Chapter 93: Chapter 93
Kyra’s POV
"So, Dad’s remaining asset is just the company," I said, reading the papers his lawyer had sent me. On my laptop screen, I saw the pack lawyer who had served my family for so many years. My father’s pack was now under Kieran’s control, but this man had remained loyal.
"Yes, Miss Kyra. The houses owned by your father have already been sold to different buyers. The only property left is the mansion under your third stepmother’s name. You can only get it if you purchase it from her directly."
I lifted my chin, my mind racing with calculations. "Can I acquire company shares without revealing my identity? Would that cause legal complications?"
"That shouldn’t be a problem," he replied, his voice steady. "As long as you’re the legal owner of the shares, your true identity can remain hidden until you choose to reveal it."
"Then I’ll begin buying shares steadily until I acquire controlling interest. That would place me at the top of the company hierarchy without tipping my hand too early."
The attorney’s eyes narrowed with concern. "A clever strategy, Kyra. But executing it in secret will be hard. Kieran runs the company now, as President. You know your stepbrother well. He’s smart and dangerous."
I exhaled slowly, my wolf Sylvia stirring with anticipation inside me. "I just need to outsmart him, attorney. And patience is something I’ve mastered these past five years."
My gaze drifted toward Luke, who was sitting on the couch, scrolling through his phone while drinking juice. Snow had fallen asleep while he was reading her a story. It was the weekend, so I didn’t have work. Luke seemed to have grown quite fond of my daughter, spending his days off here, even though he was already watching Snow every weekday while I worked.
My phone chimed with a message from the same anonymous number:
’I’m pretty sure I got the right number. Ignoring me, eh?’
I sighed and turned back to the screen. "Thank you, attorney. I’ll contact you again when I need something else."
"Anytime, Kyra. Good luck."
After closing my laptop, I walked toward the living area where Snow was sleeping peacefully on the couch.
Luke stood and straightened his shirt. "I should head out now, Miss Kyra."
I nodded, offering him a small smile. "Thank you, Luke."
His expression grew serious. "I can do anything you need."
I’d considered several ways he might help me reclaim what was mine, but involving him in anything beyond Snow’s protection could alert Kieran. My stepbrother would recognize a trap if my father’s former warrior suddenly appeared in his orbit.
"I can only trust you with my daughter, Luke," I said, resting my hand on his shoulder. "Keeping her safe is the greatest help I could ever need. She’s everything to me."
"Then I will ensure no harm comes her way. On my life, I swear it."
I walked him to the door, and as he disappeared from sight, Mary suddenly appeared, her expression curious and excited.
"You have a boyfriend?" she asked, eyes wide.
I rolled my eyes. "Mary..."
"He’s so hot, Elle! Even hotter than Mr. Walter! God! Look at those biceps!"
My shoulders dropped. She reminded me so much of Yara with her endless chatter. I wondered briefly how Yara was doing and what had happened to my flower shop, though I couldn’t risk visiting it now.
"Tell me who he is! Tell me!"
"Mary, he’s the one looking after Snow when I’m at work. I already told you I found someone."
Her eyes widened further. "He’s a nanny? But you never said he was male and absolutely gorgeous!"
I laughed despite myself. "Do you want me to put in a good word for you?"
She smirked and nudged me. "If you insist. Sure, why not?"
I chuckled and pinched her side. "I’m exhausted. Go back to your apartment."
"Why don’t we go out to eat tomorrow? Let’s bring Yuki. And of course, her hot nanny."
"Soon," I sighed.
"Then at least introduce me to him properly!"
"I said soon, Mary. We have that big event coming up, you’ll be distracted enough."
She pouted. I shook my head, but before closing the door, I whispered Luke’s name in her ear, making her smile from ear to ear.
That girl!
I carefully lifted Snow from the couch and carried her to our bedroom, placing her gently on the bed. After washing my face, I lay beside her, studying her peaceful features in the dim light. As she grew, she looked more like her father. Normal people couldn’t tell, but anyone who knew Nathan would see it. She had his eyebrows and his strong jaw, even while sleeping.
I ran my fingers through her soft hair, inhaling her sweet scent. I had to ensure they never crossed paths. If they did, I would have to confess the truth and admit my selfish decision to hide her existence from him.
Yet I’d often imagined introducing them. Even if Snow never complained about not having a father, I knew she needed him to guide her, to set her standards, to be her inspiration, to make her feel cherished. Just as my father had once done for me, before everything fell apart.
But our situation was complicated. Would Nathan’s family accept Snow? Probably. But if he had already officially mated with Sophia, his true fated mate, I couldn’t bear to make Snow feel the pain I felt. When my father remarried after my mother died, I learned how it hurts to be replaced. I never wanted my daughter to feel like she was second best.
I wrapped my arms around Snow’s tiny body, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. Throughout my life, I had trusted too easily, especially those who showed even the slightest kindness. But I also knew when to stop trusting. If protecting my daughter required me to become cold-hearted, I would embrace that transformation without hesitation. For Snow, I would become whoever I needed to be.
***
The night of the auction arrived, and I took careful precautions as I personally greeted the VIP guests. I wore thick makeup and used scent-blocking spray to mask my natural scent, a necessity in a world where werewolves could identify each other immediately by smell. I had also assigned staff to handle most of the greeting duties so I wouldn’t have to face everyone directly.
Scanning the crowd, I couldn’t spot the two people I most expected and dreaded seeing tonight. Though I had no intention of revealing myself, their absence made me wonder if they were simply running late.
In my black evening gown, I stood in a shadowed corner as the auction began. Tonight’s items included rare and expensive relics from various collections. My father had loved such treasures, displaying them proudly in glass cabinets throughout our family home.
From my position backstage, I could examine each item before it went up for bid. My heart nearly stopped when something familiar appeared.
It was one of my father’s prized possessions.
My fists clenched as rage flooded through me. If that piece was here, then Kieran must be as well.
I scanned the room and spotted him by the entrance, tall and imposing in his perfectly tailored black suit, his cedar and musk scent just detectable even across the crowded room. He had just arrived, walking with the arrogant confidence of someone who believed himself untouchable. His dark hair was swept back from his forehead, highlighting his sharp features.
Fury consumed me, Sylvia howling with rage inside my mind. I struggled to remain composed, turning away toward a side exit for fresh air before I did something foolish.
In my haste, I collided with someone solid and masculine. I froze as a familiar minty scent, one I hadn’t encountered in five years, enveloped me. Would my carefully applied scent-blocking spray still work at such close distance?
"I’m sorry, I didn’t see you—"
I don’t know why I looked up instead of keeping my head down. But it was too late. Nathan had already seen my face, and I watched as the color drained from his. His eyes, once so lifeless in my memories, suddenly glimmered under the moonlight, transforming from empty shells to deep, mysterious pools. Like gazing into a paradise.
My heart skipped painfully, and I realized I’d been holding my breath. His hand rested firmly on my waist where he’d caught me after I nearly twisted my ankle in our collision. Electric tension flowed between us, disrupting my senses and scattering my thoughts.
Oh my God! This night is insane!
"K...Kyra..." His voice was hoarse with disbelief.
