course, Mr. Holbrook. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out.”
Once she was gone, I turned to Caden, watching him closely as he reviewed the files. “So, what do you think? Is there a problem?”
Caden’s brow furrowed, his expression darkening. He glanced at Jones, his voice firm and decisive. “I need a list of everyone who had access to the raw materials.”
“Of course,” Jones replied promptly. He wasted no time in making arrangements, and soon the list was in
our hands.
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The list was extensive, including not only the warehouse staff but also the workers involved in transportation and production–anyone who might have had a chance to interfere with the materials.
Caden studied the list intently, his mind clearly working through the possibilities. After a long silence, he spoke, his voice low and deliberate. “Where are the contaminated materials now?”
Jones’s gaze drifted toward the window. His voice was distant as he answered. “They’re in the warehouse just over there.”
“Only that one warehouse is affected?” I followed Jones’s gaze as it swept across the row of warehouses in the distance.
He gave a curt nod. “Yes.”
Caden’s expression turned cold, his voice sharp. “Let’s see for ourselves.”
The warehouse that held the raw materials stood only a short distance from the factory, a mere few dozen meters away. Typically, workers moved the materials inside to be processed on the factory floor.
This suggested the problem could have emerged during transport.
Jones pointed toward the building. “The warehouse is over there.” He began to lead the way.
Caden and I followed closely behind.
As we neared the warehouse, Jones’s phone buzzed sharply, cutting through the still air.
He flashed us an apologetic look. “Mr. Holbrook, excuse me. I need to take this call.”
Caden nodded curtly, and we kept moving forward.
The closer we got, the more a growing sense of unease settled in me. It was an instinct, the kind only an Alpha could possess. Something was terribly wrong.
I lifted my gaze, scanning the warehouse ahead. In an instant, I spotted a thick cloud of smoke rising from the roof. Heat rippled above the building, and flames flickered within the smoke like a dance of destruction.
“This is bad–it’s about to blow up!” I froze, grabbing Caden’s arm, pulling him back.
Before we could take another step, the explosion hit. The ground beneath us trembled violently.
A massive plume of smoke shot into the sky, followed by a towering mushroom cloud. Flames of red fury surged upward, reaching for the heavens.
“Rosaline, look out!” Caden’s urgent shout barely pierced the thunderous roar of the blast.
I barely registered the danger before a chunk of the ceiling was ripped away by the shockwave, hurtling straight toward me.
The second shockwave struck with a force that sent everything into a chaotic spin.
I felt myself lifted from the ground, but Caden’s strong grip yanked me back, pulling me to safety.
He turned and threw himself in front of me, using his body as a shield to protect me from the debris. The steel plate struck us with a deafening crash, sending both of us tumbling to the ground. My back slammed against the cold, unforgiving concrete.
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A sharp pain shot through me, stealing my breath.
Finished
As the darkness closed in, I heard Caden’s voice–low and steady–whisper near my ear. “Rosaline, don’t be afraid. I’m here,”
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When I opened my eyes, I found myself lying in a hospital bed, the bright, sterile light of the room harsh against my vision.
“Caden!” The name slipped from my lips before I could stop it, driven by a sudden surge of panic and fading awareness.
But there was no response.
I forced myself to focus, blinking against the blur. Slowly, the white walls of the hospital room came into
view.
Where am I? Why does my back feel like it’s been torn apart?
I pressed my fingers to my temples, trying to chase away the fog clouding my mind.
And then it hit me–the explosion. Caden and I had gone to check the materials at the warehouse. The radioactive substances, the warehouse, the blast.
In that instant, Caden had thrown himself in front of me, shielding me with his body.
Caden…
I gritted my teeth against the throbbing pain in my body and tried to sit up, my hands pushing against the bed for support. My own injuries didn’t worry me too much. With my Alpha strength, even being hit by debris would heal in time.
But Caden–his safety was a different matter altogether.
The explosion had come so suddenly, so close.
He hadn’t transformed into his wolf form. Instead, he had stood there, taking the full force of the blast with his own body.
Even with his strength, he must’ve been hurt.
I swung my legs off the bed, intent on getting up when the door opened, and a nurse–another werewolf- walked in.
“Caden?” I asked, my voice shaky, tight with fear. “Where is he?”
The nurse blinked, her expression blank, clearly not understanding.
That’s when it hit me. I was in Fostrau. This nurse couldn’t speak my language.
I quickly switched to Fostrau’s language, my words now frantic. “Where is Caden? Who brought me here? The man I was with–he’s okay, right?”
The nurse shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know.”
My heart dropped. What if something had happened to him?
I didn’t have time to worry. I swung my legs further off the bed, determined to find him.
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“I’m fine. It’s just a few scratches.” My voice was barely steady, but the fear was rising in my chest.
I had to find Caden. I had to see him with my own eyes to know he was okay. A deep sense of unease, one only an Alpha could feel, began to consume me.
If Caden were fine, he would be here. He wouldn’t be missing without a word.
Something had happened to him, and I couldn’t shake the feeling.
I couldn’t just sit here.
Without another word, I pushed the covers aside and slid out of bed.
I had to find him. He had to be okay.
“Ms. Sinclair, you’re awake?” Jones stepped into the room, his voice a mixture of relief and concern.
“Jones, I’m so glad you’re alright.” Seeing him there eased some of my tension, but my relief was fleeting. “Where’s Caden? Is he okay? Have you seen him?”
Jones paused, shifting uncomfortably before speaking. “Mr. Holbrook … he’s …”
“What happened to him?” My words tumbled out, sharp with urgency as I picked up on his hesitation.
“He’s injured. They’ve got him in critical care,” Jones said, his voice heavy with regret. “His injuries are
severe.”
Critical care… severe injuries…
The words hit me like a hammer, leaving my mind spinning.
Caden had been hurt. Because of me.
The explosion–the chaos of that moment–flashed in my mind again. I couldn’t escape it.
If he hadn’t shielded me, he could’ve shifted and run. He didn’t have to stay. He didn’t have to protect me.
“Where is the emergency room?” My voice broke, panic clawing at my chest.
Jones blinked in surprise at my desperation. “18th floor,” he said quickly.
Without another thought, I bolted from the room, rushing toward the elevator.
But when I reached it, I found it stuck on the top floor.
Frustrated, I turned toward the stairs and called out mentally to Freya.
“Go to the 18th floor. Now.” My mind was sharp, urgent.
In the blink of an eye, Freya sprang into action, her powerful legs propelling her up the stairs with an effortless grace. She reached the 18th floor before I could even blink.
“Done. You can enter now.”
Shifting back to human form, I sprinted down the hall, grabbing the first doctor I saw. “Where is Caden?” I
demanded my voice tight with anxiety
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The doctor looked me over, then pointed down the hallway. “The Quasi–Alpha from Eclipse Pack? He’s in the emergency room.”
“Is he okay? How bad is it?” I asked, fear choking my words.
The doctor shook his head, his face apologetic. “I’m sorry, I don’t know.”
I didn’t wait for another second. I dashed to the emergency room door, but a nurse stopped me just before I could reach it. “Miss, I’m sorry, but the doctor is in the middle of an emergency procedure. You can’t go in.”
“But… is he alright?” My eyes locked onto the closed door. The words came out in a desperate whisper. “Is he going to make it?”
The nurse smiled politely, but the look in her eyes offered no comfort.
“Please, don’t worry. The doctor is doing everything he can.”
How could I not worry?
If something happened to Caden, I would never forgive myself.
I pressed my palms together, silently praying. My heart raced, and every part of me screamed to be with
him.
O Moon Goddess, protect him. Please keep him safe.
“Ms. Sinclair.”
I turned to see Bruce, accompanied by several Eclipse Group managers from the Fostrau branch. Their faces were etched with concern.
I walked over to him, my voice trembling. “How is Caden, Mr. Collins?”
His face was grim, his voice cold. “I just got here. As soon as I heard the news, I rushed over. How did this happen?”
“I don’t know,” I whispered, rubbing my temples. “The warehouse exploded.”
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Chapter 133 An Anxious Night
A chill settled deep in my bones.
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The warehouse could have exploded at any moment–long before we arrived or long after we left. Yet, of all the possible times, it happened the instant Caden and I stepped inside.
Could that truly be coincidence?
The thought barely had time to take root before the emergency room doors swung open. A doctor emerged, his expression unreadable as he pushed a hospital bed into the hallway. Caden lay upon it, motionless.
A tightness gripped my chest. I rushed forward, my voice unsteady. “Caden! Can you hear me?”
But he did not stir.
He lay as still as stone, his face devoid of color, his usual warmth and strength stripped away. White bandages wrapped around his head and leg, darkened by the slow seep of blood beneath them.
Something twisted inside me, sharp and unbearable. My throat ached, and tears burned at the edges of my vision.
“Alpha, you must steady yourself.” Freya’s voice echoed in my mind, firm yet soothing. “Grief will not serve him now. Breathe. Stay clear–headed.”
She was right. I had to pull myself together. For him. I inhaled deeply, forcing the tremor from my hands before turning to the doctor. “Will he be alright?”
Even as I spoke, dread curled in my stomach, bracing for the answer I already feared.
The doctor met my gaze, his expression heavy. “Mr. Holbrook sustained severe injuries–head trauma and a fractured leg. The damage to his skull is our greatest concern. We’ve done all we can, but his condition remains critical.”
The words struck like a blade.
Critical. A word that meant everything and nothing.
Caden had thrown himself in harm’s way without hesitation, without thought for his own life. And now, because of me, he lay here, caught in the fragile space between life and death.
“When will he wake up?” My voice wavered, my lips barely forming the words.
The doctor hesitated, then exhaled slowly. “It’s impossible to say. He might wake tomorrow … or…”
He didn’t finish. He didn’t need to.
I understood the underlying message.
He might never wake at all.
A storm of emotions crashed through me–fear, guilt, helplessness. I could do nothing but hold onto him, my fingers wrapping around his hand as if sheer will alone could pull him back to me.
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Bruce stepped forward, his voice quiet but firm. “He’s strong. He’ll make it through this. But you need rest too, Ms. Sinclair. You’re injured yourself. Let us handle things here.”
“I’m not leaving.” The words left me without hesitation, my voice steadier than I felt. “I’ll stay with him.”
No one argued. They understood it was useless. The doctor wheeled Caden into a private room, and I followed, taking my place beside his bed. His face, so familiar, seemed impossibly distant now.
Caden, you have to wake up.
The silence in the room felt vast, broken only by the soft, rhythmic beeping of the monitors.
Then, a gentle knock sounded at the door. I stood, crossed the room, and pulled it open.
“What is it, Jones?” I asked gently.
Jones hesitated at the doorway, his gaze flickering toward the hospital bed. “Mr. Holbrook … is he stable?”
“He’s still unconscious.”
A heavy breath escaped him. “I never imagined this would happen. But he’s strong–he’ll fight his way back.”
I met his eyes, thoughts churning. “The warehouse exploded the moment we arrived in Fostrau. That can’t be a coincidence. Did you find anything?”
His expression darkened. “It happened too fast. The firefighters discovered two bodies at the scene.”
A cold weight settled in my chest. I straightened, my voice steady but tight. “Two bodies? Do we know who they were?”
“First assumption is that they were warehouse employees. We need DNA testing to confirm.” Jones paused, choosing his words carefully. “There’s a chance they were behind the contamination in the raw materials.”
I nodded, jaw tightening. “Look into it. I need to know if they tampered with the materials–and if they had anything to do with the explosion.”
“Understood, Ms. Sinclair.” He gave a sharp nod and turned to leave.
Once he was gone, I sank into the chair beside Caden’s bed. He lay motionless, his face pale against the sheets, his breathing slow and even.
Gently, I pulled the blanket higher, tucking it around him. My fingers curled around his hand, gripping it as if holding on could somehow tether him to me.
The night stretched on.
The quiet settled into my bones, yet my thoughts refused to rest.
Then, sometime past midnight, a knock broke the silence.
I rose and opened the door.
Yale stood on the threshold, flanked by several werewolf warriors. At his command, they took their places outside the room.
Seeing him here sent a iolt of surprise through me. “You came all the way here?”
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Shouldn’t he be in Rivemon?
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Yale stepped inside, his gaze sweeping over Caden before settling on me. “I came as soon as I heard the
news.”
His voice was measured, but urgency ran beneath it. “How is Mr. Holbrook?”
“He hasn’t woken up.” My voice was barely above a whisper.
Yale studied me for a moment, then nodded. “Try not to dwell on the worst.”
Easier said than done.
I swallowed hard and shifted the focus. “How’s the company?”
If he had left Rivemon, the situation had to be serious. I didn’t have enough space in my head to care, but now it was forcing its way in.
His expression cooled. “After the press conference, things stabilized. The stock was climbing again. But this explosion…” His jaw tightened. “The media’s tearing into us. Negative press is spreading fast, and the stock’s in free fall.”
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Just as expected.
I nodded slightly. “The current situation isn’t looking good for us, right?”
“No, it isn’t,” Yale replied gravely.
Finished
After a brief moment of contemplation, I said, “Our top priority now is to uncover the truth behind this. We can only restore the company’s reputation by exposing the mastermind and revealing the facts to the public.”
“I’ll do my best,” Yale responded firmly.
“Ms. Sinclair, you should head back and get some rest. I’ll keep watch here. Everything will be fine,” Yale suggested, glancing at me with concern.
“I want to stay with Caden,” I shook my head.
Yale chuckled softly. “Ms. Sinclair, you’re injured too. You need proper rest. You wouldn’t want to collapse from exhaustion before Mr. Holbrook even wakes up, would you? Don’t worry. I’m here with the werewolf warrior. Nothing will happen to him.”
After thinking it over, I nodded in agreement.
I was indeed exhausted after the long day, and there were some things I needed to handle quickly.
“Alright, I’ll head back and rest. I’ll come by again in the morning.”
-Caden’s POV:
I only opened my eyes after hearing Rosaline’s footsteps fade away as she left the room.
Outside, Yale was giving instructions to the werewolf warrior.
“Stay here, and don’t let anyone in. Understood?”
“Yes, sir!”
Yale entered the room, closing the door behind him. When he saw me awake, a smile crept onto his face.
I slowly sat up, leaning against the hospital bed, my voice cold as I asked, “She’s gone? She didn’t suspect anything, did she?”
Yale shook his head with a grin. “No, Ms. Sinclair genuinely believes you’re in a coma. She looks worried sick.”
I
gave a faint hum in response.
“Why are you keeping even Ms. Sinclair in the dark? Seeing her that anxious almost makes me feel guilty,” Yale teased.
I shot him a sidelong glance. “The fewer people who know, the better.”
When the ceiling collapsed, I was actually only lightly injured.
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The explosion’s shockwave was intense, and while protecting Rosaline, I was knocked unconscious briefly.
But the explosion itself was too strange–almost as if it had been meticulously calculated, targeting both Rosaline and me specifically.
So, I decided to pretend to be severely injured and unconscious, making the mastermind think their plan had succeeded.
This way, I could operate from the shadows and lure them out.
It pained me to see Rosaline so upset, but this was the only way.
Thinking of this, I asked in a low voice, “What’s the situation now?”
Yale reported, “As we expected, there’s a flood of negative news about the company.”
My expression darkened. “Investigate Jones.”
Yale paused for a second, surprised. “You think he’s involved?”
I nodded. “Especially look into any connections between Jones and Heartstone Jewels.”
“Yes, Mr. Holbrook,” Yale replied solemnly.
Rosaline’s POV:
Back in my room, my heart remained heavy with worry.
I picked up my phone. News of the Eclipse Group’s warehouse explosion in Fostrau was everywhere, dominating headlines.
The comments were even more intense.
Eclipse Group deceives consumers, using cheap materials disguised as quality goods, leading to this massive explosion!‘
What if the explosion was staged by Eclipse Group itself to destroy evidence? A cover–up leaving no trace behind!‘
If it was staged, why would even the CEO get hurt? I still believe in Mr. Holbrook!‘
Staring at the screen, I rubbed my temples, trying to recall the moments before the explosion.
Both Caden and I were injured, yet Jones had conveniently stepped away to take a call, emerging completely unscathed.
Could it really be just a coincidence?
After some thought, I called Anthony.
“Wilda!” Anthony’s concerned voice came through immediately. “I saw the news. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I replied. “I need you to look into someone for me.”
“No problem, as long as it’s not about Tessa,” he joked, agreeing readily.
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“Check out Jones for me,” I said, massaging my forehead.
After hanging up, my mind drifted back to Caden’s pale face.
I couldn’t shake the worry, so I turned around and headed straight for the 18th floor.
Finished
When I reached his room, the werewolf warrior blocked my way, standing firm. “Sorry, Ms. Sinclair, you can’t go in,” one of them said politely but firmly.
Clearly, Yale had given them strict instructions. But faintly, I could hear voices inside the room. It sounded like Caden.
My heart raced.
Could he be awake?
Without hesitation, I dialed Yale.
“Is Caden awake?” I asked directly.
“No,” Yale replied calmly.
Disappointment washed over me. Biting my lip, I said, “I’m outside his room. I’m still worried. Can I go in and check on him?”
