I set my alarm for early the next morning to give myself plenty of time to get ready and head to the firm. After spending the whole night obsessing over Mona’s potential secrets, I had no clue what time I’d finally fallen asleep. I just knew I had stayed up way too late. Once this meeting was over, I had to get answers about what Mona might be hiding.
It still puzzled me how Alpha Derrick had been so calm these past few days. For someone known as the most terrifying Alpha, he’d been unusually lenient lately. I had to wonder what was causing such a shift in him-and in everyone else around me.
After finishing my bath, I went back to my room and started getting ready. I chose a classic outfit-a pair of navy suit trousers and a long-sleeved white shirt. Simple, but professional. I slipped on my black heels, grabbed a matching black purse, and pulled my hair back into my usual bun. No makeup today, but my skin was glowing, and I was pleased with how fresh I looked.
Once I was sure I had everything, I left my room and walked into the living area. The entire place was eerily quiet. It felt like I was the only one home.
Though it was an elegant building, not many pack members lived in the pack house. Most of the Moonstone pack preferred their own space, so the apartments were often empty, giving the place an almost eerie calm. Even when it was full, the house was always quiet. You only ever saw someone if there was a specific reason.
As I stepped outside, I saw a taxi coming up the street. Waving it down, I climbed inside. Anxiety gripped me during the entire ride to the firm, but I fought hard to keep it under control. I couldn’t show up at the board meeting looking nervous or weak.
When we arrived at the company, I stepped out of the taxi and hurried inside. The moment I walked through the doors, I felt all eyes on me. Everyone seemed to stop what they were doing to stare, whispering as I passed by. I could hear some of them muttering rude things behind my back, but I ignored them.
With the company in a precarious position and an emergency board meeting called, it was no surprise that everyone wanted to gossip. But I didn’t care. I had bigger things to worry about.
I went straight to Sir Jethro’s office without stopping to acknowledge anyone. When I entered, I found him sitting behind his desk, engrossed in some paperwork.
“Good morning, Sir Jethro,” I greeted him with a polite smile as I took a seat across from him.
“Kimberly, my sweet friend!” he beamed at me, his face lighting up. “You’re here early. What’s the rush?”
I glanced down at my wristwatch, and my eyes widened in surprise. It was only seven in the morning-much earlier than I’d realized. I hadn’t even looked at the clock before leaving the house.
I chuckled softly. “I wanted to make a good impression on the board, so I figured I’d get here early.”
“Now that’s the spirit!” he exclaimed, clearly pleased. “That’s what I expect from you-always striving to be your best!”
“Thank you, Sir!” I said with a grin. We both laughed for a moment before I added, “By the way, how’s your family? Don’t you think it’s time for all of you to return to the pack house?”
Sir Jethro’s face grew serious. “Hmm, not just yet, my dear. But in time, we’ll return.”
“You should hurry, though,” I urged him, my tone serious. “Especially now that my father is missing. You’re the best person to watch over everyone.”
He sighed heavily. “I know what you’re saying, Kimberly. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Let’s just keep hoping Alpha Darwin shows up soon.”
“Alright,” I agreed, though I still felt uneasy.
Before we could continue, Sir Jethro’s secretary entered the room and announced that the meeting was ready to begin. Sir Jethro and I stood up and walked together to the boardroom.
As we entered, I was stunned to see Alpha Derrick and Mona already seated inside. My heart skipped a beat, and I stared at them in disbelief.
‘What is Alpha Derrick doing here?’ I thought, my mind racing. ‘This meeting is for the Moonstone pack. Why would he show up?’
I was so lost in thought that I didn’t notice Sir Jethro calling my name.
“Kimberly!” he repeated, snapping me out of my daze. “Are you alright? You seem a little distracted.”
I leaned in closer and whispered, “What’s Alpha Derrick doing here? This meeting is supposed to be for the Moonstone pack board members.”
Sir Jethro lowered his voice as he explained, “Luna Catherine invited him as a special guest. No one dared to object.”
“Oh, I see,” I mumbled, still in shock.
We quickly took our seats as everyone else was already in their places. Mona and Alpha Derrick were sitting side by side, with Luna Catherine next to them. There were about eleven people in the room, many of whom I didn’t recognize.
Since I didn’t spend much time at the office, I wasn’t familiar with most of the board members. As I sat down beside Sir Jethro, I couldn’t help but feel nervous. What if they sided with Luna Catherine? I had no idea what would happen, but I couldn’t let it show. I had to stay strong, especially in front of Luna Catherine.
I stole a glance at her and saw her smirking. My stomach churned, but I forced a confident expression onto my face. I couldn’t let her think she had the upper hand.
“We’ll begin the meeting now,” Sir Jethro’s secretary announced, and the room fell silent. Everyone shifted in their seats, preparing for what would no doubt be a very tense and competitive meeting.
Sir Jethro’s secretary stood at the front of the room, her voice clear and professional.