LOGINDERRICK’S POVI could feel it in my gut that something was wrong. I did not like the idea that Lilith had invited Oprah to her charity gala. That woman was planning something. Even though I hated the thought of attending, I knew I had to go.I finished the last of the documents and paperwork on my desk. There was always so much work that demanded my attention. That was the price of leading both a pack and a company.I sighed and pressed a hand to my forehead. The headache from earlier had returned with full force. What had Lilith been doing during those sixteen years that my men could not uncover? Where had she been? Could it be true that she was Elizabeth Hunter? Then what Dominic had said hit me like a blow. She was his foster sister.I swallowed hard. The air in my lungs suddenly vanished. I felt like choking. My eyes widened."She is Dominic's foster sister." I murmured to myself."That only means Dominic knows something about her past." I stood abruptly, twirling the pen in my ha
LILITH’S POVEverything was in place. The preparations had gone flawlessly. So many volunteers had stepped forward that I barely spent a cent. Waiters in crisp uniforms moved gracefully among the guests, carrying trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres. The men wore tailored tuxedos, the women exquisite gowns and jewels that sparkled under the grand chandeliers. They all claimed to be here for the greater good, but I knew better. They came to be seen.My speech had worked perfectly. The crowd had swallowed every word. They believed the narrative I fed them — that whoever tried to tarnish my name was the real villain. Comments flooded my social media. Some insulted the liars. Others pitied me. Many sent donations to support my charities.I smiled as I glided through the elegant ballroom. The expensive chandeliers cast golden light across the room, creating soft shadows on the faces of the wealthy elite. I could not have asked for more.I passed groups of guests, keeping my gentle and inn
OPRAH’S POV"Don't let him out of your sight, not even for a second. Do you hear me, Gina?" I said, my voice tight with worry. Zarek’s big green eyes sparkled with mischief, but I ignored them and turned back to Regina. My hands trembled as I adjusted the strap of my purse."Of course, ma’am." Regina nodded. A shaky sigh escaped my throat."Mummy, you do know she takes care of me well, don’t you?" Zarek smiled brightly, as if someone had given him candy. I wanted to pinch his chubby cheeks, but instead I rubbed my forehead, trying desperately to calm the storm inside me."You be a good boy, okay?" I leaned closer and took his small hands in mine. My palms were slick with sweat."Of course, Mummy.""Good. And promise me one thing." I blurted out. Zarek stared at me with that knowing flicker in his eyes. He already understood what I wanted to say, but I could see the silent challenge in his gaze. He would not make this easy.I studied the calm boy in front of me. His back stayed straigh
OPRAH’S POVThe rest of the day passed in a frantic haze. I dragged myself through shopping for a gala dress, my mind spinning with dark thoughts the entire time. Alexander had forced dozens of men to accompany me, insisting it was for my protection in case Lilith tried another ambush. I had rolled my eyes and told him it was unnecessary. Deep down, terror gnawed at my bones. I clenched my fists so tightly my nails left deep marks on my palms. This situation was spiraling out of control, and I knew it.Now, late in the evening with only two hours left until the gala, I sat with Zarek at the dining table. I tried to help him with his homework, but the boy already understood concepts far beyond his years. He suddenly pushed his tablet toward me, his small face serious.My heart stuttered."Mummy," he called softly while I watched him eat."Tell me, baby.""I want to join Uncle Seb."I stared at him as if he had grown another head. "Join him in what, baby?" Confusion clouded my face."I
OPRAH’S POVI scanned the faces of the department managers and personal assistants from all seven branches of Voss Jewellery gathered on the video call. A quiet sense of pride warmed my chest. They had worked hard and delivered results, but I kept the praise locked inside. Compliments too soon could make them complacent."Alright, everyone. We have covered everything. I expect you to keep delivering the same high standard. Mr. Tony will schedule the next virtual meeting to finalize strategies for boosting sales on the eclipse rings and the rest of the new jewelry line. If there are no further questions, let us get back to work."I paused, studying their expressions on the tablet screen. Most nodded in agreement. Only Vivian hesitated, her brow furrowed."What is it, Vivian?""Apologies, ma’am, but the top investors are requesting a face-to-face meeting with you."I held her gaze through the screen. Something was clearly wrong. Vivian rarely looked this strained. Running the London bra
DERRICK’S POV"Alpha CEO, the elders are here to see you."I lifted my head from the mountain of documents piled on my desk. Irene stood by the door, tablet in hand. Her usual professional smile was missing.I frowned. Not again.Why had they come all the way to my company? Could they not wait until I returned to the packhouse?"What do they want, Irene?" I leaned back in my chair and composed myself."The elders refused to say. But they insisted it was urgent."I sighed and set down my pen. What else did I expect from them?"Let them in.""As you wish, Alpha."The moment Irene stepped aside, the five elders entered my office. Their faces were grim. I knew immediately this was no social visit."Alpha Derrick." Elder Antonio spoke first as they settled onto the large couch opposite my desk."What do I owe this visit?" I rose from my chair, straightened my coat, and moved to one of the empty seats facing them."I thought if this concerns the pack, you would wait for me at the packhouse.
DERRICK’S POV“Wait.” I stopped her at the door.She froze immediately.“Were you certain your sister cheated?”At my question, her shoulders stiffened.She lowered her head, her eyes fixed on the side of the door while tension visibly crept through her body.“O-of course, Alpha.”I nodded slowly e
DERRICK’S POV“Come in.”The knock on the door made me stop pacing immediately.At this point, pacing around the office seemed to be the only thing I was good at ever since that launch event.The door opened and Lucas stepped inside.“Alpha, she is here.”I exhaled sharply and walked back toward my
DERRICK’S POV“This didn’t happen. It didn’t happen at all!”I stormed into my office so hard that the door slammed against the wall behind me before bouncing back violently. Whoever had been behind me barely avoided getting hit.My hands dragged through my hair, then down my face as I paced across
OPRAH’S POVI kept my eyes on them, even as the auction hall buzzed with controlled excitement. Lilith leaned forward again, whispering sharply at Derrick, her fingers tightening around his arm like she could drag him into obedience. He didn’t even look at her properly. His jaw was locked, his expr