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Caden’s POV:
Every word from Rosaline’s voice drifted clearly into my cars.
She actually cares about me this much.
Yale glanced at me, waiting for my cue. I slightly nodded, and he said, “Please hold on a moment.”
I laid back down, closing my eyes, but left a small gap to barely see outside.
Yale opened the door, and there she was–Rosaline’s petite figure standing right at the entrance.
Yale smiled. “Come in.”
Finished
Rosaline walked in, and he instructed the werewolf warrior outside, “From now on, Ms. Sinclair can come and go as she pleases.”
“How is Caden?” Her gaze shifted to me. I quickly shut my eyes, afraid she’d notice anything off.
I heard her footsteps approaching, her familiar scent enveloping me like a soft breeze.
I felt her fingers lightly touch my forehead but pulled back almost immediately. She was so gentle.
A warmth stirred deep in my chest like a feather brushing the softest part of my heart.
“He’s stable,” Yale said.
“But I thought I heard him talking earlier,” she replied, her voice tinged with doubt.
“No, that was me on the phone,” Yale quickly covered.
“Oh,” she murmured, sounding a bit disappointed.
“Ms. Sinclair, I’ll head out since you’re here with him. If you need anything, the werewolf warriors outside are at your service. They’re all trusted men.”
“Thank you,” she said softly.
Yale left, closing the door behind him.
I mentally praised him. That guy knows exactly when to back off.
Peeking through barely opened eyes, I saw Rosaline quietly standing by my bed, her face heavy with dub
My heart ached, but I couldn’t reveal the truth just yet.
After a while, she grew tired and rested her head on the edge of my bed, falling asleep.
The room was peaceful, filled only with her soft breathing.
I slowly opened my eyes.
Looking at her sleeping face, I gently got up, grabbed a thin blanket, and draped it over her.
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In her sleep, she mumbled, “Caden, you’ll be okay.”
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My heart warmed. She looked so delicate, her pale lips betraying her exhaustion, yet her beauty still left me
breathless.
She must be exhausted from everything that’s happened.
Leaning down, I brushed a light kiss on her smooth forehead.
“Trust me. This will all be over soon.”
Rosaline’s POV:
The morning sun streamed through the window, warming my face.
I blinked awake, surprised to find a blanket over me.
I vaguely remembered falling asleep. Where did this blanket come from?
Could it be Caden? Did he wake up?
My heart raced with hope as I looked toward the bed.
But there he was, eyes shut, still ‘unconscious.‘
Disappointment sank in like a stone.
Memories of our time together flooded my mind–how he’d always protected, cared for, and risked his life shielding me from the falling debris.
“Caden, you have to be okay. Wake up. I’ll do anything if you just wake up,” I whispered, my eyes misting
over.
“Anything? Then will you marry me?”
A clear, familiar voice rang in my ears, sweet as music.
Caden!
It was him!
Overwhelmed with joy, I turned to see his eyes wide open, bright and full of life.
“Caden, you’re awake?”
I looked at him, my face lighting up with a joyful smile. The fear and anxiety that had gripped my heart finally melted away at this very moment.
He was awake.
He was finally awake!
Relief flooded through me like a warm tide.
The corners of Caden’s lips curved slightly, his sharp brows lifting just a little as he asked with a teasing glint
in his eves “Does what you said earlier still count?”
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“What?” I blinked, momentarily stunned, trying to recall what I’d said.
Finished
When my gaze met him, the faint amusement dancing in his dark eyes made everything click. My face flushed with sudden realization, and I glared at him in mock annoyance, raising my fists to thump against his chest. “Caden, you were faking it!”
He caught my hands effortlessly without missing a beat, pressing them firmly against his chest. His voice dropped to a low, magnetic murmur, “Rosaline, can you feel it? My heart is beating for you.”
The warmth of his strong, solid chest radiated through my fingertips, the steady rhythm of his heartbear pulsing beneath my palms.
My face grew even hotter, a deep blush spreading to the tips of my ears.
This man!
Did he always have to be this shamelessly charming?
Chapter 136 Two Months
I took a deep breath to steady my emotions and asked, “Caden, why were you pretending to be unconscious?”
29 Finished
“What do you think?” He lifted the corners of his lips with a sly smile, answering my question with another.
I pondered for a moment. “You’ve already figured out who’s behind the explosion, haven’t you?”
He gave a slight nod, his expression calm. “I suspect it’s Jones, but I don’t have solid proof yet.”
Realization hit me. “So, you pretended to be unconscious to make Jones think his plan worked. That way, he’d drop his guard, and you could catch him red–handed when he makes his next move?”
But instead of confirming, Caden fixed his deep gaze on me. “What I really want to know is–were those things you said earlier true?”
His dark eyes bore into mine, making my breath hitch. Trying to maintain my composure, I pursed my lips. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
A soft chuckle escaped him. “I heard every word, you know.”
My face warmed with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. “Oh? And what exactly did you hear?” I snapped, shooting him an annoyed glare.
This sly man. He tricked me into thinking he was unconscious!
Had I known, I wouldn’t have worried so much.
Without warning, Caden reached out, wrapping his long fingers around my hand. He pulled it into his palm and covered it with his other hand, his warmth flooding into my skin.
“You said if I woke up, you’d do anything for me,” he murmured, his voice low and magnetic. “Well, I’m awake now. So, will you marry me?”
The heat from his hands traveled straight to my heart, making it flutter uncontrollably.
“Is this your version of a proposal?” I asked, pressing my lips together to suppress the sudden rush of
emotions.
“I’m courting you,” he replied smoothly, raising an eyebrow. His intense gaze was like an intoxicating potion, threatening to drown me in its depths.
Courting me.
The words made
my heart race.
But considering we’d just survived an explosion, having this conversation in a hospital room seemed wildly inappropriate.
Snapping out of my daze, I yanked my hand free. “Forget everything I said earlier. It doesn’t count. You
tricked me!”
“No take–backs,” he frowned slightly, clearly unwilling to let it slide.
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The room fell into an awkward silence until Caden broke it by clearing his throat. “In two months, can you give me an answer?”
His eyes were sincere, and there was no teasing this time. It was clear he’d made up his mind.
Since he was serious, I wouldn’t let him down.
I nodded. “I’ll give you an answer then.”
Do you want to win my heart? Let’s see what you’ve got.
Caden’s POV:
She gave me a timeframe.
I was confident that I’d get the answer I wanted in two months.
“Aren’t you supposed to be unconscious? You should lie down before someone sees you,” she muttered, trying to shift the topic.
“No need. The werewolf warriors are stationed outside,” I replied nonchalantly.
But the moment I finished speaking, her phone rang.
Without stepping away, she answered in a sweet, affectionate voice, “Grandpa.
Her grandfather’s voice came through loud and clear.
“Rosie, are you okay?” the old man asked, concern lacing his tone.
She chuckled softly. “Of course I’m fine.”
“I saw the news. Is it true?” he pressed.
“Well, some parts are true, some are exaggerated. Don’t worry about it, Grandpa. Just focus on your fishing and tending to your flowers. I’ll handle things here,” she reassured him.
“What’s there to worry about?” Grandpa chuckled heartily. “If I’m not mistaken, that brat Caden faking a coma is just an act, isn’t it?”
Rosaline’s eyes widened. “Grandpa, how did you-
1
“I wasn’t completely sure,” he replied smugly. “But hearing your calm voice gave it away. What fiancée would be this composed if her man was actually unconscious?”
Rosaline’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she blurted, “Grandpa, stop talking nonsense! He’s not my fiancé. Once our three–month agreement is up, I’ll cancel the engagement!”
I frowned deeply, my mood souring instantly. Rosaline kept talking about breaking off the eng
ment as if
it was her favorite hobby. What was that supposed to mean?
Didn’t she just promise to give me an answer in two months?
“Alright, I’m off to water the flowers,” Grandpa said before hanging up.
She put her phone away, but I couldn’t let it slide. “What you said to your grandfather–was that true?” I
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Chapter 136 Two Months
asked, narrowing my eyes at her.
Finished
“You’ll find out soon enough,” she replied coolly, clearly unbothered by my displeasure. “I promised you an answer in two months, after all, didn’t I?”
I was about to push further when a knock on the door suddenly interrupted us.
“Lie down. Now,” she hissed, her eyes narrowing.
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I reluctantly lay back down as Rosaline walked over to tuck me in.
However, I kept my eyes slightly open, leaving a small gap to observe.
Rosaline moved to open the door, revealing Jones standing at the entrance of the hospital room.
“Jones, is there something you need?” Rosaline asked.
Finished
Jones glanced into the room. I quickly shut my eyes as he inquired concernedly, “How’s Mr. Holbrook doing?”
Rosaline let out a deep sigh. “Still the same, unconscious.
“What did the doctors say? When will he wake up?” Jones pressed on.
I chuckled inwardly. This guy probably hopes I never wake up.
Rosaline invited him in, deliberately positioning herself between Jones and me. “The doctors said his chances of waking up are slim,” she said.
Stealing a glance, I caught the faintest upward curl at the corner of Jones‘ mouth before he patted Rosaline’s shoulder reassuringly.“Don’t worry too much. Mr. Holbrook will be fine,” he said.
“Let’s hope so,” Rosaline replied with a wistful sigh.
After a brief pause, she asked, “By the way, have you identified the victims of the explosion?”
“That’s actually why I’m here,” Jones said, clearing his throat. “We’ve identified the two deceased. They were
warehouse managers responsible for the tampered materials.”
“Why would they do that?” Rosaline pressed further.
“Here’s the thing. These two warehouse employees had a history of poor performance and had been reprimanded by their supervisors. They held a grudge against the company and wanted to get back at it,” Jones explained with a shrug. “As for the explosion, it was purely an accident. One of the warehouse workers was smoking in a restricted area, and a cigarette butt fell onto the problematic raw materials, causing the explosion.”
Rosaline furrowed her delicate brows. “I can’t believe it turned out like this,” she said.“Something so trivial caused such a huge problem for the company.”
“The internet is flooded with news about the explosion,” Jones said, looking at Rosaline for confirmation. “I want to hold a press conference to clarify things and set the record straight. That way, we can stop all the speculation and doubts about the company. What do you think, Ms. Sinclair?”
Rosaline nodded in agreement. “That sounds thorough. I’ll leave it to you.”
“What about Yale?” Jones asked, hesitating.
“Yale isn’t familiar with the situation here. Now that Caden is still unconscious, you’re the most suitable person to handle the press conference.” Rosaline smiled faintly.
“Alright, I’ll make the arrangements,” Jones said, casting a glance at me before leaving.
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Finished
Once he was gone, Rosaline returned to my bedside, looking at me expectantly. “So? I did pretty well, didn’t
I?”
I nodded approvingly. “Not bad. Looks like Jones can’t wait to play his next card. Let’s see how this unfolds.”
Rosaline’s POV:
“What did you find out about Yale?” I asked, noticing Caden’s confident demeanor.
He leaned back slightly and said in a deep voice, “Still investigating. We should have results soon.”
I nodded. “We have to get the evidence before Jones holds the press conference. Otherwise, things will take a turn for the worse for us.”
Caden chuckled lightly. “Don’t worry. I’ve got everything under control. Jones won’t be jumping around for much longer.”
His serene expression put me at ease.
Anthony should have updates soon.
When the time comes, Jones will have nowhere to escape.
The press conference was scheduled two days later.
Speculation about the explosion at Eclipse Group was rampant. The world was eager for the press conference, waiting to hear the truth about Ice and Fire, the radioactive material rumors, and the factory explosion.
The conference was set to take place at a luxurious hotel in Fostrau.
I arrived early, choosing an inconspicuous seat in the corner. Then, I sent a message to Anthony, hoping for a quick response.
“Did you find what I asked for?”
Anthony quickly replied. “Check your email. It’s all there.”
“Thanks.”
Things are about to get interesting.
Jones, dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, sat at the podium.
Journalists filled the hall, cameras pointed directly at him, with flashes going off continuously.
At precisely 10 a.m., the press conference began.
The host’s clear, authoritative voice echoed through the hall. “Welcome to the Eclipse Group | conference. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Jones Blackwood for his statement.”
Applause followed. Jones stood, gesturing for silence, before clearing his throat.
“In recent days, I’m sure you’ve all heard about the explosion at Eclipse Company’s in Fostrau. Today, this press conference is to clarify the situation.”
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A reporter quickly asked, “Mr. Blackwood, does Eclipse’s ‘Ice and Fire‘ product contain radioactive materials? How did these materials make their way into the factory?”
“Was the warehouse explosion truly an accident?” another reporter pressed.
。
The reporters bombarded Jones with questions, one after another.
Finished
“Everyone, please quiet down!” Jones raised his voice slightly. “Here is Eclipse Group’s official statement regarding the incident.”
He paused momentarily, then began reading from a prepared script in a cold, mechanical tone.
“After an internal investigation into claims that the Ice and Fire jewelry line contained radioactive elements, we confirm that certain raw materials stored in Warehouse No. 1 at our Fostrau branch did, in fact, contain
radioactive substances.
“The root cause of this issue lies with the actions of two warehouse managers. Due to personal grievances against the company, they deliberately tampered with the raw materials, introducing radioactive substances as an act of retaliation.As a result, the jewelry produced did not meet safety standards and led to cases of consumer poisoning.
“As for the explosion in Warehouse No. 1, investigations have determined that it was caused by a warehouse manager violating company policy and smoking in a hazardous area. A cigarette butt fell onto highly flammable raw materials, triggering an accidental explosion. The two individuals who tragically lost their lives in the blast have been confirmed to be the same warehouse managers responsible for contaminating the raw materials.”
As soon as Jones finished speaking, murmurs spread through the room.
“That’s it? That’s the whole explanation?”
“Isn’t it just a little too convenient that the two people who tampered with the materials happened to die in -the explosion?”
“Is Eclipse Group hiding something to cover up the truth?”
The conference room grew restless as reporters fired off skeptical questions.
“Mr. Blackwood, is everything you just said true?”
“How can it be a coincidence that the individuals linked to the radioactive materials died in the blast? Was it really just an accident?”
Jones’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Of course, it wasn’t just an accident.”
His words struck the crowd like a stone thrown into calm water, sending ripples of excitement through the
reporters.
“Mr. Blackwood, what do you mean by that?”
“If it wasn’t an accident, then what was it?”
“Is there an untold truth behind all this?”
Jones’s eyes darkened slightly. After clearing his throat, he said, “I just shared the company’s official statement. But it isn’t the whole truth.”
A reporter seized the moment, asking sharply, “Mr. Blackwood, are you implying that Eclipse Group is
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Finished
“As the head of Eclipse’s Fostrau branch, I probably shouldn’t be saying this. But as an honest man, I can’t ignore my conscience, I’ve decided to reveal the truth today!” Jones declared, his tone resolute, as if it had taken great courage to reach this decision.
Watching Jones perform on stage, I couldn’t help but smirk inwardly.
As I suspected, his true purpose in holding this press conference was to drag Eclipse through the mud and ruin us completely.
But he underestimated both Caden and me.
Jones was nothing more than a petty fool.
Let him enjoy his moment of triumph a little longer.
After building suspense, Jones finally continued, “The real reason ‘Ice and Fire‘ contained radioactive elements, causing consumer poisoning, is because Eclipse Group, in an attempt to cut costs, used inferior raw materials.
“To cover their tracks, the company framed two innocent warehouse managers. The explosion in Warehouse No. 1? It was no accident–it was orchestrated to eliminate them and destroy the evidence.”
Gasps filled the room. Everyone exchanged shocked glances.
It was a calculated yet brilliant move.
A corporate giant like Eclipse Group sacrificing consumer safety for profit? That was enough to send their stock prices into free fall and force them out of the market entirely.
This revelation alone could tank our stock and force us out of the market, crushing Eclipse Pack ultimately.
The magnitude of this so–called ‘truth‘ was almost too shocking to believe.
And yet, coming from Jones, the reporters had no choice but to take it seriously.
But coming from Jones, the company’s own branch head, it was hard to dismiss.
Jones scanned the room, clearly satisfied with the impact of his words.Then, his gaze landed squarely on me. “And the masterminds behind this are Eclipse Group CEO Caden and Ice and Fire’s project lead, Rosaline!”
In an instant, every eye turned to me.
I had just become public enemy number one.
Calmly, I stood up, my steps steady as I walked toward Jones. My voice was calm, laced with sarcasm, “Jones, are you willing to take responsibility for every word you just said?”
His face darkened for a split second before he quickly regained his composure. “Of course,” he confidently. “Originally, I planned to read the company’s official statement and end the press conference. But I refuse to betray my conscience. That’s why I’m exposing the truth here today.”
“Your conscience?” I let out a laugh laced with biting sarcasm. “Seems like your conscience has been eaten by wild boars.”
The reporters swarmed toward me at my words, throwing out question after question.
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Chapter 138 The Truth
“Ms. Rosaline, is what Mr. Blackwood said true?”
“Did Eclipse prioritize profits over safety, using substandard materials that poisoned consumers?”
