Third Person’s POV


    Madison shook her head slowly. “No, Lance will definitely go through with the mating ceremony with her. From Lycan rissa and Lycan Erasmus’s attitude that day, it’s clear they’re backing this. Lance might not be doing this willingly.”


    “But why?”


    Wanda was puzzled. “Why would Lycan Erasmus approve of Lance and Adide bing mates?”


    Madison was equally confused. “Logically, Lycan Erasmus should oppose this. Lancemands the army, and Adide upholds the Frostfang Pack’s fierce reputation. Doesn’t he fear Lance might grow ambitious?”


    Wanda’s eyes widened. “Would he dare?”


    “Humph!”


    Madison sneered coldly. “Who doesn’t aspire to be Lycan King? Lance has no ambitions now, but who knows about the future? Ambition can grow over time.”


    “It seems Lycan Erasmus, though wise, overly trusts so–called brotherhood. I need to remind him of this.”


    “Mother, does Lycan Erasmus still respect you?” Wanda asked.


    Madison’s gaze darkened. “On the surface, yes. But who knows what he truly thinks? I’ll pay him a visit


    tomorrow.”


    Wanda pouted as she approached. “Take me with you. I need to talk to Prisci.”


    “What about?”


    A glint of calction shed in Wanda’s eyes. “I’m a bit short on cash and want to ask Prisci for some money.”


    Madison’s pheromones suddenly carried a cloying pine scent, and her neck mark glowed eerily in the candlelight.


    She slowly smiled–yes, it was time to tap into this “pagoda tree” again.


    Prisci sat in her pce, her moonstone ring growing warm.


    “Madison and Wanda have arrived,” an omega announced.


    Prisci frowned. Whenever Madison and her daughter visited, it was always about money.


    A few years back, Wanda had partnered with a Full Moon Priestess to open a cosmetics shop, making a decent profit.


    Prisci, never one to be outdone, decided to open her own store.


    Initially, she nned to partner with rtives, but Wanda approached her first, touting her experience and connections. She persuaded Prisci to invest thirty million dors in a gold jewelry store.


    Prisci, already wary of Wanda, hesitated until Madison intervened with veiled insults, implying Prisci was too fearful and distrustful.


    Prisci, intimidated by Madison’s stern expression, reluctantly handed over the money.


    But over the years, the gold store brought no returns, only annual losses and constant requests for more funds.


    Prisci, bitter and resentful, had no choice but to keep investing to avoid appearing cheap or cash- strapped in Madison’s eyes.


    Over the years, Wanda had drained tens of millions from her. Yet Prisci had never seen a hint of profit from the store.


    The omega, who had long cared for Prisci, felt her pain. “They’re here to ask for more money. That gold store isn’t profitable. Why not sell it and cut your losses?”


    Prisci agreed the store was a failure.


    But shutting it down would be admitting defeat.


    Wanda’s cosmetics shop was thriving, while hers floundered. Prisci refused to back down–it was a matter of pride.


    Despite her misgivings, she invited Madison and Wanda in.


    Predictably, they were there for the gold store.


    Prisci couldn’t helpining, “My gold store isrger than your cosmetics shop. Why is it always in the red?<b>” </b>


    Wanda had her rehearsed response ready–new stores need time to build a reputation. The promotions were to boost fame, and once established, profits would follow.


    Prisci, never expecting massive returns, just wanted to save face.


    Then Madison coolly remarked, “Having second thoughts, Prisci? If you can’t spare the funds, sell your shares to the Full Moon Priestess–she’s been eager to buy them.”


    At Madison’s words, Prisci ordered three million dors in checks to be prepared.


    Madison and Wanda left, satisfied.


    Once they were gone, the omegamented, “This can’t continue! That store’s a ck hole. Sell it before it drains you dry.”


    Prisci, glum–faced, insisted, “No reason my store can’t seed. It’s twice the size of hers, with more gold varieties and higher costs. It’ll turn a profit soon.”


    “It might already be profitable–they could be hiding the earnings from you,” the omega suggested.


    Prisci countered, “How? I have the books–you review them for me.”


    “Books can be falsified!” the Omega retorted. “Next time they ask for money, refuse. Consider past investments a loss<b>.</b><b>” </b>


    Prisci agreed in theory, but Madison’s silent pressure always unnerved her, coupled with her pride, forcing her to repeatedly fork over cash.


    She suddenly wondered, “If it were Adide in her shoes, would she cave and pay?”