Chapter 19

Patience's POV

The recent buzz suggested Cyrus was eyeing the drone industry—a perfect match for Hoffman's new project.

So he wanted to take this opportunity to get to know Cyrus and attract some investment.

I could guess his intentions for sure.

"I'm here for business as well," I retorted bluntly, not bothering to waste more words on him.

"What kind of business could you possibly have here!" Kelsey clearly didn't buy it.

At that moment, Hazel approached, her tone urging yet smug as she glanced at me. "Kelsey, don't delay meeting Mr. Gross—it's a rare opportunity."

"Right," Kelsey agreed, turning to warn me, "Today's important for me. Don't mess things up."

Hazel linked arms with Kelsey possessively.

As they passed me, she slowed just enough to whisper, "A capable woman aids her man; the incompetent grow grotesque with jealousy."

Then, turning to Kelsey, she added sweetly, "Kelsey, I'll help introduce you later. My family has connections with the Gross family."

I knew Hazel was the daughter of the Bluemoon Pack's Alpha.

Her uncle, Winston Cook, wielded some influence in business world and was currently chatting with Cyrus.

Kelsey followed Hazel toward Cyrus as if I were insignificant.

Winston, with a smile, made the introductions. "Mr. Gross, this is my niece Hazel, NY Airlines' first female captain, and beside her is Kelsey Hoffman, head of Hoffman Tech."

"Mr. Gross, we met at the restaurant before, with Professor Malcolm," Hazel said with a poised smile.

Cyrus's gaze flicked over her. "I don't recall," he said indifferently.

Hazel's smile froze. Kelsey quickly tried to flatter him.

Kelsey hurried to speak, his tone deliberately flattering, "Mr. Gross, you might forgot. No big deal. But at that restaurant, when you faced the armed assailant without fear and counterattacked decisively—it was truly impressive and inspiring!"

As he said this, his eyes were full of ingratiation.

Cyrus barely acknowledged him with a faint "Mm."

Yvette and I approached next. Kelsey's brows furrowed, his warning glance intensifying.

"Mr. Gross, I'm Yvette from BlueTech. We specialize in drones and have achieved significant success. We'd be delighted to discuss collaboration if you're interested," Yvette said straightforwardly.

Cyrus, however, barely glanced at Yvette.

Instead, his gaze locked onto me with a hint of amusement. "Ms. Frost, we meet again."

As he spoke, a wave of cedar and leather hit me, sharp and invigorating.

My wolf stirred, whining subtly.

This scent was a siren call to my senses, warming the back of my neck.

I forced a smile, though alarms were ringing in my head.

Yet, my fingertips tingled at the familiarity of his pheromones—a unique signal just for me.

I scanned the surroundings. Kelsey's metallic pheromones were taut with displeasure, and Hazel, standing behind him, twisted her fingers nervously, her focus solely on Kelsey.

Neither seemed to notice Cyrus's overpowering presence, as if it were mere air.

"Nice to meet you again," I said, steadying my voice.

"And what brings you here today?" Cyrus raised a brow, his cedar aura thickening as if probing.

"I'm with BlueTech, accompanying Ms. Hammond," I replied, nodding at Yvette.

Yvette's face lit up.

She knew my words confirmed I was joining her company.

"That's right. Patience is a drone expert with a military background in numerous core projects and will be a key asset to my company!"

Kelsey's face darkened instantly. His metallic pheromones turned razor-sharp.

He interjected, "Patience, stop clowning around. Have some sense of occasion."

Then, turning to Cyrus, he said, "Mr. Gross, sorry to interrupt. Patience used to work for me. She resigned recently. She's no drone expert—just a regular employee with no real skills. Don't take her friend's words at face value."

I glared at him—here he was, belittling me even now, just to seem superior to Cyrus.

Pathetic and laughable.