Free Web NovelChapter 135: Chapter 135 The Truth1
Sylvia’s POV
I understood what a formidable businesswoman Alpha Astra Frost was. Her approaching me as if seeking my opinion seemed totally unlike her usual decisive style.
Mother paused, studying my face carefully. "You don’t seem surprised by this conversation."
"Should I be?" I replied evenly. "You’ve always had the pack’s best interests at heart."
She nodded slowly, seeming to appreciate my measured response. "Good. I’m glad you understand." Then she announced, "I want her to join your department as Design Director."
My first instinct was to shut it down immediately. But I kept my cool, choosing a more diplomatic approach rather than telling her she was crazy. Going head-to-head with her would get me nowhere. Instead, I needed to lay out the facts, making her see the reality of the situation herself.
"Mom," I said carefully, "I actually think this isn’t something you should be asking me about. You should be talking to Selene."
She raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"Well," I continued, choosing my words carefully, "have you considered what Selene actually wants?"
My mother’s expression shifted slightly—a flicker of uncertainty. "Of course I have. This would be good for her."
I leaned back in my chair. "But has she said that? Has she expressed interest in design work specifically?"
Alpha Astra was quiet for a moment. "She’s... she’s been restless lately. Unfocused. This would give her purpose."
"Or it could backfire spectacularly," I said gently. "I believe my sister’s ambitions likely match. She’s pretty headstrong. Would she truly be content working under my authority?" I leaned forward slightly. "Mom, you know Selene as well as I do. When has she ever been happy taking orders from me?"
The silence stretched between us. I could see the wheels turning in my mother’s mind.
"You think she’ll refuse," Alpha Astra said finally.
"I think she’ll see it as you trying to control her life. Again." I softened my voice. "And honestly? She wouldn’t be wrong."
My mother’s jaw tightened. "I’m trying to help her find her place in this family." fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
"By forcing her into a box she never asked for?" I shook my head. "Mom, that’s not help. That’s... well, it’s what you always do."
Alpha Astra’s eyes flashed dangerously. "Excuse me?"
I held up a hand. "I’m not criticizing you. I’m just saying—maybe try asking her what she wants instead of deciding for her." "Have you discussed this with her? Has she agreed to this arrangement?"
My words were met with heavy silence. The realization visibly dawned on my mother’s face. She hadn’t consulted Selene at all, focusing solely on whether I might object.
"She’s my daughter," Alpha Astra said quietly. "I know what’s best for her."
"Do you?" I asked gently. "Because from where I’m sitting, it looks like you’re trying to fix a problem that might not exist, or at least not in the way you think it does."
Seeing my mother’s hesitation, I stood gracefully. "Look, I’m not trying to make this harder for you." "Mother, it seems you haven’t discussed this with Selene yet. My suggestion would be to talk to her first."
"As for me," I added with practiced diplomacy, "I have no objections if she’s willing to join my team. She would be more than welcome."
Alpha Astra looked up at me, and for a moment, she looked less like the formidable pack leader and more like a mother struggling with her difficult daughter. "You really think she’ll say no."
"I think she’ll feel ambushed," I said honestly. "And when Selene feels cornered, she doesn’t exactly respond well."
My mother sighed deeply. "She used to be such an easy child."
"She’s not a child anymore, Mom. Maybe that’s part of the problem."
At my response, a look of genuine appreciation crossed Alpha Astra’s face. "Sivi, you’ve really grown up."
I smiled softly. "It’s not that I’ve matured—I simply understand how hard things have been for you. I know how difficult these years have been dealing with all of us."
"Sometimes I wonder if I’ve failed her," my mother admitted quietly.
"You haven’t failed anyone," I assured her. "You’ve just... maybe been a little too hands-on. Selene needs to feel like she has choices, even if they’re not the ones you’d make for her."
"Just think about it, Mother. I won’t take up any more of your time."
With that, I walked toward the door, completely unconcerned. I didn’t need to worry.
Selene would undoubtedly reject my mother’s proposition without a second thought. I knew exactly what kind of person my sister was. And more importantly, I knew exactly how she’d react to being managed—especially by me.
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For the next couple of days, I contemplated how to make another visit to Vertex Group. After weighing my options, I decided the direct approach was best. If questioned about my purpose, I could always use the project as my excuse.
Having made up my mind, I drove straight to Vertex headquarters. This time, I was determined to discover whether Caesar was still there and what his true connection to the company was.
Before entering, I recalled the overly enthusiastic reception staff from my previous visit and sensed something wasn’t right. This time, I took a different route, slipping in through a back entrance where nobody would recognize me.
Once inside, I took the elevator to the familiar floor, clutching progress reports for our joint project as my cover story. With this alibi in mind, I walked with newfound confidence, determined to uncover Caesar’s real relationship with Vertex.
I stopped by the break room to make myself a cup of coffee. As luck would have it, just as I turned around, I spotted Caesar walking down the hallway with another man who was speaking rapidly beside him.
Caesar maintained his trademark stoic expression throughout, barely acknowledging the man who continued talking animatedly. The entire dynamic seemed oddly deferential from the other man’s side.
Watching this scene, something clicked in my mind. He wasn’t here to discuss projects—his entire demeanor suggested others approached *him* about projects. And why did everyone in this building treat him with such reverence?
Unless...
I pressed my lips together, a spark of realization flashing through my eyes. One way or another, I would get to the bottom of this today.
