Free Web NovelChapter 77: Chapter 77 Mistake
Sylvia’s POV
I stared at the flood of text messages from Caesar on my phone, my thumb hovering indecisively over the screen.
What did his past have to do with me?
When I really thought about it, Caesar had absolutely no reason to send me these messages.
I was in the kitchen getting water when I heard the front door open. The distinct sound of his footsteps made my wolf senses tingle with awareness. I quickly drained my glass, planning to head upstairs and avoid any interaction. But as I turned to leave, my escape route was completely blocked.
Caesar stood in the doorway, his towering frame filling the entire space. His presence dominated the kitchen—an Alpha trait I recognized all too well. The way he positioned himself made it clear: I wasn’t leaving unless he allowed it.
"Excuse me," I said, keeping my voice neutral. "I need to get ready for bed."
His silver-blue eyes studied me with unsettling intensity. "Why didn’t you respond to my messages?"
I averted my gaze, refusing to let him see any emotion in my eyes. "My phone died," I lied smoothly. "It’s late. I’d like to rest now."
Caesar moved closer, the predatory grace of an Alpha in his every step. His proximity sent my wolf into alert mode—not from fear, but from something far more dangerous.
"What are you doing?" I asked firmly. "I told you I want to go to bed."
"Sivi," he murmured, his nickname for me sliding from his lips as he leaned in close to my ear. The warmth of his breath against my skin sent an involuntary shiver down my spine. "I can explain everything."
His eyes held a sincerity that would have melted most women, but I knew better. I’d spent three years learning that sincerity from powerful men was often just another tool of manipulation. Besides, what was there to explain in a marriage that existed only on paper?
"Don’t bother," I said coldly. "I don’t particularly want to hear it." I took a deliberate step back, creating space between us.
When he reached for my hand, I pulled away before he could touch me. The bond between true mates would have made his touch electric, impossible to resist—but I could endure it. This wasn’t the first time I’d weathered such disappointment.
"I’m tired," I said simply, and walked past him, out of the kitchen.
I woke before dawn. The memory of yesterday’s scene played on repeat in my mind. It shouldn’t matter. Our marriage was a contract, nothing more.
I slipped from the guest room quietly, careful not to make a sound as I passed the master bedroom. Last night, after our confrontation in the kitchen, I’d made my decision.
After a quick shower, I dressed in one of my power suits—navy blue with silver cufflinks bearing the Frostfang emblem—subtle but unmistakable to any wolf who knew the significance. I left without breakfast, without a word to Caesar. No goodbye, no explanation. The bond mark on my neck tingled as I stepped further away from him, but I ignored it. Phantom sensations, nothing more.
When I arrived at Frostline Enterprises, the atmosphere had completely transformed. Employees who had barely acknowledged me yesterday now straightened their postures as I walked past. Whispers followed in my wake—"That’s her, the new CEO," "Alpha Astra’s daughter," —titles that defined me through others rather than my own merit.
"Good morning, Ms. Frost," the receptionist said with a slight bow of her head, her eyes carefully avoiding direct contact—a wolf showing deference.
I stopped at her desk. "Please, call me Sylvia. As I’ve always been called here."
Her eyes widened slightly. "Of course, Ms. Sylvia."
As I made my way through the office, I nodded politely to everyone, feeling the strange new weight of authority settling on my shoulders. "There’s no need for such formality," I addressed the gathered staff. "We all share the same goal here—the success of this company. Our starting points are the same."
Applause broke out, though I could sense the uncertainty beneath it. They weren’t sure how to treat me anymore—was I still one of them, or had I become something else overnight?
In the corner, I spotted Lily. She was fidgeting with her sleeve, her eyes darting toward me then away again.
I raised an eyebrow and beckoned her over. "What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost rather than your colleague."
Lily shuffled forward, "It just feels different now. You’re the CEO and the Alpha’s daughter...and my boss. I need to show proper respect. I know about rank distinctions." ƒreewebηoveℓ.com
I placed my hands firmly on her shoulders, meeting her eyes directly. "Lily, please don’t diminish yourself like that. To me, you’ll always be that bright-eyed, positive girl who made me laugh on my first day here. I’ve considered you a friend for a long time. Don’t tell me you haven’t done the same?"
"Of course not!" she protested immediately, her wolf perking up with indignation. "I’ve always thought of you as my friend! If you don’t mind someone like me, I’d be honored to still be yours!"
My smile was genuine this time. "How could I possibly mind?"
We shared a moment of understanding that transcended pack hierarchy. The tension in the room lifted, and I could feel the approval of the other staff members.
In my new office—spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city—I settled in to review the Vertex hot springs project. Getting this contract had been a coup, but following through would require selecting the right team. This was my first major project as CEO; it needed to be flawless.
My phone vibrated with a message from Alpha Astra herself.
[Office. 10 minutes.]
When I entered her office, my mother was standing by the window, "You and Noah Smith need to maintain close communication," she said without preamble. "His achievements overseas are well-known, and his standing in the design world is considerable."
I nodded confidently. "Rest assured, Alpha, my relationship with Noah Smith is developing well. We can gradually advance our cooperation."
She turned to face me fully, "What kind of person is he?"
"He’s brilliant but pragmatic," I replied, choosing my words with the same careful consideration she’d taught me. "His business acumen is impressive, and he values loyalty above quick profits. The kind of partner who thinks in decades rather than quarters."
Mother’s eyes narrowed slightly. "And what of his... other qualities? His pack standing, family situation?" The unspoken question hung between us—was he worthy of alliance with the Frostfang Pack?
I thought of Noah’s gentle interaction with his sister, how his entire demeanor softened when speaking of her. It was perhaps the only time I’d seen his carefully maintained business facade crack.
"Noah Smith is quite charismatic and enthusiastic. Though he did mention having a sister whose situation is... special."
