Free Web NovelChapter 62: Chapter 62 Fire
Sylvia’s POV
I opened my eyes to the familiar ceiling of the penthouse suite, my temples pounding with the aftermath of last night’s whiskey. I pushed myself up against the silk sheets, pressing my fingers against my throbbing skull in a futile attempt to ease the pain.
"Finally awake, little wolf?"
That deep, rumbling voice sent unexpected shivers down my spine. I looked up and found myself caught in Caesar’s intense silver gaze—eyes that somehow captured the entire night sky within them, powerful and all-knowing. My wolf stirred within me, recognizing something I wasn’t ready to acknowledge.
Only then did I notice the steaming bowl in his large hands.
"Mmmm," I managed, my throat dry as sandpaper. "What’s that?"
"Hangover remedy." Caesar settled beside me on the bed, his massive frame making the mattress dip as he guided me to lean against his broad shoulder. The gesture felt strangely natural, like our bodies knew exactly how to fit together.
"Drink," he commanded softly. "It will help."
I stared at the orange-yellow liquid, warmth spreading through my chest that had nothing to do with the steaming concoction. My eyes traced the perfect angles of his face—the sharp jawline, the aristocratic nose, those full lips that had brushed against my forehead when he’d carried me to bed last night. My heart skipped a traitorous beat.
"What are you waiting for?" Caesar quirked an eyebrow. "It works best hot."
I nodded dumbly, parting my lips as he brought the bowl to my mouth. The first sip surprised me—instead of the bitter medicine I’d expected, the tangy sweetness of oranges exploded on my tongue. freewёbnoνel.com
Caesar’s mouth curved into a rare smile. "I know you love citrus. Found a special recipe online."
My ears burned hot with embarrassment. "I can do it myself," I mumbled, suddenly aware of how close we were sitting.
I could feel the blush spreading from my cheeks down my neck, turning me into what probably looked like a boiled lobster. Caesar reached out and brushed his fingertips against the shell of my ear, his touch sending electric currents straight to my core.
"What are you doing?" I demanded, slapping my hand over my ear defensively.
"Just checking if your ears are as red as they look," he said, amusement dancing in those eyes.
I snatched the bowl from him, refusing to meet his gaze. "I can handle it myself, thanks."
I downed the remedy in several quick gulps, ignoring the way his eyes tracked every movement of my throat. Caesar remained beside me, watching with that infuriating half-smile that made my wolf pace restlessly beneath my skin.
When I finished, I felt significantly better—the pounding in my head had dulled to a manageable ache, and my limbs no longer felt like they were filled with lead. I threw back the covers, suddenly remembering all the disasters waiting for me at Frostline Enterprises.
"Taking the day off?" Caesar’s deep voice held genuine concern.
I shook my head firmly. "Not a chance. I remember everything that happened yesterday."
"I have company matters to address and family business to handle," I said, slipping into my Alpha heir persona. "I can’t afford to waste time hiding out here."
"Don’t push yourself too hard," he said simply. "Call me if you need anything."
I flashed him an "OK" sign and hurried out before I could do something stupid—like thank him for taking care of me, or worse, crawl back into his arms where my wolf inexplicably wanted to be.
I drove straight to Frostline Enterprises, my mind clear and my mission focused. I needed to find Manager Henry and understand exactly what game he’d been playing at yesterday’s dinner. If he was going to throw accusations about Selene, he needed proof.
Thanks to Caesar’s foresight, I had plenty of evidence regarding our contract. All I needed was a confrontation.
When I pushed open Manager Henry’s office door, I froze in place. The office was completely empty—not just of the man himself, but of all his personal effects. The desk had been cleared, the shelves bare.
Lily happened to be passing by in the hallway. "Have you seen Manager Henry?" I asked.
She shook her head, eyes widening. "It’s the strangest thing—he came in this morning and went straight to Human Resources. Rumor is he’s submitting his resignation, effective immediately."
"Resignation?" My voice turned to ice, and I felt my wolf rise closer to the surface, radiating an aura that made Lily take an instinctive step back.
"Y-yes," she stammered. "He seemed in a real hurry. Must be some family emergency or something."
I let out a cold laugh that held no humor. I knew exactly why Henry was resigning. He couldn’t bear to face me after his betrayal, caught between me and Selene’s machinations.
With the signed contract in hand, I marched directly to the Alpha’s office. My mother, Alpha Astra, was already at her desk, reading glasses perched on her nose with delicate chains hanging from each side. Even in her fifties, she commanded respect with her regal bearing.
"Mother," I said respectfully, using the formal address appropriate for both her roles in my life.
Alpha Astra looked up, surprise flashing across her features. "What brings you here?" In three years, I’d rarely sought her out at the company.
"Important documents requiring your signature." I placed the contracts before her.
My mother examined the papers carefully, her eyes widening slightly as she recognized the two resources Frostline desperately needed—secured at a price five percent below market value.
"Well done," she said, approval warming her voice for once. "This is excellent work."
I remained standing tall, my posture rigid. "Mother, I came to ask for your help with something."
Her expression immediately closed off. "What is it?"
I explained everything that had happened yesterday—the dinner, Henry’s accusations about Selene deliberately sabotaging my work, the evidence I’d gathered with Caesar’s help.
As I spoke, Alpha Astra’s face darkened, but not for the reasons I’d hoped.
"Impossible," she snapped. "Your sister would never do such things."
A bitter smile twisted my lips. Why had I expected anything different? I’d spent my entire life in Selene’s shadow, watching my mother favor her at every turn.
"Whether you believe it or not, these are the facts," I said sharply. "You could easily call back Manager Henry, who just conveniently resigned this morning, and have him repeat what he told me."
"You have the authority to make that happen, Alpha," I added, deliberately using her title.
Alpha Astra’s eyebrows drew together as she slammed her palm against the desk. "I am your mother! How dare you speak to me this way?"
"Are you?" My wolf’s anger lent steel to my words. "In the pack and in this company, I thought we were merely superior and subordinate."
I’d come to her hoping for justice, for a mother’s support. Instead, I got the same blind favoritism I’d endured my entire life.
"If you won’t recall Manager Henry, if you refuse to believe what I’m telling you, then I’ll handle this situation myself," I said coldly.
"Sylvia, what are you planning to do?" Worry crept into her voice.
I met her gaze steadily, my wolf’s eyes flashing gold for a brief moment. "That’s my concern now."
