Chapter 1 : Shattered Hopes

Serena’s Pov

I adjusted the cuffs of my tailored blazer; the dinner meeting was intense, but I held my ground; securing this business deal would solidify the Lancaster Company's dominance in the industry. My father’s words echoed in my mind: "Elegance and strength, Serena. That’s what makes a true leader." I had both.

In the lavish negotiation hall, the opulent chandeliers cast a golden glow over the room, reflecting off the polished mahogany table and gilded decorations. I moved with grace, my heels clicking softly on the marble floor. Speaking with the intellect and poise of someone who knew how to run a company, I felt the eyes of my team and my opponents on me. My team was composed of the company’s finest strategists and negotiators. They stood in a cluster behind me, their faces a mix of admiration and relief. I wasn't going to need their help today.

My opponents could only watch as I made light work of their proposals to the investors in the room; they looked helpless as I dismantled their talking points, but in their eyes, I could also see respect and admiration. I wish my father could see me. He'd be so proud.

After the negotiations, I exchanged a few pleasantries with the investors and even made small talk with some of my opponents.

As I bid farewell to a group, Nathan came over to my side. “There she is!” he said with a wide grin on his face. “The woman of the hour. You were amazing in there, Serena.” Nathan was my personal aide and closest confidant. His presence made the negotiations go a tad easier.

"Oh, stop it." I said, smiling back at him, “You're way better than I am at giving speeches.”

He raised his shoulders a bit, trying to act smug. "While that may be true, I couldn't have won them over like you did. You were sensational."

“Thanks, Nathan,” I replied, offering him a tired smile. “I couldn’t have done it without you, all of you,” I said, turning to the rest of my team. They all bowed slightly in appreciation.

Nathan stayed by my side as the others began to disperse. He always had a knack for sensing when I needed support. “Your father would be proud,” he said, his voice low and sincere.

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. “That means a lot coming from you, Nathan. You’ve always had my back.”

"Alright, enough of the sappy talk. Let's all go celebrate in the lounge," Nathan said.

"I'll join you later, just give me a moment," I say.

"Oh, okay, that's fine," Nathan says as he pats my arm. He waves over the rest of our team, and they all match out of the negotiation hall.

As my team dispersed, a young man from the competitor's side approached me. It was Edmund, with his sharp features and smug grin. I was sure he was looking for trouble.

“You know, it’s quite something to see a woman handle a business deal like that,” he began, his tone dripping with condescension. “Especially one who can’t even shift.”

His words stung, but I hid it as best as I could; not being able to shift into a wolf had always been my greatest insecurity; it was partly why I pushed myself to be better at other things.

My eyes narrowed, patience wearing thin. “Imagine losing to someone who can't even shift; how humiliating it must be for you.”

Edmund’s face twisted with anger, but I didn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing me falter. I turned on my heel and headed towards the restroom, seeking a moment’s respite from the tension.

Inside the restroom, the silence did little to ease my mind. I splashed cold water on my face, trying to wash away the sting of Edmund’s words.

I knew all too well the weight of the expectations placed on me. My father, Alpha Lancaster, was the wealthiest and most powerful werewolf in the world; the company had branches and shares in almost every industry. It was truly a cornerstone of modern werewolf society.

Since I was his only child, I was to be the heir to his empire, but to him, my inability to shift was a glaring flaw, one that he would not accept as the head of his company. That was why I pushed myself every day to prove myself to him so that I wouldn't be seen as a disappointment.

As I exited the restroom, Edmund confronted me. He blocked my path, his eyes filled with a dangerous glint. “You think you’re special because you can talk circles around everyone?” he sneered, grabbing my arm.

“Let go of me, Edmund,” I said, my voice steady despite the fear gnawing at my insides. I tried to pull away, but Edmund’s grip tightened.

“You’re nothing but a human pretending to be one of us,” he hissed, pushing me against the wall. Panic surged through me. I hadn't awakened my wolf; I couldn't shift. I was no match for him in a physical fight.

“Keep telling yourself that, Edmund,” I said, meeting his gaze. “Maybe one day you’ll actually believe it.” I wasn't going to show weakness; not now, not ever.

Edmund growled in anger, and he raised his hand to strike me. "You little insignificant bitc-"

Before Edmund could do anything further, Nathan appeared. His eyes glowed with fury as he grabbed Edmund and threw him across the hall. “Get your hands off her,” Nathan growled, his voice filled with menace.

Edmund scrambled to his feet, glaring at Nathan. “This isn’t over,” he spat before fleeing the scene.

Nathan turned to me, concern etched on his face. “Are you alright? He didn't hurt you, did he?”

I nodded, though my hands trembled. “I’m fine, thanks to you.”

“We should call the police,” Nathan suggested.