“Were the warehouse managers scapegoats?”
“After the scandal broke, did Eclipse stage the explosion to cover up the truth?”
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Finished
I let out an indifferent smile before speaking with measured confidence, “Of course not. Every word Jones said was a lie. It’s all fabricated from thin air with the sole purpose of smearing Eclipse Group’s reputation.”
The reporter didn’t hesitate, thrusting the microphone in my direction. “Do you have any proof that Jones is lying? And why would he do this? He gains nothing from it!”
A cold chuckle escaped my lips. “If the explosion was intentional, as Jones claims, then why were both Caden and I caught in it? Why were we injured?”
I rolled up my sleeve, revealing a stark contrast between my pale, delicate skin and the dark red wound that stood out against it. The sight was jarring.
I locked eyes with Jones, my gaze sharp. “If I and Caden had known about the explosion in advance, do you think we’d have chosen that exact moment to walk into Warehouse No. 1? Now, Caden is lying unconscious on a hospital bed. Do you think he would gamble his life and safety like that?”
After hearing my words, murmurs rippled through the crowd.
“That’s true. Reports from the hospital confirmed that Caden was gravely injured when the ceiling collapsed on him. He’s been in a coma for days, and there’s a chance he might never wake up.”
“Yeah, if this was all part of a plan, why would they willingly put themselves in danger? It doesn’t make any sense.”
A spark of something sinister flickered across Jones’s eyes. “That’s exactly what makes it a perfect act of self- sacrifice. You just didn’t expect an accident to happen, and Caden to get seriously hurt.”
My tone was laced with mockery, “An accident? No, I’d say this was a purely coincidence. It happened precisely when Caden and I stepped into that warehouse. And you, Jones, you conveniently received a phone call right before it happened and walked away without a single scratch!”
Jones’s brows knitted together. “What exactly are you implying?”
I stared at him coldly. “I’m saying you are the mastermind behind the explosion, Jones. You are the one responsible for the radioactive contamination in the ‘Ice and Fire‘ products.”
“You’re spouting rubbish!” Jones snapped, “You’re just desperate, Ms. Sinclair. You’re pushing all the blame onto me because I exposed the truth?”
“Desperate? If anything, that title suits you better.” I let out a soft laugh. “You deliberately mixed the raw materials with radioactive elements, leading to toxic contamination in the ‘Ice and Fire‘ products
manufactured in Fostrau, leading to consumer poisoning. Then, you lured Caden and me to Warehouse No. 1 where you planted a bomb. That call you received wasn’t random. It was you giving the signal to detonate. You went through all this trouble. What exactly were you after?”
Jones waved a hand dismissively as he turned to the reporters. “Ms. Sinclair certainly knows how to spin a tale. But don’t let an Omega’s one–sided accusations fool you.”
I sneered, “Whether it’s a tale or the truth, we’ll find out soon enough.”
After saying that, my gaze shifted toward the conference room’s entrance.
Where’s Caden? Why hasn’t he been here yet? By now, Yale should have secured the evidence. If I calculate the timing
correctly Caden chould he arrinina anu minuto. Unlose comothing unexpected happened?
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Chapter 139 The Phone Recording
Finished
I glanced toward the entrance, but the doorway remained empty, without any sign of Caden’s arrival.
I have no choice. For now, I can only use what Anthony sent me to delay time.
Pushing aside my concerns, I cleared my throat and fixed my sharp gaze on Jones. “Jones, I have a phone recording here. Would you like to listen to it?”
Jones visibly stiffened. “What recording?”
I held up my phone, giving it a slight wave. “You’ll understand once you hear it.”
Under the watchful eyes of a group of reporters, I quickly pulled up the file Anthony had sent me. Placing my phone near the microphone, I pressed the play button.
The moment the recording started, the voices of two people could be heard from the phone.
“Hello, is everything ready?” The voice belonged to Jones.
A woman’s voice responded, cold and composed. “It’s ready. We can detonate at any time.”
“Perfect.” Jones’s tone turned sinister. “Blow it up in one minute.”
“No problem!” The woman’s voice rang out again.
What followed was the sound of hurried footsteps. It was likely Jones running to a safe distance.
A minute later, the woman’s voice returned. “Can I detonate now?”
“Ok!”
Even though it was just a recording, the sheer impact of the explosion reverberated through the room. The atmosphere turned suffocating, the weight of the moment pressing down on everyone present.
And then, Jones’s satisfied voice emerged once more, “Nice work.”
The recording ended.
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Chapter 140 A Battle of Words
The shock was visible on everyone present.
The reporters wasted no time, their voices overlapping in a chaotic uproar.
Finished
“If this recording is real, that means the explosion at the Eclipse Group’s warehouse wasn’t an accident at all, it was deliberate. Someone planted a bomb, didn’t they?”
“And based on this recording, it is very likely that the person who planted the bomb was Mr. Jones.”
A tense silence fell over the room.
Jones clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white as he raised his voice. “This is nothing more than some random recording from who knows where! What exactly does it prove? Do you have any evidence that the voice on the call is actually mine? What evidence is there that this bomb is related to Warehouse No. 1?” His words came fast and sharp, each question laced with defiance.
I let out a cold chuckle, slipping my phone back into my pocket before sweeping my gaze across the room and explaining calmly, “This conversation took place on June 30th at precisely 3:20 PM. And just one minute later, at 3:21 PM, the Eclipse Group’s Warehouse No. 1 exploded.”
I turned my eyes back to him, my tone laced with amusement. “As for whether the voice in the recording belongs to you, that’s easy to confirm. A simple voiceprint analysis will make everything clear. I’ve already arranged for a voiceprint analyst to conduct the test. So, tell me, Jones, do you dare to take it?”
Jones’s expression shifted.
He had never anticipated that I’d come prepared with such damning evidence. In his opinion, Caden and I –had been on our way to Warehouse No. 1 that day, we shouldn’t have been able to overhear his call.
Jones’s fists tightened at his sides, his nails nearly digging into his palms. He inhaled deeply; his face darkening as he replied, “Why should I waste my time on such a ridiculous test?”
“Oh?” I arched a brow, my lips curving. “Are you afraid?”
Jones let out a dry laugh, though it lacked any real amusement. “This so–called recording of yours means absolutely nothing.”
“Doesn’t it explain anything? If the voice in the recording isn’t yours, why don’t you dare to prove it?” I continued with a bit of sarcasm, “Can I conclude that you are feeling guilty?”
The barrage of questions made Jones a little flustered. “Ms. Sinclair, this is pure slander! As the head of Eclipse Group’s Fostrau factory, why would I do such a thing? What could I possibly gain from tampering with raw materials? And as for planting a bomb, it was utter nonsense!”
“That’s a good question. Why would you do something like this as the head of Eclipse Group’s Fostrau factory?” I mimicked his tone as my voice dropped to a chilling whisper. “You did all of this because …
Before I could finish my sentence, a loud and enticing male voice rang out from a distance, overlapping with mine.
“You did all of this because of Marilyn Schmidt! It’s because of Heartstone Jewels!”
Everyone turned sharply toward the entrance of the conference hall.
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Standing there, with an air of confidence that instantly eased my heart, was Caden Holbrook.
Caden has finally arrived!
Gasps of astonishment echoed throughout the hall as Caden stepped inside. His cold, sharp features were more striking than ever, his tall, imposing figure radiating an aloof, almost god–like presence that made everyone else seem insignificant by comparison.
“Mr. Holbrook, Mr. Holbrook is here!”
“Wasn’t he unconscious? How did he suddenly wake up?”
“Oh my god, it’s really Mr. Holbrook! He’s fine!”
The crowd erupted in excitement, all eyes locked on Caden Holbrook. It took a few seconds before someone finally reacted.
What exactly did he mean?
“Marilyn Schmidt? Heartstone Jewels? Isn’t that the jewelry company engaged in the previous plagiarism scandal?”
“What does Jones have to do with Heartstone Jewels?”
“Could this whole thing be tied to Heartstone Jewels?”
The whispers swirled around the room as people gazed at Caden with a mix of shock and curiosity.
What’s the real truth beneath all the twists and turns of the “Ice and Fire” incident?
As if commanded by an unseen force, the crowd instinctively parted, creating a clear path for Caden. Then, he walked toward me with steady and deliberate steps.
Chapter 141 It’s Because of Marilyn
Finished
He turned his head and cast me a deep, lingering glance. His voice, low and slightly husky, carried a hint of warmth, “Rosaline, I’m here.”
I responded with a faint smile.
There was no need for words between us; our understanding of each other ran deeper than language.
On the other hand, Jones stood frozen; his eyes wide with disbelief as he stared at Caden.
“Caden, how are you here?” His voice trembled with shock. “Aren’t you supposed to be lying unconscious in the hospital?”
Caden arched a brow; his gaze turning icy. “What? Are you not happy seeing me? Jones, I brought something quite entertaining video for you. Do you want to watch it together?”
“Video? What video?” Jones’s expression shifted. Whatever situation he had anticipated was spiraling far beyond his control.
Caden gave a slight nod. Yale immediately understood, picking up the remote and pressing play.
The large screen in the conference hall flickered to life, displaying footage from a high–end hotel room in Fostrau.
On a sleek silver bed at the center of the room, tangled in a compromising embrace, were a man and a
woman.
The man, unmistakably was Jones, and the woman was Marilyn, the chief designer of Heartstone Jewels.
The room fell into stunned silence. Even I couldn’t suppress my surprise.
Caden has managed to find such a hot video!
In the video, Jones and Marilyn were tightly entangled in the throes of passion.
Amid the huge obscene slurs, Jones finally reached a climax.
Marilyn playfully touched her lips and purred through the speakers, “Darling, do you love me?”
“Of course, I do,” Jones murmured back, his lips finding hers in a heated kiss, utterly unfazed by the remnants of their passion still lingering between them.
The scene of the two kissing was filled with the sound of their lascivious tongues intertwining.
After the kiss, Marilyn’s fingers trailed up his neck, her tone teasing yet coaxing. “Then prove it to me.”
Jones didn’t hesitate. “How can I prove it? I’ll do anything for you.”
Her eyes shimmered with mischief. “Anything? Truly anything?”
“Of course.” He pulled her close to embrace her. “As long as you’ll marry me.”
“Alright, but only if you agree to my terms.” Marilyn’s eyes turned cold. “You’ve heard about that plagiarism scandal, haven’t you?”
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Jones froze for a second before hesitantly asking, “Do you mean ‘Ice and Fire‘?”
Finished
Marilyn bit her lip; her expression darkening. “That’s right! That b*tch Rosaline humiliated me! Everything I worked so hard to build over the years ruined just like that. And it’s all because of her and Caden!
“If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t have gone from a well–known designer to a reviled plagiarist overnight. I have to avenge this hatred! No, not just settle it. I’ll make Rosaline and Caden pay back a thousand times over. I want them utterly destroyed!” she spat her venomous hatred freely; her voice filled with burning
resentment.
Jones was silent for a while, but then he spoke with a firm resolve, “Marilyn, you know how I feel about you. As long as this brings you peace of mind, tell me what do you need me to do?”
Marilyn clenched her teeth; her tone laced with malice, “I want Rosaline’s ‘Ice and Fire‘ project to crash and burn. I want her reputation in shambles, and her career in ruins!”
Jones tightened his hold around her, his voice unwavering, “That’s easy. A little sabotage and the quality will suffer catastrophic issues. Trust me, the fallout will be exactly what you want.”
“Darling, if you pull this off, I promise to marry you.” Marilyn nodded in satisfaction and leaned in to kiss Jones.
That was where the video ended.
It’s more than enough.
Even though the livestream had revealed some less–than–pleasant scenes, the evidence spoke for itself.
Caden’s icy gaze narrowed, razor–sharp and cutting as it locked onto Jones. “Jones, do you have anything to say for yourself?”
Facing Caden’s stern questioning, Jones’s face drained of color. His mouth opened, but no words came out; his brain seemingly short–circuited under the weight of the accusations.
“I can’t believe it. Jones was the mole all along!”
“He disregarded customers‘ interest just for his selfish desire. Even plotting an explosion. That’s inhuman!”
“Marilyn is no better! First, she plagiarizes, then she manipulates Jones into sabotaging Eclipse Group!”
The outrage in the room was deafening, with accusations and curses flying from every direction. Jones wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, his desperation showing as he stammered, “It’s fake! All of it! You’re setting me up!”
“Fake?” I scoffed, meeting his panicked eyes with a smirk. “Are you saying my recording and Caden’s video are both fabrications? It’s a pity that these are all true, and I’m sure everyone here can tell the difference.”
“And beyond these recordings, we also have an eyewitness,” Caden added. He narrowed his eyes and looked
at Yale.
At his words, Yale turned toward the conference hall’s door and called out, “Bring her in.”
A moment later, a few werewolf warriors escorted a small, trembling female werewolf into the room.
The second Jones laid eyes on her, his face turned deathly pale. His knees gave out with a loud thud, and he collapsed to the floor, shaking uncontrollably.
Finished
A reporter quickly identified the woman: Faye Duncan, a fugitive with a background in bomb–making linked to multiple past terrorist incidents.
Faye had a deep obsession with explosives. After several attacks, her pack had exiled her, forcing her to live as a Rogue in the outer forests of the Werewolf Continent.
Cameras flashed as reporters hurried to capture photos of her.
Caden remained expressionless, his tone frigid as he confronted her. “Tell me, what’s your involvement in the explosion at Eclipse Group’s Warehouse No. 1?”
Realizing there was no point in resisting, Faye admitted without hesitation, “I was the one who set it off.”
“Why?” His voice grew even icier.
She shrugged casually. “I was paid ten million to do it.”
Caden narrowed his eyes. “And who hired you?”
Faye, visibly shaken by his cold aura, hesitated before pointing at Jones. “It was him!”
“That’s a lie! I don’t even know her!” Jones protested, sweat forming on his forehead as he stubbornly denied any connection.
Faye scoffed angrily. “Oh, cut the act, Jones! To impress Marilyn, you were desperate to get rid of Caden and Rosaline. You tracked me down, wired me ten million, and told me to plant and detonate a bomb at Warehouse No. 1. It was all your idea! And now you want to pretend you don’t know me?”
“I don’t know you!” Jones kept repeating his denial like a broken record.
“Still denying it? My team has already looked into it. A week ago, ten million was transferred from your account–the same amount Faye received from you!” Caden’s icy gaze locked onto Jones.
Stepping forward, I stated firmly, “We have both eyewitness testimony and solid evidence. There’s no way out of this, Jones. The police will get everything, and you’ll have to face the consequences.”
Jones‘ legs buckled, and he collapsed to the ground just as the Fostrau police arrived to take him into custody.
Caden surveyed the conference hall with a piercing stare. Clearing his throat, he spoke in a deep, authoritative voice, “I believe everything is clear now. The ‘Ice and Fire‘ incident was a deliberate scheme orchestrated by ‘Heartstone Jewels‘, with Jones pulling the strings. Eclipse Group will learn from this and ensure such a thing never happens again.”
The room erupted in applause, loud and unwavering.
I glanced at Caden, and as our eyes met, a wave of relief passed between us.
The crisis had finally ended. Online, the backlash against Eclipse Group disappeared without a ace, replaced by widespread condemnation of Heartstone Jewels and praise for Caden and me.
“Heartstone Jewels is disgusting! Eclipse Group has our full support!”
J
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Chapter 142 Ways to Flirt
“Mr. Holbrook is incredibly handsome, and Rosaline is stunning. They’re the perfect match!”
“Unconditional support for Mr. Holbrook & Ms. Sinclair!”
Finished
Reading through the endless stream of comments at the hotel, I felt a mix of happiness and helplessness.
Were Caden and I as perfect together as everyone thought?
“What are you looking at?” A deep, rich voice sounded from behind me.
I quickly locked my phone and glanced up at Caden. “Nothing”
“Is that so?” His gaze flicked toward my screen before he walked over and settled onto the couch beside me, his eyes smoldering. “Are you thinking about making our fans‘ wishes come true?”
I froze. “Huh?”
“So many people are cheering us on. You wouldn’t want to let them down, would you?” His smirk was both teasing and confident.
I was speechless. Could he be any more shameless?
After a moment’s thought, I answered, “I’ll seriously consider it and give you my decision in two months.”
Caden raised an eyebrow, nodded slightly, and leaned in, his voice low against my ear. “Don’t keep me waiting too long.”
His warm breath tickled me.
Feeling my cheeks heat up, I quickly changed the subject. “When are we heading back?”
“In a few days,” he answered casually.
“Shouldn’t you be rushing back to take care of business?” I asked, pressing my lips together.
He chuckled. “Yale will return first to manage everything. As for me, I still need time to recover. I’ll take a few days to rest before heading back.”
I was a bit taken aback–Caden, a workaholic, choosing to take a break? That was unexpected.
Glancing at the clock, I noticed it was already late, yet he showed no signs of leaving.
Clearing my throat, I gave him a dismissal. “Caden, I’m going to rest. You should go back to your room.”
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Caden’s POV:
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Finished
Rosaline seemed eager to send me away. Before I could say much, she practically shoved me out the door.
