"Bullshit!"


    Axel muttered under his breath, his jaw tightening as he watched Kane step onto the stage.


    Alpha Darius greeted him with a firm handshake, his expression unreadable.


    "I can''t believe this! How is this even possible, boss?" Rachel asked me, her voice thick with disappointment.


    All mypany managers had their heads lowered, defeat clear in their eyes. The sight made my blood boil.


    "Alpha Kane, please, say a few words," the Beta of the Moonveil Pack urged him.


    At that moment, Alpha Tate handed Kane a bouquet of assorted flowers as a congrattory gesture.


    My eyes widened as something clicked in my mind. Shifting my gaze from the bouquet to Kane, I caught him smirking at me.


    I clenched my fists, resisting the overwhelming urge to wipe that smug grin off his face.


    That was when it hit me he was the one who had sent me the bouquet of red rosesst night.


    Kane finally looked away and began to speak.


    "Good evening, everyone. I, Alpha Kane, never forget my vows to my pack. When I took over as the head Alpha, my father entrusted me with keeping our pack strong. That has always been my priority."


    I scoffed at his empty words. This man was nothing but a fraud. I had witnessed firsthand how he treated his father. Now, he was standing there, pretending to be the ideal son.


    "We will grant the Nightfall Pack 70% of the profits from this project."


    A collective gasp filled the room.


    "Seventy percent?"


    Murmurs erupted behind me. Every Alpha in attendance was stunned. No one had expected Alpha Tate to agree to a deal that seemed to put his pack at a disadvantage. It was widely assumed Nightfall Pack''spany would negotiate for more than 50%, but 70%? That was unheard of. The Nightfall Pack was one of thergest, with a formidable number of warriors. Offering their strength to another pack was a risky move-what if their own pack was attacked while their forces were away?


    "No one thinks like Alpha Kane."


    "We wouldn''t even dare to consider protecting another pack at this level."


    "This is why he''s the ruler of thergest pack."


    The other Alphas murmured among themselves, admiring Kane''s boldness and strategic mindset.


    I kept my gaze locked on the man standing tall and proud on the stage.


    "How do you feel about the deal?" the Beta asked Kane.


    "I won''t say this is insignificant to me. This deal is as important to me as it is to Alpha Tate. But my 17:18


    reasons aren''t just about my pack''spany."


    "Then what is it?"


    Kane''s eyes met mine as he answered,


    Menu


    "Someone thought that by stealing a few projects, she could bring me down. I just wanted to show her how easily I can shake her confidence."


    I narrowed my eyes at him. Every word was directed straight at me.


    My mind shed back to the message he had left on the card.


    So, he had chased this project solely to crush my momentum in the business world?


    I could feel the weight of the stares around me. Everyone knew exactly who he was talking about. The


    person who had dared to challenge Kane Thorne was me.


    I refused to let my emotions show. Taking a deep breath, I steadied myself.


    "Magnus was right. He''s a bastard," Axel whispered angrily.


    He had poured just as much effort into this project as I had. In fact, every single one of my employees had worked tirelessly. This wasn''t just my loss-it was a loss for all of them.


    guess your friend was right. Someone was after the deal, and now, he''s got exactly what he wanted," I murmured to Axel.


    I nced around, noticing the other Alphas still watching me closely.


    I


    Turning my attention back to the stage, I met Kane''s gaze head-on. He was studying me, waiting to see my reaction to his victory.


    I refused to give him the satisfaction. Instead, I was the first to start pping.


    The room hesitated for a moment before following my lead.


    "Boss..." Rachel muttered hesitantly.


    "Rachel, we have to show sportsmanship. Let the winner enjoy his moment."


    She let out a sigh but nodded, pping along with the others, albeit reluctantly. After the Conference


    Once the event ended, several Alphas approached me,mending me for not disying any hostility toward the Nightfall Pack. Theypared me to my father, Alpha Malcolm, praising myposure.


    Dinner was a buffet, arranged by Alpha Tate. The evening was filled with conversations and mingling. but I made sure to avoid Kane entirely


    As it grewte, Axel suggested we leave and head back to the hotel. I nodded in agreement.


    While holding my drink, I signaled to Axel that I''d meet them outside


    "I''ll just stop by the restroom. I''ll be out in a few minutes," I assured him.


    Axel nodded, and I made my way toward the restroom.


    After washing off the drink stains from my dress and patting it dry with a tissue, I stepped out. 1718


    < Chacter de


    v tracks.


    was heading toward the entrance when a voice stopped me in my


    "Won''t you congratte your rival, Selene Hawthorne?" His voice dripped with mockery.


    you


    I tumed to see Kane approaching from behind, cutting off my path.


    I scoffed, titing my head up to meet his gaze.


    "Congrattions, Kane Thome. You managed to keep one project from slipping through your fingers."


    remained unfazed by my words.


    smissed him and attempted to walk past, but he swiftly stepped in front of me again.


    His eyes roamed over my face, his scrutiny making my skin prickle.


    Then, that damn smirk returned-the one that told me he was enjoying my reaction far too much


    "Why so angry, sweetheart? he taunted. "One failure isn''t enough to make you weak.... is it? The Alpha''s Hidden Heirs