“You’ll regret this, Celeste!” Olivia hissed.

I straightly looked at her. If only she knew that I already regretted the moment I let my guard down in my previous life, and promised myself that I won’t let anyone fool me in this second life.

I was stupid when I signed the contract with Raphael’s company. I was stupid and foolish then.

Then. Not now.

In fact, that contract was also the reason why Raphael wooed me and made me believe that I was his mate. Idiot I was, I believed him, especially I didn’t have my wolf to warn and contradict the ‘mate thing’ Raphael used to lure me then. I even thought then that I was lucky to find Raphael as my mate before. An Alpha like him as my fated mate was truly a blessing for someone like me.

How naive I was…

“And you can tell your brother, Olivia, that I’m no more interested in his offer. I know what I said could be an insult for someone like him but… it was just that I am not the nitwit one you think of. I know what Raphael wants, my grandfather’s company. He wants to extend his alphadom in our pack, right? Well, sorry to inform him… He will never have what he wants in this lifetime.”

Olivia squinted her eyes but I only smirked at her.

“Ciao, Olivia.”

I sat up next and looked at everyone. “Meeting adjourned.”

The board of directors left and only Natalie left with me in the boardroom. She sighed. Looking at me with disbelief with what I’ve done.

“What was that for?” I asked. “I thought you didn't like Olivia,” I said straightly, for I know that fact because it was her then kept on reminding me that Olivia was just a minion of Tessa to spy on me in my previous life.

Yes, when I was fooled by Raphael’s charm and assigned his sister as an executive assistant of Blackmoon Enterprises detailed in my grandfather’s company, I was nice to her thinking she will soon be my sister-in-law. But little did I know how she discreetly made me wrong in the eyes of people in the company. Causing trouble for me, encouraging people to rally on me and remove me from being the CEO.

“I already told your grandfather that Blackmoon Enterprises is not suitable as a collaborator of Darkfang Industries in the next project…” Natalie expressed her thoughts. “I think you did a good job of not letting the contract with them go through. But… I know you could do it better, Celeste. In a formal way, I mean. Instead of tearing those documents in front of the board of directors and looking like a spoiled brat by your grandfather as they thought of… you should inform me first so the meeting involving Blackmoon could be cancelled before anything else gets shameful for Olivia Voss.”

I chuckled. “But I purposely did it that way. It’s the best way to show how I refused Blackmoon Enterprises, Nat. It’s the best way for them to realize I ain’t an easy target.”

Natalie was amused with the way I nicknamed her more than what I said. It was because at this time, she and I weren’t as close as we were. This moment was just a start for our friendship.

“Anyway, are you serious with what you said about the Phantom, Inc.?” she curiously asked. Her tone was full of concern for me on whatever I was planning.

“Certainly.”

“But they’re—”

“Dangerous?” I finished for her. “Yes, but I know they will be my best ally in case.” In case Tessa continues her schemes towards me, then the Phantom, Inc. will be there for Darkfang Industries.

I won’t let Darkfang go bankrupt. I won’t let myself be the reason for my grandfather’s death and also Natalie. I had no idea then who killed Natalie, but I have an idea now… It’s easy now to connect her death in my previous life to Tessa, Raphael, and Alexander.

“Of course…” Natalie smiled and nodded. “Your future, Celeste, is yours to shape. And with your grandfather’s business acumen, you will surely learn it all as soon as you focus on the company.”

I nodded. My past life’s heartbreak no longer mattered. The weight of my death in my previous life has no longer held me down. Now, I felt a sense of control over my fate.

The day ended fast. I was heading home and walked past the lobby as my mind occupied the tangled web of schemes Raphael, Alexander, and Tessa had spun in my previous life. This time, I wouldn’t fall prey to their deceptions. This time, I would be the one leading the game.

All I needed was to find the one behind the Phantom, Inc. and convince him or her to be a shareholder in Darkfang Industries. With Phantom, Inc. I will secure my grandfather’s company’s future. No bankruptcy this time.

Just as I stepped through the grand revolving doors and into the cool night air, a sudden force hit me—like a bolt of lightning straight to my soul.

My steps halted. My breath caught.

A powerful, intoxicating scent filled my senses, a mix of fresh pine, crisp winter air, and something uniquely alluring. My heart pounded so violently that I could feel its echo in my fingertips. My vision blurred for a moment before sharpening with a startling clarity.