I could only bid her farewell. “See you tomorrow.”
As I stepped outside, I spotted Yale standing near the entrance, his lips curled into a teasing smirk.
Ignoring his expression, I shot him a sharp look and asked, “What is it?”
Still grinning, he handed me a book. “Mr. Holbrook, this is just what you need.”
“What is this?” I took the book and glanced at the title–72 Ways to Flirt.
Seriously?
I gave Yale a cold, unimpressed look. “You have way too much time on your hands.”
Yale merely smiled and bowed his head slightly in respect. “Mr. Holbrook, I’ll be heading back to Rivemon
tomorrow.”
I nodded. “Alright. Keep me updated if anything comes up.”
I trusted Yale to manage things well, so I could oversee everything remotely while he handled the details at the company.
Once he left, I settled onto the couch and got some work done. Eventually, my gaze landed on the book Yale had left on the table. Curiosity got the better of me. Before I realized it, I was flipping through the pages.
Rosaline’s POV:
For the first time in a while, I had a peaceful night’s sleep. By the time I woke up the next day, it was already
noon.
After freshening up, I decided to visit Yura. I’d been in Fostrau for several days, completely tied up with the ‘Ice and Fire‘ project, leaving no time to meet her.
Since I finally had a break, I thought a shopping trip together would be nice.
Just as I opened my door, I was surprised to see Caden standing right outside.
“Caden? What are you doing here?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
He smiled slightly. “Waiting for you.”
I was puzzled. “Waiting for me? Why?”
What was Caden up
to?
Instead of answering directly, he simply said, “Let’s go.” His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.
I frowned and looked at him. “Aren’t you supposed to be resting? You’re injured.”
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Finished
Even though he acted like his injuries were severe, his shoulder had still been struck by falling debris.
Caden smirked. “It’s just a minor injury.”
Before I could protest, he took my hand and pulled me along. “Let’s go!”
Sitting in his car, I sighed and grabbed my phone to text Yura.
“Something came up. I can’t make it.”
“What’s going on? Are you with Caden?”
Knowing Yura’s love for gossip, I gave a vague answer. “Sort of.”
“Wow, ditching me for love, huh?” she teased.
I rolled my eyes, about to reply when Caden’s voice interrupted me. “We’re here.”
Looking out the window, I noticed Everreach Tower coming into view.
“Let’s go.” He stepped out first and, ever the gentleman, opened the door for me.
We strolled along Sylphine River, surrounded by towering trees and lush greenery.
The park stretched out in every direction, and in the distance, several iron bridges arched over the water, giving the place an almost dreamlike charm.
I had been here before. But for some reason, the scenery felt more breathtaking than ever.
O
“Sir, would you like to buy a rose for your girlfriend?“A freckle–faced werewolf girl approached, holding a basket full of vibrant red roses, her eyes hopeful.
Caden showed a satisfied smile at the mention of the word girlfriend.
“I’ll take them all.” He arched an eyebrow, pulling out a stack of bills and handing them over. “Keep the change.”
The werewolf girl’s face lit up with joy. She glanced at me, admiration flickering in her eyes. “Miss, your boyfriend treats you so well! You’re so lucky.”
I was momentarily speechless. “He’s not my boyfriend.”
Caden, completely unfazed, smoothly corrected her. “Not a boyfriend–a fiancé.”
I was at a complete loss for words.
The werewolf girl beamed at me. “Miss, I wish I had a fiancé as caring as yours!” With that, she cheerfully walked away, clutching the money.
Caden turned to me, his gaze unwavering as he extended the bouquet. “These are for you.”
I shook my head. “I don’t want them.”
“You don’t like flowers?” His voice carried a hint of disappointment. “Aren’t roses supposed to be every girl’s favorite? That’s what the book said.”
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Chapter 143 Flirting With Me Again?
“What book?” I asked.
Caden said, “It’s nothing.”
Finished
Observing him, I realized that it was probably his first time giving someone flowers. Letting out a quiet sigh, I said, “I can’t accept them, Caden. I haven’t made up my mind yet, and taking gifts from you doesn’t feel right.”
He studied me for a moment before nodding slightly as if he understood.
Then, he leaned in, his lips brushing close to my ear. His voice, low and rich like the deep notes of a cello, carried a husky edge. “Rosaline, didn’t I tell you? I intend to win you over.”
206
That infuriating man was teasing me again.
Finished
My heartbeat quickened, but I steadied myself with a deep breath and met Caden’s intense gaze. “Caden, let’s play a game.”
He raised an eyebrow, momentarily caught off guard. “What kind of game?”
“In this city of romance, let’s see if fate is on our side,” I suggested, pressing my lips together.
Curiosity flickered in his eyes. “And how do we do that?”
“We each walk in opposite directions. If we cross paths again, it means we’re destined to be together,” I explained simply.
Caden pondered for a moment before nodding. “Alright.”
“You go first,” I insisted, wary of any tricks he might pull. I pointed ahead to make sure he followed the rules.
Holding my gaze, he smirked. “I’ll prove fate is on my side.”
As his tall figure gradually faded from view, my emotions churned in a way I couldn’t quite explain.
What did I feel for Caden?
Was it an attraction? Maybe. Did I like him? That seemed likely too.
But was it love? I wasn’t sure of it.
One thing I did know–I had never felt this way about anyone before.
And yet, Tessa’s shadow lingered in my mind. She was the girl Caden had once loved.
A knot of fear tightened in my chest.
What if I was just a stand–in for her? What if his pursuit of me wasn’t truly about me, but about her?
Moon Goddess, should I let him into my heart?
I shook off the thoughts with a deep breath and wandered through the streets of Phoshire, letting the city’s glow distract me.
But as the sun dipped below the horizon, I still hadn’t run into Caden.
So, was fate not on our side?
A faint, bitter smile tugged at my lips as I prepared to flag down a taxi back to the hotel.But just then, something caught my eye: a nearby amusement park.
Why did it seem so familiar? It was as if I had been there before.
Blurry images flickered through my mind. I pressed my fingers against my temples, trying to grasp onto the fleeting memories, but they slipped away like mist.
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Chapter 144 A Test of Fate
It felt like something had been wiped away–something important.
What was it? No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t recall.
Finished
At 13, I had fallen gravely ill, teetering on the edge of death. When I finally recovered, large chunks of my past had vanished.
Grandpa once told me my parents had passed away when I was very young.
For as long as I could remember, they had been nothing more than distant, fading silhouettes.
Whenever I tried to recall them, an unbearable headache would set in. Even after becoming the Alpha of the Shadow Pack, the pain hadn’t gone away.
So, over time, I chose to avoid thinking about it altogether.
But now–why, all of a sudden, could I picture my parents taking me to the amusement park?
The memory felt so vivid, so real.
I couldn’t help but walk toward the amusement park.
Standing at the gate, I peered inside, hoping to trigger more memories. Flashes of the past surfaced in my mind, each one leaving a sharp pain behind.
Frustration built within me. Why couldn’t I remember?
Why couldn’t I even picture my parents‘ faces?
As darkness settled over the city, neon signs illuminated the streets with vibrant hues. The once–bright sky had dimmed, and a gentle drizzle began to fall.
A chilly gust of wind brushed against me, making me pull my coat tighter around my body.
Then, out of nowhere, a black umbrella appeared above me.
Startled, I turned around and found myself face–to–face with a familiar figure.
“Caden? What are you doing here?” I asked, my voice tinged with disbelief as an unexpected warmth stirred in my chest.
Under the soft glow of the streetlights, his tailored ash–gray suit accentuated his lean, well–built frame.
His deep, ocean–like eyes held mine with an unreadable emotion, and a faint smirk touched his lips as his smooth voice drifted through the air.
“You wanted to see if fate was real. Now that we’ve run into each other again, doesn’t that prove we were meant to meet?”
For a brief moment, my heart faltered.
In a city teeming with millions, of all the places and times, I had encountered Caden again.
Was it destiny?
Yet, if it was, why hadn’t the Moon Goddess‘ Red Thread bound us together?
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Chapter 145 Who Would You Choose?
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Finished
Caden slipped off his suit jacket and gently placed it over my shoulders. “Why are you standing here alone at the amusement park entrance?” he asked.
The lingering warmth of his jacket seeped into me, comforting my heart. “I was thinking about my parents,”
I murmured.
“Your parents?” His voice was casual, yet his eyes held curiosity. “Are they in Frostmoore now?”
I shook my head. “No, they passed away a long time ago.”
A flicker of regret crossed his face. “I’m sorry,” he said softly, his gaze filled with a rare tenderness.
“I don’t even remember what they looked like,” I admitted with a sigh. “Grandpa told me they died in an accident when I was little.”
Caden nodded, his expression thoughtful. “My father passed away when I was 15.”
“I miss them,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Out of nowhere, Caden grasped my hand and guided me through the amusement park entrance. “I’ll take you to see them.”
“See who?” I asked, puzzled. Despite my confusion, I allowed him to lead me forward.
At some point, the drizzle had stopped.
Caden came to a halt beside the Ferris wheel, his fingers still wrapped around mine.
I hesitated as I looked up at the towering structure. “I’m not great with heights,” I admitted, instinctively pulling back a little.
“Don’t be scared. I’m right here.” Caden gave me a soft smile before suddenly lifting me into his arms.
“Ah… “I gasped, caught off guard as he effortlessly carried me onto the Ferris wheel.
“What are you doing?” I asked, confused about his intentions.
Instead of answering immediately, he extended a slender finger toward the sky. “See those two brightest stars over there?”
I followed his gaze, looking up at the vast night sky. Sure enough, two shimmering stars stood out against the darkness.
“Your parents never truly left,” he said gently. “They’re just watching over you from above, protecting you in their way.”
I knew he was only trying to comfort me, yet his words still tugged at something deep inside me. “Is that so?” I murmured, my lips curving into a faint smile.
As I turned toward him, my face nearly brushed against his. His striking features looked as if they had been sculpted with perfect precision, and his intense gaze sent a warmth through me.
Inside the small Ferris wheel cabin, the space between us felt almost nonexistent. I could hear his steady
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Chapter 145 Who Would You Choose?
outside.
Finished
Was this the closest I could ever be to my parents–right here at the highest point of the Ferris wheel?
The ride climbed higher, slowly ascending into the sky. Yet, with Caden beside me, a strange sense of peace settled over me.
For a brief moment, I forgot my fear of heights. I forgot everything.
All I could see were the stars glimmering against the dark expanse.
Then, just as we reached the very top, Caden leaned in. Before I could react, his lips brushed gently against my cheek.
A wave of warmth spread through me, tingling from where he had kissed me. The sensation shot through my entire body, leaving me breathless.
It was so warm. I felt so happy.
“Rosaline,” his voice was deep and soothing. “Do you know? The top of a Ferris wheel is said to be the closest place to happiness. If two people kiss up here, they’ll never be apart.” A faint, charming smile played on his lips. “Just like us right now.”
I felt my face heat up instantly.
“We’re not … lovers,” I murmured, inhaling deeply before speaking.
Caden didn’t seem fazed. His hand wrapped gently around mine, his warmth seeping into my skin. “I’ll wait for you,” he promised. “Just … don’t make me wait too long.”
My heartbeat pounded wildly, almost loud enough to drown out my thoughts.
I shut my eyes for a moment before slowly opening them, locking eyes with Caden. “If Tessa ever returns one day and you have to decide between her and me, who would you pick?”
I knew this question would ruin the moment–it wasn’t the right time to bring it up.
But I couldn’t stop myself.
The thought of Tessa lingered in my mind. I couldn’t ignore the way Caden once cared for her so deeply. No matter how much I tried to push it aside, a fear gnawed at me–what if I was nothing more than her replacement?
Caden didn’t say a word.
His gaze dropped as he absentmindedly twirled the umbrella in his hands.
A dull ache settled in my chest.
Silence filled the small space between us as the Ferris wheel gradually descended.
Just as it was about to stop, Caden suddenly lifted his head.
His deep eyes locked onto mine, and in a solemn tone, he said, “Tessa is part of my past. Right now, the only person I want by my side is you. If it means having you, I’m willing to let go of my destined mate.”
His voice, rich and steady, sent a shiver down my spine. My heart pounded.
“Alpha, this man is a good one. I like him,” Freya chimed in excitedly within me.
I bit my lip and casually asked, “Oh? You’d give up your destined mate just for me?”
Caden nodded slightly, his expression calm but carrying a trace of hope. “Yes. So can you give me your answer a little sooner?”
“No.” I chuckled, glancing at him. “I said two months. You’ll have to wait.”
His response had taken me by surprise.
It was exactly what I had wanted to hear–but was he being genuine? Could he truly let go of Tessa?
She had been his obsession for so long, and breaking a bond with a destined mate was no small thing. It came with immense pain.
Doubt lingered in my mind, yet beneath it, a quiet joy blossomed in my heart.
Perhaps, with time, I’d see more clearly who he truly loved–if it was me or if his heart still belonged to
Tessa.
Caden let out a resigned sigh. “Alright.”
As we stepped off the Ferris wheel, we strolled side by side through the amusement park.
The night was peaceful.
Streetlights stretched our shadows across the pavement, painting a scene of quiet serenity.
What were we now? I tilted my head, pondering.
Maybe we were something more than friends, but not yet lovers.
“It’s getting late. Let’s head back.” After a long day of walking, exhaustion settled in.
When we returned to the hotel, just as we entered the lobby, a woman in a red dress walked straight toward Caden.
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Chapter 146 More Than Friends, Not Quite Lovers
I lifted my gaze. It was Wendy.
When did she come to Phoshire?
Wendy’s POV:
Caden met my eyes with an unreadable expression. “Why are you here?”
Finished
“You have no idea how worried I’ve been these past few days,” I said with a forced smile, my eyes lingering on him. “Now that I see you’re fine, I can finally relax.”
As always, Rosaline wasted no time stepping closer, linking her arm with Caden’s, and flashing a mocking smile. “What does it matter to you whether my fiancé is alright?”
“I just care about Caden,” I snapped, glaring at her.
This lowly Omega had no right to be so intimate with him!
“Caden, let’s go.” Rosaline didn’t even bother acknowledging me further–she simply tugged him toward the elevator.
I followed behind, watching as they entered separate rooms.
A wave of relief washed over me.
It was obvious Caden wasn’t that fond of Rosaline. If he was, why would they be staying in separate rooms?
That manipulative woman must have been trying to lure him in.
She might have been somewhat attractive, but compared to me, she was nowhere near my level!
I strode over and knocked on Caden’s door.
For a long time, I had persistently urged Michael to secure me a position at Eclipse Group, but he never
gave me an answer.
Then, I found out that Caden and Rosaline had traveled to Fostrau. Unable to resist the opportunity, I secretly took Michael’s cooperation plan and used it as an excuse to come to Phoshire in search of Caden.
I had made sure to look perfect for the encounter–dressed in a deep red, low–cut mini dress, with just enough cleavage showing. My hair cascaded loosely over my shoulders, and my makeup was flawlessly applied, enhancing my natural beauty.
In a city as romantic as this, there was no way Caden wouldn’t be drawn to me.
When he finally answered the door, his tone carried a hint of impatience. “What do you want now?”
With a composed expression, I held out the documents. “Caden, I came all this way to discuss the cooperation between the Wild Pack and the Eclipse Pack.”
Caden glanced at the papers, his voice indifferent. “Oh? Is that so?”
“Yes,” I affirmed, flashing a confident smile. “I even brought the full proposal. If you’re free tonight, we could go over it together.”
As I spoke. I casually ran a hand through my hair. letting it fall away to expose the smooth skin of mv
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Chapter 146 More Than Friends, Not Quite Lovers
shoulder.
Caden leaned against the doorframe, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly as they studied me. Then, a faint. smile played on his lips.
He was smiling at me.
Chapter 147 I Never Want to See You Again
As I gazed at the refined and striking man before me, my heart pounded uncontrollably.
I was certain that Caden would appreciate the way I had dressed tonight.
With just a bit more effort, winning him over would be effortless.
Finished
Feeling thrilled, I stepped closer, eager to lean into him. “Caden, why don’t we go inside and have a private conversation-”
Before I could finish, Caden moved aside without warning. I lost my footing and tumbled to the ground.
Laughter erupted from behind me.
Stunned, I turned around, and my stomach twisted in disgust when I saw her.
Rosaline stood there, holding a suit, staring down at me with an air of superiority. “Ms. Crawford, is lying on the ground that enjoyable for you?”
“You-” I shot up from the floor, my face burning with humiliation and rage.
Rosaline turned her attention to Caden, her voice laced with affection and an undeniable hint of teasing. “Caden, you left your suit in my room earlier.”
My mind reeled. His suit? In her room?
What had happened between them?
It was obvious that Caden’s earlier smile was for Rosaline behind me.
That smile wasn’t for me.
A wave of fury and jealousy crashed over me.
I couldn’t understand. I was more elegant and more beautiful than Rosaline. Why wouldn’t Caden even glance my way?
What did she have that I lacked?
I shot Rosaline a furious glare, wishing I could turn into a wolf and rip that smug expression off her face.
