Her demeanor radiated happiness, and I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Victoria was ying her role perfectly - the adored mistress of the Alpha King.


    Sophiapped it up, clearly impressed by Victoria''s connection to Ethan. I


    remained silent, unwilling to give


    ツ


    Victoria the satisfaction of a response


    The elevator doors opened onto the fortieth floor, revealing the sleek headquarters of Canis Enterprises. A woman with sharp features and a tablet in hand awaited us.


    "Wee to Canis Enterprises," she said crisply "I''m Amanda Fletcher, Alexander Thornton''s assistant Her gaze swept over us, lingering dismissively on me before brightening as itnded on Victoria. "Mrs. Frost, we''ve been expecting you. Mr. Thornton is particrly excited about your crystal designs"


    Victoria preened under the attention. "How kind of him."


    Amanda turned to me, her tone noticeably cooler. "And you must be Mrs. Winters. Alexander mentioned your... unique approach."


    The hesitation in her voice spoke volumes. She clearly doubted my


    abilities


    "I''m honored to be here," I replied evenly.


    OW


    Amanda''s smile didn''t reach her eyes. "You can say that again after you pass the probation period" Victoria stepped forward, producing an elegantly wrapped box. "Miss Fletcher, a small token of appreciation, It''s exclusive moonlight coffee from the Stone family''s private reserve."


    Amanda''s demeanor transformed instantly. "How thoughtful! Thank you, Mrs. Frost."


    I bit back a retort. Of course Victoria would use Ethan''s resources to curry favor on her first day.


    Amanda led us through the office, introducing us to our new colleagues. This is Victoria Frost, our first-ce winner in the Pack Healer''s Crystal Competition," she announced proudly.


    When my turn came, her introduction was perfunctory. "Olivia Winters, second ce."


    Despite Amanda''s obvious favoritism, I greeted everyone warmly. Tm looking forward to working with all of you. Your crystal designs are legendary in the healingmunity."


    Several designers approached me,plimenting mypetition entry. "Your moonstone configuration was innovative," one said. I''ve never seen that arrangement before."


    I felt Victoria''s gaze burning into me as attention shifted my way. From the corner of my eye, I saw her discreetly typing on her phone..


    Minutester, the office doors opened, and several delivery people entered carrying trays of high-end coffee and pastries.


    "Delivery for Mrs. Victoria Frost, courtesy of Alpha King Ethan Stone, announced the lead delivery person. Victoria feigned surprise, her hand fluttering to her chest. "Oh my! Ethan shouldn''t have!"


    She immediately began distributing the treats. "Please, everyone, enjoy. Ethan wanted to make sure my first day started well,"


    The office staff gathered around, clearly impressed by the extravagant gesture. Victoria stood at the center, graciously epting their thanks as if she were already their leader.


    I watched silently, resentment building in my chest. Not because of the treats themselves, but because of what they represented: Ethan''s determination to ensure Victoria faced no difort, no challenge. He''d always protected her, even at Lily''s expense.


    O <


    After the impromptu celebration, Amanda assigned us our initial tasks. "Victoria, you''ll be working directly with Gregory Hayes on the new healing crystal line. Sophia, you''ll assist in the testing department. Olivia, please organize the reference materials in room 403,"


    Filing duty. The least prestigious assignment possible.


    "I''ll be away on a business trip this afternoon, Amanda continued. "Gregory will oversee your progress."


    As everyone dispersed to their assigned tasks, I made my way to room 403. The materials room was filled with crystal samples and design references, a treasure trove of knowledge despite the menial nature of the


    task.


    I had just begun sorting through the files when the door opened behind me. Victoria slipped in, closing the


    door quietly.


    The moment we were alone, her pleasant mask fell away. Her eyes hardened, lips curling into a sneer. "Enjoying your first day, Olivia?" she asked, voice dripping with disdain.


    I continued organizing files, refusing to engage. "Is there something you need, Victoria?"


    She leaned against the door, blocking the exit. "You know what''s funny? Last night, after Emma finally fell asleep, I went to Ethan''s room wearing his favorite lingerie."


    My hands stilled momentarily before I forced myself to continue working.


    "He barely looked at me," Victoria continued, her voice tight with frustration. "He was so worried about Emma, checking on her every hour. When I tried to seduce him, he just patted my head like a child and told me to get


    some rest."


    I turned to face her, curious where this was going.


    "It wasn''t always like this,” she hissed. "Before you came along with your pathetic orphan story and caught his grandmother''s attention, Ethan and I were inseparable. We were meant to be mates."


    Her jealousy was palpable, filling the small room with bitter energy.


    "And now, even after five years of you proving yourself worthless, even after your daughter died, he still won''t fullymit to me," she spat.


    The mention of Lily sent a wave of rage through me, but I kept my expression neutral. Victoria wanted a reaction. I wouldn''t give her the satisfaction.


    Her frustration grew at my silence. "I saw how he looked at you yesterday in his bedroom. I''m not blind,


    Olivia.


    So that''s what this was about. Victoria had somehow learned about my encounter with Ethan. "Olivia Winters, you know Ethan loves me, yet you repeatedly try to seduce him. How can you be so shameless?"