CHAPTER ONE

Chapter 1

“Dad, I agree to hold the bonding ceremony with the three of us.”

As soon as the words left my mouth, my father's expression changed. His wolf ears gave a slight twitch, his eyes filled with shock and anger as they met mine. As nobles within the pack, the Barrow family's dignity couldn't be insulted, and my current concession was undeniably challenging his limits.

Our Barrow family is one of thefour great families in Evereth City. I graduated from Thalmaris Harvard Business School. When the time comes, not only will there be a full house of guests, but even our godfather from Uloris City and some notable families will attend.

The blow of my compromise wasn't just to my face, but also an opportunity for mockery towards all friends and allies of the Barrow family.

Alexander, however, had a face full of delight, his wolf tail unconsciously swaying with the excitement of prey about to be captured.

"Freya Barrow, I always knew you would agree. We've grown up together, and your heart is the softest. You would surely empathize with Heidi, who is alone."

"Don't worry, you'll always be the person I love the most. When Heidi has a child, she'll call you her aunt."

I lowered my gaze to conceal my overwhelming hatred; my wolf detected the stench of deceit emanating from him. Painful memories from a past life flashed before my eyes—my father's corpse, bruised and putrid. My wolf's claws tensed within my sleeves, almost piercing my palms, and the scent of blood made me more alert.

Staring at Alexander's shameless face, I was tempted to tear him apart on the spot, but my wolf soothed me, whispering that vengeance required patience.

I suppressed my rage and lifted him up with a smile. "Isn't it just a ceremony? As long as it makes you happy, I have no objections."

Alexander hesitated, studying me with questioning eyes, his wolf's pupils narrowing as if assessing my true intentions.

"Freya, are you just speaking in anger? If you don't want to, then, then I can exclude Heidi from participating and hold the bonding ceremony with just you."

He probed my reaction, but the flash of resentment in his eyes didnot escape my notice. Alexander understood the importance of this bonding ceremony.

The Blackwell family's factory was seized by the Elthenia government, and the compensation was pathetically low. The Blackwell family's financial chain was broken; one misstep could lead to bankruptcy and ruin.

He needed to rely on the Barrow family's support to bridge the gap and weather the crisis. Yet, in both past and present lives, he was hopelessly infatuated with Heidi's delicate helplessness, unable to see the broader picture.

"Alexander, how many years have we known each other? Do I seem angry to you?"

"You know I've adored you since I was young. I am thrilled to marry you. Moreover, you're kind-hearted, pitying Heidi, which shows your benevolence; it makes me glad."

Alexander's face immediately brightened with joy as he grasped my hand. His palm was warm, but it made me feel disgusted.

"Freya, having such a generous and virtuous mate is truly my good fortune."

"It's just…”

Alexander paused.

"Tomorrow is the bonding ceremony, and Heidi has nothing. How about you let her wear the wedding dress, and lend her the Queen's diamond necklace from the auction?"

"Heidi is alone without support. Ifshe dresses poorly and stands next to you, many will mock her."

My father was livid, nearly baring his fangs as he kicked Alexander out. Yet I smiled and said,

"Isn't wearing my wedding dress humiliating to Heidi? I'll have the designer make a custom diamond wedding dress for her overnight, ensuring she shines at the ceremony tomorrow."

"As for the necklace you mentioned, how about writing me an IOU? Consider it as the gift youbought for your sister; it's a token of your thoughtfulness."

Alexander hesitated for a moment. After all, this necklace was worth three billion dollars—a gift to the Queen of Thalmaris for her eighteenth birthday.

Seeing his hesitation, I quickly suggested,

"Alexander, it’s just going through the motions. We're mates, what’s mine is yours. The IOU will ultimately be yours. I'm considering your reputation. Giving a mate's necklace to a mistress always has gossip."

"Yes, Freya, you're indeed thoughtful."Alexander swiftly signed the IOU, eagerly took the necklace, and dashed out elatedly, his wolf tail held high, as if he had achieved victory.

I turned to my father, my wolf eyes flashing a hint of coldness,

"Dad, what do you think about us forming a bond with the godfather's family?"

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