What made it even worse was that Caden didn’t seem to care about my rage at all. Without hesitation, he took Rosaline’s hand and led her straight into his room.
“Caden, about that proposal—”
I refused to accept that. I had to say something. But before I could even finish, the door slammed shut.
A wave of fury surged through me.
Rosaline… That vile woman! I wouldn’t let her get away with this!
Rosaline’s POV:
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He gave me a puzzled look.
“Why was Wendy looking for you this late at night?” I asked.
Caden chuckled, amusement in his eyes. “Didn’t you already see for yourself?”
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Finished
“Discussing business at this hour?” My voice dripped with sarcasm.
Was he that clueless?
Everyone in the Werewolf Continent knew how Wendy felt about him.
He had just confessed to me, and now he was giving her a chance?
“Are you jealous, Rosaline?” Caden asked, leaning back on the couch with a smirk.
“Not in the slightest.” I tossed his suit at him. “Take this back.”
Without another word, I turned and started to walk away.
Before I could take another step, I felt a firm grip wrap around my waist.
Caught off guard, I lost my balance and fell against him. My head landed against his solid chest, and I let out a small, annoyed huff. “Let go of me.”
Caden’s POV:
Her familiar scent surrounded me, intoxicating and dangerously irresistible.
I pulled her even closer, my arms tightening around her waist.
The moment our bodies touched, Rosaline stiffened.
She frowned. “Caden, what are you–ah!”
Before she could finish, I silenced her with a kiss.
She struggled at first, but her resistance only made my desire grow stronger.
I deepened the kiss, pouring all my warmth into it, making it impossible for her to escape.
Slowly, Rosaline stopped resisting.
Her surrender caught me off guard, but it only made me crave more.
I trailed kisses along her face, her eyelids, her earlobes, and down her neck.
“Hmm… ” A soft moan escaped her lips.
The tension between us thickened, heat building in the air.
She felt so delicate, so mesmerizing in my arms.
As Rosaline remained in my arms, her face started blending with the girl from my past.
Once again my mind cank into a haze of uncertainty Without thinking I muttered in a racnu unice
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Chapter 1471 Never Want to See You Again
“Tessa…
62 Finished
Rosaline’s expression instantly changed. Without hesitation, she shoved me back and delivered a sharp slap across my face.
Chapter 148 I Have to Eliminate Rosaline
Rosaline’s POV:
After I slapped him, the heat in the room plummeted to freezing,
D*mn Caden!
Hearing him say Tessa’s name destroyed my good mood.
Finished
“Well done, Alpha! That slap was exactly what that indecisive fool deserved!” Freya’s voice echoed in my mind, full of satisfaction.
Furious, I met Caden’s gaze with a piercing glare. “You’ve gone too far, Caden!”
A flicker of guilt flashed in his eyes, but it was overshadowed by something deeper–something I couldn’t quite read.
As the seconds passed, the red imprint of my slap became more visible on his cheek, yet I felt no remorse. If anything, my frustration only grew.
“You’ve never truly seen me for who I am, have you?” I snapped, my voice trembling with rage. “All along, I was nothing more than Tessa’s replacement! Caden, everything you said to me on the Ferris wheel today was a lie! The woman you love is Tessa. The one you want by your side is her! But because you can’t find her, you’re using me as a stand–in!”
My anger surged with each word. “I refuse to be anyone’s substitute! You wanted an answer from me, didn’t you? Well, here it is-”
-Before I could refuse, Caden cut me off with a firm voice. “Rosaline, it’s not like that.”
“Not like that?” I let out a mocking laugh. “Then explain it to me.”
I wasn’t naive. The moment he brought up Tessa, everything became clear.
Caden swallowed hard, guilt flickering across his face.
“Nothing more to say, huh?” I scoffed, my voice cold. “I don’t want to see you ever again, Caden.” Without hesitation, I spun around and walked away.
My heart felt like it had been doused in acid, burning with pain.
How foolish of me–I had nearly fallen for his empty words on the Ferris wheel.
Thankfully, I hadn’t let myself sink too deep. I had pulled away just in time. It wasn’t too late to move on.
Wendy’s POV:
I clenched my fists as I watched Rosaline enter Caden’s room, my mind racing with thoughts of I might be happening inside. Rage bubbled up inside me, making my head pound.
I had to eliminate Rosaline. That shameless, worthless Omega had no place here.
Caden was mine!
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Chapter 148 I Have to Eliminate Rosaline
As I neared the elevator, a familiar figure emerged from the hallway’s far end.
Annie? She was back in Fostrau?
Curiosity held me in place as I looked over.
She wore a nearly see–through white dress, pressed close to an old man’s side.
Finished
I blinked in surprise, recognizing him instantly—Joseph, a moderately well–known director in Fostrau.
Annie clung to him with a sickly sweet smile. “Darling, I truly adore you. You have to give me the lead role.”
Joseph chuckled, squeezing her waist. “You performed well tonight. But… There are plenty of actresses competing for the part. Your reputation hasn’t exactly been stellar lately.”
“I was framed!” Annie’s lips trembled as she pouted. “It was all because of that despicable Omega, Rosaline, from Eclipse Group!”
I sighed. After the scandal where reporters caught her on the spot, her carefully crafted innocent image had completely shattered. Her contract was terminated, and now, unable to land any decent roles, she had resorted to using her looks, offering herself to directors just to stay relevant.
She was even groveling before someone as low as Joseph.
Pitiful–but entirely deserved.
“It doesn’t matter if I believe you. The public doesn’t,” Joseph said with an indifferent shrug. “Give me a little more time. I’ll call you tomorrow night for a proper discussion.”
Alright.” Annie forced a smile before leaning in to kiss his cheek.
“I’ll be expecting you,” Joseph said, his eyes filled with lust before shutting the door behind him.
She remained still against the door for a moment, rubbing her sore legs and waist.
I noticed faint bruises on her skin.
Rumors of Joseph’s perversion had circulated for years, but seeing how far Annie had fallen was still unexpected.
I stepped closer and greeted her casually. “It’s been a while, Annie.”
Her head snapped up, her expression tense. “Ms. Crawford?”
I let my gaze drift deliberately to her bruises.
Flustered, Annie quickly tried to shield them with her hands. She was clearly at her breaking point.
And her downfall? It all traced back to Rosaline.
I looked at her and couldn’t help but smile inwardly.
Just when I had been wondering how to get rid of Rosaline, an opportunity fell right into my hands.
hapter 149 You Care About Him
“Annie, are you okay?” I asked, feigning concern.
Finished
She looked flustered, tugging at her dress in an attempt to cover up, but it didn’t help much. In the end, she could only force a weak smile. “I tripped, that’s all.”
“I see.” I chose not to expose the lie and instead offered kindly, “Why don’t you rest in my room for a bit? I have some ointment that might help. If the bruises leave scars, that wouldn’t be good, right?”
“That would be great, thank you.” Annic nodded, clearly still shaken from whatever had just happened with Joseph.
I led her into my room, retrieving the ointment from a drawer and handing it to her.
“Thanks,” she said, seeming genuinely grateful.
I casually brought up, “How are things between you and Bruce?”
Her face instantly dimmed at the mention of his name.
“We’re not together anymore,” she admitted, her voice laced with sadness and reluctance.
“What happened? Was it because of that incident at the banquet?” I asked as though I weren’t particularly invested.
Clenching her jaw, Annie spat bitterly, “It’s all Rosaline’s fault! She’s the reason everything fell apart!”
I raised an eyebrow as if just realizing something. “So, Rosaline was behind everything that night?”
“Yes, it’s her!” Annie’s hatred was evident in her expression.
“What’s so special about Rosaline?” I scoffed. “Besides playing tricks to attract men, what else can she do?” Narrowing my eyes, I added, “If you want Bruce back, there’s a way.”
Her eyes lit up. “Ms. Crawford, tell me! I’ll do whatever it takes to change his mind.”
I smiled slightly. “Bruce probably left you because Rosaline manipulated him. If we can make him see her for who she is—and even get her to admit to what she did to you–things might turn around.”
“She’ll never confess!” Annie said through gritted teeth.
I leaned in, whispering something into her ear.
As I pulled away, Annie smirked. “This time, Rosaline is finished.”
I just hoped she wouldn’t mess it up.
Rosaline’s POV:
Night had fallen, but sleep refused to come. I tossed and turned, my mind replaying Caden’s tender words from the Ferris wheel–and the name he accidentally said earlier.
“Alpha, your heart is restless, as if there’s a knot you can’t untangle,” Freya’s voice echoed in my mind.
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Freya sighed. “Why not try sleeping with him?”
“Ugh, what kind of advice is that?”
She chuckled in response.
“Sometimes, a destined mate isn’t just given to you–you have to go after him yourself.”
Her words struck a chord, but I remained silent.
Caden still had Tessa in his heart. If I pursued him, I might end up with nothing in the end.
It was frustrating, and I didn’t want to dwell on it anymore.
Abruptly sitting up, I grabbed my phone and called Yura. “Come have a drink with me at the bar.”
Finished
I must have woken her up because she groggily groaned, “Miss, do you have any idea what time it is? It’s the middle of the night! What’s wrong?”
“Not feeling great,” I muttered.
That woke her up completely. “Rosaline, what happened?”
“I’ll tell you when we meet.”
“Alright, send me your location. I’ll pick you up.”
After changing clothes, I left my room and waited at the entrance of the hotel.
Yura’s car arrived just as I stepped outside. She rolled down the window. “Get in.”
Sliding into the passenger seat, I barely had time to settle before she leaned in and studied my face. “Okay, tell me. Did Caden piss you off again?”
“Don’t bring him up! Just drive,” I snapped.
She smirked but said nothing as she started the car. Once at the bar, we found a quiet corner to sit in. She poured me a glass of red wine and pushed it toward me.
“Now spill. How did he make you mad this time?”
I downed the drink in one gulp. “I don’t even know how to explain it.”
“Huh?” Yura tilted her head, puzzled.
Pouring myself another glass, I swirled the liquid idly. “Caden has always had feelings for someone else.”
I briefly told her about Tessa.
Yura nodded, then looked at me and asked bluntly, “So you think he’s using you as her replacement?”
“Isn’t that obvious?” I countered.
“I don’t think so ” Yura said seriously “If he’s choosing to pursue vou, why are vou hesitatino?”
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Chapter 149 You Care About Him
Finished
I exhaled sharply. “Because I’m the Alpha of the Shadow Pack. I have responsibilities–not just to myself, but to my family. I don’t have to believe in destined mates, but I can’t accept a future husband who loves someone else.”
Chapter 150 Best Friend
* Finished
“Alright… But what about Jasper? He’s completely devoted to you, yet you still don’t like him?” Yura scoffed, curling her lips in disdain. “If Jasper had feelings for another girl, would you care?”
“Jasper?” I paused for a moment, caught off guard. “We’re just friends. Whoever he likes has nothing to do with me.”
“Exactly.” Yura cut straight to the point. “Rosaline, you should know that a destined mate is something every werewolf dreams of. The fact that you claim not to care about the Moon Goddess‘ Red Thread means you’ve already fallen for Caden. Otherwise, why would you be so bothered by Tessa?”
“Is that so?” I sighed in frustration, rubbing my temples. “Can you stop bringing him up?”
Seeing me so conflicted yet oblivious to my feelings, Yura chuckled and changed the subject. “Tomorrow night’s charity auction–you’re going, right? You’re the boss of the company, after all.”
“Yeah, I’ll be there,” I said, nodding.
Loe Studio was hosting the event. I hadn’t planned on attending, but now I suddenly felt like going.
Since I was already in Fostrau, I might as well distract myself instead of brooding over Caden.
“Great, then. Cheers!”
Annie’s POV:
After leaving Wendy’s room, I was heading back when I spotted Rosaline standing alone at the entrance of the hotel.
I quickly ducked into a nearby corner.
Wendy had just mentioned that both Rosaline and Caden were staying at this hotel.
What was she doing here so late at night, all alone?
I narrowed my eyes, glaring at her. Was she sneaking around behind Caden’s back to meet another man?
A moment later, she got into a white Maserati, but I couldn’t see who was inside.
My instincts told me she was off to cheat.
I flagged down a taxi. “Follow that car.”
The taxi tailed the Maserati until it stopped outside a bar. I paid the fare, pulled my hat down low over my face, and slipped inside to look for her.
If I caught her red–handed with another man, things were about to get interesting.
That wretched Omega had ruined my life–I was going to make her pay a thousand times over.
I scoured the bar and finally spotted Rosaline sitting in a dimly lit corner.
But to my surprise, she wasn’t with a man. She was with a woman–one who looked oddly familiar.
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Studio.
Finished
Back when Eclipse Group was caught in a plagiarism scandal, it was Yura who testified on Rosaline’s behalf and helped take down Marilyn.
Wasn’t Rosaline just some lowly Omega from the backwater town of Frostmoore? How did she even know someone as influential as Yura, the head of a world–renowned design studio?
The two of them were chatting and laughing, their relationship appearing surprisingly close.
Something about this felt off.
I carefully moved closer, just enough to overhear a snippet of their conversation. Rosaline was going to Loe Studio’s charity auction tomorrow night.
A charity auction?
At that moment, I pulled out my phone and texted Wendy.
Ms. Crawford, Rosaline will be attending Loe Studio’s charity auction tomorrow.
Wendy replied almost instantly, “That’s the perfect chance to take her down. Be ready.”
Wendy and I were thinking the same thing.
If Rosaline dared to show up tomorrow, she wouldn’t be walking away unscathed.
Rosaline’s POV:
After a few drinks, I was starting to feel tipsy.
Yura stopped me just as I reached for another glass. “That’s enough. Come crash at my place.”
“Mm.” I rubbed my temples, drowsiness washing over me.
Feeling slightly lightheaded, I stood up and walked toward the bar’s exit with Yura.
Out of the corner of my eye, I suddenly caught a glimpse of a familiar figure.
Annie?
I frowned, puzzled. “Was it just a coincidence that she was here?”
I spent the night at Yura’s place. By the time I woke up the next morning, it was nearly noon.
Still groggy, I rubbed my forehead and spotted a note Yura had left on the nightstand.
I went ahead to prepare for the charity gala. There’s breakfast in the kitchen–just heat it. I also sent you the launch plans for Loe Studio’s next season; check your email when you have time. See you tonight.
A warm feeling spread through me. Yura was the best friend I could ask for.
Chapter 151 Charity Auction
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After breakfast, I carefully reviewed the proposal Yura had sent me and made a few suggestions.
Tonight’s charity gala was held at the Fostrau, a five–star hotel.
As the event’s organizer, Yura had been at the hotel since early morning, ensuring that everything was in place. When I arrived, I simply greeted her before settling into a quiet, inconspicuous corner.
At exactly 8:00 p.m., the auction officially began.
The host’s voice carried a rhythmic cadence as he announced, “Welcome, everyone, to tonight’s charity auction, hosted by Loe Studio. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to charitable causes. Thank you all for your generous support! We have ten items up for bidding tonight, all generously donated by Loe Studio. We hope each piece finds its destined owner.”
Applause filled the room as the host continued, “Let the auction begin!”
“The first item up for bidding is a Verdant Glaze Bowl from the Eldoria Dynasty. Please welcome our usher.”
A poised and elegant usher stepped onto the stage, carrying a delicate tray with both hands. The host lifted the red cloth covering the tray, revealing a jade–green bowl.
“The starting bid for this Glaze Bowl is 500,000 dollars, with a minimum increment of 50,000 dollars. Interested bidders, please place your offers!”
I glanced at the bowl–it was something my grandfather had once given me as a keepsake.
Hubert had a passion for collecting antiques, especially pieces from the Eldoria Dynasty. His collection had -grown so vast that it was practically overflowing at home. Selling one for charity seemed like a fitting way to
put it to good use.
Soon, the bowl had a new owner, who secured it with a winning bid of two million dollars.
The next item was a remarkably lifelike plush cat.
“This plush cat is adorable, isn’t it?” the host introduced enthusiastically. “But don’t underestimate it. It was handcrafted by the internationally renowned master Loe. The cat’s eyes are even adorned with diamonds, making it highly collectible.”
A murmur of excitement spread through the audience. “So it was personally made by Loe? That’s incredibly
rare.”
“It must be worth a fortune. I wonder who will take it home.”
I had sewn this plush cat myself and was rather fond of it. I planned to buy it back.
The host’s voice rang out once more. “The starting bid for this cat is one million dollars, with a minimum increment of 100,000 dollars. Bidding starts now.”
As soon as he finished speaking, the bids rolled in. “1.2 million dollars!”
“1.5 million dollars!”
“Two million dollars!”
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The price continued to climb, quickly reaching five million dollars.
“The current bid is five million dollars. Any higher offers?” the host called out.
I curled my lips into a faint smile and raised my paddle. “Ten million dollars.”
The host’s voice grew even more animated. “The lady has bid ten million dollars. Do I hear…”
Before he could finish, a woman sharply raised her paddle. “Twelve million dollars!”
I was slightly taken aback. Turning to look, I caught her glaring at me with undisguised hostility.
