Caught in the Act

Thea’s POV

I nervously watched as Attorney Bernold flipped through the business plan Sophia had sent. It surprised me how fast she’d moved. Yesterday, we were just discussing the sex toy company idea, and today she’d already sent a complete business plan. Either her efficiency was incredible, or she’d prepared this plan long ago and was just waiting for Iris and me to agree.

“So what do you think of this plan?” I finally broke the silence. Since founding my charity and earning my first million, he’d been more than just my lawyer—he was my advisor. I never entered a new business venture without his advice. So far, his judgment had always been spot on, never leading me astray. His opinion mattered a great deal to me.

Bernold set down the document and fixed his sharp gaze on me. “From a business perspective, it’s a promising field, especially with the focus on products customized for werewolf mates.”

I knew him too well—there was definitely a “but” coming after that statement. The slight furrow of his brow told me he had reservations.

“What’s the problem?” I asked, my stomach tightening with nervousness.

“Ms. Thea, I understand your desire to seek new business opportunities, but have you considered how this might affect your foundation’s image?” he cautiously suggested. “Particularly those projects you’ve established for parentless pups in the Pack.”

I gently rubbed my swollen belly, contemplating his words. Since the Kane incident, I’d converted an empty room into a home office so I wouldn’t have to leave the house to handle foundation matters, allowing me to focus on preparing for my new baby’s arrival.

“You’re saying that being the founder of a sex toy company would damage the reputation I’ve built in the charitable world,” I summarized.

“More precisely, once everyone discovers that the founder behind Moon Bay’s largest charitable foundation also runs a werewolf sex toy company, donations could significantly decrease.”

I sighed, feeling a twinge of disappointment. Although I initially thought Sophia’s proposal was ridiculous, somehow this crazy idea had genuinely sparked my interest. Starting such a company with my friends sounded fun and was one of the few things that excited me lately.

I knew Bernold was right. As the public face of the foundation, I had to maintain a certain elegance and propriety. Especially since I was wolfless, I needed to prove my worth in other areas. If I ventured into an industry that traditional Packs considered undignified, it would give those who wanted to discredit me even more ammunition.

Just as I was about to admit this plan might not work, Bernold suddenly spoke up: “However, I believe we can find a compromise.”

My eyes immediately brightened. “What kind of compromise?”

“You could be a silent partner. You invest, receive dividends, and even participate in major decisions, but your name wouldn’t appear on any public documents.”

This suggestion perfectly met my needs. I could participate in this fun project without risking the foundation’s reputation.

“That’s brilliant, Bernold! You always find solutions.”

“It’s my job, Ms. Thea.” He offered one of his rare smiles as he gathered his documents. “I’ll draft the relevant agreements. Meanwhile, discuss this with your friends.”

After Bernold left, I immediately grabbed my phone and called Iris first. The phone barely rang once before she answered.

“Iris, about that project—”

“Thea, I’ve been wanting to apologize to you,” she interrupted, her voice filled with guilt.

This caught me off guard.

“What? What are you talking about?”

“I really shouldn’t keep implying that Sebastian has feelings for you. I know bringing up Sebastian causes you pain, but I’ve always thought there might be a chance… I mean, I just want you to be happy, and I feel like Sebastian is part of your happiness. You loved him for so long, it’s hard to believe it’s all gone.”

“Iris…” She was rambling, not giving me a chance to speak.

“I want you to have a chance at happiness, Roman keeps talking about Sebastian’s reaction at the Pack gathering, how he nearly…”

I sighed, feeling irritated. Why was everyone so fixated on my relationship with Sebastian? Why couldn’t they see that those seven years of marriage brought me nothing but pain and rejection?

“Iris, listen,” I cut her off. “Whether Sebastian actually cares about me or not, I’m no longer interested or concerned. I loved Sebastian, and part of me might always love him. Yes, you can’t completely get rid of that kind of love, but it can be slowly killed by the actions of the person you love. Sebastian hurt me in so many ways that burying that love was the only way I could survive his storm.”

As I spoke about my love for Sebastian, I felt a profound ache. Like I said, that love might still be there, but it was buried under years of his cruelty. The pain he caused eventually far outweighed my love.

The phone went quiet, and I heard her soft sniffling.

“I understand, Thea. I’m on your side, it’s just… I don’t want to see you reject a potential chance at happiness.”

“My happiness doesn’t depend on any man, especially not Sebastian,” I said firmly. “Besides, love isn’t for me. Look at the men I’ve been with. History tells me my judgment in choosing men is fucking terrible.”

She let out a small laugh.

“You’re right. I’m sorry for bringing it up again.”

I exhaled with relief and decided to get to the point: “About the sex toy company, I just spoke with Attorney Bernold.”

I explained the lawyer’s advice and concerns, as well as the possibility of me being a silent partner. As expected, Iris completely understood and supported this decision.

“That’s great! I’m sure Sophia won’t object either. With your investment, we can make higher-quality products!” Her voice became excited again.

“Yes, I’ll talk to her later.”

“That reminds me, have you purchased the items from the list we sent you?” she asked after a moment.

“Speaking of that, I was planning to go buy them right after talking with the lawyer,” I said.

“Then you’d better get moving. Your feedback is very important,” she advised, and then I heard someone calling her in the background. “Sorry, Thea, I have to go. Roman has an emergency meeting, and he needs me.”

“No problem. Have a good day and take care.”

“You too, and let me know when you get the toys.”

After hanging up, I quickly got ready, changed into a loose dress to hide my slightly protruding belly, and drove to the shopping district. I followed Sophia’s directions to her favorite store. When I discovered it was in a relatively secluded location, I felt relieved.

I parked the car and reached the store entrance, but hesitated. I felt like a teenager doing something wrong.

Was this really a good idea? As a former Luna, as the only wolfless in the Pack, what would happen if someone saw me entering this kind of store? Those wolves who once despised me would have even more gossip…

As I was hesitating, that familiar scent of rain and sandalwood invaded my senses—a scent I would never mistake.

“Thea?”

I spun around, my heart nearly stopping. Sebastian Ashworth stood just a few steps behind me, those green eyes filled with surprise.

Fuck. Of all the werewolf bars, restaurants, and shops, he had to show up here?