Ainsley stood up and walked over to Eloise. He raised his hand, looked at his watch, and said, “Come on, it’s time for lunch. Let’s go upstairs to eat.”Eloise thought she might have to endure the torture of being stared at by the crowd this morning, so she didn't want to leave the office.She lowered her head and said softly, “I'm not hungry.”Ainsley raised his eyebrows and said, “I’m hungry.”“I don’t want to eat. I don’t feel well, and I have no appetite. I won’t have lunch,” Eloise said again.Ainsley knew it was an excuse. He said calmly, “You’re not feeling well? It’s okay, I’ll take you to the Litha Night Walker Pack werewolf hospital.”Then he pulled out his phone and called. “Eric, are you at the werewolf hospital now?”Eloise, who was on the sofa, suddenly reached out and pulled at his sleeve. There was a look of surprise in her eyes. She didn't expect the call to make her so anxious.Bewildered, she leaned forward. Ainsley quickly reached out with his other hand and pressed
Moonlight Group was founded by the former Alpha of the Golden Moon Pack, but the actual operator was Eloise.On Eloise's 18th birthday, he himself signed the change of ownership rights. From then on, Eloise, an 18-year-old girl, became the CEO of Moonlight Group, an enormous company.With Eloise in charge, the profit generated by Moonlight Group could cover the Golden Moon Pack's expenses for half a year.When the former Alpha of the Golden Moon Pack, Eloise's grandfather, was still alive, he especially favored Eloise. Even Richard, his grandson, could not compare to her.Eloise had been raised by the former Alpha since she was a child, while Richard received no such treatment. That was why, back then, Eloise was known as the confident and flashy Miss Anthony.In most packs, the marriages of she-wolves were not usually valued, including the daughters of Alphas. The best thing that could happen to an Alpha's daughter was to become the Luna of another Alpha, which was beneficial for the
Eloise followed Ainsley into a jewelry store with simple decor. It seemed unremarkable at first glance, with its modest layout and unassuming atmosphere. However, as soon as she stepped inside, she realized that this was no ordinary craft workshop.The interior of the store exuded a sense of artistry. The walls were lined with elegant displays, each housing an array of accessories that seemed to shimmer under the soft glow of the ambient lighting. On both sides of the store, there were a variety of jewelry pieces, each with a unique and intricate design. Some bore the hallmarks of classic elegance, while others had an avant-garde touch, as though they had been crafted by a visionary artist ahead of their time.She couldn't help but exclaim, "This must be some big artist's side business, right? Who owns it?"It might have been true that Ainsley could erase her identity and her past, but he couldn't alter her taste. She had been raised by the old Alpha of the Golden Moon Pack since chil
Eloise still remembered that moment three years ago when she stood in front of that door, looking at Richard through it.Today, she appeared serious and determined. Her steps were slow but firm.As they entered, all eyes were on them.Ainsley was born to attract attention; no one could ignore him. But today, the focus was on Eloise.With a touch of makeup, it was easier for people to recognize her."Is that... Eloise?""Why is she here?""Why is she with Alpha Williams?""I thought she had disappeared.""That was a long time ago. Didn't you know? I heard from Gloria Hill that Eloise had become a shy woman. She's not like she used to be."Whispers spread among the guests as they observed Eloise and Ainsley.Richard and Gary were conversing with the guests when they suddenly noticed Eloise. Their expressions darkened."Why is this woman here? Did you invite her?" Gary asked fiercely.Richard quickly explained, "Dad, I haven't seen her in a long time. Besides, she came with Ainsley."A th
Eloise’s mind cleared after the initial wave of despair. She understood that Pamela had already made her stance clear the moment she said, “I’ll visit you another time.”“Pamela, do you still consider it a kind gesture to visit me?” Eloise asked, her voice laced with cold detachment.Pamela reached for Eloise’s arm, gripping it tightly as if trying to hold onto something already slipping away. But Eloise wasn’t having it. She pushed Pamela’s hand away and took a step back.“Excuse me? Pamela, I’m busy,” she said curtly, her patience worn thin.Without another glance at Pamela, Eloise turned on her heels and walked away, her steps slightly awkward due to the high heels she wore. She headed towards Ainsley, her decision firm.Meanwhile, Gary and Richard stood not far away, observing the scene. When they realized Eloise was not coming toward them, they let out a breath of relief. But before they could fully calm down, a new wave of anxiety struck them.“Why is she heading towards Alpha Wi
Eloise clenched her fists as she voiced her theory, desperately controlling herself for fear that she might lunge forward and strike the man she had called Dad for over twenty years.Her heart ached, a deep, relentless pain that seemed to gnaw at her very soul.The people around her knew that Moonlight Group was nothing more than an empty shell now, but many of them were still interested, continuing to bid with unwavering enthusiasm. Their voices calling out for bids echoed in the grand hall, filling the space with an almost surreal energy.Eloise hated that she couldn't do anything but stand there and watch. She clenched her fists even tighter, her nails digging into her palms, the pain grounding her, keeping her from breaking down completely.Ainsley, standing beside her, studied her with unreadable eyes. “You have run Moonlight Group too well,” he said, his voice carrying an undertone of something she couldn’t quite place. He reached out and gently unclenched her fists, his touch b
