But the truth was it stung. I was just too proud to admit it.
Now I finally saw it for what it was – pretending not to care never changed a thing.
Walking away might look graceful, but it only fuels Jillian’s ego.
This time, I refuse to hand her the win.
Just then, someone stepped out of the crowd – it was Tessa Jones, Philip’s loyal beta, always glued to his side.
She addressed Kathryn with a nod. “Luna, the meeting’s about to begin. Why don’t you and Ms. Jillian head in first?”
Kathryn gave a nod, and Jillian immediately linked arms with her. She strutted past me, deliberately brushing my shoulder on the way, chin lifted like she owned the place.
Tessa didn’t even acknowledge me. “Alright, show’s over. Get back to work,” she barked at the employees lingering nearby.
Once the hallway emptied, I pulled out my phone, tapped into a pinned chat, and sent a message.
After a beat, I smiled to myself – and walked into the banquet hall.
This space was typically reserved for Mistbane Pack’s major press events and VIP guests.
Today, it was transformed – floor-to-ceiling LED screens, a raised stage, and rows of polished tables lined with high-ranking executives and business partners.
Journalists were huddled along the edges, cameras already rolling.
Clearly, Philip was using Mooncrown Pack’s investment as a grand launch for the Moonline Expansion Project.
I made a beeline for Jillian’s table and sat down across from her.
She scowled. “Why are you here?”
I smiled calmly. “What? Am I not allowed to celebrate with you, my sister?”
I set my phone down on the table.
Her eyes flicked to it. “You better be here to celebrate. Don’t try to make a scene.”
Kathryn interrupted with a light cough. “That’s enough. Today’s a big day. Your dad’s already giving his speech.”
Jillian finally went quiet.
On stage, the emcee handed the microphone to Philip.
He stepped forward, confident and composed.
“Thanks to Mooncrown Pack’s generous investment of eight billion dollars, the Moonline Expansion Project is officially underway. We’re grateful to the Alpha, Luis Eaton, for his trust and partnership.”
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd.
Philip continued, “Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming Pamela Dugan, Director of Mooncrown Corporation’s Investment Department, as she takes the stage for the signing ceremony.”
Heads turned and cameras flashed as Pamela rose from her seat at the head table.
Pamela stood, flashing a polished corporate smile, and gave a brief wave to the reporters and guests.
…
Pamela’s POV:
I was just about to step on stage to sign the contract for Mooncrown Pack when my phone buzzed in my hand.
One glance at the screen made me pause.
It was Luis Eaton, the Alpha.
He almost never reached out directly, especially not for details. His interest usually stopped at the company name and investment amount.
Even this deal with Mistbane Pack for their Moonline Expansion Project had been a last-minute decision on his part.
The investment department hadn’t even been looped in.
That alone had been a major favor – I had no idea what Mistbane Pack did to earn his attention.
Without a second thought, I ignored the etiquette coordinator and the executives waiting on me and answered.
“Yes, Alpha. What can I do for you?”
He spoke only a few brief words.
“Alright, I understand.”
I hung up, composed myself, and walked up to the stage with a steady smile.
Philip extended his hand. “We truly appreciate Mooncrown Pack’s support. Please tell Alpha we’ll make sure the Moonline Expansion Project exceeds expectations.”
I returned the handshake and smiled. “If you want to thank someone, you should thank Ms. Wiley.”
Philip froze for a second, then quickly recovered. “You’re right, Ms. Dugan. My daughter worked hard to bring this investment in. After we sign, I’ll officially transfer ten percent of Mistbane Pack’s shares to her.”
I raised an eyebrow slightly. “Then let’s have Ms. Wiley up here as well. Alpha said she’s the reason this deal happened.”
Philip hesitated, then nodded. “Of course. I’ll have my daughter join us on stage to sign it on behalf of Mistbane Pack.”
He turned to his assistant. “Tessa, bring Jillian up for the signing.”