Wendy?
Her eyes flashed with provocation. I met her gaze with a calm smile and raised my paddle again.
“Fifteen million dollars.”
Wendy’s POV:
How could a lowly Omega like Rosaline possibly have that much money? She must have seduced some man into paying for it.
It was probably Caden’s money.
I glanced around the room, but Caden was nowhere in sight.
Standing up, I strode over to Rosaline, looking down at her with a smirk. “Rosaline, you’re going to spend that much on a stuffed cat? Does Caden know?”
Rosaline rolled her eyes. “And what does that have to do with you?”
“So, he doesn’t know.” I let out a cold laugh. “If you win the bid but can’t afford to pay, won’t that be humiliating?”
“You don’t need to worry about that.” Rosaline’s lips curved in a serene smile as she casually pulled out a black card, flashing it in front of me.
The moment I saw that card, I remembered–back at Raveneaux Delux Studio, Rosaline had used this very card to snatch the Alice Signature Collection gown from me.
So she was just a shameless gold–digger.
Fury simmered inside me. There was no way I was letting her have this cat.
I raised my paddle again. “Twenty million dollars!”
Chapter 152 The Woman I Love Most
Rosaline’s POV:
Was Wendy trying to challenge me?
Finished
I glanced at her with mild amusement and was just about to raise my paddle again when a crisp male voice rang out from the entrance of the auction hall. “Thirty million dollars!”
Thirty million dollars!
He had raised the bid by a full ten million in one go, instantly sending the auction hall into an uproar.
The voice was familiar. I frowned and turned toward the entrance.
It was Caden.
Dressed in a perfectly tailored suit with a dark green tie, he exuded elegance and composure as he strode into the banquet hall.
A sudden tightness gripped my chest. What was he doing here?
Reporters quickly swarmed around him. “Mr. Holbrook, what brings you to tonight’s charity auction?” one asked.
Caden’s expression remained calm as he replied, “I’m simply here to contribute to a good cause.”
“Mr. Holbrook, could you…
Before the reporter could finish, Caden raised a hand, signaling that he would not be taking any questions.
The auctioneer’s enthusiastic voice boomed through the hall. “Mr. Holbrook has raised the bid to 30 million dollars! Any further offers?”
“Thirty million, going once.”
“Thirty million, going twice.”
“Thirty million, going three times. No more bids? Sold!”
With a decisive strike of the gavel, Caden had won the auction–securing, of all things, the plush kitten I had made with my own hands.
“Congratulations to Mr. Holbrook for acquiring this adorable kitten for 30 million dollars!” the auctioneer announced.
Thunderous applause erupted as Caden walked unhurriedly onto the stage.
The banquet hall’s lights bathed him in a golden glow, making him appear almost dazzling.
“Many thanks to Mr. Holbrook for his generous donation of 30 million dollars to charity,” the auctioneer continued, motioning for the event staff to hand him the plush toy.
Caden took the kitten, his lips curving into the faintest smile.
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D*mn it. I had come here to avoid him, yet not only had he found me, but he had also bought my cat.
What was he up to?
The auctioneer, unable to contain their curiosity, asked playfully, “Mr. Holbrook, may we ask who you plan to give this kitten to?”
Caden smirked slightly, cleared his throat, and in a crisp voice, said, “I’m giving it to the woman I love most.”
The woman he loved most?
At his words, my eyelid twitched involuntarily, and a strange, bitter feeling swept through me.
Was he talking about Tessa?
Did he just spend 30 million dollars on a plush kitten, planning to give it to Tessa when he found her?
How ironic. After all, I was the one who made it.
“Wow, what a lucky lady,” the auctioneer said with a hint of envy. “Is she here tonight?”
Caden smiled but said nothing.
Amid the envious gazes of the crowd, he stepped down from the stage.
As he walked toward us, Wendy immediately stepped in front of me, her voice laced with both shyness and anticipation. “Caden…
But he didn’t even spare her a glance. Ignoring her completely, he walked straight to where I was sitting.
Standing before me, Caden inclined his head slightly, his deep gaze locking onto mine as he placed the plush kitten in my hands. “Rosaline, this is for you.”
The room erupted into murmurs.
“So Mr. Holbrook bought it for his fiancée.”
“He’s so devoted. I’m jealous.”
I stared at the plush kitten in my hands, momentarily stunned.
So, he had bought it for me.
But earlier, on stage, he had declared in front of everyone that he was giving it to the woman he loved most. And now he was giving it to me.
Did that mean I was the woman he loved most?
What was he trying to say?
“Rosaline?” Caden called softly, frowning slightly when I didn’t react.
I snapped out of my daze, suppressing the tiny ripple in my heart, and said coolly, “Sorry, but I don’t like
this kitten”
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Caden’s expression darkened. “Weren’t you just bidding on it?”
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“I don’t like it anymore.” My tone was indifferent, my words carrying a double meaning. “I never accept things that don’t belong to me.”
With that, I stood up. “Move. I need to use the restroom.”
hapter 153 Today Is the Day
Caden’s POV:
I watched Rosaline walk away, feeling helpless.
Thirty million dollars–gone. And yet, it wasn’t enough to earn even a single smile from her.
She was still upset about last night.
Honestly, I regretted what had happened too.
I could tell she had feelings for me when we were on the Ferris wheel.
But then, without thinking, I said Tessa’s name–and just like that, I ruined everything.
Finished
I spent the whole night smoking on the couch, and first thing this morning, I went to her room to explain. But she was already gone.
The hotel receptionist told me she had left in the middle of the night.
I had to pull a lot of strings and go through quite a bit of trouble before I finally tracked her down to this charity auction.
As soon as I walked in, I saw her arguing with Wendy over that stuffed cat. So, without hesitation, I placed the winning bid.
I had planned to use the cat as a way to confess to her in front of everyone. But Rosaline didn’t even care. She didn’t look at me, didn’t say a word–just turned around and walked away.
The sting of rejection was something I had never experienced before. It made my chest tighten with frustration.
“Caden, Rosaline is being so unreasonable.” Wendy sidled up to me, her tone laced with jealousy.
I ignored her. Then she suddenly said, “I bet you don’t know that last night, Rosaline snuck out to a bar and met up with some guy.”
My expression darkened. “Did she go to a bar?”
I didn’t believe Wendy, but after how disappointed Rosaline was in me last night, I couldn’t completely rule it out.
“It’s true!” Wendy pressed on, her voice dripping with spite. “She’s the type who flirts with any man she meets. She’s not worth your time. She used to mess around with Jasper, and she’s got some weird thing going on with Ryan too. And now, even in Montagne, she’s sneaking out in the middle of the night to meet men at bars. Caden, can’t you see? She’s cheating on you!”
“Shut up.” I cut her off, my patience wearing thin.
Rosaline had been gone too long.
What if she had already left?
I pulled out my phone and called her. Her phone was off.
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A sense of unease crept into me. Without another word, I got up and headed toward the restroom.
“Caden, where are you going?” Wendy called after me.
I didn’t answer.
Rosaline’s POV:
I splashed cold water on my face and looked at my reflection in the mirror.
I hadn’t slept well last night. My complexion was pale, and the dark circles under my eyes were impossible to ignore.
Truthfully, Caden’s grand gesture tonight hadn’t left me completely unmoved.
For a man like him–so cold, so untouchable–to confess to me in front of everyone… Anyone would have been swayed.
But last night, when he said Tessa’s name, it made me question everything.
I closed my eyes, pressing my fingers to my temples. Taking a deep breath, I tried to push aside the swirling emotions.
Then, suddenly, something cold and sharp pressed against my neck.
A knife.
I froze.
Lifting my gaze, I saw Annie in the mirror, holding the blade to my throat.
“Annie, what are you doing?” I asked, more surprised than afraid.
I had been so lost in thought, I hadn’t even noticed when she approached.
As an Alpha, my senses were usually sharp enough to detect someone like her—a mere werewolf woman— long before they got this close. But I had let my guard down.
Because of Caden.
If it weren’t for him, I never would have been this distracted.
“Rosaline, today is the day you die!” Annie hissed, her grip on the knife tightening.
She looked exhilarated, while I just felt exhausted.
Hadn’t this idiot learned her lesson last time?
Fine. If she wanted to start something, I wasn’t going to hold back.
“Annie, isn’t Bruce in the banquet hall? Shouldn’t you be looking for him?” I said casually, keeping my expression unreadable.
At the same time, I let Freya remain on high alert.
Sensing Annie’s hostility Freva stirred–excited after being dormant for so lono
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At the mention of Bruce’s name, Annie’s eyes darkened, her anger flaring. “Rosaline, you b*tch!” she spat. “If it weren’t for you, Bruce and I would still be together! If you hadn’t set me up that night and humiliated me in front of everyone, I wouldn’t be in this mess!”
“Oh, that night?” I chuckled, even with the knife at my throat. “Weren’t you the one who tried to set me up first?”
Her face twisted with rage. She dragged the blade higher, pressing it against my jaw. “You think you’re so special just because you’re pretty, don’t you? Let’s see how you seduce men after I ruin that face of yours!” she sneered.
“Go ahead and try.”
The moment she made a move, I struck. Ducking my head, I dodged the blade and rammed my elbow into her chin–hard.
She yelped as she went sprawling to the floor, the knife clattering away.
“You … You hit me!” she shrieked, clutching her face.
Freya, she’s too weak. You don’t need to bother.
Chapter 154 Are You Okay?
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I told Freya in my mind, but before I could react, I noticed two burly werewolves standing by the restroom door.
Meanwhile, Annie had already risen from the floor and walked to the entrance. She reached out and locked the door.
Rubbing her jaw–which I had nearly knocked out of place–she glared at the two werewolves and snapped furiously, “What are you waiting for? Grab her already! Tonight, I’m going to carve up that pretty little face of hers myself!”
The two werewolves sneered before shifting into massive black wolves and lunging straight at me.
“Rosaline, today is the day you die!” Annie shrieked.
I smirked and shouted, “Freya!”
After nearly a month of being suppressed, Freya finally took over my consciousness and shifted in an instant.
Annie’s POV:
I couldn’t believe my eyes.
Rosaline, a low–ranking Omega, managed to dodge both black wolves at an incredible speed.
I screamed at them to tear her apart, but in the next second, I watched in horror as both wolves were sent flying by an overwhelming force. They slammed into the walls, shattering several restroom mirrors in the
process.
A massive silver wolf leaped out from where Rosaline had been standing.
Rosaline was gone.
A strangled scream escaped my throat.
The black wolves struggled back to their feet and charged at the silver wolf again, but they were completely outmatched.
Within moments, in the cramped space of the restroom, the silver wolf effortlessly dodged and struck, slamming both black wolves to the ground with its powerful claws. They didn’t get up again.
I was frozen in shock. The presence of this silver wolf was unquestionably Alpha–level.
Trembling, I fell to my knees.
Rosaline was an Alpha?
“Look at me.”
I heard Rosaline’s voice.
I lifted my head shakily and saw that the silver wolf had vanished. In its place, Rosaline stood before me, gazing down with that familiar, indifferent expression.
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“Annie, I gave you a chance,” she said calmly. “But you kept pushing your luck. You even dared to come at me like this. Tell me, what should I do with you?”
Terror gripped me as I stammered, “I didn’t know you were an Alpha! Please, Rosaline, let me go! I swear, I’ll never show my face in front of you again!”
“Let you go?” Rosaline chuckled softly.
Just then, a sudden knock sounded from the other side of the door.
“Rosaline, are you okay?”
It was Caden from the Eclipse Pack.
I tried to cry out for help, but Rosaline swiftly clamped a hand over my mouth. Before I could react, something bitter and foul was shoved inside.
“What did you make me eat?” I gasped in fear, recognizing the distinct taste of wolfsbane.
“Just something to make you forget all of this.”
Caden’s POV:
As I reached the restroom, I heard a commotion inside.
“Rosaline, are you okay?” I called out, knocking on the door.
No response. The door was locked from the inside.
“Rosaline, are you in there? What’s going on?”
Suddenly, a sharp scream rang out. A woman’s voice.
Without hesitation, I surrendered control to Edward, my wolf. The enormous white wolf raised a paw and slammed it against the door, shattering it in half.
Through Edward’s eyes, I saw two black wolves sprawled on the floor, covered in blood. Glass shards littered the ground, and the restroom was in complete disarray.
Rosaline stood off to the side, arms crossed, looking down at Annie, who was slumped on the floor.
I had expected to find Rosaline in distress, maybe even injured. But what I saw instead completely threw me off.
I regained control, shifting back into my human form as I strode forward.
“Rosaline, what happened?”
“Oh, nothing much,” she said coolly. “They tried to ambush me, but they ended up crashing into the mirrors and passing out.”
I frowned. “Your neck–what happened?” A thin red cut marked her skin, like a knife wound.
She reached up, touching it lightly before letting out a soft hiss. “Oh, that? Just a scratch.”
“I should take you to the hospital.” I said, concern flickering in my eves.
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She waved it off. “No need, It’s just a small cut–it’ll heal in a few days” Massaging her temples, she looked at me and asked, “Weren’t you supposed to be at the auction? Why are you here?”
“I still think you should get checked out,” I insisted. Something about all this felt off.
I reached for her, intending to lead her out, when suddenly…
“Rosaline, you b*tch! Die!”
She had been motionless on the ground just moments ago, but now her face twisted with fury. A dagger gleamed in her hand as she sprang toward Rosaline’s back like a whirlwind.
“Rosaline, watch out!” My eyes widened in alarm. Annic moved too fast–there was no time for Rosaline to dodge. Without thinking, I threw myself between them, my arm raised to shield her.
Pain shot through me as the dagger slashed through my sleeve and sliced into my skin.
A low grunt escaped my lips, but I had successfully blocked the blow.
Annie froze, completely stunned.
With a metallic clang, the dagger slipped from her grasp and clattered onto the floor.
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Rosaline’s POV:
I can’t believe Annie stole my medicine—and she holds such a grudge.
Finished
I thought erasing her memory of what just happened would be enough, but she tried to attack me with a knife.
She really must hate me.
“Caden, are you okay?” I gasped when I saw blood seeping from his arm.
“I’m fine.” Caden frowned slightly and lowered his gaze to my neck. “As long as you’re okay, that’s all that
matters.”
His words made my face heat up instantly.
Even at a time like this, he still knew how to make my heart race.
“Your arm is bleeding. Let me bandage it for you.” I quickly turned my head away.
Just then, the hotel staff rushed in, alerted by the commotion. They were stunned by the scene before them and immediately started apologizing. “Mr. Holbrook, we sincerely apologize. This was a serious failure on our part. We’re sorry for the fright you and Ms. Sinclair experienced.”
The staff hurriedly removed the two black wolves from the floor.
Meanwhile, Annie took advantage of the chaos to escape.
I didn’t bother chasing her. Attacking the rightful heir was a surefire way to land herself on the Werewolf Continent’s most–wanted list.
“Your arm is still bleeding. Let me stop the bleeding first.” I asked the staff for a first aid kit and helped Caden to the lounge.
Wendy’s POV:
The scene that greeted me when I arrived was infuriating.
I knew Rosaline would be attending the charity gala tonight, so I had Annie ambush her in the restroom. I even hired two werewolves to kidnap her.
And yet, these useless fools couldn’t even handle a low–ranking Omega like Rosaline. Not only did they fail, but they even injured Caden by mistake.
They were completely incompetent.
Now Rosaline was taking Caden to get treated. I wanted to follow them, but she blocked my way at the door. “Ms. Crawford, Caden is injured. This isn’t a good time for guests.”
I swallowed my resentment and glanced past her at Caden, who was sitting in a chair inside the lounge. “Caden, you’re hurt. Let me stay with you.”
Caden’s voice was icy. “Rosaline is here. That’s enough. You’re not needed.”
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“Did you hear that? Now leave.” Rosaline slammed the door shut in my face.
I barely pulled my hand back in time to avoid getting caught.
I was furious.
Rosaline, you got lucky this time. But I refuse to believe your luck will last forever.
Next time, I’ll make sure there’s no way out for you.
Rosaline’s POV:
Now that we were alone in the lounge, I closed the door and turned around–only to see Caden taking off his shirt.
Caden had always been in great shape, but seeing him like this still took me off guard. His broad shoulders, well–defined chest, and eight–pack abs made him look effortlessly sexy. It was impossible to ignore.
Heat rushed to my face. “Caden! What are you doing taking off your shirt?” I snapped.
Caden gave me an amused look. “How else are you going to bandage my wound?” He gestured to the gash on his arm.
Fine…
I sighed. After all, he got hurt saving me–again.
I squinted slightly, deliberately avoiding looking anywhere I shouldn’t. Instead, I focused on dabbing iodine onto his wound and carefully wrapping it up.
After some time, I finally finished bandaging him.
“All done. Now put your shirt back on,” I huffed, packing up the first aid kit.
Caden dressed with effortless grace, then held out a small stuffed cat, placing it gently in my hands.
“Rosaline, this is for you. Don’t reject it again, okay?” His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.
My heart skipped a beat.
