Free Web NovelChapter 158: Chapter 158 Targeted
Caesar’s Pov freeweɓnovel.cøm
As I pondered this, Sylvia turned in her sleep, and simultaneously, my phone vibrated with an incoming call from Dylan. Glancing at the caller ID, I stepped outside the bedroom to answer, not wanting to disturb her rest.
"Alpha, I’ve found something," Dylan said without preamble.
"Go on," I replied, my tone revealing both impatience and slight distraction. Sylvia was still in our bedroom, and I was eager to return to her side.
My time was precious—most of it dedicated to being with my mate.
"It seems Ms. Frost is having trouble with an international client," Dylan explained. "From what I’ve gathered, it’s not her fault at all. A man named John has dramatically increased his asking price after their initial agreement."
As Dylan detailed the situation, everything became clear.
"I understand now," I said, my eyes darkening. "Investigate this John thoroughly. Find out what’s really going on."
Dylan immediately grasped my suspicions. "Alpha, you think there’s something questionable about this John’s behavior?"
I made a sound of affirmation. "Investigate everything. Don’t overlook even the smallest detail."
"Understood, Alpha. I’ll report back the moment I discover anything."
I ended the call without further comment. Words were pointless now—we needed facts, and those would come from Dylan’s investigation.
Returning to the bedroom, I gazed at Sylvia’s sleeping face, silently promising to protect her from whatever forces were aligning against her.
"Sivi, I know how strong you are," I whispered, "but sometimes, I wish you would lean on me a little..."
I exhaled deeply before heading to the shower. Only when I returned to bed and drew her into my arms did I feel a sense of peace settle over me.
With her safely held against my chest, we both drifted into sleep, my wolf content with our mate securely protected in our embrace.
Sylvia’s POV
I woke to the familiar weight of Caesar’s arm draped protectively around my waist. The man had developed quite the habit of holding me close throughout the night, as though afraid I might disappear. Initially, I’d found it a bit stifling, but now? I had to admit there was something comforting about his warmth, especially as the autumn chill began to creep in.
As I shifted slightly, Caesar’s eyes fluttered open, instantly alert in that predatory way of his.
"Morning," he murmured, his voice still rough with sleep. His eyes, however, were searching mine with that intensity that never seemed to dim. "How did you sleep?"
"Fine," I lied, trying to ignore the remnants of last night’s nightmare that still clung to the edges of my consciousness.
Caesar’s gaze darkened slightly. "You were restless," he stated simply, not a question but an observation. His fingers traced gentle patterns against my shoulder. "Want to talk about it?"
I sighed, sitting up and running a hand through my tangled hair. "It’s nothing. Just work stress."
"The LC deal?" he asked, too perceptive for his own good.
I turned to look at him, surprised. "How did you—"
"I pay attention," he replied with a small shrug, though something in his expression seemed carefully controlled. "You’ve mentioned them before."
That was true, though I couldn’t recall going into much detail. Caesar always listened so intently to my rambling about work that I sometimes forgot what I had and hadn’t shared with him.
"It’s just business," I said, forcing lightness into my tone. "Nothing I can’t handle."
Caesar sat up beside me, the sheets pooling around his waist to reveal his sculpted torso. Even after all these months, the sight still made my wolf stir appreciatively.
"You know," he said carefully, "I have some connections that might be useful. If you need—"
I placed a finger against his lips, cutting him off. "I appreciate it, but I need to handle this myself." My voice softened as I added, "This is important to me, proving I can manage it on my own terms."
"I understand," he said finally. "Just remember you don’t have to carry everything alone."
I offered him a smile, feeling a rush of tenderness for this man who seemed so powerful and yet often looked at me like I held his heart in my hands. Caesar had his own burdens—a mysterious business that required him to maintain a low profile, keeping his true identity hidden from most of the wolf community. In many ways, he understood the pressure of expectations better than anyone.
"You worry too much," I told him, leaning in to press a quick kiss to his lips. "I’ve got this under control."
"At least let me drive you to work," he offered as I slipped out of bed and headed for the shower.
