Chapter 2

The next day, I went to Frost Pack's financial office as usual to review the accounts. Felix didn't know my real identity. To him, I was just an accountant.

When I got to the southern mining district's books, a transfer of twenty million caught my eye.

"Who authorized this?" I pointed at the entry, asking the finance director.

He hesitated, his eyes darting away.

"The Alpha approved it. He said the southern district needed medical equipment urgently, so he moved the funds from our side first."

In Felix's eyes, I was just some weak little thing clinging to him. How dare he move that much money without considering what it could cost me?

I closed the ledger and drove straight to the city hospital.

The hospital room door was cracked open. Laughter drifted out.

Felix was holding a bowl of hot porridge, blowing on it carefully before bringing it to Willow's lips. Willow wore a pale purple hospital gown, sipping in small bites, a sweet smile on her face.

"Felix, that villa in the southern district is so beautiful. I can really live there?"

"Of course. As long as you like it. I've already had the money wired."

Felix's voice carried a tenderness I hadn't heard in a long time.

My hand froze halfway to the door. So the so-called medical equipment funds were actually Felix buying Willow a private villa. With our territory's warrior pension reserve.

I took a breath and pushed the door open anyway.

The moment Felix saw me, his smile vanished. His brow furrowed on instinct.

"What are you doing here? Willow needs rest. You'd better not bother her."

Willow shrank back under the covers, tugging at Felix's sleeve.

"Felix, is Esme mad? I don't want the villa. Please don't fight with her."

Felix patted her hand gently, then turned to me with cold eyes.

"Esme, as my mate, you need to have some grace. Don't make faces in front of Willow."

I looked at him and felt nothing but cold.

Five years ago, I fell into an icy cave. Felix carried me out on his back, risking his own life. He was covered in wounds back then, but he still smiled and told me he'd protect me forever.

Now his sense of duty had been split between two people.

"Felix, you took Frost Pack's pension fund to buy Willow a villa. You call that private business? Do you have any idea how much trouble this is going to cause me?"

A flicker of embarrassment crossed Felix's face. "Esme, don't panic. That twenty million is just a temporary move. Willow's leg injury is serious. She needs a quiet place to recover. I promise I'll fill the hole as soon as I can. I won't let your people come after you, okay?"

I watched him act like he was doing me a favor, and my throat clogged with cotton.

"That money has to be back within three days. Or I'm in serious trouble."

I dug my nails into my palm, held back the tears, and turned to leave the room.

Felix's angry voice chased after me. "Esme, when did you get so obsessed with money? I told you I'll pay it back."

I knew Felix was trying to make up for his fallen comrade. That was why I'd always tolerated Willow.

But now I had to wonder—did Felix even love me anymore?