Free Web NovelChapter 102: Chapter 102 Burning Bridges?
Sylvia’s POV
The air in the boardroom felt like it had been vacuum-sealed—thick with tension and the kind of fake politeness that made my skin crawl.
Across the table, my mother—Alpha Astra Frost, CEO of Frost Enterprises, corporate shark, emotional glacier—was gazing at Selene like she’d personally raised her on organic milk and bedtime lullabies.
"I just hate that you have to work so hard, Mom," Selene said, her voice trembling with the kind of vulnerability that felt about as real as her eyelash extensions. "If I weren’t so... useless, maybe I could help more."
Oh for god’s sake. I didn’t know whether to gag or applaud the performance.
My wolf let out a low growl in the back of my mind. Same, girl. Same.
"It’s not your fault, darling. Your physical condition isn’t something you can control," my mother replied, reaching out to stroke Selene’s hand.
"It’s just..."mom hesitated, her gaze flickering toward me before she seemed to steel herself. "Power should belong to those who can handle it. I’ll give this serious consideration."
"On what grounds?" The words burst from me before I could stop them.
I’d always known mom favored Selene, but I never imagined she would be this blatant about it—practically announcing her intention to pass over her biological daughter,.
A fire ignited in my chest, my Alpha nature fighting against years of suppression.
"There are no ’grounds’ needed," mom snapped, her eyes flashing with annoyance. "Merit earns reward. After today’s fiasco, do you honestly believe I can trust you with this company?"
I noticed Selene’s eyes widen at the words "trust you with this company."
The bitter taste of irony filled my mouth.
"So because of one incident, you’re ready to write me off completely?" I challenged, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside. "Are you planning to burn the bridge after you cross it, CEO?"
"How dare you—" mom slammed her palm against the desk, her dominance pulsing through the room.
Selene quickly intervened, placing herself between us like the perfect mediator. fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com
"Seriously, Sylvia?" she gasped, all wide eyes and faux moral outrage. "That’s how you talk to Mom now? ’CEO’? Could you be any more cold? What’s next?"
If she’d clutched her pearls any harder, they’d have snapped.
My wolf growled beneath my skin, catching the scent of performative virtue and passive aggression.
Classic Selene—weaponizing innocence like it was her God-given right.
And Mom? Of course her expression softened like whipped cream under a heat lamp.
Selene was singing her favorite tune: I’m the good daughter. Pick me. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
I didn’t flinch.
"I’m in the corporate headquarters of Frostline Enterprises, speaking to its acting CEO. Using her title is protocol, not emotional sabotage." I smiled, cold and clipped. "But if anyone’s trying to stir the pot here, it’s the one playing both sides while pretending to be Switzerland."
Mom’s eyes snapped to me, her Alpha presence dropping like a thunderstorm.
"Watch your tone," she warned, voice edged with command. "She’s your sister."
Oh, the irony.
The unfairness of it all nearly made me laugh out loud.
When Selene undermined me, it was acceptable—even appreciated.
But when I defended myself, I was being disrespectful.
Selene shook her head, the very image of long-suffering sainthood. "It’s fine, Mom. My feelings aren’t important right now," she said, in the same tone people use right before they drop a nuclear-level guilt trip.
Then, flipping the switch back to Business Barbie, she added, "I’m just worried about the supplier fallout. If they pull out completely, the financial damage could be... catastrophic."
Mom’s brows drew together, concern flickering across her face like a warning light.
"I’ll find a solution," she murmured.
And just when I thought we’d hit peak manipulation, Selene turned the knife.
"I mean," she said, eyes flicking over to me like I was some tragic PR disaster, "most of those suppliers are known for being pretty reasonable. They respond to clear vision, strong leadership, and strategic alignment. So... it’s confusing why they’d suddenly back out."
The room went quiet.
Mom’s gaze turned sharp. "Are you implying Sylvia’s proposal wasn’t strong enough?"
I could see the internal struggle in her eyes—the scales of her judgment tipping back and forth between her daughters.
I didn’t blink. Didn’t breathe.
Then I spoke, voice low and surgical. "Enough. If there’s blame to shoulder, I’ll carry it. But I won’t sit here and let you both pretend this isn’t a setup."
Mom didn’t even blink. She just slid a few glossy magazines across the desk like she was dealing cards at a casino.
"Oh really? And what exactly are you taking responsibility for?" she asked, cool as ever. "These aren’t anonymous Reddit threads. These are real media outlets with reach. Investors read them. So do our competitors. Do you have a plan, or are you just here to play the martyr?"
Before I could speak, Selene jumped in—because of course she did.
Her tone was all soft concern and fake empathy, like she was on some award-winning drama series.
"I just think we need to think long-term," she said, eyes wide and voice sweet. "Once credibility is gone, it’s really hard to earn back. I’m just worried about the company’s future."
I could practically smell the manipulation on her—sweet on the outside, rotten underneath.
Mom gave a slow nod, shifting into full CEO mode. "This isn’t personal. It’s business. I have to protect the company, even if it means making tough calls."
Of course not. Unless your name is Selene and you come gift-wrapped in strategic victimhood.
I didn’t respond.
I just stared at the performance unfolding in front of me like a Broadway show I’d already seen too many times.
"That’s enough for today," mom finally said, waving her hand dismissively. "Just fix this mess quickly, Sylvia. I don’t want to see any more negative press."
I gave a single nod and turned to leave, keeping my face blank, my steps steady.
I’d spent years learning how to wear this mask—how to stay composed even when everything inside me wanted to break.