What… What is this?

My body turned on its own accord, searching for the source.

And then—I saw him.

A tall, striking man stood near the sidewalk, his piercing silver gray eyes locked onto mine as if he had been waiting for me all along. His presence was magnetic, overwhelming, as if the world itself had quieted around us. The moment our gazes met, a strange warmth unfurled deep within my chest, spreading like wildfire through my veins.

Mate?

The word slammed into my mind, raw and undeniable.

Is he my—

‘Mate!’

A voice, barely audible but unmistakable, echoed in my head. ‘Celeste... he is ours.’

My eyes widened. ‘Who are you?’ I asked her though I already knew who she was.

‘It’s me! Your wolf!’

My wolf? I have my wolf now?

Oh, Moon Goddess… Thank you!

‘What’s your name?’ I asked.

‘Elara.’

I gulped. My inner wolf's voice was soft yet filled with certainty. She had been silent for so long, but now she stirred, her presence strong and insistent. A shiver ran down my spine as the bond between us reawakened, stronger than ever. And she was here to tell me who’s our mate.

‘You need to make him know you, Celeste!’

I sucked in a sharp breath, my wolf—who had been dormant in my previous life—howling to life in recognition. My heart raced, and an inexplicable pull urged me forward especially as my eyes locked to the man who was approaching me already.

He took a slow step towards me, his expression unreadable but his eyes burning with the same awareness that coursed through my blood.

“You…” I whispered, barely able to find my voice. “You’re my—”

“Mate,” he finished my sentence.

The corner of the man’s lips lifted slightly, not quite a smirk but something just as dangerous. “You feel it too.”

It wasn’t a question. It was a statement.

I swallowed hard.

This was real. This was happening.

For the first time, fate had thrown me something entirely unexpected—but whether it was a blessing or another twist in my already complicated life, I wasn’t sure.

All I knew was that I had just found my true mate and my inner wolf. And nothing would ever be the same again for Raphael and Alexander if they tried to fool me again, making me think as their mate.

Before I could say something, my phone buzzed with calls from Alexander, demanding a meeting. I frowned. Alexander was out of the country until the moment he had a chance with me. It was when I was heartbroken with what Raphael did to me in our supposed engagement party.

“This call was not in my previous life…” I whispered to myself. “Some change after I tore that goddamn contract…”

“What contract?” the man asked, his deep voice laced with curiosity.

Bewildered, I looked into his piercing gray eyes. “Contract?” I echoed, frowning.

“You were talking about some contract,” he said smoothly, his gaze never leaving mine. “I hope the bidding for Darkfang Industries' new project is still open.”

I blinked. “Bidding?”

“Yes, the bidding. I was informed that the young and beautiful CEO of Darkfang canceled the contract the company was supposed to sign today with Blackwood. And I heard that my company was mentioned.”

“Your company…” I repeated slowly, trying to piece everything together. Who’s he?

“Phantom, Inc.”

Oh… My breath hitched as realization dawned. The man standing in front of me was the one behind Phantom, Inc. And he’s my mate! My true mate!

“Lucian Sanguine,” he introduced himself next, his name rolling off his tongue with confidence. “I was planning to pay you a visit tomorrow, Miss Moretti, but since I was told it is you walking out the door of your company’s building then…” He shrugged. “The urge to talk to you became my main objective at first, Miss Moretti, I admit. And sensing it’s you that I thought would never have made me realize how kind and cruel the Moon Goddess is to me.”

I gaped at him. I was confused. Just as I was about to respond, my phone buzzed again. Another call from Alexander. Annoyed, I sighed and answered it.

“What do you want, Alexander?” I asked coldly, stepping a few feet away from Lucian.

“Celeste,” Alexander’s voice came through the speaker, smooth yet dripping with feigned concern. “I was worried about you. You’ve been making some rash decisions, I heard.”

So, he heard what I did to Olivia earlier already? What a concern for his friend Raphael’s company!

The three of us actually grew up together and only college life changed our friendship. And Tessa? She used to be my best friend in college who became rich when she married a businessman. Tessa was still married this year. Her husband will die next year and it all makes sense now… Tessa will surely be the one killing her husband, too.

“Are you listening, Celeste?” Alexander asked next. “I know you have some trouble handling your grandfather’s business. It’s big and you’re inexperienced. Anyway, you can ask for Tessa’s help since she’s your friend. I could help you, too.”

