Oscar reached for his coffee mug. He inhaled the unmistakable aroma that warmly filled the air and indulged his taste buds with the first sip. A refreshing taste jolted him and his eyes cleared.
"Our sales growth has been steadily increasing for the past two quarters. With a more aggressive marketing strategy, we've managed to attract attention in the market, especially in the international market."
Oscar put the coffee cup back on the coaster and asked the marketing director, Donald Hall.
"What about the competition? Are there any new trends we should be aware of?"
Donald shook his head. "So far, we remain ahead, but I suggest we focus on product innovation. Competitors continue to try to approach our superiority in the premium market."
"What about the new project we're developing? How is it progressing?"
"We are currently in the testing phase for the organic product line with a broader market reach," Donald replied, rolling the slide on th
"I must be dreaming. This can't be real."That's what Era thought when she opened her eyes. She saw the ceiling and it took her a moment to realize the situation.First of all, Era was in her room. This was not Oscar's room, and her memory went back thirty days to when she was rescued by Philo and ended up resting in the Alpha's bed. A day later, she managed to convince Aaron to prepare a private room. She managed to dash Oscar's hopes of spending the night together and used the situation to flirt with him.Second, Era was sure she had missed something. As far as she remembered, she was getting ready for the Sacred Ceremony. Ursa dressed her and they left. She even exchanged glances with Oscar before...Era winced. She closed her eyes tightly and held her head. Various uncertain flashes filled her mind, causing her pain."You're awake."Era opened her eyes. "Landon.""I hope we could meet under different circumstances," Landon said as
Era just hoped to lead a normal life. At least she did not want to experience strange visions every time she woke up.Just like what was happening now. Era opened her eyes and froze as a memory flashed through her mind."Let me go, Oscar! I said let me go! Let me be free!""You can plan, you can try, but you won't be able to escape me. Your place and your destiny is here, with me!"Era closed her eyes again. She did not want to remember this embarrassing moment. Even though she had gathered all her courage to jump through the window and face the rough stones below, what happened? Oscar foiled her plan too easily."Damn you, Oscar."A deep voice filled Era's ears, followed by a question."Did you just curse me?"Era's eyes widened instantly. She turned around and her eyes got even bigger. There was Oscar, lying next to her, shirtless, propped up on one elbow."Oscar. W-what are you doing here?"Os
Era finished her breakfast. The feeling of fullness filled her stomach and her face looked fresher. She leaned back in the chair in a relaxed position, then noticed that Oscar was silent for a moment, thinking about something."What is it? Why are you silent? Is something on your mind?"Oscar blinked, then shook his head. "Nothing. I'm just thinking about my schedule for today."Era glanced briefly as Oscar stood up."I'll go, and in the meantime, I'll instruct Ursa to take care of you. You have much to learn, and I'll remind you of one thing," Oscar said, raising his index finger. He emphasized his warning. "Do not even think of escaping. If you try to escape, I'll make sure I catch you and put you in the underground dungeon.""Underground dungeon?"Oscar grinned with a mocking expression. "If you don't believe me, go ahead.""Oscar!"Oscar left without paying attention to Era, who suddenly became agitated. He grabbed his paja
Era remained silent, watching as Julie rejoined the group of teenage werewolves. Upon reflection, this might not be the first time she and Julie had crossed paths. They had run into each other several times while Era was roaming the palace, and she noticed that Julie was a bit different from the other werewolves, who always seemed friendly and enthusiastic towards her; Julie was not.That did not mean Era was offended, not at all. Instead, she admitted that running the palace must be very tiring. Especially since, as she began to learn about werewolf life, she became aware of the Palace's problems to a certain extent.Oscar was not only supported by Aaron as Guardian, Ursa as Sacred Elder and Philo as Beta. There was also Julie, who took care of the Palace in her position as Gamma. In Era's eyes, Julie's responsibilities were similar to those of a housewife, taking care of all the household matters. So, she understood if Julie seemed tired and weary at times."S
"Are you sure?"Oscar knew that Philo was always meticulous. It was impossible for him to make a mistake on a task. However, he reflexively asked when Philo had finished reporting the information he wanted."I'm sure, Alpha. Amias is not a werewolf," Philo replied.Oscar squeezed his fingers. "What about his mother? Uh, Sylvie?""I don't know, Alpha," Philo replied, feeling guilty, then explained. "Sylvie died ten years ago. I checked the cemetery and dug up her grave, but there was no trace at all. Her bones were completely destroyed."Oscar growled. "Of course, you wouldn't find any clues. Surely her bones are completely crushed."Philo remained silent while Oscar thought. Then he gave an order."Summon Ursa."Philo nodded. "Alright."Ursa arrived about five minutes later. She glanced at Philo briefly, as if she wanted to know why she had been summoned. At the very least, she wanted to prepare.Unfortunately, Ph
Era looked at Oscar with a victorious gleam in her eyes. Her chin lifted high, showing arrogance. She enjoyed Oscar's poker face for a moment as she reached for a glass of milk."How about it, Oscar?" Era asked after enjoying her first sip of milk. She briefly wiped the milk residue from her lips with the tip of her tongue, eliciting a growl from Oscar. "Will you keep me imprisoned in the palace like a typical selfish man or will you let me continue my journey to achieve my dreams like a true gentleman?"Oscar's eyes narrowed. He met Era's gaze with an expression that defied interpretation. There was a hint of amusement at the corner of his lips. "I can assure you that I am both a selfish and a gentleman."A startling answer. Era did not stay on top for long. Now she planted her feet firmly on the ground and asked, "What do you mean?""You'll find out later," Oscar replied as he continued to eat. He gestured to the breakfast spread with a knife in his han
In truth, Aaron was not too busy. The tasks Oscar had given him a few days ago were not too onerous. Everything was manageable, but that did not mean it did not take time and energy.Aaron traveled to the Celestial City. There were several important things he needed to take care of regarding the upcoming end of the summer vacation."How is everything going? Is it all done?"Aaron nodded. That night, at exactly eleven o'clock, he was summoned by Oscar. So, he went to Oscar's office and reported all the results of his work, even though his not-so-young body was already screaming for rest."The apartment, car, credit cards and all of Era's needs are ready, Alpha."Oscar left the product development proposal he had been studying for the past hour. Now there was something more important than the latest innovation in the organic food industry.Aaron handed him a tablet. He showed various photos of the appearance of the apartment, the car, and all
Eight in the morning. The car Philo was driving had left the palace. It was accompanied by Aaron, Era and Oscar. While Aaron accompanied Philo in the front seat, it was different for Era and Oscar. They were in the back seat with a partition installed.Era kept reminding herself to keep her emotions in check. Instead of worrying about Oscar, who kept staring at her throughout the ride, it was better to remember the events of a while ago, especially before she left the Palace.Era had never imagined that her departure would make the inhabitants of The Palace sad. The werewolves surrounded her like ants swarming with sugar. They offered prayers and wishes, mostly hoping that she could finish her studies quickly so she would not have to leave the Palace again. They also asked her to visit The Palace often and to keep in touch with them.Era felt a bit amused. She was not going to a distant part of the world, just to Celestial City. Strangely, they acted as if she w