Chapter 90: Happily Ever After?Five Years Later "Luna! You can't catch me!" Lucian's voice rang out as he dashed through a group of guests, narrowly avoiding toppling a tray of drinks."Oh, yes, I can!" Luna shot back, her face flushed with determination as she lifted her skirts slightly to run faster.The Clarke estate was alive with the sounds of joy and celebration. The grand ballroom were adorned with delicate garlands of flowers and shimmering drapes. Blue and pink ribbons intertwined across the space, signifying the shared celebration for the twins, Lucian and Luna.Two grand cakes sat at opposite ends of the room—one decorated with stars and moons for Lucian, and the other adorned with flowers and butterflies for Luna. The twins, now five, were darting around the room like a storm as their laughter echoed.Selene stood near the refreshment table with her hand resting protectively over her growing belly. Her floral dressed flowed gracefully around her, though it was tailored t
Chapter 89: Second LifeThe Elysian Empire was a land of grandeur, steeped in tradition and hierarchy. Its people were not only divided by their noble ranks but also by the unique genders bestowed upon them by nature itself. The six genders—male and female alphas, male and female betas, and male and female omegas—shaped the very fabric of their society. Each bore distinct roles, and though unity was idealized, inequality and prejudice often thrived beneath the surface.Alphas were leaders, strong and dominant by nature. Male alphas often held positions of power, while female alphas were just as capable, known for their strength and determination. Both experienced ruts, intense periods when their instincts took over, driving their need for a mate.Betas were the steady, dependable ones. Male betas were the merchants, builders, and thinkers, while female betas were skilled at solving problems and keeping peace. Unlike alphas and omegas, betas didn't have ruts or heats, which made their
Chapter 88: ForgivenessAs Claudia approached, Alaric's expression hardened. The relaxed warmth he'd displayed moments ago vanished, replaced by the icy demeanor he had perfected from his past life. He stepped forward, positioning himself subtly between Claudia and Selene. His sharp gaze bore into her as though dissecting her every move."Damian. Selene.""What are you doing here, Claudia?" Alaric's tone was cold, cutting straight to the point.Claudia stopped a few feet away, her grip on the bouquet of hydrangeas tightening. She met his gaze, though her confidence faltered slightly under the weight of his stare. "I came to—""To what?" Alaric interrupted, his voice dripping with disdain. "To dredge up more chaos? Or to play the victim again?"Claudia flinched as the harshness of his words hit her squarely. She glanced down at the flowers in her hand, her shoulders stiffening. "I didn't come to cause trouble," she said quietly but her voice clearly wavered out of guilt.Alaric's brow
Chapter 87: Blue HydrangeasThe atmosphere at the garden party was cheerful. It brimmed with the warmth of the midday sun and the vibrant hum of people's laughter and chatter. The estate's sprawling yard was alive, dotted with tables adorned with bright, freshly picked flowers and a spread of delicious food. The smell of roasted meats, buttered rolls, and fruit tarts lingered in the breeze, adding to the cozy ambiance.Under the shade of a grand oak tree, Selene sat comfortably with Luna in her arms. Her baby girl's tiny fingers occasionally reached for Selene's long, wavy hair. Nearby, Noah crouched to entertain Lucian, waving a brightly colored napkin in front of him. The baby's soft giggles were contagious, drawing smiles from everyone present. Mrs. Callaghan sipped her lemonade with a look of satisfaction, while Mr. and Mrs. Weaver chatted animatedly about the twins' resemblance to their parents.Alaric stood slightly apart while his watchful eyes scanned the joyful scene. His typ
Chapter 86: Family and Friends"Are you ready, grandma?" Noah's voice called from the living room sounding mildly impatient. He stood near the window with hands tucked into his jacket pockets, peering out at the sleek black car idling outside.Mrs. Callaghan, bustling in the kitchen, replied without turning. "Patience, Noah. You don't rush a visit."Noah chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I'm not rushing. I'm just saying we shouldn't keep them waiting too long. Alaric doesn't strike me as the kind of guy who likes delays."Mrs. Callaghan paused with a smile tugging at her lips. "You're not wrong there. But don't forget, Selene invited us because she wanted to see us. No need to act like we're meeting royalty."At that moment, the door creaked open, and Mr. and Mrs. Weaver entered, both holding small wrapped packages. "We're set," Mr. Weaver announced, adjusting his scarf. "The driver's already got our bags. You about ready, Callaghan?""Almost," Mrs. Callaghan replied, placing the la
Chapter 85: ConquestThe usually calm and orderly floors of Clarke Industries had transformed from all the frantic activities currently happening. Employees rushed through hallways with files and folders. Their shoes clicked against the polished floors, while maintenance staff scrubbed every surface as though their jobs depended on it—which, in their minds, they did. The hum of printers, the frantic tapping of keyboards, and the occasional bark of instructions created a symphony of barely contained chaos.After a month of Alaric's absence, the announcement of his return sent ripples of panic and urgency through the company. The CEO's reputation for ruthless perfectionism preceded him, and every employee, from executives to interns, was painfully aware that even the smallest oversight could spell disaster for their career. To many, this day felt like a final exam they were unprepared for, and failure wasn't an option.Arthur stood at the center of the storm. His composed demeanor and s