Free Web NovelChapter 132: Chapter 132 Vertex Project
Sylvia’s POV
During the drive to Frostline Enterprises, Caesar’s face kept appearing in my mind, scenes from last night playing like a private movie. The way he’d looked at me, touched me, claimed me... it was intoxicating.
I shook my head firmly. I couldn’t allow myself to be distracted. No matter what had happened between us, Caesar Conrad could not be allowed to derail my focus.
My work, my pack, had to come first.
By the time I arrived at the office, I’d mostly regained my composure. My assistant immediately handed me the latest progress reports on the Vertex project.
"The latest figures, Ms. Frost," she said, handing me the folder.
I nodded, thumbing through the pages with growing satisfaction. "They’re respecting the terms of our agreement. We need to accelerate our timeline accordingly."
"The Vertex project needs to move forward quickly," I added.
My assistant nodded. "Yes, and today is your scheduled progress update meeting at Vertex headquarters."
I blinked, momentarily disoriented. "It’s the fifteenth already?"
At her confirmation, I felt a strange twinge. How quickly time was passing—half a month gone in what felt like days.
"I’ll head over there this afternoon," I said. "Keep an eye on things here while I’m gone."
I didn’t want any unpleasant surprises from Selene during my absence. Her ambitions had become increasingly transparent lately, and I needed to stay one step ahead.
My assistant straightened her shoulders, giving me a playful salute. "Consider the fort held, boss. Nothing gets past me."
I couldn’t help but smile at her antics. "I’m only going across town, not to war. I’ll be back this afternoon."
After lunch, I drove to the imposing glass tower that housed Vertex Group. Every time I approached the building, I couldn’t help but imagine Frostline reaching similar heights someday. Not just in architecture, but in influence and power. I was determined to make it happen.
The receptionist recognized me immediately. "Ms. Frost, here for your project update meeting?"
Her warm smile caught me off guard momentarily, but I recovered quickly. "Yes, where should I wait?"
"Same as before—just take the elevator straight up."
As I rode the elevator to the executive floor, I caught a glimpse of a familiar figure in the hallway. Caesar. I shouldn’t have been surprised to see him here, of course, but something about his presence at Vertex triggered memories of our previous interactions in this building.
Though I had my suspicions about Caesar’s connection to the company, without concrete evidence, they remained just that—suspicions.
Pushing those thoughts aside, I focused on the task at hand and entered the conference room to present my update to the Vertex project team.
Their reaction exceeded my expectations. As I concluded my presentation, the lead project manager looked genuinely impressed.
"Remarkable work, Ms. Frost," one executive commented. "For someone so young to deliver results of this caliber is truly exceptional."
"Indeed," another added. "Entrusting this project to you was clearly the right decision. I doubt anyone else could have achieved these results."
The chorus of approval from around the table was unanimous, the senior executives nodding in agreement.
Their praise caught me slightly off guard. "Thank you all for the kind words. You’re too generous."
"Not at all. Your talent speaks for itself, Ms. Frost."
"The project’s progress clearly demonstrates your leadership abilities."
"We’re looking forward to continued collaboration with you, Ms. Frost."
I handled their compliments with practiced grace. "The feeling is mutual. I’m equally excited about our partnership and the future we’re building together. Everything I’m doing is aimed at creating a better tomorrow for all of us."
Applause followed my words, and I couldn’t miss the genuine admiration in their eyes.
After the meeting concluded, I headed to the break room for water. That’s when I noticed a group of executives clustered around Caesar, their body language displaying a level of deference that seemed excessive for a mere business associate.
I frowned, setting down my glass. Since Caesar was a hidden Alpha King who’d never shown his face publicly, why would Vertex executives treat him with such respect? Had his identity been revealed without my knowledge? Or could Caesar actually be the real owner of Vertex Group?
My curiosity piqued, I started walking toward the group, determined to finally get answers. Coincidences were fine once or twice, but this situation felt increasingly suspicious.
As I approached, the group turned a corner. I quickened my pace to follow them, but when I rounded the same corner seconds later, they had vanished. I stood there bewildered, looking down the empty corridor.
This made no sense. Where could an entire group of people disappear to so quickly? I continued forward, examining the hallway for any clues. There were several meeting rooms, but why would they be avoiding me?
Just as I was about to give up, Caesar’s voice came from behind me. "Sivi? What are you doing here?"
I spun around, surprised to find him alone. No entourage, no executives—just Caesar, looking as composed and handsome as ever in his tailored suit.
"I’m here for the project update," I said evenly, then narrowed my eyes. "The question is, what are you doing here? And where did everyone go?"
Caesar hesitated for just a moment. "I’m here for a business meeting as well."
"That’s interesting," I moved closer to him, keeping my voice calm but firm. "You mentioned before that you work with Vertex on promotional projects, but to my knowledge, they don’t have any active marketing campaigns right now." ƒreewebηoveℓ.com
I studied his face for any reaction, any tell that would confirm my suspicions.
Caesar’s expression remained unreadable as he smoothly replied, "Vertex is a large corporation, Sivi. Many of their internal projects aren’t publicized. It’s perfectly normal that you wouldn’t be aware of all their ventures."
I stood there, momentarily doubting myself. His explanation sounded reasonable, but something still felt off.
"Is that the truth?" I asked, my voice softening despite my skepticism.
Caesar stepped closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "Of course it’s true."
I wanted to believe him, and perhaps that’s why I found myself nodding slightly.
Before I could fully accept his explanation, another thought occurred to me. "It seems awfully coincidental that every time I come here for a project meeting, you happen to be here too. What are the odds of that?"
Caesar paused, seemingly caught off guard by my observation. After a moment, he recovered with a practiced ease that came from years of navigating difficult conversations.
"Vertex schedules their client meetings on fixed days," he explained. "Today is the fifteenth, right?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Yes. So?"
His lips curved into a small smile. "So there’s your answer. We both have regular meetings scheduled for the fifteenth. Case closed."
When he put it like that, it did make sense. I nodded slowly, feeling slightly embarrassed for my suspicions. "I suppose I was reading too much into it. But Caesar, the identity of Vertex Group’s boss is way too mysterious. We can’t be sure about his attitude toward werewolves, and your real identity—"
Caesar reached out, his hand gently ruffling my hair in an affectionate gesture that sent warmth spreading through my chest. "It’s alright. Sivi, that guy and I get along fine. I mean, Vertex Group’s boss—he has no idea I’m the Wolf King."
His deep, tender tone wrapped around me like a physical caress, momentarily scrambling my thoughts. Before I could formulate a response, a voice called my name—the project manager was looking for me.
"I should go," I said, reluctantly stepping back from Caesar’s magnetic presence.
