CHAPTER 14

Serena pov

"By the way, with talent like Serena, you'd better keep an eye on her. Plenty of wolves out there want to poach her—Leon's been after her for ages," Joe warned kindly.

Adrian's attitude was cool and certain. "She won't go with anyone else."

Joe figured his worry was unnecessary. After all, everyone had seen how Serena treated Adrian over the years. A she-wolf whose heart and eyes had been full of him for a decade, with almost no personal space—how could she leave easily?

In private, they always mocked Serena as Adrian's most loyal follower—the kind you couldn't drive away. So it was no wonder Adrian was so sure she wouldn't go.

"Right—Jack's back in Jendris pack. Gathering tonight?"

Adrian paused mid-signature before asking, "What time?"

"Eight. Usual spot."

"Fine." Adrian agreed.

…

The usual spot Joe mentioned was Westend Eternal. I was there too. Not for Adrian, of course—Ethan had arranged to meet me here. He said Leon from Unity Reach Business was seeing an important client at the venue, so to save time, he set the interview there.

When we arrived, the client hadn't left yet. Leon waved us in anyway.

The moment I entered, I recognized Leon's client: Tori Young, the powerhouse she-wolf I'd met briefly at a venture summit.

Tori recognized me too and exclaimed in surprise, "Serena? Long time no see."

"Hello, Tori." I greeted her politely.

Leon, curious, asked, "You two know each other?"

Tori smiled and explained, "We met at last year's venture summit in Shalandra Pack. Serena helped me out big time—I never got to thank her properly!"

"You're too kind, Tori. It was nothing major."

I wasn't being modest—it really was small. Right before Tori's award speech, her cycle hit hard with intense cramps. She was in evening gown, couldn't easily use her phone, and couldn't reach her assistant for supplies. With her stage time approaching, she was panicking. I happened to go in, and I always carried sanitary products and painkillers—just helped her out.

Tori had remembered it fondly. That summit was crucial for her. A pivotal moment in her life.

"No—you really saved me!" Tori enthusiastically pulled me to sit beside her.

Leon was thrilled—if Serena brought him closer to Tori's vast resources, he'd profit hugely.

We chatted a while before Tori learned Leon was trying to recruit me.

She asked, "Are you planning to switch jobs?"

I nodded. "Thinking of a new environment."

"Ever consider developing in Shalandra Pack?" Tori invited me. "Come work for me."

Her pack office was sizable—I knew that. But Shalandra Pack was too far. I had to politely decline.

Tori was disappointed but respected it. "Unity Reach Business is good too. Leon has an eye."

The conversation was pleasant; Tori even lingered longer because of it.

Until someone came for her.

A young, handsome fresh-faced wolf—looked fresh out of university. And very clingy.

He swept in and gave Tori a passionate kiss, making the rest of us awkward. Tori playfully pushed him away before he reluctantly let go.

Her eyes softened with affection from the kiss. "This is my boyfriend. Young wolves are so passionate—I can barely keep up. Sorry you had to see that."

Leon and Ethan exchanged meaningful glances.

Nothing else—just the age gap was striking. At least twenty years.

The young wolf urged Tori, so she didn't stay long. She stood to say goodbye.

Out of courtesy, I walked her to the door.

Along the way, Tori chatted with me. The wolf tactfully waited in the car.

"Bet you think it's odd—why I'm with someone so young?" Tori was open, bringing it up herself.

I nodded, a bit embarrassed. "A little."

Sigh. "Wolves, you know. As someone who's been there, let me give you some real talk: if he has money, use it; if he has connections, use them; if he's strong, use his body. Don't waste time on ‘love'—it's meaningless."

As she spoke, she blew a kiss to the young wolf in the car.

"Of course, when I was young and naive, I chased true love too. And look where it got me—just okay."

"Remember the rules of this world: any relationship you don't want anymore—the problem's solved."

Returning to the room, I ran into an old acquaintance in the atrium.

My steps faltered instinctively.

He sat on the courtyard bench, smoking. Cigarette between fingers, arm casually draped over the backrest, smoke curling upward.

Jack Stone.

It had been so long—seeing that familiar face suddenly made me daze for a moment.

That brief daze let Jack spot me.

His lazy gaze turned playful upon seeing me.

He mouthed silently: "Serena."

I quickly looked away, ready to flee.

But Jack wasn't letting me off. He stubbed the cigarette, stood, and followed.

Long legs—he caught up in a few strides. "No greeting for your senior? Would Master be disappointed in your manners?"

I steeled myself. "Master doesn't acknowledge me anymore."

"Oh, so you play turtle—pretend you didn't see me?"

"No… just didn't know what to say."

Jack lightly knocked my head. "Just like Master said—heartless little ingrate."

Adrian and Elena had just arrived at Westend Eternal when they saw the scene.

"Why is Jack with Serena? Do they know each other?" Elena asked Adrian in surprise.

Adrian didn't answer. His eyes darkened as he watched them.

Elena approached Jack. "Jack, when did you get here?"

"Just now." Jack's voice returned to its lazy drawl.

I slipped away while I could.

Jack gave a soft scoff.

Elena asked, "You know her?"