Eloise had been shaking with anger, but after Richard spoke those words, she felt herself calming down. Her breath was still heavy, but the storm inside her began to settle. Slowly, she raised her head and looked at the young, handsome face before her, studying every detail as if she were seeing him for the first time. Then, suddenly, a laugh escaped her lips, a bitter, knowing laugh.“I never knew you were so jealous of me, Richard,” she said, her voice laced with quiet amusement. "Grandpa raised me. He taught me everything I knew. Do you think he favored me? Do you think he took your place and handed it to me? Alpha Anthony, do you truly believe I stole everything that should have been yours?”A wave of realization washed over her. She suddenly felt as though she had never truly understood the so-called "family" she had spent the past twenty years with.“Grandpa gave me an opportunity,” she continued, her voice gaining strength. “But he also gave you one. Do you remember that summer
Gary sneered. “You still have the nerve to bring up Grandpa? The Anthony family is ashamed of you! A murderer like you is not one of us!”Eloise bit her lip hard, her whole body trembling.Murderer!The words echoed in her mind, crashing over her like a tidal wave. It crushed her, breaking her from the inside out.She had heard it before. She had been called that before. But today... today, it hurt more than ever.She took a shaky breath. “You call me a murderer?” Her voice was soft, almost too quiet to hear. “Did you see me kill anyone with your own eyes?”She had held this question in her heart for so long. Years of silence. Years of pain. And still, no one believed her.Would they ever?People only saw Eloise's calm face, but they didn't know that she was crying inside. She stood there, her body rigid, her breath measured, but the weight of accusations crushed her from within.Ainsley stood out. This incomparably dazzling man, the embodiment of dominance and command, almost stopped
Time passed slowly.Eloise glanced at her wristwatch again, her brows knitting in frustration. The ticking felt like it echoed louder in the room than it had any right to, like each second was dragging its feet, deliberately mocking her patience. She shifted slightly in her seat, the silence becoming more stifling by the minute. Ainsley sat across from her, completely still, his small eyes trained on her face with an eerie calmness.The shrill ring of her phone startled her.Her body tensed instinctively. She snatched the phone from the table, her thumb sliding across the screen to answer.“Are you here yet?” she asked sharply.From the other end, Eric’s voice came hurried, uneven, and heavy with movement. He was clearly in motion. “I can’t come,” he said, no greeting, just urgency. “I’ll leave Ainsley with you for now.”Eloise shot upright. “Wait a minute,” she snapped. “Leave him with me for now? Isn’t Hank there?”She heard the sigh in Eric’s throat before he spoke. “Hank isn’t fre
Stepping aside, Eloise said in a formal tone, “Let me introduce you. This is Jack Ray, the representative of our partner.”Mandy, blinking in confusion, stepped forward and extended her hand politely. "Hello….."“Mandy, I’ll follow the project this time,” Eloise cut in swiftly, not allowing her to finish.Mandy froze, utterly bewildered.Eloise leaned close and whispered in her ear, “I’ll explain after we get back.”Jack personally walked them all the way to the car, his gaze never leaving Eloise until she disappeared from his sight.Inside the car, Eloise slumped back against the seat.“Have you met Jack before?” Mandy asked curiously as they neared the Moonlight Garden. “I thought I was going to be in charge of the project?”Eloise forced a smile. “Don't misunderstand. There are certain things about this project I need to handle personally. You've been working so hard, Mandy. You deserve a break.”Mandy still looked unsure. “Okay… but rest well after this problem is solved, okay?”A
The secretary suddenly stood up, her voice hurried and apologetic. “I’m sorry, Mandy." Our president said he wanted to meet with Ms. Anthony alone to seek cooperation this time.”Eloise, Mandy, and the other Anthony Group representatives exchanged confused glances, uncertainty flickering between them. What a strange request! Suspicion brewed silently in the air.Mandy parted her lips to protest, but Eloise reached out, stopping her with a firm hand. “Take the others out of the conference room,” she instructed quietly, her voice calm but commanding.“But…” Mandy’s brows furrowed in deep worry. She didn’t want to leave Eloise alone.Eloise looked at her steadily, her gaze unwavering, burning with determination. “Mandy, you know how important this cooperation is to me.”It wasn’t just important to her; it was crucial to the future of the Anthony Group. It was everything.Mandy hesitated a moment longer, then finally nodded. “Let’s go,” she said, her voice reluctant. She signaled the othe
