Free Web NovelChapter 28: Chapter 28 Alpha Astra
Sylvia’s POV
I unclicked my seatbelt and reached for the door handle. As I pushed it open, a wave of summer heat rushed into the car’s cool interior, bringing with it the cacophony of city noise that sharply contrasted with the peaceful sanctuary Caesar had created within his Maybach.
My eyes narrowed slightly, adjusting to the bright sunlight. I stepped out, my heels clicking against the pavement with a crisp, authoritative sound that matched the rhythm of my heartbeat. Standing tall, I turned back toward Caesar, feeling the gentle breeze lift my dark hair, exposing the vulnerable curve of my neck—a part that my wolf suddenly wanted him to notice.
"Thank you," I said, allowing a subtle smile to curve my lips.
Caesar’s eyes—those deep, mesmerizing pools—remained fixed on me with an intensity that made my skin tingle.
"I’ll be in touch about the project," he said, his voice a low rumble that sent a delicious shiver down my spine.
"I look forward to it," I replied, surprising myself with the husky quality of my voice.
I turned and walked toward the Frostline Enterprises building, feeling his gaze burning into my back with each step. My wolf practically preened under his attention, making me want to look back, to confirm he was still watching. I resisted the urge, maintaining my composure until I passed through the revolving doors.
The building’s air conditioning washed over me like a cleansing wave, but did nothing to cool the warmth that had settled in my core since lunch. I straightened my clothing, smoothing imaginary wrinkles from my tailored suit, and headed directly toward Alpha Astra’s office.
Standing before her door, I took a deep breath, gathering my strength and determination. Three years of pretending to be something I wasn’t had weakened my Alpha nature, but it was awakening now—stronger and more determined than ever. I knocked firmly.
"Come in," Alpha Astra’s voice commanded from inside.
I pushed open the door, immediately enveloped by the aroma of fresh coffee. My mother—no, Alpha Astra in this context—sat behind her imposing desk, reviewing documents with her brows furrowed in concentration. At the sound of my entrance, she lifted her gaze, her eyes meeting mine with a complex mix of inquiry and resignation.
Unlike earlier times when I might have cowered under her scrutiny, I stepped forward confidently, my wolf standing tall within me. "Alpha Astra, even if I can’t officially work at Frostline Enterprises yet, I need a workstation to participate in Vertex Group’s hot springs resort project."
Alpha Astra set down her papers, interlacing her fingers on the desk’s polished surface. Her eyes—so similar to mine—studied me with calculated intensity. "I’ll arrange it," she said finally. "But do you have confidence in your ability to secure this project?"
"Yes," I answered without hesitation, feeling my wolf stir with pride. "I know this project is challenging, but I want to try. Even if I don’t succeed, I’ll gain valuable experience."
Alpha Astra remained silent for a moment, then sighed with a hint of compromise. "I’ll have the project manager assign you a position," she conceded, "but remember, you must earn everything yourself."
I felt a smile form on my lips—not the submissive one I’d worn for three years with Zane, but one of genuine determination. After thanking her, I turned and left her office, my posture straighter than it had been in years.
Soon, I was assigned to a new project team. I could feel curious gazes following me, accompanied by whispered conversations that weren’t meant for my ears but were easily captured by my enhanced wolf senses.
"That’s Sylvia? The one who caused that scene this morning? How is she back at work already?"
"Who knows... must be some inside connection."
My wolf bristled at their gossip, but I ignored them completely, focusing instead on familiarizing myself with the project materials on my computer. My mind kept returning to Caesar’s suggestions during lunch—his insights had been brilliant, showing a depth of business acumen that matched his mysterious allure.
Half an hour later, the project manager entered the conference room and announced the start of a specialized meeting for the Vertex wellness hot springs resort project.
"All departments have submitted their proposals. Let’s begin our discussion," the manager’s voice echoed through the room.
I opened my notebook, my gaze falling on my original design. Caesar’s recommendations floated through my mind, and I began making modifications, my focus absolute. The way he’d understood exactly what was missing from my design... it was like he’d seen right through to my thoughts.
As the meeting progressed, the projector beam illuminated the white wall. The project manager cleared his throat, scanning the room. "Everyone, please present your concepts. Don’t hold back."
The first few presentations were predictable and lacked innovation. I sat quietly in my corner, fingers unconsciously tapping my laptop as I waited for my turn.
Finally, my moment arrived.
Taking a deep breath, I stood and projected my revised design onto the large screen. "My concept centers around ’Return to Nature, Experience Rebirth,’" I began, my voice clear and confident.
The conference room had fallen into an impressed silence as I finished presenting my design for the hot springs resort. Gone was the monotonous Japanese-style concept that had been initially suggested. Instead, I had reimagined the entire space, infusing it with elements that spoke to both human guests and wolf visitors alike.
"The hot springs area features diverse themed environments," I explained, gesturing toward the vibrant renderings on the screen. "Rather than a single aesthetic, we’ve incorporated tropical Southeast Asian influences alongside Nordic minimalism to create distinct experiences." frёeweɓηovel.coɱ
My finger traced over the digital blueprint as I continued, "Each zone offers a unique theme—’Starlight Springs’ where guests can bathe beneath the open sky, ’Forest Retreat’ nestled among carefully selected foliage that won’t irritate sensitive wolf noses, and ’Floral Haven’ where the healing properties of various blooms enhance the therapeutic qualities of the water." frёewebnoѵēl.com
I could almost smell Caesar’s approval in the room, though he wasn’t physically present. His scent had lingered with me all afternoon, wrapping around me like a protective claim that my wolf found deeply comforting.
"For interactive experiences," I continued with growing confidence, "we’ve designed spaces for hot spring yoga, aquatic recreation, and—something particularly important—" I paused, making subtle eye contact with the few pack members in the room, "a dedicated area for wolf pups that’s separate from human children’s facilities, preventing any... uncomfortable situations."
The werewolves present gave knowing nods. We all understood the risk of young pups accidentally shifting when excited or upset.
"The spa partnerships elevate our luxury offerings through collaborations with these international brands," I gestured to the list of prestigious names. "Each brings specialized treatments that complement our natural hot spring benefits."
When I finished, the silence was telling. I’d impressed them.
The project manager adjusted his glasses, clear admiration in his eyes. "Sylvia, this proposal shows remarkable creativity and market viability. You’ve been incredibly thorough."
Other team members nodded in agreement, their earlier whispers about my morning drama completely forgotten.
"Sylvia, how did you develop these concepts?" one colleague asked.
I smiled, careful not to let it reach my eyes too fully—a habit from my days pretending to be an omega. "I conducted market research and studied successful international cases, then adapted them to align with Vertex Group’s vision." What I didn’t mention was how many of these ideas had crystallized during my lunch with Caesar, his subtle suggestions guiding my thinking toward solutions I might not have reached alone.
After the meeting concluded, the project manager approached me awkwardly. "Ms... Ms. Frost, your proposal was excellent. I have high hopes for your contribution," he stammered.
"Thank you," I replied with professional courtesy. "I’m looking forward to developing it further."