The image of Caden shielding me from that knife flashed through my mind.
This wasn’t the first time he had saved me.
Back when the warehouse exploded, Caden had thrown himself over me without hesitation.
Even before that, when Stella tried to stab me, he had stepped in to take the blow.
Time and time again, he risked his life for me. Was I just a stand–in for Tessa in his eyes?
For the first time, my heart wavered.
Chapter 156 Infuriating
Finished
I lifted my gaze to meet Caden’s. Our eyes locked, and an unspoken tension sparked between us, something inexplicable stirring in my heart.
“Thank you.” I reached out and took the plush kitten from him.
The soft fur, originally pure white, was now stained with Caden’s blood–deep crimson patches marring its once–pristine coat.
The moment I took the kitten, Caden let out a soft chuckle.
“You’re not mad anymore, are you?” he murmured, pulling me into his arms. His deep, husky voice brushed against my car. “Every word I said to you yesterday was true. Will you believe me?”
I offered a faint smile, but I neither confirmed nor denied his words.
“Let go of me first.” I gently pushed against his chest.
“You smiled. Doesn’t that mean you’re not mad anymore?” Caden’s voice was low, rough with emotion.
“Does it even matter whether I’m mad or not?” I absentmindedly stroked the kitten in my hands.
“It matters. A lot.” Caden’s gaze bore into mine, his tone solemn.
I pressed my lips together but said nothing.
After a brief silence, Caden asked, “What exactly happened in the restroom earlier?”
“Oh, nothing much. Annie doesn’t like me, so she got two people to try and kidnap me,” I replied
nonchalantly.
Caden furrowed his brows. “So those two men … You did that to them?”
I smiled. “I did fight back. But honestly, they were just too stupid.”
Caden didn’t seem entirely convinced. His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied me, a probing look sweeping over me from head to toe.
Feeling slightly unnerved under his scrutiny, I stood up. “Let’s go. The auction isn’t over yet, is it?”
Since Caden had already bid on the kitten, I figured I might as well find something else to bid on.
After all, as the secret owner of Loe Studio, I ought to show some support for my brand.
But just as I was about to take a step, Caden reached out and grabbed my arm.
Caught off guard, I stumbled and landed right on his lap.
The position was undeniably intimate.
I tried to stand, but his strong, well–defined hands pressed firmly on my shoulders, keeping me in place.
His husky voice murmured against my ear, “Rosaline, you feel something for me. Why won’t you admit it?”
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Caden’s gaze darkened. “Why won’t you face your feelings?”
My body tensed. I frowned. “I don’t … ”
Before I could finish, Caden tilted his head down, and his lips crashed onto mine.
His kiss was cool yet searing, sending my heart into a frenzied rhythm.
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The temperature in the lounge seemed to rise, the air thick with something heady and overwhelming.
“Rosaline,” he breathed against my lips, his deep eyes filled with unmistakable desire. “Stop pushing me away.”
Reality snapped back into focus. I realized I hadn’t even tried to push him away.
Taking in a sharp breath, I steadied myself, glaring at him. “Caden, don’t go too far! Until I give you an answer, you’re not allowed to do that again!”
Caden smirked slightly. “Not allowed to do what?”
“What you just did,” I snapped.
He let out a low chuckle. “What exactly did I do?”
The heated memory of the kiss flashed through my mind. Flustered and furious, I punched his chest. “Shut up!”
Caden easily caught my hand, bringing it to his lips and tracing gentle circles against my skin. “Rosaline,” he murmured, “I’ll be waiting for your answer.”
Ugh! He’s so infuriating!
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I lifted my gaze to meet Caden’s. Our eyes locked, and an unspoken tension sparked between us, something inexplicable stirring in my heart.
“Thank you.” I reached out and took the plush kitten from him.
The soft fur, originally pure white, was now stained with Caden’s blood–deep crimson patches marring its once–pristine coat.
The moment I took the kitten, Caden let out a soft chuckle.
“You’re not mad anymore, are you?” he murmured, pulling me into his arms. His deep, husky voice brushed against my car. “Every word I said to you yesterday was true. Will you believe me?”
I offered a faint smile, but I neither confirmed nor denied his words.
“Let go of me first.” I gently pushed against his chest.
“You smiled. Doesn’t that mean you’re not mad anymore?” Caden’s voice was low, rough with emotion.
“Does it even matter whether I’m mad or not?” I absentmindedly stroked the kitten in my hands.
“It matters. A lot.” Caden’s gaze bore into mine, his tone solemn.
I pressed my lips together but said nothing.
After a brief silence, Caden asked, “What exactly happened in the restroom earlier?”
“Oh, nothing much. Annie doesn’t like me, so she got two people to try and kidnap me,” I replied
nonchalantly.
Caden furrowed his brows. “So those two men … You did that to them?”
I smiled. “I did fight back. But honestly, they were just too stupid.”
Caden didn’t seem entirely convinced. His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied me, a probing look sweeping over me from head to toe.
Feeling slightly unnerved under his scrutiny, I stood up. “Let’s go. The auction isn’t over yet, is it?”
Since Caden had already bid on the kitten, I figured I might as well find something else to bid on.
After all, as the secret owner of Loe Studio, I ought to show some support for my brand.
But just as I was about to take a step, Caden reached out and grabbed my arm.
Caught off guard, I stumbled and landed right on his lap.
The position was undeniably intimate.
I tried to stand, but his strong, well–defined hands pressed firmly on my shoulders, keeping me in place.
His husky voice murmured against my ear, “Rosaline, you feel something for me. Why won’t you admit it?”
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Chapter 156 Infuriating
Caden’s gaze darkened. “Why won’t you face your feelings?”
My body tensed. I frowned. “I don’t … ”
Before I could finish, Caden tilted his head down, and his lips crashed onto mine.
His kiss was cool yet searing, sending my heart into a frenzied rhythm.
95%
Finished
The temperature in the lounge seemed to rise, the air thick with something heady and overwhelming.
“Rosaline,” he breathed against my lips, his deep eyes filled with unmistakable desire. “Stop pushing me away.”
Reality snapped back into focus. I realized I hadn’t even tried to push him away.
Taking in a sharp breath, I steadied myself, glaring at him. “Caden, don’t go too far! Until I give you an answer, you’re not allowed to do that again!”
Caden smirked slightly. “Not allowed to do what?”
“What you just did,” I snapped.
He let out a low chuckle. “What exactly did I do?”
The heated memory of the kiss flashed through my mind. Flustered and furious, I punched his chest. “Shut up!”
Caden easily caught my hand, bringing it to his lips and tracing gentle circles against my skin. “Rosaline,” he murmured, “I’ll be waiting for your answer.”
Ugh! He’s so infuriating!
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95%號
Finished
Caden’s arm injury kept him in Fostrau for several days, but once it had largely healed, he was ready to go home.
As for Annie, she was nowhere to be found, but Caden did not hold her accountable for attacking him.
The sky was clear, stretching endlessly in all directions.
Just as I reached Caden’s private jet, my footsteps suddenly came to a halt.
“What’s wrong?” Caden looked at me curiously.
I shook my head lightly. “It’s nothing.”
But for some reason, an inexplicable sense of unease welled up in my chest.
It wasn’t just general unease; it was an intense premonition, as if something significant was about to happen.
This was the first time I had experienced such a strong premonition since becoming the Alpha of the Shadow Pack.
“Still worried about your fear of heights? Don’t be scared, I’m here,” Caden said, his large hand gently holding mine.
His cool, steady voice eased my tension a little. I smiled and followed behind him, boarding the plane.
The plane took off swiftly, soaring high into the clouds.
As I gazed out the window at the drifting clouds, my mind wandered.
The biggest gain from this trip to Fostrau was uncovering the mastermind behind the ‘Ice and Fire‘ incident, which allowed Eclipse Group to regain stability–and even rise to greater heights.
“By the way, have Jones and Marilyn confessed?” I turned my head slightly to glance at Caden and asked.
Caden furrowed his brows. “Jones took all the blame upon himself, while Marilyn completely distanced herself from everything.”
“I see … “I murmured thoughtfully. “Looks like Jones truly loves Marilyn.”
But it was a pity–Jones had been blinded by this so–called love, committing countless unforgivable acts.
Caden curled his lips slightly, but said nothing.
“I wonder how much involvement Heartstone Jewels had in all of this?” I rubbed my temples, then asked again.
Even though Jones had taken full responsibility, I couldn’t shake the feeling that things weren’t so simple.
Caden gazed at me, a rare warmth flickering in his eyes. “Stop thinking about it. You’ve been exhausted these past few days in Fostrau. Get some rest.”
“Fine.” I nodded obediently, feeling indeed a little tired. Closing my eyes, I let myself relax.
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Chapter 157 Flight into Chaos
At first, the tremors were small, but they quickly grew more intense.
I jolted awake, instinctively grabbing Caden’s hand. “Caden, what’s happening?”
Finished
“Probably strong turbulence.” Caden pulled me into his embrace, his voice soothing. “Don’t worry, close your eyes. It’ll pass soon.”
His familiar warmth calmed me a little.
But the shaking only worsened.
Within seconds, Caden’s expression darkened. This kind of intense, prolonged turbulence was definitely not normal!
Something was wrong!
Suddenly, a flight attendant rushed over in panic. “Mr. Holbrook, bad news! The plane is out of control!”
What?!
Out of control?!
How could a perfectly fine plane suddenly lose control?
My heart clenched instantly, an overwhelming wave of fear surging through me.
The uneasy feeling I had before boarding … it was coming true.
Caden remained composed. He patted my shoulder, then stood up, his strikingly handsome face turning ice–cold. “I’ll go check it out.”
“I’m coming with you,” I said, standing up as well.
I had no intention of staying in this violently shaking cabin.
“Sure,” Caden responded with a low hum, then reached out with his right arm, pulling me close. His voice softened slightly. “It’s alright. Don’t be scared.”
The plane continued to shake violently. Each step forward felt incredibly difficult.
The fear gripping my heart grew stronger with every second.
Thankfully, Caden held onto me tightly, giving me a sense of security I had never felt before.
We quickly reached the cockpit.
“What’s going on?” Caden asked the pilot, his brows furrowed.
Covered in cold sweat, the pilot gripped the controls, his face ashen. “We’re going down! I can’t control it! The plane is going to crash!”
Crash?!
Chapter 158 We’ll Jump
If the plane crashed, no one would survive.
We were too high, over 32,800 feet. Even if I transformed into Freya, it might not save me from plummeting into the vast ocean below.
I told myself to stay calm, but fear was already coursing through my entire body.
Finished
For the first time, I looked at the man beside me with helplessness in my eyes. “Caden, what do we do?”
“Don’t be afraid.” Caden gripped my hand tightly. “We’ll be fine.”
Then, making a decisive call, he turned to the pilot. “Stay calm. Try to stabilize the plane as much as possible. Begin descending now. Once we reach a suitable altitude, we’ll jump.”
The pilot nodded, his voice trembling slightly. “I’ll do my best.”
Caden’s private jet was custom–built and equipped with parachutes–designed for emergency situations like this.
He quickly directed the other crew members to retrieve the parachutes and prepare for an emergency jump.
“Caden, do we really have to jump?”
I leaned against him, my face pale with dread.
I was terrified.
I had been afraid of heights since childhood, and I never imagined I would face a situation like this.
If the plane really went down … falling from this height …
I couldn’t even let myself think about it.
“Rosaline, listen to me. The plane is out of control–we have no choice but to jump.” Caden said, his voice steady but serious.
“But… I’m scared … I have a fear of heights… ” I murmured.
“Don’t be afraid. I’ll protect you.” His deep, reassuring voice carried an unshakable certainty.
The situation was growing more critical by the second. Caden remained calm, directing the pilot to lower the altitude and gradually slow down.
“It’s time.” Caden glanced at the instruments–the plane’s altitude and speed had finally reached suitable for jumping.
But the plane was shaking more violently than ever.
It wouldn’t hold much longer. It was going to crash and explode at any moment!
vel
“Jump! Now!” The cabin door swung open, and Caden, his face cold and composed, ordered the crew members to strap on their parachutes and jump one by one.
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95%
Finished
Within moments, only three of us remained–Caden, the pilot, and me.
“Mr. Holbrook, Ms. Sinclair, you have to jump now!” The pilot wiped the sweat from his forehead as he made the final adjustments to the plane’s settings.
Caden furrowed his brows and pulled the pilot toward the door. “You first–go!”
The pilot gave Caden a deep, grateful look. “Mr. Holbrook, Ms. Sinclair… take care.”
With those parting words, he leaped from the plane, disappearing into the sky within seconds.
“Rosaline, get ready.” Caden secured the parachute to both of us, his strong arms holding me tightly.
As I looked down from this dizzying height, my mind went blank.
A crippling, overwhelming fear spread through every inch of my body.
“Caden… I’m scared…”
“Close your eyes. I’ll count to three. We’ll jump together.” His low voice murmured against my ear.
I took a deep breath, bracing myself. Then, clinging to Caden with all my strength, I shut my eyes and leaped with him into the vast, endless sky.
“Ahhh!!!”
A terrifying weightlessness hit me as we plummeted downward at an alarming speed. I couldn’t stop myself -I lost control and shifted into my wolf form.
Freya was no better off than I was, letting out a panicked whimper in midair.
Caden shifted as well, his white wolf form swiftly lunging toward Freya and wrapping around her.
Two wolves, entangled in freefall.
Before long, we reached the critical altitude for deploying the parachute. Caden shifted back into human form. Thankfully, our parachutes had stayed securely strapped to our backs.
“Rosaline, shift back–your wolf form is too heavy. The parachute won’t hold.”
Hearing his command, I had no choice but to transform back into my human form.
But the terror of free–falling from such a height was paralyzing. I couldn’t even open my eyes–I could only cling desperately to Caden.
“Rosaline, I’m opening the parachute! Hold onto me tight!”
With the deep, steady sound of his voice, the parachute deployed.
The gut–wrenching sensation of falling finally eased. I let out a shaky breath, my chest rising and falling as I tried to calm myself.
“It’s over. We’re good.” Caden’s voice, husky and low, sounded close to my ear.
I forced my eyes open. All around us, nothing but endless clouds stretched in every direction.
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Chapter 158 We’ll Jump
Finished
Suspended in midair, drifting through the sky, we felt as small as a lone boat in a vast ocean–one that could be swallowed at any moment.
I lifted my gaze to his face and murmured softly, “Caden… are we going to die?
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hapter 159 A Kiss to Seal Our Fate
Finished
“No, we won’t,” Caden said, his tight, protective embrace making me feel like the most precious thing in the
world.
“Really?” I nestled into Caden’s chest, my arms wrapping around his neck. His comforting presence gradually eased the fear and panic that had gripped my heart.
Caden lowered his gaze, looking at me deeply. His voice was steady, filled with certainty. “Trust me.”
I nodded firmly. “Alright.”
Together, we continued our slow descent from the sky.
I pressed against his chest.
I could even hear the strong, steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
Memories surged through my mind like a flood.
Caden had always protected me, always thrown himself into danger for my sake.
Time and again, he had told me, “Rosaline, don’t be afraid. I will protect you.”
He had told me, “Rosaline, I’m pursuing you. Right now, the woman I want to spend my life with–is you.”
I looked up at the man holding me tightly.
His strikingly handsome face, flawless skin, chiseled features, and deep black eyes … Even in the midst of danger, he exuded confidence and regality, like a king born to rule.
And in that moment, an unfamiliar yet undeniable feeling spread through me, overwhelming and electric.
My heart pounded faster and faster.
I closed my eyes briefly. When I opened them again, my decision was made.
Softly, I whispered, “Caden, I’m ready to give you my answer.”
He tightened his hold on me slightly, his gaze locked onto mine, filled with anticipation and a hint of nervousness. “What’s your answer?”
My lips brushed against his ear as I breathed, “My answer is … I accept.” My voice was barely more than a whisper, but the meaning behind it was clear. “For the rest of my life, I want to be with you.”
I paused for a moment before meeting his eyes, my voice steady as I added, “No matter life or death.”
Caden’s eyes darkened with emotion. His lips curled into the faintest of smiles before he murmu d, “Rosaline… I’ve been waiting for this answer for so long.” And then, without another word, he kissed me.
“Rosie … Rosie … ” he whispered against my lips, his voice laced with longing as he deepened the kiss.
We clung to each other, locked in a passionate embrace, the world around us fading away.
Nothing had ever made my heart race like this before.
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Chapter 159 A Kiss to Seal Our Fate
Not fear. Not danger. Only him.
“Alpha, you’re in love. I can feel it.” Freya’s voice echoed in my mind, filled with excitement.
“Yes. Whether or not he’s my destined mate… I don’t care anymore,” I admitted.
Even if a part of Caden’s heart still belonged to Tessa…
I wouldn’t let anything or anyone stand between us. Not even her.
If Tessa ever came back, I wouldn’t back down.
I would fight for his heart until it belonged solely to me.
“Alpha, I’m so happy for you,” Freya said, her voice warm with sincerity.
And so, high above the endless sky, Caden and I kissed, oblivious to everything else.
