96
As soon as they finished their meal, the imposing figure of “Alpha Dominic” chased Xavier away, his voice growling with authority.
Xavier clung to the door frame, trembling with a mix of fear and desperation. “It’s so dark and so cold, Alpha Dominic. Can’t you just let me stay here for a night?”
Shadow, the cunning and perceptive werewolf, found it hard to associate Xavier, trembling like a weak pup, with the powerful Director Halls from the famous Nine Clouds Media. Something strange seemed to have possessed him.
Xavier felt Shadow’s intense gaze upon him and coughed lightly, quickly releasing his grip on the door frame. “Actually, it’s not that cold. I’ll go first…”
With Xavier gone, the hall was left with only Shadow and the formidable “Alpha Dominic”. Shadow glanced outside the door, her senses heightened as she wondered why Alpha Kilian had not yet returned. Where did he disappear to so often?
“I’ll go up first,” Shadow stated, a sense of unease evident in her voice as she turned to make her way upstairs.
However, “Alpha Dominic” suddenly halted her with a commanding tone. “Shadow…”
She stopped in her tracks, turning to face him. Her pale face seemed almost ethereal, like moonlight on freshly fallen snow. Her eyes held a captivating gaze, like that of a vulnerable kitten. She appeared gentle, yet alluring.
“About the Eden Group…” Alpha Kilian deliberately paused, watching as Shadow’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly. She seemed nervous, her heart racing. He smiled knowingly and offered, “Do you need help?”
The first half of his sentence sent a surge of panic through Shadow’s veins. Did he know about her schemes against the Eden family? But as she heard the second half, her heart sank. She struggled to maintain a composed facade, forcing a reluctant smile. “My dad and the others will find a way. After all, this scandal happened within the company. They’ll handle it themselves.”
“Alpha Dominic” tilted his head, an enigmatic smile playing on his lips. “Oh.”
Slightly defeated, Shadow nodded and made her way upstairs, her spirits dampened.
She had to be cautious. As a member of the Eden family, she knew the importance of keeping her scheming against them hidden. Hazel, her closest friend, was an exception; there was no need to conceal her plans from her.
However, “Alpha Dominic” was different. No matter how much he had assisted her, he remained a member of the Lance family.
Adults, she realized, often had difficulties trusting others in this complex society.
…
The following morning, Shadow awoke, her mind plagued with questions. As she passed by Alpha Kilian’s study room, curiosity got the better of her, and she paused.
Alpha Kilian’s whereabouts were shrouded in secrecy. These past few days, she hadn’t dared to inquire about his actions. No one seemed willing to share any information with her, leaving her in the dark about his true intentions within the house.
Despite her perplexion, Shadow dismissed her thoughts. She had work at the Eden Group to attend to.
Upon arriving at the company, Shadow passed by the public relations department and was greeted with a shocking sight. A multitude of exhausted colleagues were slumped over their desks, some even trying to stay awake with coffee brewed in the tea room.
It seemed the public relations department had endured a sleepless night.
Even with their efforts, the scandal at Eden Group’s factory had escalated beyond control. This was no ordinary situation that could be resolved through efficient public relations methods, such as handling Jessica’s indecent video scandal.
Shadow barely settled at her workstation when she was informed about a meeting. With a heavy heart, she joined her colleagues and made her way to the meeting room.
The meeting revolved around strategies to stabilize customer relationships and assign necessary tasks. Shadow, resigned to being a mere spectator, listened intently.
As the meeting drew to a close, Shadow prepared to leave with her colleagues when Jason’s secretary approached.
The secretary nodded in acknowledgment. “Miss Eden, the chairman requests your presence.”
Curiosity piqued, Shadow halted her steps and queried, “What does he want?”
The secretary, remembering the urgency in Jason’s earlier requests for Shadow’s presence, hesitated for a moment before reluctantly grabbing hold of Shadow’s arm. Helplessly, she urged, “You should come with me. The chairman hasn’t slept all night.”
Annoyed, Shadow retorted, “Then let go of me.” She yearned to witness the predicament that Jason and others were facing.
Reaching Jason’s office, the secretary knocked and announced Shadow’s arrival. Without waiting for a response, she pushed open the door, allowing Shadow to enter, exhibiting utmost respect.
“Thank you,” Shadow acknowledged the secretary with a polite smile before entering Jason’s office and promptly closing the door behind her.
Jason, appearing worn and haggard, looked up from his desk and greeted Shadow with a gentle smile. “Shadow, you’re here. Have you had breakfast?”Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.
On his desk, several breakfast boxes adorned with a familiar logo caught her attention. They were from a nearby restaurant.
“I’ve eaten. Father, why did you call me here?” Shadow asked, her expression serious.
Jason, visibly fatigued, shook his head with a touch of weariness. His face bore a hint of age. “You are aware of the crisis we are facing in the company. The colleagues in the public relations department have been toiling tirelessly, but with no results. Our company’s stores were even attacked last night.”
Jason’s voice carried a tinge of sadness and complaint as he confided in Shadow, attempting to garner sympathy.
However, Shadow knew that Jason had called her in with a purpose. It wasn’t solely to vent his frustrations.
Indeed, as Shadow suspected, Jason shifted the conversation to her. “The Eden Group belongs to our family. Despite your marriage, you are still an Eden. With the company facing such a monumental challenge, we require assistance only someone like you can provide…”
Her role as the instigator of this crisis made it impossible for Shadow to aid Jason.
Pretending ignorance, Shadow maintained a serious expression and replied, “Yes, it is a serious matter. I noticed that our company is being heavily criticized online. We need to correct this and regain the public’s forgiveness.”
Her words were simple, but beneath them lay the critical issue plaguing the Eden Group. The collaboration with their partners needed to be salvaged, as some were even threatening legal action. The situation was dire, and only the intervention of the Lance family could prevent further damage.
Jason’s expression faltered as he believed Shadow was finally understanding. He eagerly nodded. “Yes, it’s that simple.”
But suddenly, Shadow’s expression shifted, fear clouding her face. “He gave me the black card, but the kidnappers took it from me. I can’t bear to tell him, as he would never let me off the hook if he found out.”