Free Web NovelChapter 167: Chapter 167 Three Days to Survive
Sylvia’s POV
I’d carefully prepared what to tell Caesar about Alpha Astra’s ultimatum, rehearsing the words in my head. But Helena’s interruption had scattered my thoughts like autumn leaves in a storm. Still, this couldn’t wait. Taking a deep breath, I pulled back slightly from his embrace and met his concerned gaze.
"I need to tell you something," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. "About what happened with my mother."
Caesar’s silver-blue eyes focused entirely on me, his expression shifting to one of protective intensity. "Tell me everything," he urged, guiding me to sit beside him on the edge of the bed.
I recounted the confrontation with Alpha Astra—her cold ultimatum, the accusations swirling online, the threat of stripping me of my position. With each word, I felt the weight of it all crushing down on me anew.
When I finished, Caesar’s jaw clenched, a muscle ticking at the corner. "So if you don’t address these rumors within three days, Alpha Astra will remove you from your position at Frostline. Is that what you’re telling me?" freёwebnovel.com
I nodded miserably, running my fingers through my hair. "That’s exactly it. I thought this whole mess was finally behind us after the gala. Who would’ve thought someone would deliberately drag it all back into the spotlight?" I pressed my fingertips against my temples. "God, I don’t even know where to start fixing this."
Caesar leaned forward, taking my hands in his. His touch sent that familiar electric current racing up my arms. "You don’t need to worry," he said, his voice a soothing rumble that vibrated through my chest. "We’ll handle this just like we did at the gala. We’ll make our relationship public—officially this time."
His thumb traced circles on my palm as he continued. "Let them talk all they want, Sylvia. You’re my mate—my wife in the eyes of Werewolf law. We’ve completed the bond." Something fierce and possessive flashed in his eyes. "No one can touch you now, not even with their words."
I considered his solution. He made it sound so simple, and maybe it was. Our bond was recognized by Moon Goddess—even Alpha Astra couldn’t dispute that.
"As for the rest," Caesar continued, his voice dropping to a dangerous octave that made my wolf stir restlessly, "leave them to me. I’ll take care of it."
I snapped my head up to study his face. There was something different about him—a confidence that went beyond our normal dynamic, an authority that seemed too natural, too ingrained.
"Tell me the truth," I demanded suddenly, narrowing my eyes. "Do you have another identity I don’t know about? Besides being a hidden Wolf King?"
Caesar’s body tensed against mine, his breath catching for just a fraction of a second—so brief I might have imagined it. Then his features relaxed into a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
"What makes you ask that?" he countered, his voice carefully neutral.
I shrugged, not backing down. "The way you talk sometimes... like you have resources far beyond what you’ve shown me. Like you could snap your fingers and make problems disappear."
Caesar chuckled, but I caught the relief in his eyes. What had he thought I was going to say?
"I told you before, didn’t I?" he said, leaning back casually. "I know Vertex’s CEO quite well."
"Well enough to be in their headquarters multiple times?" I pressed, remembering our ’chance’ encounters there.
"You think those meetings were coincidence?" His lips quirked up in a half-smile. "How do you think we kept running into each other there?"
The realization clicked into place. Of course—his connection to Vertex explained his confidence, his resources. I felt silly for not seeing it sooner.
Still, something nagged at me. "Can you really help me with this? With my mother and everything else?"
Before he could answer, I shook my head. "Never mind. I shouldn’t drag you into my family drama. I’ll handle it myself."
Caesar opened his mouth as if to protest, but then closed it again, watching me with an expression I couldn’t quite read. Was it hurt? Resignation? After a moment, he simply nodded.
"I understand your reluctance to rely on others," he said softly. "But remember, you don’t have to face everything alone anymore." He lifted my hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss against my knuckles. "Whatever you need, whenever you need it—I’m here. Always on your side, Sivi."
"Thank you," I whispered, meaning it. "If I do need help, I promise I’ll ask." I attempted a smile.
Acting on impulse, I leaned forward and wrapped my arms around him more tightly, burying my face against the crook of his neck.
"Sylvia?" he murmured, surprise evident in his voice.
"Just hold me," I whispered against his skin.
His arms immediately encircled me, strong and secure. I felt his heartbeat quicken against my chest as he pulled me closer, one hand cradling the back of my head while the other splayed across my lower back.
"For as long as you want," he promised, his voice rough with emotion.
