CHAPTER 3: Diamond Crown on the Ruins

Three years is not a long time for immortals, but it is long enough to overthrow the arrogance of an empire. The Bloodmoon Pack, who once stood proudly like kings of the forest, are now like ringworm dogs begging for leftover bones. Alpha Julian's stupid decision after decision, combined with Seraphina's hedonistic lifestyle, has eaten away the company's assets to the marrow.

Tonight, fate turned its crazy wheel again. In the Crystal Palace - the most prestigious auction hall on the continent - the dragons and tigers of the business world gather. This is where everything is determined; who will ascend the throne, and who will end up on the financial gallows.

Julian stepped in, his suit still looked expensive, but his face was tense, filled with despair. Beside him, Seraphina dangled, her tight silk dress showing off her curves like a marble statue. The woman smiled proudly, not caring that her husband was on the verge of collapse. For Seraphina, as long as she could still mingle with the elite, the world was fine.

"Don't make such a gloomy face, dear Julian," whispered Seraphina, rubbing the man's broad chest. "Mr. Sterling from the Vanguard Group will reportedly be attending tonight. They are the biggest investors. I'm sure, with my charm, I can persuade any of their representatives to inject funds into our company."

Julian snorted softly, his eyes sweeping sharply across the room. "Vanguards don't choose their partners carelessly. They are ancient wolves who can tear your throat without blinking. Watch your attitude, Sera."

Suddenly, the buzz of conversation in the hall stopped abruptly like a sword cutting through the vocal cords. The classical music faded, replaced by an eerie yet majestic silence.

From the gold-plated double-leafed main entrance, a woman appeared. 

His footsteps were light but each tap on the marble floor resounded like a death knell to his enemies. The woman wore a jet black waist-hugging evening gown studded with real diamond dust. Her straight hair was tied high, revealing a smooth white neck like a snow swan. His face... that face was carved from the most deadly heavenly perfection. His almond brown eyes now radiated the look of an absolute ruler who controlled the lives of thousands of people.

An old man with a silver cane walked a step behind him, while a dozen military guards stood guard at a precise distance. 

On the VIP balcony, whispers erupted.

"That's it! Vanguard Group's sole heiress! The Black Wolf Queen!"

"Oh my God, his aura... it felt like all the oxygen in the room was sucked into him."

Julian gasped. The champagne glass in his hand almost fell off. His gray eyes widened, looking in disbelief at the figure of the Goddess of Wrath who had just entered. His heart thundered violently, the wolf inside him howled wildly, half in fear, half in crazy longing.

"N-impossible..." Julian hissed hoarsely, his breath hitched as if an invisible hand was strangling his neck. 

Seraphina, who was standing next to him, also widened her eyes. Her face, which was heavily made up, suddenly turned pale, like a corpse that had just been lifted from the grave. His mouth was agape stupidly.

That's Chloe.

Omega trash that can't transform. A disabled dog that three years ago was kicked into the middle of a storm. A despicable figure who never entered his mind again, has now blossomed into a ruler of the universe whose charm can blind the eyes and strangle the common sense.

Without even glancing in their direction, Chloe strolled gracefully past Julian. The smell of pine rain from Julian touched her nose, but Chloe's face was as cold as arctic ice. There's no vibration. No sadness. There was only an employer's absolute disdain for bed bugs.

When Chloe walks by, Julian loses his mind. Driven by a primal, selfish instinct, he stepped forward and caught her wrist.

"Chloe..." Julian's voice was hoarse, shaking, calling out the name he had previously thrown into the mud.

In that instant, the temperature in the room plummeted to freezing point. 

A large, steel-hard palm gripped Julian's arm, forcing the man to let go of his touch. It was Arthur, the butler, whose eyes now radiated the glint of a life-killing executioner.

"One more dirty touch on our young lady's skin, your poor fingers will be chopped up for bloodhound dinner, Alpha Blackwood," Arthur growled softly but frighteningly.

Chloe turned slowly. Her eyes met Julian's. In the past, those eyes radiated eternal love. Now, all that remains is an eerie emptiness.

"Are the Bloodmoon dogs now so poor in manners that they have forgotten how to greet their superiors?" Chloe's voice was slow, cold, and slapped hard.

First slap. 

Julian staggered a step back. The word 'superior' was like a sledgehammer crushing his skull. The arrogant Alpha who once stood on the throne, now in terms of caste and wealth, is nothing more than a crumb of dust under the soles of Chloe's shoes.

Seraphina, who felt her position was threatened, immediately stepped forward, putting on her favorite hurt face. "Chloe! How dare you! Even though you were lucky to be appointed by a rich family, you are still a loser who was rejected by Julian! Don't be arrogant!"

Chloe tilted her face, looking at Seraphina with an incredibly crooked smile.