I scoffed. Raphael was out now with their plan to fool me. Maybe Raphael and Alexander already changed their roles. Alexander will be the one to fool me and Raphael will be the one who will soon lure me once Alexander dumped me for Tessa.

“I’m listening, Alexander… I just got bored talking to you,” I said in my most cold tone. “And rash? What do you mean by that? I perfectly did what I had to do. Taking control of my grandfather’s company instead of letting Raphael manipulate me is the most justified thing I did in my life.”

“Come on, Celeste,” Alexander said with a light chuckle. “Manipulate? Raphael? You’re only overthinking.”

“Am I really only overthinking, Alexander?” I probed. Of course he would never admit what they are plotting against me, but who cares?! I know what will be my end if I still go down the same path.

“We've been friends since we were toddlers, Celeste, so where did you get the idea that Raphael was trying to manipulate you?” Alexander stated.

I bitterly smiled. How could someone lie like what they were doing straightly? They are evil! All for Tessa? Damn them all!

“Don’t be harsh with Raphael, Celeste. Don’t think that way,” Alexander continued. “We both care for you. We promised you to protect, right? And you know how Raphael adores you so much, right? He won’t do anything you were saying…”

“Okay,” I simply said. “Is that all, Alexander?”

“And I know you—you're just acting strong, Celeste, but deep down, you need support. You need someone who understands you.”

I rolled my eyes. “And let me guess, you think that someone is you?”

“Who else?” Alexander said smoothly. “You and I always had something, didn’t we? If it weren’t for Raphael, I should be the one beside you. You were special to me, Celeste. You still are.”

I clenched my jaw. His voice was laced with an unmistakable charm, the same charm he had used before to make me believe he cared. But I knew better now.

“And you don’t need to worry anymore, Celeste. In fact, if you have some concern, I’m always here for you. You can even tell me why you changed your mind this morning. Maybe Olivia pissed you off. Maybe Raphael did something wrong. Whichever, I’m here to listen.”

“I see what you’re trying to do, Alexander,” I said coolly. “But let me tell you this once and for all… I’m not that naive girl anymore, you and Raphael befriended when we were toddlers. I’m Celeste Moretti, an Alpha daughter of Darkfang and the one who doesn’t need you and Raphael’s guidance. And Tessa? She’s not my friend. Don’t mistake my kindness to an Omega like her in college as friendship.”

I ended the call and blocked Alexander’s number to have some peace of mind. I turned to face Lucian Sanguine again. Thinking how Alexander was disturbing my first meeting with my mate, I got annoyed with him more than ever.

Lucian, who had been silently observing, tilted his head. “Trouble?”

I let out a humorless chuckle. “Nothing I can’t handle.”

He smirked. “That’s my mate,” he said proudly while staring at my eyes.

I swallowed.

“Why?” he asked me with a grin. “You seem like you don’t want me as your mate. Are you already with someone else?”

I walked through the towering business district the next day. I felt the weight of scrutinizing eyes—whispers, accusations, and subtle attempts to sabotage me. The reason? Olivia already spread lies towards me after what I did to her yesterday.

I sighed. It seems the defamation she did in my previous life became fast this time. And it still happens…

Tessa’s familiar, sickly-sweet voice drifted from a nearby establishment. She was there with some group of her friends.

“I did see Celeste negotiating with some man last night,” she murmured. “Maybe she really made a collaboration with the one she was bragging about to Olivia yesterday. Her contract with the Phantom, Inc.”

“I’m sure she won’t even disclose the terms.” Bianca, Tessa’s friend, scoffed. “She’s not that good. Or maybe that was her reason for choosing Phantom, Inc. over Blackwood. We know Celeste was just favored being the only granddaughter of the owner of Darkfang. She was just favored, not her being capable.”

“Or maybe some rumors were right…” Claire, another friend of Tessa, spoke. “Celeste must have seduced her way in with the CEO of Phantom, Inc.”

“Don’t say that…” Tessa said after she glimpsed at me. She knew I was staring at her and her friends. “Celeste wasn’t like that. She’s a friend of mine and I know she isn’t like that.”

I shook my head with a sneer in my lips. The audacity from Tessa was truly funny.

“You’re so nice to Celeste, Tessa…” Bianca spoke again. “Even in college you helped her a lot to have good grades. But what you get in return, her making you look bad in Raphael’s eyes.”