“No,” I said firmly. “I don’t want my father to know about this. He’ll see it as a sign of weakness.”

Nathan sighed but didn’t argue. “Alright. Let’s get you home.”

The tension in the car was thick enough to cut with a knife. I stared out the window, the city lights blurring as we sped through the streets. My usual confident demeanor had been replaced with a fragile silence. Nathan, sitting beside me, glanced over with concern, his protective nature ever-present.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked softly, breaking the silence.

I turned to him, managing a small, tired smile. “I will be. Thanks for stepping in back there, Nathan. You always seem to show up at the right moment.”

“It’s my job to look out for you,” he replied. “Edmund crossed a line tonight. We can’t let him get away with that.”

I sighed, leaning back in my seat. “I know, but my father can’t know. If he finds out, he’ll see it as another failure on my part. I can’t afford that right now.”

“Your father is a tough man, Serena, but he’s wrong if he doesn’t see how incredible you are,” Nathan said firmly. “You handled that negotiation flawlessly. You’re the one keeping Lancaster Company on top. Everyone at the company sees that.”

“If only my father saw it that way, but thank you, Nathan. You always know what to say to make me feel better.” I say as I look out the car window.

As we approached the Lancaster estate, my stomach tightened. I was going to face my father. He was endearing and loving, but sometimes, he could be difficult to please.

The Lancaster estate was a sprawling testament to my family's wealth and influence, a place where history and opulence intertwined. Situated on several acres of meticulously manicured land, the estate boasted lush gardens, grand fountains, and ancient oak trees that lined the winding driveway. All of it only served to remind me of the immense responsibility that came with my family name.

The mansion itself was a masterpiece of architecture, blending classical and modern elements seamlessly. Towering columns supported a grand portico, leading to a set of massive oak doors that were always polished to a high sheen. The facade of the house was constructed from pale limestone, giving it a timeless, almost ethereal quality, especially when bathed in the golden light of sunset.

A moment later, the car pulled to a stop just by the front steps. We stepped out and walked towards the front door of the mansion.

“I’m scared, Nathan,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve spent my whole life trying to prove myself, and now… I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

"It's going to be alright, Serena. Everything's going to be fine. Tell him how the negotiations went. He'll be proud." Nathan says back to me with a reassuring smile.

I nod hesitantly at him. He gives me a closed-lip smile; I can tell he's worried too. After I watch him get back in the car. I turn towards the grand double doors of the Mansion and take a deep breath.

Stepping into the grand foyer, I tried to reassure myself. I had sealed a major deal tonight; surely, my father would recognize my efforts. I walked into his study, my heart pounding with anticipation.

My father's study had an imposing atmosphere. The walls were lined with dark, rich wood paneling that seemed to absorb the light, giving the room a somber, almost oppressive feel. A massive mahogany desk dominated the space, its surface meticulously organized with neat stacks of papers, a vintage globe, and an antique ink set. Behind the desk, a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf filled with leather-bound volumes of law, business, and history loomed.

The air was thick with the scent of old books and the faint aroma of my father’s favorite cigar. Large windows adorned with heavy velvet drapes allowed only a sliver of the evening light to filter through, casting long shadows across the room.

Alpha Lancaster looked up from his desk, his piercing blue eyes locking onto mine.

“Serena,” his voice deep and commanding. “Come in.”

“Good evening, Father,” I replied, stepping further into the room. “I wanted to discuss the negotiation results with you. I believe you’ll be pleased.”

He gestured for me to sit, and I took a seat in one of the plush leather chairs opposite his desk. “I’ve heard about your success tonight,” he said, a hint of approval in his tone. “You’ve done well.”

“Thank you, Father,” I said, feeling a glimmer of hope. “It was a challenging negotiation, but I managed to secure the deal.”

He nodded, setting aside a book in a neatly stacked pile. “You’ve always had a talent for business, Serena.”

The warmth of his words washed over me, momentarily easing the tension that had built up throughout the evening. But then his expression hardened, and I knew there was more he wanted to say.

“I’ve made a decision,” he continued, his voice taking on a colder edge. “I want you to resign from your position as Deputy CEO.”

The words hit me like a physical blow. “What? But why?”

“I’ve found someone more suitable for the position,” he replied, his tone unwavering.

“More suitable?” I repeated, disbelief and hurt warring in my chest. “Who could possibly be more suitable than me?”

Alpha Lancaster leaned back in his chair, a hint of regret in his eyes.

“Serena, you’re not my only child. Years ago, I had a relationship with someone, and she bore me a son. A son who has his wolf.”

I felt the room spin around me. “What are you saying?”

The door to the study opened, and a young man stepped inside. My blood ran cold as I recognized him. It was Edmund.