ANMELDEN"What? No, that's impossible!" The disbelieving whisper slipped through Stanley's suddenly dry lips.Marcus merely shrugged briefly, enjoying the sight of the destruction on the man's face before him.Stanley stepped back half a pace, feeling as though a massive stone had struck his chest and left him breathless.He knew better than anyone how difficult it was to break through the defenses of those Singaporean businessmen. They were known for being extremely selective, cold, and untouchable by bribes or intimidation from werewolves. Even he, with all the connections he possessed, had never managed to obtain their full commitment.But Aaron? That young man had succeeded? In such a short time?"No, this must be a mistake. You must be bluffing," Stanley hissed, trying to find a crack in the lie.However, the clear and triumphant look in Marcus's eyes showed that all of this was a bitter reality he had to swallow."Aaron managed to convince them without your help, Stanley," Marcus said as
Marcus remained silent for quite some time. Beneath the light of his study, his gaze remained calm, flat, and as deep as a dead lake. There was no flash of anger, nor was there any ripple of fear in them. To him, the threat Stanley had just made was nothing more than a passing gust of night wind.With a movement deliberately slowed to display dominance, Marcus leaned his back against the leather chair."Revenge has a unique way of making someone survive longer, Stanley," Marcus said, his voice heavy and hoarse, characteristic of an Elder who had weathered hundreds of storms.Stanley narrowed his eyes, irritated by the calmness of the man before him. "What do you mean by that nonsense?""You keep thinking about the scar on Jessi's face." Marcus looked straight at him, dissecting Stanley's expression without mercy. "That is clear proof that you still cannot truly accept reality. You are trapped by that revenge itself."Stanley's jaw hardened, the veins in his neck tightening as he held
The midday sun shone brightly above the clan's main headquarters. The clan members' activities continued as usual. Several vehicles came and went through the main area, while guards stood watch at every strategic point with high discipline.A luxurious black car slowly came to a stop in the courtyard in front of the headquarters.The vehicle door opened. Stanley stepped out with a cold expression.Several guards immediately saluted respectfully when they recognized him. As one of the largest investors who had maintained a close relationship with the Elder for years, his arrival did not arouse any suspicion.But today, Stanley did not head toward the main hall. Nor did he intend to attend any official meeting. Without wasting time, he immediately walked toward the west wing of the main building, where Elder Marcus's private office was located.His steps were steady. His gaze was sharp. It was obvious that he had come with a specific purpose.Along the corridor, several men dressed in b
Throughout the rest of lunch, Aaron smiled softly several times whenever he looked at Fay, who was still flustered. The lunch atmosphere, which had initially been expected to be awkward, instead became warm and filled with light conversation.Robert made several blunt comments that invited laughter, while Aldhen occasionally responded with brief remarks that always hit the mark.Even the elite hunters who had initially sat stiffly began to look more relaxed and became immersed in casual conversation with the others.Time passed without them realizing it. When the light conversation began to reach its end and the atmosphere slowly became calmer, Aaron suddenly straightened his posture. Without waiting for any signal or cue from anyone, he immediately took control and opened the final conversation."I think we should head back soon," Aaron said.The conversation at the table immediately quieted.Fay, who was sitting beside him, also gave a small nod, while Aldrick and Lucien, catching t
Robert shook his head several times as he picked up his glass."I truly don't understand how this conversation could change from a threat of war into a scene like this within just a few hours.""Me neither," Lucien replied flatly from the end of the table.Aldrick glanced briefly toward Aaron and Fay, then returned his focus to his food. "At least the end result is better than this mountain being destroyed.""That's a good point," Robert chimed in.Fay wanted to disappear from the room even more. Unfortunately, the two Alphas from the outer territories did not seem intent on stopping."I'm curious," Robert said as he rested his elbow on the table. "Are you always like this, Aaron?"Aaron raised one eyebrow. "Like what?"Robert pointed without shame. "Like a man who can't let go of his mate for more than five minutes."Aaron looked at him for a moment before answering calmly. "This is the first time I've had a mate."That answer made Robert fall silent for a moment, even Aldhen seemed
It did not take long for the servants of the stone fortress to prepare everything. They were all directed toward a very large dining hall inside the castle. The room had magnificent architecture with sturdy black stone pillars, while the tall windows along its sides revealed a view of the mountains covered in a thin mist.A long table stretched across the center of the room, large enough to accommodate Aaron, Fay, Aldrick, Lucien, and even the entire line of elite hunters who had taken part in the journey.The finest feast had been prepared. Roasted meat, warm soup rich in spices, fresh mountain fruits, and various specialties were neatly arranged on the table. The appetizing aroma of food soon filled the room, bringing a warmth that contrasted with the tension that had only recently passed.Fay sat in the chair prepared for her, right beside Aaron.Only after they sat down did Aaron's arm, which had been wrapped around Fay's waist all this time, slowly release her. But before even th







