Chapter 3

When Lucas brought Selene into my office, I was reviewing the financial reports of my new Utah territories.

"Elara, walk Selene through the core proposals for the Pack Coalition Summit."

Lucas leaned his hands on my desk, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Selene doesn't know the details. Do some extra work and rewrite her draft."

Selene sat comfortably in the leather chair opposite me, spinning a pen.

"Elara, Lucas says you're the best at doing this kind of 'dirty work'."

She pulled a completely messy draft from her bag and tossed it onto my desk.

"These numbers are too boring. I changed it to focus on 'Pack Honor'. Just rewrite the data to make it look pretty."

I flipped through the draft.

It was full of flowery words and outright lies, claiming our pack's resources had tripled.

If this was sent out, the other packs would laugh us out of the coalition.

"I can't rewrite this."

"Ms. Whitfield, resource data isn't a fairy tale. Falsifying records like this can trigger a war."

Selene’s smile vanished instantly.

"Lucas, look at her..."

Lucas frowned, his eyes turning cold.

"Elara, don't bring your personal bitterness into work. Selene’s family connections will triple Stonecrest's standing in the coalition."

He walked behind my chair and leaned down, whispering in my ear.

"Don't forget, you only stay in this pack because of my mercy. For Noah’s sake, you need to make sure Selene looks good."

I closed my eyes.

This wasn't just betrayal. This was a systematic attempt to crush my dignity as a wolf.

"Fine," I opened my eyes, my voice completely calm. "I will write a new one."

Lucas’s face softened. He patted my shoulder with satisfaction.

"That’s more like it. There’s a formal banquet tonight to introduce Selene. You should be there too."

At three in the afternoon, Selene brought her stylists and took over my private lounge.

Right in front of me, she put on a stunning, diamond-encrusted gown.

It was the gown Lucas had bought at a Paris auction last year, promising it would be my thirtieth birthday gift.

"Elara, this dress is a bit tight. Lucas said it was custom-made for the 'true lady' of the pack."

Selene looked at herself in the mirror, then pointed at my black suit.

"You look so dull. Like a secretary. Noah will be there tonight, you should try not to embarrass him."

My chest tightened at the mention of Noah.

To show off a fake "happy family," Lucas was forcing Noah to attend.

"Ms. Whitfield, a beautiful dress looks ridiculous if the person wearing it can't afford it."

I didn't look at her again. I grabbed my laptop and walked out.

In the empty hallway, I dialed a number.

"Get the debt collection team ready. I have a grand surprise for the Alpha at the banquet tonight."

Three hours later, the Pack Coalition Banquet.

The Stonecrest Pack was the center of attention. All eyes were on Lucas and Selene.

The crowd whispered about them being the "perfect match."

Meanwhile, I stood in the dark corners, holding Noah’s hand.

Noah pulled on my blazer nervously.

"Mommy, why isn't Daddy holding our hands?"

I knelt down and straightened his little bow tie.

"Noah, Mommy is going to show you a magic trick soon."

"Once it’s done, we will be free."