Ainsley was in a pitiful state; his clothes soaked through, his shoes worn out beyond recognition. He must have been searching for her for a long, long time, wandering alone through the rain.“Get in the car,” Eloise said urgently, her voice cracking as she took his trembling hand.Leading him carefully, she guided him back to the car, shielding him as best she could from the relentless rain.She pulled open the back seat door and gestured for him to climb in. But Ainsley stubbornly shook his head, water flying from his wet hair.“No,” he said firmly.“Why?” Eloise asked, frowning deeply, confused by his sudden refusal.“I don’t want to sit in the back seat, I want to sit there.” He pointed insistently at the passenger seat beside her.Eloise blinked, momentarily stunned. She didn’t quite understand what difference it made, but for Ainsley, it clearly meant everything.“I want to sit next to you,” he said seriously, his eyes locked onto hers, filled with an intensity that surprised h
“No reward?” Ainsley’s mouth trembled, and he looked like he might burst into tears at any second.Eloise bit her lip hard. “Of course, you get a reward. Like I said, you did great.” She reached out and ruffled his hair. The next moment, she froze as Ainsley, clearly overjoyed, rested his head contentedly on her shoulder.Just then, Eric came up behind them, his voice low. “Everything’s ready, we can send it now.”No one spoke. The tension in the air was almost unbearable as they quietly got into the car. As the vehicle rolled down the dark road, Eloise stole a glance at Ainsley, who had already fallen asleep beside her.He used to occupy most of her life — in every memory, every thought. Now, the air inside the car felt stifling. Eloise turned her head sharply to the window, blinking hard. He couldn’t remember anything.All the entanglements they once shared ; love, hate and pain, now belonged to her alone.The car headed farther into the remote outskirts, taking a dark road lined wi
Eric hesitated, concern flickering across his face, but finally he nodded and stepped out, shutting the door behind him with a soft thud. Silence swallowed the room. Eloise stood motionless for a long, long time. The steady beeping of machines was the only sound, each one a harsh reminder of how fragile life was.Finally, she moved. Slow, heavy steps carried her to Ainsley’s bedside. She reached out with a trembling hand but stopped an inch from touching him.Instead, she sank into the chair beside him, folding her hands tightly in her lap to hide how badly they shook. She didn’t cry. She didn’t scream. She just sat there, hour after hour, her eyes never leaving his broken body.Five days and nights blurred into each other.Every time Eric or Jacob tried to pull her away, she stayed rooted there.“Won’t it hurt her if she doesn’t cry?” Eric asked once, whispering in a low voice, watching her through the window.“I’ve been through worse,” Eloise heard it she croaked, her voice raw and
“I want shoes to match,” she said softly.“Yes, ma’am. Right away,” the shop assistant said, hurrying off.Mandy walked closer and touched Eloise’s arm gently. “Eloise... are you sure you’re ready for this?”Eloise turned her eyes toward her. There was no hesitation in them. Only a fierce, burning determination.“I have to be,” she said, her voice almost breaking. “I don’t have a choice.”Mandy’s throat tightened. She wanted to hug her, to pull her back, to stop her from going, but she knew she couldn’t.Just then, Eloise’s phone buzzed.Mandy immediately grabbed it from the counter and handed it to her. “It’s Jacob,” she said quietly.Eloise answered on the second ring. “I’m ready.”“Good,” Jacob’s voice came crisply through the speaker. “A car is waiting for you outside. Your passport and visa are in the car. You’ll be taken directly to a private jet. You need to leave within the next twenty minutes.”“Understood,” Eloise said without hesitation.“And Miss Anthony... don’t be late,”
Mandy, who was driving, opened her mouth, only to realize she couldn't find a word to comfort Eloise. She knew Eloise too well, so she didn't feel the need for words to comfort her.The Anthony Group had many problems. Perhaps they had been overlooked, or perhaps Gary didn't think they were serious. Mandy was a little worried about Eloise, who was in the backseat. When Eloise was busy, she worked almost suicidly. Mandy thought she was supposed to hate Ainsley. After all, he was the one slowly forcing an extroverted woman into a corner. In all of Metrocity, Ainsley was the only person who could corner Eloise. But now, Mandy felt grateful to Ainsley. At least he would come on time to pick Eloise up for lunch and dinner, or Eloise would be too busy to eat.Mandy accompanied Eloise to work for several days, and Ainsley did not appear during this time.Eloise knew he was on a business trip.It wasn't the first time Ainsley had been on a business trip. Before, he'd call her no matter where
"Ainsley WIlliams! Damn you! "You promised me!” Eloise’s eyes blazed red with fury, veins visible on her temples as her body shook violently.Her scream echoed so loudly throughout the room that the light on the ceiling trembled from the force of her rage. She kicked at the bed frame, sending it crashing against the wall with a loud bang. The curtains flapped wildly in the air from the force of her movements, as if they too were disturbed by the storm erupting within her.The pain that flashed through Ainsley's eyes nearly froze him in place. His breath caught, but he focused hard on what he was doing, refusing to waver, even though guilt was clawing through his chest.Then her voice ripped through the room, raw and shattering, “Ainsley! I hate you!”Ainsley's eyes were filled with unbearable pain, the kind that didn’t show in blood but hurt worse than any wound. He clenched his jaw and abruptly lowered his head. Without a word, he pressed his lips to the scar on the back of her waist