"Not necessary," I called back. "I need to clear my head, and the walk helps."
I could practically feel his disapproval radiating through the wall, but he didn’t push it. That was one thing I’d come to appreciate about Caesar—he’d learned when to back off. When I emerged from the bathroom dressed for work, he was leaning against the doorframe, looking unfairly handsome in just his sleep pants.
"Dinner tonight?" he asked. "I’ll cook."
"That sounds nice," I agreed, surprising myself with how much I meant it.
His smile made something flutter in my stomach. "Then it’s a date."
As I headed to Frostline Enterprises, Caesar’s face kept appearing in my thoughts, distracting me from preparing for the inevitably difficult day ahead. I sighed, frustrated with myself. I was here to work, not daydream about my mate’s ridiculously perfect jawline.
I’d barely settled at my desk when my assistant appeared in my doorway.
"Miss Frost, Alpha Astra would like to see you," she announced, her expression sympathetic.
My pen stilled mid-signature, a headache already forming behind my eyes. "I’ll be right there."
My assistant lingered, concern evident in her gaze. "Miss Frost, if there’s anything I can do to help, please just ask."
Her kindness was touching. She’d witnessed firsthand how little I’d slept lately, how many hours I’d poured into salvaging the LC deal.
"Thank you," I said sincerely. "I’ll be fine."
Standing outside Alpha Astra’s office door, I took a steadying breath before knocking. At her command, I entered to find not only my mother but also one of the senior executives—Beta Leo, if I recalled correctly—waiting for me. The setup was clear: this wasn’t a casual check-in.
"Alpha, you wanted to see me?" I kept my voice neutral, professional.
Leo snorted derisively. "What, we need a special reason to summon you now?"
I maintained my smile, even as my wolf bristled at his tone. "Of course not. I’m always available at your convenience."
He seemed momentarily thrown by my politeness but recovered quickly, settling back into the plush sofa with a scowl. Alpha Astra merely observed our exchange over the rim of her water glass, offering no intervention.
"We need to discuss the LC situation," Leo stated bluntly. "What’s your plan?"
I assessed him carefully. He wasn’t here on his own initiative—he was representing other concerned parties, likely the board members who’d been circling like vultures since the deal began to falter. And my mother? She was positioned as a neutral witness, though I knew better than to expect her support.
"The situation is under control," I assured him smoothly.
Leo surged to his feet, agitation evident in every movement. "Under control? The company doesn’t have unlimited cash for you to throw around! This John character was YOUR client, and now he’s suddenly demanding more money. Shouldn’t you be reflecting on what YOU did wrong?"
My wolf stirred at the challenge, but I kept my expression placid. "And what exactly would you suggest I reflect upon?"
"Getting the project back on track at the original price, obviously!" Leo snapped.
Alpha Astra finally spoke, her tone measured. "That would be the ideal outcome, Sylvia." Her eyes conveyed an unspoken message: bend a little, don’t be so stubborn.
The coordinated attack was transparent. They’d planned this ambush, setting me up as the scapegoat for a situation beyond my control.
"As I said when I arrived," I replied evenly, "I will handle the LC situation. It doesn’t require your intervention."
Leo struck the floor with his walking stick, his face flushing with anger. "Doesn’t require—? Listen here! Everything you have comes from Frostline Enterprises! You are Miss Frost only because of this company! When you walk out that door, you represent US!"
"I’ve made my position clear," I stated firmly. "I will resolve this matter. You need not concern yourselves further."
Leo glared at me, clearly frustrated by my refusal to cower. "Fine. If you’re so confident, we old-timers will step back and let you handle it."
I turned to my mother. "Alpha, is there anything else?"
She shook her head, dismissing me without a word. As I prepared to leave, curiosity got the better of me.
"May I ask who informed you about the details of the LC situation?" I inquired.
Leo frowned, seeming genuinely uncertain. After a moment, he waved his hand dismissively.
"Never mind that. Go handle your business. The company is counting on you."
I left without another word, my mind already working through the implications.
