Chapter 4

Two days later, the keys to my new apartment felt heavy in my hand.

A penthouse on the thirty-second floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows facing east, overlooking the entire glittering city.

Most importantly, it held zero memories of Ethan.

"Welcome home, Ms. Silvermoon," the building manager said with a smile, opening the door for me.

I had just dropped my suitcase when his voice wormed its way back into my head.

"Ivana... please... I was wrong..."

His mind link. Faint, but desperate. He had clawed his way through my block.

"I'll change. I'll cut her off completely... just give me a chance..."

I closed my eyes, found that last remaining thread, and severed it.

Snip.

From now on, he could never invade my thoughts again.

That afternoon, I walked into the headquarters of Victoria Group, a top-tier human corporation.

"Ivana, your creative proposal is breathtaking!"

The CEO of Victoria Group slammed his hands on the table in excitement. "This cross-promotional marketing concept is pure genius!"

I smiled, accepting his praise.

For three years, Ethan had insisted my collaborations with human companies were "pointless for our kind."

He said I should focus on pack business, not "waste time on trivial creative projects."

But now, without him holding me back, my talent was finally free to shine.

"The contract is for fifty million dollars," the CEO said, handing me the file. "A three-year exclusive partnership."

The moment I signed my name, I felt a sense of accomplishment I'd never known.

This was something I had earned on my own. Not because I was someone's mate, not because of a political alliance.

This was just me. Ivana.

I returned to my apartment that evening and poured a glass of red wine to celebrate.

As I prepared to enjoy the night view, the lights in the penthouse of the building directly opposite me suddenly flickered on.

I froze.

That penthouse had been empty yesterday.

Now, a familiar figure was standing at the massive window, staring straight at me.

Ethan.

My phone rang immediately.

"Did you buy the penthouse across from me?" I asked, skipping the pleasantries.

"I need to ensure your safety," his voice came through the phone. "The security in this area—"

"Cut the crap," I interrupted. "We're about to sever our bond. Why are you still clinging to me?"

"Because I'm not letting you run away," his voice turned hard. "Ivana, you still care about me. Otherwise, you wouldn't have called to confront me."

I paused for a second.

"See? You're silent," he continued. "That proves you still have feelings for me. We can start over—"

I hung up.

But even across the distance, I could see his silhouette in the window.

A persistent, watching shadow.

At eleven o'clock, my doorbell rang.

"Ms. Silvermoon," the security guard's voice came through the intercom, "there's a delivery for you."

"I didn't order anything."

"A gentleman sent some herbs. He said they're good for your health."

I frowned.

Herbs?

Five minutes later, a bouquet of strange, deep purple plants was presented to me.

A thick, cloying scent hit me instantly.

I scrambled back three steps, covering my nose. "Get it away! Take it away now!" My voice trembled with panic.

The guard looked at me, confused. "Ma'am, is there a problem with these herbs?"

"That's Night-soul grass!" I choked out, tears already blurring my vision as a furious rash exploded across my skin. "I'm fatally allergic to it!"

The guard immediately removed the plants.

I rushed into the bathroom, frantically splashing my face and hands with cold water.

My phone rang.

"Ivana! Did you get the herbs?" Ethan's excited voice chirped. "It's the rarest Night-soul grass. It's supposed to enhance a she-wolf's spiritual power. I had it specially—"

"Ethan," my voice was hoarse from the allergic reaction. "I'm allergic to Night-soul grass."

The line went silent.

"What? No... you never told me..."

"Two years ago," I rasped, my throat raw. "At the pack festival. I ate a pastry with that poison in it. My wolf almost collapsed, my whole body broke out in hives, and I couldn't shift for three days."

A longer silence.

"You took me to the emergency healer," I continued. "You stood there while the healer told you I had a fatal allergy to it and had to avoid it at all costs."

"I… I remember," he stammered, panic finally seeping into his voice. "I do now."

"You don't remember me screaming in the healer's den? So much pain I thought my wolf was dying?"

"I'm sorry! My memory… it's all foggy because of the rejection! The bond… it’s weakening, it’s affecting my mind!" he finally spat out, his voice spiraling.

"Ivana, this isn't my fault! This is your fault! You're the one who did this to us!"