Today, Aldrich happened to be inspecting one of his many businesses, the “Wolf’s Dance” store. After concluding a meeting in his office, Aldrich rode the elevator down to the eighth floor, where he immediately spotted Maggie in the bustling crowd.
He remembered that girl, the one whose scent had once captivated him deeply. Today, she was wearing a navy blue dress that accentuated her slender and graceful figure, making her stand out in the opulent store. She looked absolutely mouthwatering.
Aldrich had felt a primal urge to protect her, so much so that he had used his werewolf abilities to save her twice – an uncontrollable instinct to protect his kin. He had a vague sense of a mysterious and profound connection with this girl.
Amid the onlookers, Aldrich approached Maggie, his gaze fixed on her. Then, he calmly and curiously asked the sales staff, “Is there a problem here?”
Maggie’s eyes widened in surprise when she realized she was face to face with him again. His familiar face brought back memories of the handsome stranger who had saved her twice. However, her recent encounter had tainted her memories, as Aldrich had been cold and indifferent to her plea for help within the company. A whirlwind of conflicting emotions swept over Maggie – her hope for his help intertwined with his past indifference.
The salesperson straightened up and answered the boss’s inquiry. “This lady purchased a handbag from our store and now wishes to return it. Unfortunately, it doesn’t meet our return policy.”
Maggie took a deep breath, her trembling hands tightly clasped together as she tried to calm her racing heart. “Mr. Barrett, I do need a refund. This handbag is not what I expected, and it’s a financial burden I can’t bear.”
Aldrich observed Maggie’s distressed state with his keen eyes. Although he didn’t want to concern himself with this human, his wolf instincts betrayed him by showing sincere concern in his gaze. He felt genuinely curious about her story, and despite his composed and distant demeanor, his sensitive nature couldn’t shield him from the emotional fluctuations emanating from Maggie. He nodded slightly and spoke surprisingly gently.
“I can sense your distress, and I sympathize with your situation,” he admitted, his words carrying a sense of understanding. “Let me see what I can do to resolve this. Please follow me.”
Maggie’s heart rekindled a glimmer of hope, and she followed Aldrich cautiously. He exuded an undeniable aura of power and authority. Yet beneath his exterior, she felt a touch of kindness and compassion, understanding that this man had once again extended a helping hand to her.
Aldrich led Maggie into the chairman’s office, which left a lasting impression on her with its elegant decor and exquisite furnishings. The office emitted an air of sophistication, with luxurious details showcasing Aldrich’s refined taste.
Aldrich settled into his grand office chair, his gaze sharp as he fixed it on Maggie. His eyes seemed to penetrate her soul as he began to inquire, his voice authoritative yet inquisitive.
“Maggie Nelson, right?” Aldrich inquired, scrutinizing Maggie. His gaze swept over her watery eyes, delicate nose, and finally lingered on her sensual lips. She was wearing a pale pink ruffled blouse that gave her a gentle appearance. Her white leather skirt showcased her long legs, combining gentleness with allure. Why did he always have this special feeling towards this girl? He had never felt this way about a woman before; it must be his wolf’s influence.
Maggie felt a bit overwhelmed by his intense gaze, but she composed herself and replied, “Mr. Barrett, I must clarify that this handbag isn’t mine.” Her voice carried a sense of urgency and determination.
Aldrich furrowed his brows. The handbag wasn’t the main concern, but he needed to extract the information he sought from her words. Leaning forward, he loomed over this petite woman, and an impulse surged within him. Yet, he managed to restrain himself and locked eyes with Maggie, urging her to continue.
“I’m about to become a mother, and I want to minimize unnecessary expenses to support my child’s future life. That’s why I must return this expensive handbag,” Maggie continued. Her voice was filled with frustration and embarrassment. “Mr. Barrett, please, I’m begging you…”
Listening to Maggie’s words of helplessness and despair, Aldrich was taken aback by a sudden wave of pity. Considering he had only met the girl a few times, the deep attraction he felt for her was an unusual and rare emotion.
“I understand,” Aldrich replied, his tone slightly softer. “Ms. Nelson, your situation is unfortunate. However, I must emphasize that this handbag doesn’t meet our return requirements. I’m truly sorry; it’s a matter of company policy, and I can’t make an exception for you.”
Maggie’s frustration was growing, and her voice trembled as she implored Aldrich once again. “But, Mr. Barrett, I’m desperate. I never wanted to benefit from this purchase. I just want to cancel some of the luxury expenses that don’t belong to me. Is there anything you can do to help me?”
Aldrich moved closer to Maggie, studying her. He gazed into her pitiful eyes and, in a split second, felt a deep empathy for her circumstances. What had happened to her?
Aldrich intensely sensed Maggie’s emotions, something only those of their kind could experience. But he didn’t detect any trace of a werewolf in her.
Aldrich fixed his gaze on Maggie and asked, “Ms. Nelson, may I inquire about your parents’ situation?”
Maggie hesitated for a moment. “What does that matter? I don’t have parents.”
Aldrich furrowed his brow and pressed, “Are you currently living with relatives or friends?”
Maggie took a deep breath. “Mr. Barrett, perhaps you didn’t hear me clearly earlier. I’m an orphan…”
Maggie didn’t want to expose her most painful side to Aldrich. Her last shred of pride wouldn’t allow her to do so. She fought back the desire to pour out her woes, swallowing the lump in her throat.
Aldrich nodded, confirming once again that she wasn’t a werewolf and was unfamiliar with the world of werewolves. It seemed that this matter required further investigation.
“Ms. Nelson, I understand the terrible situation you’re in,” Aldrich acknowledged. “Please leave your address and contact information. While I can’t guarantee an immediate solution, I will personally delve into your case and explore any avenues where I can provide assistance.”
Maggie’s eyes widened, hope sparkling through her tear-filled face. She quickly jotted down her address and phone number and left it with Aldrich. She felt a renewed sense of possibility and relief.
As soon as Maggie left the office, Aldrich pressed the intercom button. “Come in.”
A man dressed in black entered. Charlie was Aldrich’s most trusted Beta, who had been by his side all along.
Aldrich gestured to the piece of paper on the table, indicating for Charlie to pick it up. It contained the address and contact information Maggie had just written.
“Investigate this girl’s background, see if she has any potential connections with werewolves,” Aldrich commanded.
“Of course,” Charlie replied as he accepted the task.