The boundaries between heaven and earth disappeared from sight due to the limited visibility, and the dense forests in the distance stretched infinitely. The peculiar and sinister clouds, after prolonged gazing, gradually released a more amiable aura, altering their rebellious contours.
Alisa couldn’t help but want to raise her hand to touch the clouds that were out of reach. The pain in her arm reminded her that she was imprisoned on this top floor, in this opulent yet hypocritical room, on this bed adorned with medicine bottles.
“I heard that those who meditate do so because they have something to hold on to,” Aldrich suddenly appeared.
Alisa turned to look at him. “I think it’s necessary to hear the sound of you knocking on the door first.”
“Sorry, but this is my territory.”
“Wolves really aren’t any good. You make me feel terrified with your hypocrisy.”
Aldrich raised an eyebrow. “Prisoners don’t deserve respect and courtesy.”
“Is this how you treat those who admire you?”
“You’re equally hypocritical.”
“It seems you believe Marvin’s claims.”
“He’s my blood-related brother.”
“But he’s awful in matters of love.”
“Do you really think I believe you admire me?”
Alisa gave him a challenging smile. “Doesn’t the proud top Alpha lack confidence?”
“Listen, Alisa, stop this. I don’t want Maggie to get hurt.”
“Stop? Stop my admiration for you?”
“You’re a smart woman, you don’t need me to explain too much. Stop all of this, and you’ll live very comfortably in Barret Manor.”
Alisa gazed out the window at the forest and the sky. “Do you think these clouds will look friendlier in the south?”
“Do you have to pretend to be naive?”
Alisa shook her head. “Aldrich Barret, while you might despise my actions, there will naturally be others who hope for it. Many things don’t have reasons and are difficult to explain; destiny is arranged this way, and I can’t change it.”
“The dagger is in your hands, and you can choose not to use it, keeping the dagger clean and spotless. Or is there something more important than Maggie in your heart?”
“Time holds all the answers.”
“It seems we’ve reached an impasse,” Aldrich said coldly. “This is the last chance I’m giving you.”
“Do you think I’ve left myself a way out? But I’m looking forward to you exposing all of this in front of Maggie. It’s better if you can provide evidence; otherwise, I might just bite back.”
Aldrich understood that there was no room for maneuver with Alisa. “Indeed, time holds all the answers. Wait for it.”
He stared coldly at the woman and stopped wasting any more words, turning to leave.
“Wait a moment, I have a small request. Beloved Aldrich wouldn’t refuse, would he?”
Aldrich’s steps didn’t falter.
Alisa shook her head and sighed. “Well, I just want to move the bed a bit to be able to look south. It’s quite stingy.”
Aldrich was already in the hallway, and he found Thomas. “Keep the surveillance on, have werewolves on guard twenty-four hours, and ensure that Alisa doesn’t have contact with any strangers.”
“Alright.”
“Change her bed’s direction to the south.”
This time, Thomas didn’t agree immediately. “You discussed these details that thoroughly?”
Aldrich glanced at Thomas. Thomas forced a smile. “Any other orders?”
“Double-check if Alisa has had any contact with other werewolves, especially Ethan Frost Bourne.”
Thomas’s expression instantly turned serious. “I’ll prioritize this matter.”
“Keep it confidential for all werewolves until the results come in.”
“Of course.”
Aldrich raised his foot to head towards the study. Thomas reminded him, “Charlie and Young Master Marvin have been waiting for you in the conference room for a long time.”
Aldrich turned around. “Can’t I just inform them that today’s work can be reported online?”
“Charlie has seen you in a sorry state many times. Don’t worry.”
With his intentions exposed, Aldrich subconsciously raised his hand to cover the red mark on his forehead. Thomas cleared his throat. “All the werewolves are happy to see you and Mrs. together. You don’t need to feel embarrassed.”
“Charlie better have something extremely urgent!”
Aldrich walked quickly towards the conference room.
In the conference room, after Charlie reported the recent disturbances to Marvin, he also felt the complexity of the situation.
When Aldrich entered the room, Marvin hurriedly closed the door. “Is that woman worth wasting so much of your time? We’re on the edge of our seats over here!”
Aldrich took his seat at the head of the table. “Another rogue uprising?”
Charlie nodded. “Boss, you must have noticed last night, the Blood Moon’s influence is getting stronger, and there was a faint bloody aura in the air.”
“Your boss was busy last night, he had no time to notice these things!” Marvin sat down next to Aldrich.
Charlie looked at Aldrich, puzzled. It was then that he noticed the red mark right in the middle of his forehead. He instantly understood the situation but refrained from making any jokes. After all, he and Jolie had more intense experiences than this.
He recounted last night’s tumult to Aldrich again. “We found a large gathering of rogue werewolves in the suburbs, fighting and causing chaos. This time, they were ruthless, targeting vulnerable areas like the abdomen, nose, eyes, and throat.”
“What about the security patrol wolves we have in place?”
“The problem is serious. When our trained wolves tried to intervene to stop the chaos, two of the security wolves were also affected and lost control, attacking the rogue and their comrades.”
Aldrich rubbed his temples. “Every security patrol wolf sent out has undergone rigorous training and their emotional control has been meticulously screened. If they can be easily influenced, this riot will be a massive disaster, and our territory will lose control and its tranquility.”
Having been by Aldrich’s side for years, Charlie also understood the seriousness of the situation. “Boss, we need to create a new action plan, not just for defense but also for counterattacks.”
Marvin nodded. “Let me join the patrol team. The pure Barret bloodline can ensure I’m not influenced by the Blood Moon.”
“Agreed.” Aldrich patted Marvin’s shoulder. “Before that, let Charlie take us to the location of last night’s outbreak.”
Charlie stood up. “The boss is always so cautious.”
Marvin also got up. “Let’s get moving.”
Aldrich said, “You two go wait in the car. I’ll go and discuss the travel plan with Maggie first.”