Chapter 3

The sharp click of heels cut through my thoughts. Vivian swept in wearing a red bodycon dress, her waves bouncing as she marched up to the clerk. Before anyone could ask what she needed, she scanned the office with open disdain.

"This place is so drab. Get me the pack's top interior designer—I want it completely redone."

The clerk swallowed her irritation and explained patiently, "I'm sorry, this is the pack administration office. You don't work here, so the décor really isn't your concern."

Vivian lifted her chin with an air of superiority. She pulled a document from her bag and slapped it on the desk. "Who says I don't work here? From now on, I'm in charge. When I say renovate, you renovate."

It was an appointment letter, clear as day—the Beta position was being transferred to Vivian. Adrian's signature in the bottom corner was sharp and unmistakable.

I'd told myself I was past caring. I'd already decided to leave. But seeing it in writing still felt like a fist closing around my heart.

Vivian spotted me and feigned surprise. "Oh! Serena, you're here too? I didn't even see you."

"I'm so sorry about taking your position. I honestly didn't expect the Alpha to trust me with something so important. I'm a little overwhelmed, to be honest."

Her words said one thing; the smirk on her face said another.

Familiar footsteps sounded behind me. Adrian appeared, looking slightly taken aback to see me. "What are you doing here?"

Perfect timing. I held out my pack separation form. "I need you to sign—"

But he didn't even glance at me. He brushed past, heading straight for Vivian. Instantly, her whole demeanor shifted—the arrogance vanished, replaced by a warm, soft smile. Adrian put his arm around her in front of everyone and announced:

"Serena was injured recently. To give her time to recover, Vivian will take over as acting Beta."

As if he was doing me a favor. Everyone in the room could see through it.

He was only looking for an excuse to remove me from my position.

Vivian tucked a loose strand of hair behind her forehead and bowed deeply to the crowd.

"Thank you all for your support. "

The once arrogant Vivian was now humble and polite, her attitude doing a complete one-eighty.

Vivian clung to his arm. "I'm new here and still finding my way around. Could you show me the place?"

Adrian's eyes went so tender they could have melted ice. "Of course. Let's go."

As they passed me, he casually took my separation form, signed it without reading a single word, and handed it back. "From now on, all documents will be signed by Vivian. Her will is my will."

Then he walked away without looking back. As if we were nothing more than coworkers.

Vivian paused in front of the portrait wall, lingering before the blank space. Adrian came up behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist—right there in front of everyone—and murmured in her ear, just loud enough for the room to hear:

"You like it? I'll have the pack's best artist paint our portrait."

The meaning was clear: Vivian would be Luna.

The sycophants circled immediately. "Vivian and the Alpha are a match made in heaven—no one in the whole pack is more perfect together."

"Is that a moonstone on her hand? Those are incredibly rare. Money can't even buy them."

"Forget the ring—if Vivian wanted the stars, the Alpha would pull them from the sky."

Every word was a needle in my chest. But there were a few voices of dissent:

"Serena's been Beta for years. The pack wouldn't be where it is without her. How can they just strip her title like that? It's not right."

"Keep it down. Do you know who Vivian's father is? His pack is one of the most powerful in the whole wolf world. If the Alpha mates with her, we'd have a permanent alliance. Serena's contributions are nothing compared to that."

I clutched the signed form in my hand and walked out without looking back, their laughter fading behind me.