…
Jillian’s POV:
Signing the contract on behalf of Mistbane Pack was my moment.
Maybe I’d even make the front page tomorrow.
I was ecstatic. I slipped off my red shawl, letting my plunging neckline take the spotlight.
“Mom, I’m going up to sign for Mistbane Pack.”
“Go, go! I’ll snap pictures from here – you’re my shining star,” Kathryn beamed.
As I passed Deanna, she sat there with her arms folded, wearing that smug little smirk.
I let out a sharp breath.
“Jealousy’s a bad look, Deanna – and you’re wearing it head to toe.”
With that, I lifted my skirt slightly and strutted confidently toward the stage.
My dad, usually so stiff and serious, actually gave me a soft look and nodded.
I gave him my sweetest smile, took the pen from his hand, and with all eyes on me, signed: ‘Jillian Wiley.’
But just as I handed the contract to Mooncrown Pack’s rep, she glanced at it – then froze. Her expression turned icy.
She tossed the pen aside. “Why isn’t Deanna Wiley’s name on this?”
Deanna? What does this have to do with her?
Panic surged through me. My palms went clammy.
Jillian’s POV:
“Ms. Dugan, the Ms. Wiley you just mentioned – surely you mean my daughter, Jillian Wiley?” Philip asked, echoing the exact thought racing through my mind.
But Pamela simply gave a cold smile. “I’m afraid not. The investment was secured by Ms. Deanna Wiley. Our company is committing eight billion dollars because of her – not Jillian Wiley.”
The room instantly exploded with noise.
“Wait, so it wasn’t Jillian who landed the deal? It was Deanna this whole time?”
“She took credit for something she didn’t even do. How shameless can a person be?”
“Typical. First, she tried to steal Deanna’s parents, and now she’s trying to claim Mistbane Pack’s spotlight too.”
“What a joke.”
Cameras flashed wildly as reporters leaned forward, eager for more drama. The lights were so bright they burned my eyes. I blinked, struggling not to cry.
It felt like I was being stripped bare in front of everyone, humiliated in the one moment that was supposed to belong to me.
How did everything fall apart this fast?
“Ms. Dugan, you must be mistaken! I’m the one who met with the Alpha Lusi. I brought this investment in – how can you say otherwise?” I protested, my voice rising.
But Pamela’s expression didn’t waver. “You think I’d confuse a deal worth eight billion dollars? I’ll only sign this contract with Deanna.”
I turned to Philip, panicked. “Dad, don’t believe her! What if Deanna paid her off? Let me call Luis – once I speak to him, he’ll clear it all up!”
I reached for my phone – only to realize with dread that I didn’t even have Luis’ number.
Pamela’s expression darkened. “Ms. Jillian, are you questioning my professionalism? Mr. Wiley, if Ms. Deanna isn’t the one signing on behalf of Mistbane Pack, then I’m afraid Mooncrown Pack will be withdrawing our eight-billion-dollar investment.”
Philip’s face hardened as he turned to me. “Jillian, you’ve embarrassed Mistbane Pack enough. That’s enough. Get off the stage.”
He told me to get down. Just like that.
He had never spoken to me that way – at least not until Deanna came back.
My lips trembled as I grabbed his arm. “Dad, I swear, I brought in the investment – please believe me!”
But he pulled away. “That’s enough. Stop making a scene.”
Then, forcing a smile for Pamela, he said, “There was a miscommunication among our team. Jillian and Deanna are both my daughters, and they both represent Mistbane Pack. Ms. Dugan, if this deal is thanks to Deanna, then I’ll have her come up right now to sign the contract.”
Heart pounding, I stumbled back to my seat, my heels clicking furiously on the floor.
More Kickass Werewolf Reads
Dive into our collection of free werewolf romance novels—where fierce Alphas, daring heroines, and heart-stopping twists await. Every story burns with forbidden desire, loyalty, and destiny. Don’t wait—here’s a world where love bites hard and nothing is stronger than the call of the mate.
Leave a Reply