Chapter 8 Ashes of Deceit

Cecilia

Friday morning, the auto shop called to inform me my car had been repaired.

After picking up my vehicle, I was about to call the older gentleman,Liam, when I remembered that suit. I'd promised to clean it and return it to him...

After some consideration, I dialed the number. First, I informed him that my car was fixed, then sent the repair details and costs. At the end of my message, I added: "Would it be too forward to ask for your employer's height, weight, and measurements?"

My reasoning was practical—since the suit was a complete set, I wanted to buy a matching replacement rather than returning mismatched pieces. He had shown me kindness by lending me his clothes; the least I could do was avoid causing him inconvenience.

Liam: "..."

I waited quite a while without receiving a response.

Perhaps the older gentleman didn't know the answers and needed to ask his boss?

I didn't dwell on it further.

As I approached the next intersection, I received a call from the financial manager who needed to verify some data with me.

The wound on my forehead had almost healed completely, so I turned my car around and headed to the office.

After being absent for so many days, my appearance in the project department caused my team to rush over with concerned greetings.

I hadn't yet told them about my resignation. The thought made me genuinely regretful—my departure meant they would have to adjust to a new supervisor again.

After visiting the financial manager, I returned to my office and spent the afternoon catching up on accumulated work. By late afternoon, I had finished drafting my resignation letter, planning to submit it to Xavier before leaving for the day.

However, before the workday ended, I overheard something nauseating while getting water from the break room.

"Word from the secretary's department is that Shadow Pack Alpha's fourth daughter, Cici White, started working in our company today. The Alpha placed her in his own office."

"Are the Shadow Pack and Blood Moon Pack planning a mating alliance?"

"Have you forgotten our Manager Cecilia is the Alpha's mate? If they form a mating bond, what happens to Manager Cecilia?"

Everyone fell silent, exchanging glances before sighing collectively. They continued drinking their coffee while whispering about Cici's shamelessness, my unfortunate situation, and Xavier's heartlessness.

I stood outside, listening quietly.

Finally, I returned to my office with my empty cup, sat in my chair staring into space for a few moments, then grabbed my printed resignation letter and headed upstairs immediately.

Better to cut ties sooner rather than later.

When I reached the executive floor, Beta Henry rushed to intercept me, looking extremely nervous. "Luna Cecilia, the Alpha is in a meeting. It's not convenient right now."

I nodded in apparent understanding and pretended to turn away. As soon as Beta Henry relaxed, I pivoted sharply and walked with elegant but swift steps toward the door.

I gripped the handle, turned it, and pushed firmly.

"Ah—!" A startled cry rang out from within the office.

Cici, wearing nothing but a towel, was leaning against Xavier's back. The forceful opening of the door had given her a genuine fright.

The smile on Xavier's face instantly froze.

Beta Henry looked mortified, covering his eyes and refusing to look inside. "M-Manager Cecilia, you see, Miss White was moving some files and got sweaty, so she...she just took a shower. I was afraid you'd misunderstand, which is why I said he was in a meeting..."

My beautiful eyes glanced lightly at Beta Henry, a mix of pity and resignation in my gaze. "Beta Henry,, you're a graduate from a prestigious university. How sad that you've nearly become a pimp."

With that, I turned away from him and walked into the office.

"Cecilia, what are you implying? You're just a department manager, yet you dare burst into the Alpha's office! You're fired—don't bother coming in tomorrow!" Cici straightened her posture, barking orders imperiously.

I walked to the desk, placed my resignation letter down, and spoke as if nothing unusual was happening. "I've already discussed my resignation with you," I said, addressing Xavier. "Preparing for travel takes considerable time, so I won't be coming to the office starting tomorrow. Of course, I'll make time to complete the handover of my responsibilities."

Xavier couldn't meet my eyes. "Whatever you want," he muttered.

"Good." I answer briefly. Then I slowly shifted my gaze to Cici and back to Xavier, a sarcastic smile on my lips. "Please continue with your... Meeting? "I bite the last word very hard.

I had barely taken two steps when Cici's shrill voice pierced the air behind me. "Whether we continue or not is none of your business! Cecilia, who do you think you are? Xavier doesn't love you anymore. He loves me now. The one who should leave is—"

"SILENCE!" Xavier shouted, cutting her off.

I took a deep breath, force myself to stay calm.

I stiffened my spine and turned around. "Let her speak. I'd like to hear just how thick-skinned the Shadow Pack's daughter can be," I lifted my gaze to Cici. "Love him or not, you're a mistress, and the fact that I can push open this door proves that I can nail you to the pillar of shame of the scum of the earth forever, understand?"

"How dare you call me cheap!"

Cici, enraged, charged toward me.

I didn't hesitate to slap her across the face. When she tried to lunge at me again, I yanked the towel from her body and pushed her to the ground by her head.

Before my hand could drop, a powerful force pulled me away.

I lost my balance and stumbled backward, my lower back colliding hard with the corner of the desk. The pain was so intense that cold sweat immediately broke out across my skin, and I couldn't even make a sound.