I forgot my fear. I forgot the uncertainty of whether we would live or die.
Finished
I took a deep breath, letting go of all the negativity that had weighed on me. At that moment, there was nothing but romance–pure and breathtaking.
Time seemed to slip away as we clung to each other. Finally, breathless, we broke apart.
“Rosie, you’ve made me the happiest man alive.” Caden rested his forehead against mine, his lips curving into a soft smile.
The intimacy of the gesture sent heat rushing to my ears. My body felt weak as I leaned into his embrace, seeking the warmth he so effortlessly provided.
I should have told him sooner. I had let my fear of Tessa’s lingering presence in his heart hold me back for too long.
Why hadn’t I been brave enough to face my feelings earlier?
Why hadn’t I taken a chance with Caden when we still had time–before we were thrown into this life–or- death situation?
The reality of our predicament weighed down on me again.
Wrapping my arms around Caden, I finally forced myself to look down.
Below us stretched an endless horizon, where I couldn’t distinguish land from sea.
But judging by the way the light reflected… it was most likely the ocean.
“Caden, what do we do now?” I asked, worry creeping into my voice.
He held me closer, his expression calm, his gaze gentle. “Don’t be afraid. We’ll find a way.”
I nodded lightly.
For once, I wanted to just be a woman who could rely on someone else.
As long as I was with this man. I feared nothing
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Chapter 159 A Kiss to Seal Our Fate
Our parachute drifted steadily downward, and soon, I could see more clearly what lay beneath us.
Finished
Just as I suspected–it was the ocean. A vast, endless sea stretched out beneath us, swallowing the horizon in all directions.
My eyelid twitched involuntarily.
Even as werewolves, we were powerless in the face of nature’s vastness.
“Caden, it’s the ocean.” I furrowed my brows. “If we land in the water, we won’t have food or fresh water. We can survive a day or two at most… What do we do?”
Caden frowned slightly. “I packed some food and water in my bag. And if we’re lucky, a passing ship might find us.”
Before we had jumped, he had done everything he could to prepare for survival.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone to check for a signal.
I glanced at the screen. “Everything okay?”
He shook his head, his expression hardening. “No signal.”
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Chapter 160 SOS
Caden tried to send Yale his location, but the message didn’t go through, as expected.
A wave of disappointment washed over me.
95%
Finished
Caden put his phone away and held my hand. He said with unwavering determination, “No matter what, as long as we’re together, everything will be fine.”
His palm was warm, as if he was transferring his strength to me.
An idea struck me suddenly. “I have a way!”
“Hmm?” Caden looked confused.
I took off my necklace and held it tightly.
It was a birthday gift from Grandpa on my 16th birthday.
At that time, Grandpa smiled at me and said, “Rosie, I had this necklace custom–made just for look ordinary, but it has a very special purpose.”
I was confused back then. I took over the necklace and asked, “What purpose?”
Grandpa pointed at the pendant and said, “Do you see the plum blossom here?”
you. It may
I looked at the plum blossom engraving on the necklace, but still couldn’t understand what was so special about it.
Grandpa explained, “This is a signal transmitter and the plum blossom is the switch. If you’re ever in danger, just press the switch and I’ll receive the distress signal. No matter where you are, I’ll come to rescue you.”
I had happily put on that necklace at the time, didn’t take his words too seriously.
After all, there were very few people in this world who could actually harm me.
Over the years, I had never tried it.
But Grandpa had spoken with such confidence, so it might be useful.
I just didn’t know whether it would work at sea.
Given our situation, we had nothing to lose.
I explained to Caden, “This necklace was from Grandpa. He said that I could send him a distress signal. I hope it works.”
“Give it a try,” said Caden, as he looked at my necklace.
From the appearance, this necklace looked nothing special.
I pressed the plum blossom switch carefully.
In an instant, the once–dull pendant began to glow with a faint green light. At first it was a soft, pale green,
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Chapter 160 SOS
“It actually works!” Both Caden and I gasped, eyes wide with surprise as the necklace blinked.
But along with my excitement, came a bit of worry, “I just hope Grandpa receives the signal.”
Caden’s POV:
“He will,” I assured her, meeting her eyes with unwavering certainty.
I had never seen a transmitter like this before.
Wasn’t Rosaline’s grandpa just an old man from a rural town like Frostmoore?
How could he have access to such an advance technology?
My fiancée was definitely not as simple as she seemed.
But if she didn’t want to talk about it, I wouldn’t ask either.
I loved her for who she was–her identity and family background didn’t matter to me.
95%
Finished
Besides, we had just confessed our love for each other while thousands of feet in the air. That alone had been more than enough to make me happy.
It’s just that the Moon Goddess had an interesting sense of humor. Why did our mutual confession have to occur at times like this?
As we drifted closer to the sea, I scanned the horizon. In the distance, I spotted a few islands.
I gently nudged Rosaline and pointed ahead, “Rosie, do you see those islands over there?”
She turned to look, with her eyes lighting up. “I do! I was just about to tell you the same thing.”
I chuckled softly and whispered in her ear, “Does this mean we’re perfectly in sync?”
Before she could answer, I dipped my head and brushed my lips over her earlobe.
I just couldn’t help it. I wanted to be close to her every second.
“Stop messing around,” she scolded softly, turning away to focus on the islands.
Rosaline’s POV:
Caden’s kiss made my heart flutter and feeling secured.
But we were still up in the air, and we hadn’t completely escaped danger yet.
However, the islands in the distance gave us hope.
If they had fresh water, that would be even better.
The real question was–how long would it take us to swim there?
Would the food Caden brought be enough to sustain us until we reached land?
Could grandpa really receive my signal and come to rescue us?
2/3
08:45 Mon, 17 Mar BNA.
Chapter 160 SOS
95%
Finished
As I was deep in thought, Caden’s deep voice broke through my worries, “Do you know how to swim?”
“Yes,” I nodded.
He reached into his backpack and pulled out a life vest, carefully helping me to put it on. “Once I turn into a wolf, you’ll ride on my back. I’ll carry you as we swim toward the island.”
“Alright, Freya can swim too. We can take turns. That way, we’ll conserve our energy.”
“Okay.”
I silently prayed for a stroke of luck. If a passing ship spotted us, we could be rescued before we even had to swim.
We descended steadily, getting closer and closer to the sea.
The vast ocean stretched endlessly in every direction, with the sea breeze blowing, stirring the waves into towering swells and white crests foaming as they crashed.
My heart was once again clenched with anxiety.
Even though both us and our wolves could swim, the vast ocean was filled with unpredictable dangers.
“We’re about to hit the water, hold your breath!” Caden warned as he untied the rope around us and put the life vest on me.
Gripping my hand firmly, he pulled me close as we plunged into the sea.
The moment we hit the water, I gasped and accidentally choked on several mouthfuls of salty seawater. The briny taste filled my throat, making me uncomfortable.
When I raised my head, Caden’s wolf had swum toward me and quickly held me with its strong paws, signaling me to ride on its back.
Chapter 160 SOS
Caden tried to send Yale his location, but the message didn’t go through, as expected.
A wave of disappointment washed over me.
95%
Finished
Caden put his phone away and held my hand. He said with unwavering determination, “No matter what, as long as we’re together, everything will be fine.”
His palm was warm, as if he was transferring his strength to me.
An idea struck me suddenly. “I have a way!”
“Hmm?” Caden looked confused.
I took off my necklace and held it tightly.
It was a birthday gift from Grandpa on my 16th birthday.
At that time, Grandpa smiled at me and said, “Rosie, I had this necklace custom–made just for look ordinary, but it has a very special purpose.”
I was confused back then. I took over the necklace and asked, “What purpose?”
Grandpa pointed at the pendant and said, “Do you see the plum blossom here?”
you. It may
I looked at the plum blossom engraving on the necklace, but still couldn’t understand what was so special about it.
Grandpa explained, “This is a signal transmitter and the plum blossom is the switch. If you’re ever in danger, just press the switch and I’ll receive the distress signal. No matter where you are, I’ll come to rescue you.”
I had happily put on that necklace at the time, didn’t take his words too seriously.
After all, there were very few people in this world who could actually harm me.
Over the years, I had never tried it.
But Grandpa had spoken with such confidence, so it might be useful.
I just didn’t know whether it would work at sea.
Given our situation, we had nothing to lose.
I explained to Caden, “This necklace was from Grandpa. He said that I could send him a distress signal. I hope it works.”
“Give it a try,” said Caden, as he looked at my necklace.
From the appearance, this necklace looked nothing special.
I pressed the plum blossom switch carefully.
In an instant, the once–dull pendant began to glow with a faint green light. At first it was a soft, pale green,
1/3
Chapter 160 SOS
“It actually works!” Both Caden and I gasped, eyes wide with surprise as the necklace blinked.
But along with my excitement, came a bit of worry, “I just hope Grandpa receives the signal.”
Caden’s POV:
“He will,” I assured her, meeting her eyes with unwavering certainty.
I had never seen a transmitter like this before.
Wasn’t Rosaline’s grandpa just an old man from a rural town like Frostmoore?
How could he have access to such an advance technology?
My fiancée was definitely not as simple as she seemed.
But if she didn’t want to talk about it, I wouldn’t ask either.
I loved her for who she was–her identity and family background didn’t matter to me.
95%
Finished
Besides, we had just confessed our love for each other while thousands of feet in the air. That alone had been more than enough to make me happy.
It’s just that the Moon Goddess had an interesting sense of humor. Why did our mutual confession have to occur at times like this?
As we drifted closer to the sea, I scanned the horizon. In the distance, I spotted a few islands.
I gently nudged Rosaline and pointed ahead, “Rosie, do you see those islands over there?”
She turned to look, with her eyes lighting up. “I do! I was just about to tell you the same thing.”
I chuckled softly and whispered in her ear, “Does this mean we’re perfectly in sync?”
Before she could answer, I dipped my head and brushed my lips over her earlobe.
I just couldn’t help it. I wanted to be close to her every second.
“Stop messing around,” she scolded softly, turning away to focus on the islands.
Rosaline’s POV:
Caden’s kiss made my heart flutter and feeling secured.
But we were still up in the air, and we hadn’t completely escaped danger yet.
However, the islands in the distance gave us hope.
If they had fresh water, that would be even better.
The real question was–how long would it take us to swim there?
Would the food Caden brought be enough to sustain us until we reached land?
Could grandpa really receive my signal and come to rescue us?
2/3
08:45 Mon, 17 Mar BNA.
Chapter 160 SOS
95%
Finished
As I was deep in thought, Caden’s deep voice broke through my worries, “Do you know how to swim?”
“Yes,” I nodded.
He reached into his backpack and pulled out a life vest, carefully helping me to put it on. “Once I turn into a wolf, you’ll ride on my back. I’ll carry you as we swim toward the island.”
“Alright, Freya can swim too. We can take turns. That way, we’ll conserve our energy.”
“Okay.”
I silently prayed for a stroke of luck. If a passing ship spotted us, we could be rescued before we even had to swim.
We descended steadily, getting closer and closer to the sea.
The vast ocean stretched endlessly in every direction, with the sea breeze blowing, stirring the waves into towering swells and white crests foaming as they crashed.
My heart was once again clenched with anxiety.
Even though both us and our wolves could swim, the vast ocean was filled with unpredictable dangers.
“We’re about to hit the water, hold your breath!” Caden warned as he untied the rope around us and put the life vest on me.
Gripping my hand firmly, he pulled me close as we plunged into the sea.
The moment we hit the water, I gasped and accidentally choked on several mouthfuls of salty seawater. The briny taste filled my throat, making me uncomfortable.
When I raised my head, Caden’s wolf had swum toward me and quickly held me with its strong paws, signaling me to ride on its back.
I kissed the white wolf on its forehead and said, “I’m alright. Thank you.”
There was no need for formalities now. I climbed onto his back, gripping his fur tightly as he kicked off and his powerful limbs slicing through the water, paddling towards the island.
206
I kissed the white wolf on its forehead and said, “I’m alright. Thank you.”
There was no need for formalities now. I climbed onto his back, gripping his fur tightly as he kicked off and his powerful limbs slicing through the water, paddling towards the island.
206
1
Chapter 160 SOS
Caden tried to send Yale his location, but the message didn’t go through, as expected.
A wave of disappointment washed over me.
95%
Finished
Caden put his phone away and held my hand. He said with unwavering determination, “No matter what, as long as we’re together, everything will be fine.”
His palm was warm, as if he was transferring his strength to me.
An idea struck me suddenly. “I have a way!”
“Hmm?” Caden looked confused.
I took off my necklace and held it tightly.
It was a birthday gift from Grandpa on my 16th birthday.
At that time, Grandpa smiled at me and said, “Rosie, I had this necklace custom–made just for look ordinary, but it has a very special purpose.”
I was confused back then. I took over the necklace and asked, “What purpose?”
Grandpa pointed at the pendant and said, “Do you see the plum blossom here?”
you. It may
I looked at the plum blossom engraving on the necklace, but still couldn’t understand what was so special about it.
Grandpa explained, “This is a signal transmitter and the plum blossom is the switch. If you’re ever in danger, just press the switch and I’ll receive the distress signal. No matter where you are, I’ll come to rescue you.”
I had happily put on that necklace at the time, didn’t take his words too seriously.
After all, there were very few people in this world who could actually harm me.
Over the years, I had never tried it.
But Grandpa had spoken with such confidence, so it might be useful.
I just didn’t know whether it would work at sea.
Given our situation, we had nothing to lose.
I explained to Caden, “This necklace was from Grandpa. He said that I could send him a distress signal. I hope it works.”
“Give it a try,” said Caden, as he looked at my necklace.
From the appearance, this necklace looked nothing special.
I pressed the plum blossom switch carefully.
In an instant, the once–dull pendant began to glow with a faint green light. At first it was a soft, pale green,
1/3
Chapter 160 SOS
“It actually works!” Both Caden and I gasped, eyes wide with surprise as the necklace blinked.
But along with my excitement, came a bit of worry, “I just hope Grandpa receives the signal.”
Caden’s POV:
“He will,” I assured her, meeting her eyes with unwavering certainty.
I had never seen a transmitter like this before.
Wasn’t Rosaline’s grandpa just an old man from a rural town like Frostmoore?
How could he have access to such an advance technology?
My fiancée was definitely not as simple as she seemed.
But if she didn’t want to talk about it, I wouldn’t ask either.
I loved her for who she was–her identity and family background didn’t matter to me.
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Besides, we had just confessed our love for each other while thousands of feet in the air. That alone had been more than enough to make me happy.
It’s just that the Moon Goddess had an interesting sense of humor. Why did our mutual confession have to occur at times like this?
As we drifted closer to the sea, I scanned the horizon. In the distance, I spotted a few islands.
I gently nudged Rosaline and pointed ahead, “Rosie, do you see those islands over there?”
She turned to look, with her eyes lighting up. “I do! I was just about to tell you the same thing.”
I chuckled softly and whispered in her ear, “Does this mean we’re perfectly in sync?”
Before she could answer, I dipped my head and brushed my lips over her earlobe.
I just couldn’t help it. I wanted to be close to her every second.
“Stop messing around,” she scolded softly, turning away to focus on the islands.
Rosaline’s POV:
Caden’s kiss made my heart flutter and feeling secured.
But we were still up in the air, and we hadn’t completely escaped danger yet.
However, the islands in the distance gave us hope.
If they had fresh water, that would be even better.
The real question was–how long would it take us to swim there?
Would the food Caden brought be enough to sustain us until we reached land?
Could grandpa really receive my signal and come to rescue us?
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08:45 Mon, 17 Mar BNA.
Chapter 160 SOS
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As I was deep in thought, Caden’s deep voice broke through my worries, “Do you know how to swim?”
“Yes,” I nodded.
He reached into his backpack and pulled out a life vest, carefully helping me to put it on. “Once I turn into a wolf, you’ll ride on my back. I’ll carry you as we swim toward the island.”
“Alright, Freya can swim too. We can take turns. That way, we’ll conserve our energy.”
“Okay.”
I silently prayed for a stroke of luck. If a passing ship spotted us, we could be rescued before we even had to swim.
We descended steadily, getting closer and closer to the sea.
The vast ocean stretched endlessly in every direction, with the sea breeze blowing, stirring the waves into towering swells and white crests foaming as they crashed.
My heart was once again clenched with anxiety.
Even though both us and our wolves could swim, the vast ocean was filled with unpredictable dangers.
“We’re about to hit the water, hold your breath!” Caden warned as he untied the rope around us and put the life vest on me.
Gripping my hand firmly, he pulled me close as we plunged into the sea.
The moment we hit the water, I gasped and accidentally choked on several mouthfuls of salty seawater. The briny taste filled my throat, making me uncomfortable.
When I raised my head, Caden’s wolf had swum toward me and quickly held me with its strong paws, signaling me to ride on its back.
I kissed the white wolf on its forehead and said, “I’m alright. Thank you.”
There was no need for formalities now. I climbed onto his back, gripping his fur tightly as he kicked off and his powerful limbs slicing through the water, paddling towards the island.
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