“Yeah, Tessa, you’re too kind,” Claire sneered. “And a woman like Celeste would do anything for power. She knows she’s not as good as you so she will use all her resources to make sure she won’t fail her grandfather.”

I exhaled, steadying my heart.

None of what they were saying mattered.

Last night as I had a business dinner with Lucian, I already had an idea how he made the Phantom, Inc. rise in power for just five years. He was brilliant and his Mafia organization made him more powerful than ever both in the business world and underground society. I didn’t ask Lucian about the rumors on his identity, yet he informed me beforehand of me being his mate that he can’t lie to.

The thought I had with Lucian last night in the restaurant vanished as I entered the Darkfang Tower when I saw Raphael waiting for me in the lobby.

I stepped closer to him and addressed him coldly. “You wanted to talk?”

Raphael’s sharp expression softened into a charming smile. “Celeste, I know you were just pissed by Olivia so—”

“Are you dumb?” I snapped. “Are you really going to lower yourself this time just to fool me?”

Raphael looked sad. He sighed. “All I want is to keep you safe, Celeste. That’s why I’m still here making you understand. This is not just for business, but for your safety,” Raphael said smoothly. “You know how much I care, right?”

Onlookers whispered enviously. The most powerful Alpha in the business world vying for my allegiance? Any other woman would have been thrilled. But I felt nothing.

In my past life, I thought being with Raphael and Alexander made me untouchable. I fought hard, believing my intelligence and hard work would secure my place at the top. But in the end, my contracts, my empire, my wealth—it was all stolen, handed over to Tessa while I was vilified by rumors.

And the ones who swore to protect me?

They orchestrated it all.

“You are always so lucky, Celeste.” Tessa’s voice came next as she was already inside the building and approaching me and Raphael. “Born into privilege, and now you have the most influential Alpha making you his Luna. I wish I had your kind of life.”

Raphael immediately turned to comfort Tessa. “Don’t say that, Tessa. You found your mate and true love with Jacob Harrington. You and Celeste are both lucky. And even if you’re married, I'll always be your confidant. Me and Alexander.”

I clenched my fists.

Not once had he ever made such promises to me with that tone. I faked a cough to disturb them. And when Raphael turned back to me, his voice was laced with fake guilt. “Celeste, you know I only care for Tessa because she’s your friend. I care for her and mostly I care for you.”

“Of course, I believe that,” I said in all the sarcastic tone I could muster.

Raphael smirked, as if I were a child he already thought of being fooled. “Come on, let’s celebrate our friendship. I will treat you both for lunch.”

I nodded even though I didn't want to. One last time with these two traitors and then I would soon leave behind. I messaged Lucian next, I informed him of my plan going with Raphael and Tessa.

At the parking lot, Raphael rushed to put Tessa in the front passenger seat.

Tessa perfect her hesitation. “But isn’t that seat supposed for Celeste?”

Raphael smirked. “She won’t mind.”

They only realized I hadn’t entered the car when the engines roared to life. Tessa rolled down her window, confused.

I smiled icily. “You can go. I’ll drive myself.” I headed to my car.

Tessa and Raphael looked surprised by my indifference, but they let me go. Yesterday it was Alexander disturbing me, now Raphael and Tessa.

As I drove, memories I had with Raphael and Alexander resurfaced. We had once been partners in business, inseparable. They had pursued me, claiming I was their equal. But after my parents died, I had only my grandfather left.

Tessa, an Omega and once an orphan, became my friend. I didn’t know why she despised me to the point of seducing the two childhood friends of mine and had turned them against me. I had funded Tessa’s rise, paid for her investments with her now husband’s company, and vouched for her in the industry. I even thought that she was honestly in love with Jacob Harrington.

“Where are you?” Natalie asked as she answered my call. “The front desk personnel said she saw you going out with Tessa and Raphael.”

“Don’t worry, Nat. I just want them to think they could still fool me.” I giggled. “Anyway, I called for you to entertain Alpha Lucian Sanguine of Phantom, Inc. Please tell him to wait for me. I—”

“I’m already here,” Lucian said as he obviously took Natalie’s phone. “And one thing I hate the most… you doing actions that could put you in danger.”

“I’m fine…” I rolled my eyes.

“No, you’re not. You are only fine as long as you’re beside me. Don’t ever forget that, my Luna.”