Chapter 119: Chapter 119 Selene’s Obstruction
Sylvia’POV
I could feel all eyes in the room turning toward me, a mixture of admiration and curiosity radiating from the crowd. Even my mother, Alpha Astra, couldn’t hide her surprise.
She had assumed I’d abandoned the project after its initial rejection, but here I was, proving her wrong.
I hadn’t given up. Instead, I’d gone straight to the source, convincing the European director to fly across the ocean to meet with me personally.
Unfortunately, just as the evening began in earnest, Pack matters demanded her attention, pulling her away from the gala.
She left before witnessing the moment that would change everything—before the world saw Frostline rise.
Now, in the grand ballroom of the Frostfang territory’s main hall, every conversation had gone quiet.
Every gaze had shifted.John Sinclair and I stood at the center of it all.
I leaned in slightly, my voice calm and deliberate, each word chosen like a weapon.
"Mr. Sinclair, this gathering is only the beginning of Howling Peaks welcoming you," I said, gesturing gracefully around the opulent hall. "This reception was arranged in your honor—to demonstrate the sincerity behind my intentions."
His eyes flicked around the room, taking in the crowd, the luxury, the precision.
When his gaze returned to mine, something in it had changed.
Respect.
"You’ve gone to considerable trouble, Ms. Frost," he said, a slow smile spreading across his face. "I assure you, I’ll give serious consideration to a partnership with Frostline Enterprises."
The collective gasp from the crowd was almost audible.
Now they understood why I had organized such an elaborate event.
John Sinclair was a legendary figure in European business circles—securing his cooperation would be a spectacular coup for our company.
I guided John toward the gathered guests, pride swelling in my chest.
This was my moment to shine, to prove myself as more than just a failed mate candidate.
"Thank you all for joining us at Frostline Enterprises’ reception tonight," I announced, my voice carrying across the room. "I’m honored to introduce our special guest—LC Company’s Director, Mr. John Sinclair."
I extended my hand toward John, who stepped forward with a gracious smile. "A pleasure to meet you all," he said, his accent adding weight to his words.
"Many of you likely know of Mr. Sinclair’s reputation," I continued smoothly. "His company has secured several major international contracts that have made waves across the industry." freewebnovel.cσ๓
John appeared slightly embarrassed by my praise, but I could sense his pleasure.
Just as we had discussed during his tour of our facilities, this reception was confirming everything I’d told him—that Frostline Enterprises would be his ideal gateway into the American market.
I caught his eye and gave him the slightest nod. The best was yet to come.
As John and I worked the room together, the chemistry between us was undeniable—not romantic, but the powerful connection of two wolves who recognized each other’s business acumen.
The crowd could sense it too, which made what happened next all the more jarring.
From the corner of my eye, I spotted Selene’s face tightening with anxiety.
I knew that look. With both the Vertex project and now potentially this new partnership moving forward, she could see her influence in Frostline Enterprises slipping away completely.
My wolf sensed her approach before I saw her, that familiar scent tinged with the bitter edge of desperation.
Selene’s voice sliced through the hum of conversation, syrupy sweet and laced with venom.
"Sylvia," she said, gliding over with a champagne flute in hand, "if you’re discussing business arrangements at what should be a social gathering, why not arrange a private meeting instead?"
She turned to John, feigning concern. "Bringing business into a setting like this... isn’t that somewhat inappropriate?"
I caught the flicker of hesitation in John’s eyes. His gaze shifted toward me, evaluating.
Selene’s lips curved, satisfied.
She thought she had me cornered.
My wolf growled low in my chest, bristling at the challenge. But I kept my expression serene.
I turned to John, holding his gaze. "Mr. Sinclair, would you allow me a moment to clarify?"
He studied me for a beat, then gave a short nod. "Please do."
I stepped forward, voice even, calm—but carrying. "Since the question has been raised, I believe I owe everyone a fuller explanation of tonight’s intent."
The room quieted. Conversations faded. Champagne flutes hovered mid-air.
"This reception is, yes, a welcome for Mr. Sinclair," I said, gesturing toward him briefly, "but it’s also something more."
My wolf paced beneath my skin, steady and alert.
"This evening was never meant to be a simple celebration or a closed-door negotiation. It’s an invitation—to all of you."
I let the pause settle, then continued.
"An invitation to reimagine how we build. How we connect. Too often, our business ties remain locked in regional silos. Tonight, I wanted to change that."
Whispers began to spark across the crowd.
"I thought this was just another gala..."
"Wait—she’s trying to build a transatlantic network?"
"Getting Sinclair here was just the beginning..."
I smiled—just a little.
"Frostline’s partnership with LC Corporation is not about exclusivity," I said clearly. "It’s about opening doors. Creating a platform where European and North American enterprises can exchange ideas, forge connections, and—dare I say—grow together."
I turned slightly, addressing the room as a whole now.
"Tonight is a start. A room full of leaders, visionaries, and decision-makers—together, not competing, but collaborating."
My gaze returned to Selene, who now stood a little too still.
"So no, this is not simply a business meeting disguised as a party. It’s a statement of intent. And I, for one, am proud to host it."
A beat of silence followed.
Then someone began to clap. Another joined in. Within seconds, the hall erupted in polite—but unmistakably approving—applause.
The applause faded, but the shift in the room remained. Selene stood frozen, her smile long gone.
John turned to me, a glint of amusement in his eyes."You certainly know how to make an entrance, Ms. Frost."
I smiled, unbothered. "Entrances are overrated, Mr. Sinclair. I prefer to redesign the floor plan."
He chuckled softly.
"I came expecting a pitch," he said, voice lower now. "Not a vision."
That was the opening I needed.
I offered a small smile and reached into my clutch, withdrawing the sleek folder. "Take all the time you need. The offer stands—on your terms."
Selene stepped forward again, her desperation now palpable. "Sylvia, are you really pressuring him to sign right now?" Her voice carried a sharp edge. "Shouldn’t proper due diligence come first?"
She paused dramatically before adding, "Besides, Mr. Sinclair, are you aware of what happened to Sylvia online recently?"