"Your company also has a design business?" Alicia asked, surprised by Damian's invitation."It didn't before, but I acquired an architectural design firm some time ago," Damian replied, his tone relaxed as if he was talking about buying a new suit.Mae returned from buying food with Ellis and warned Alicia after hearing Damian's offer, "Allie, think carefully about this offer. Once you're there, your paranoid mate might go crazy one day and curse you because of you talking to your colleagues or clients in the office, right?" She cast a sarcastic look at Damian, causing Alicia and Ellis to burst out laughing."Ellis, keep your mate's mouth shut!" Damian demanded with a frown.Ellis gave Mae a kiss and replied with a smile, "I'll only kiss my mate's mouth."The four of them sat on chairs in the children's park, enjoying two extra-large pizzas and a whole box of fried chicken nuggets while surrounded by swings made out of tires.Looking at the

"Let's switch things up. If you want me to play the part of your husband, we'll be quite affectionate around your family," Damian asserted, setting down his cup of black coffee.Alicia raised an eyebrow and rebutted, "But you haven't seen how unbearable my stepmother can be when she's displeased.""Worse than me when I'm angry?" Damian quipped.Recalling Damian's previous outbursts, Alicia couldn't help but feel that Mary's behavior such as smashing things and instructing her to do chores would be tolerable in comparison. She relented, "Fine, just don't make Mary angry. I don't want to embarrass my father.""So, you agree with my condition?" Damian inquired, a hint of amusement glinting in his deep blue eyes.Alicia sighed and nodded, feeling defeated."In that case, let's leave at 1:00 this afternoon!" Damian suggested cheerfully.Alicia was taken aback by Damian's proposal. "This afternoon? But I haven't booked a flight yet."Damian's expression soured at the mention of flying, remi

Alicia scowled and stomped angrily, channeling her frustration toward Damian's questioning of her driving skills. "I've been practicing with a second-hand car for days. Of course, I can drive back to Seattle by myself! How dare he belittle my abilities! At least I don't switch lanes recklessly like he did yesterday, engaging in a wild race with another car. Let him know this! I will undoubtedly make it home safely and smoothly."Taking note of Alicia's words, Lyon nodded promptly. "Understood. Have a safe journey, then."With her resentment toward Damian fueling her, Alicia embarked on her journey back to her home pack, to be exact, her father's pack.As tomorrow marked Alpha Jason's birthday and the pack's 30th-anniversary celebration, every house in the village displayed festive decorations. Even the sign in the open space near the small square had two red balloons tied to it by a pack member. To prevent her stepmother from feeling envious upon seeing the new sports car, Alicia chos

Alicia fought back tears, her eyes reddening in response to Jason's words. She tightly clutched her sleeve and gritted her teeth, struggling to suppress the overwhelming urge to cry. Her father's belief in Mary's story that she had lied pierced through her heart.However, amidst her turmoil, Alicia detected a hint of weariness in her father's comforting smile. In that moment, a memory of her mother's voice echoed in her mind. She recalled the words her mother had uttered before her passing, as she held both Alicia and Jason's hands, emphasizing the importance of their unwavering support for one another. They were a family, bound together by blood, with no one else to rely on in the world.A surge of determination welled up inside Alicia, and she firmly grasped her father's hand. "Dad, please tell me if Scarlett Pack is truly facing financial difficulties once again. I have some savings here, nearly a year's worth of salary. If it's not enough, I'll find a way to borrow the rest from T

"Jenny, are you absolutely certain about this? He appears condescending and arrogant. Did you notice how he spoke to me earlier? His chin was practically scraping the ceiling!""Just wait and see! I will definitely bring down this wealthy man. You know, guys like him who are loaded with money have numerous love affairs. They crave excitement and don't care about one-night stands. But if I can spend a single night with him, I can guarantee a worry-free life for the rest of my days."The carpet muffled the man's footsteps as he ascended the stairs. Unbeknownst to him, Tobias overheard the sisters' foolish conversation, intending to startle them until Alicia took hold of his arm.Alicia, too, caught wind of the conversation between her stepmother and Aunt Jenny. However, in order to prevent her mate from causing further trouble, she had to speak deliberately and loudly, "My room is at the end of the hallway."Noticing Tobias' displeased frown, as he disapproved of her spoiling his prank,