I stared at him with displeasure. This man had nothing better to do than mock me. Many women in every pack had ex-husbands, but their situations weren't like mine. My ex-husband was the head Alpha of another pack. Being an Alpha's daughter, I constantly ran into him.

Adrian didn't break eye contact. I couldn't read his eyes, just as I hadn't been able to for years. Why was he so unpredictable? What was his game?

"Natalia?"

Eric's voice came from behind Adrian. Adrian turned his attention to Eric, moving away from me.

Eric looked at him, then at me. "What are you doing here? Everyone's waiting outside for you."

Adrian scoffed. "Can't you see two CEOs talking? How dare you interrupt us? Where are your manners, Beta Eric?"

Eric grinned. "One of the CEOs isn't worth talking to, so I came to rescue the other from wasting her time."

Adrian scowled, shaking his head in apparent disappointment. "So unprofessional!"

"Yes, I am."

I watched the two men mock and taunt each other. Sighing, I walked past them. I had no time for their childish bickering.

[The following section is difficult to understand due to numerous typos and grammatical errors. I've attempted to correct it, but some parts remain unclear.]

[Possible interpretation]: I went outside and saw Damia waving from a car window toward the car. I got into the car and sat inside. The driver waited for Eric to return before starting the car. I glanced at the hall's door and saw Brie emerge; he looked gloomy, which I understood. Anyone's mood would be affected after talking to Adrian Miller. Brie got into the passenger seat, glanced at me, then looked back at the road. The driver started the car and drove off.

"Boss, are you okay?" Damia asked, peeking at me.

"Why do you ask?"

"You really wanted this deal. I'm just asking."

"I'm okay, Damia. That pack's project may have been better than ours; that's why they got it. They had many more employees working on it. We shouldn't see it as a defeat. We can try our best next time."

Damia looked stunned. "Boss, you're so thoughtful and kind. I'm so proud of you."

I chuckled and patted her hair. I looked outside. While I said that to her, I couldn't deny I was hurt. It wasn't just the hard work

When I arrived at the hotel, I went to my room and called my brother to apologize.

"Brother, I'm so sorry. I didn't get the deal."

"My baby, why are you so sad? A deal shouldn't break you."

His words stunned me. He'd used Adrian's exact words! Jason meant to encourage me, but what was Adrian's purpose?

Was he trying to encourage me, too?

No way. I could never trust that man. I continued talking to my brother.

"What about Mom and Dad? How's Uncle?"

"They're at Uncle's pack. His health is critical; he's near death."

I was shaken. My father and uncle are the same age. The thought of losing them it terrified me. No matter their age, I didn't want to lose them. I wanted them by my side forever.

After talking to my brother, I felt relieved. I was grateful for Jason. He loved me unconditionally.

The next morning, I spoke to my twins. They'd kept their promise and hadn't caused trouble. I wanted to promise them

But I remembered another promise. I couldn't break her heart. I'd promised Damia a tour of the Storm Forest pack, so I told Eric to manage things for the day.

But Eric said Alpha Wade had invited us to his success party a few minutes ago.

"Do you want to go? It's not our party," Eric asked.

"If I stay in his pack and skip the party, everyone will think I'm jealous of Adrian. They don't know our past, so it's easy for them to assume. Going to the party will show them we're not weak, that we're not upset by a single deal."

Eric looked amazed. "When did this innocent girl become so strong? Your words are incredible."

I laughed. He said he'd go to the party in the evening. I returned to my hotel room and spent the day video calling my babies.

When it was time for the party, I got ready. I looked in the mirror and took a deep breath.

I thought of Adrian, his ruthless gaze, the chill it sent down my spine.

"If I have to be stone-hearted, I will be. But I will never let you win, Adrian."