Chapter 3

"So this is the ‘ability’ you’re referring to—shirking duties at work, lacking even basic operational skills, mistaking partner Alphas during negotiations, and costing the pack hundreds of thousands in losses?"

Everything I said was true.

Peyton's face turned dark, and she immediately looked at Matt with an innocent expression.

Matt sat back down, frowned, and rubbed his temples.

Finally, he said to me helplessly, "You'll report to the pack's southernmost border region tomorrow. Peyton will temporarily take over the Beta position. When you prove yourself again, I'll transfer you back."

The southern branch was the harshest place in the entire pack. The environment was brutal, and because it was close to the borderlands, rogues showed up from time to time. Being sent there was basically the same as exile.

But I didn't argue or get angry. I just let out a sarcastic smile. "Fine. I'll leave tomorrow. This Beta position really should go to someone more suitable."

After the meeting ended and I returned to my desk, I received an official dismissal notice from Matt, assigning me to the border region of the pack. Without his permission, I wasn't allowed to return.

I stared at the cold text on the screen and felt completely numb.

Leaving might not be such a bad thing. At least I wouldn't have to see Peyton's disgusting face anymore.

I packed my bags and left the next day.

The border region of the pack was filled with sand and dust. Anyone sent here had usually committed a serious mistake and been stripped of their position by the Alpha before being dumped in this middle-of-nowhere place.

Here, I not only endured the scornful and pitiful looks of the pack members alongside me, but I also kept receiving mocking photos from Peyton.

In the photos, she smugly propped her legs up on my old desk, striking a victorious pose.

But her provocation didn't make me angry at all, because I knew she wouldn't sit in that position for long.

Peyton was a walking disaster. She spilled coffee on Matt's pants during a meeting, printed the wrong contracts, and even ordered strawberry wine at a reception despite Matt being allergic. Halfway through the event, Matt was rushed to the hospital because of an allergic reaction.

The outcome was obvious. A carefully planned partnership fell apart because of Peyton.

Matt finally couldn't take it anymore and personally called me back.

"Eunice, I've thought it over. You've been my Beta for five years. I shouldn't have fired you over something so small. How about this? If you secure this partnership, I'll reinstate you and double your salary."

Of course, I knew what he was trying to do, so I replied casually, "I don't think I'm qualified to be a Beta anymore. I should stay at the ground level and reflect for a while. When I've realized my mistakes, I'll come back."

Matt paused for a moment, then forced himself to stay patient. "Come on, don't be so rigid. Even if you're not Beta, you're still part of the pack. When the pack's interests are on the line, you can't just ignore it."

I smiled. "What about your outstanding Beta? She's incredibly capable. I'm just someone who gets deals with her looks. How could I possibly compare to Peyton?"

I couldn't see Matt's expression, but from his tone, I knew he was barely holding back his anger.

"It was just a joke between members. You've worked for me for five years. I know what kind of wolf you are."

I remained unmoved, every word dripping with sarcasm. "Docking 40 thousand dollars from my bonus, and sending me to the borderlands count as a joke? Does labeling me as wasteful just because I wanted a washing machine also count as a joke?"

Matt's face shifted from pale to dark, like a living color palette.

He fell silent, clearly thinking about what to say next.

As Alpha, admitting fault to a mere employee would be humiliating.

Just then, Peyton came running over excitedly.

"Mr. White, the Alpha King has agreed to attend our pack's dinner party."

Matt's eyes lit up. "That's great! As long as the other packs see the Alpha King showing up at our dinner party, they'll assume we have his backing. Then they'll be begging to work with us."

He turned back to the phone and said coldly, "You've already been expelled from the pack. Come back immediately to complete the withdrawal procedures."

Peyton added triumphantly, "I'll have the Alpha King issue an order so no pack dares to take you in. Let's see what you do then!"

I smiled faintly. "Alright. We'll wait and see."