Natalia’s POV

Two days had passed since I returned to the Blue Blood Pack from the council event. I had been terrified that day. Seeing Adrian with my children nearly took my breath away. I feared he’d discovered the truth.

But fate was on my side. He didn't cause any trouble. I assumed he didn't care about their origins or who their father was. This was a relief. All I could do was pray he'd remain uninterested.

“Mom, what are you thinking?” Aria asked.

She sat on the bed, watching me. I stopped combing my hair, realizing I’d been lost in thought for a long time in front of the mirror.

Turning to Aria, I said, “Nothing, sweetheart.”

I joined her on the bed and hugged her, smiling warmly.

“Mom, Noah doesn’t look well,” she said.

Her words startled me. I cupped her cheeks. “What happened to him?”

“He seems angry since we got back from that pack.”

Aria’s comment made me frown. I tried to recall the day’s events. “Tell me everything that happened.”

Aria touched her chin, thinking. I chuckled and kissed her cheek. She was adorable.

“Mom, Grandpa told Uncle William to take us to you. We went to the airport, landed at that pack, and…” she paused.

Leaning closer, I asked, curious about her hesitation, “What?”

In a low voice, she mumbled, “We met that handsome uncle.”

I frowned. “Handsome uncle?”

She nodded. “The uncle we sat with.”

My eyebrows shot up. She meant Adrian.

“Aria, what did he say to you?”

She looked confused. I stroked her hair gently. “I need to know why Noah is angry.”

She nodded and continued, “I asked if we could sit with him. He said it wasn’t a public place and I could sit anywhere. But Noah…”

Hearing this, I was furious with Adrian. How could he argue with a child?

“Did he ask about me?”

“No. He only asked about our pack.”

My eyes widened.

“What if he finds out the truth?”

I took deep breaths, trying to calm myself. Just then, a maid entered.

“Young Miss, Alpha is calling you to the living room.”

I nodded. Before she left, I asked, “Where’s Noah?”

“He’s with Beta Eric. They’re playing.”

Relief washed over me. Eric was like an angel to my children. His care for them was remarkable. I hadn’t been able to attend their parents’ meeting this year, but Eric had assured me he’d handle it.

Taking Aria’s hand, I left the room. In the living room, I saw my parents, Jason, and Eric.

“Where’s Noah?” I asked Eric. He gestured toward his room. “He’s in my room.” I told Aria to go play with him. She agreed and left.

I approached my brother. “You called me?”

Jason nodded. “Dad wanted to talk to you.”

I turned to my father, who patted the seat beside him. I sat down.

“Dad?”

“Natalia, I want you to take over the pack business. Join the Hansley Group.”

I was stunned. “Pack business?”

“Yes. I want you to join the Hansley Group.”

“But Dad, you know my goal is a career in medicine.”

“We know. But your brother needs help. He’s handling too much. If you take on some responsibility…”

I glanced at Jason, who nodded slightly. My mother smiled.

“Your dad’s right, Natalia,” she said.

I lowered my head. “Dad, why the sudden decision?”

He placed a hand on my head. “My daughter, as your father, I need to make some decisions. You have potential. You won’t fail.”

Sighing, I nodded. “Okay, Dad. As you wish.”

“Eric will take you to the company tomorrow. He’ll help you prepare,” Jason said, looking at Eric.

After talking with my family, I agreed to help my brother run the pack. My parents were retiring and wanted to travel, hoping Jason and I could manage things together. If they wanted this, I wouldn’t disappoint them.

On my way back to my room, Eric stopped me.

“So, are you ready to join the Hansley Group, Miss Hansley?”

I chuckled. “What position did Dad give me?”

I expected a managerial role, but Eric’s reply stunned me.

“You’ll be the CEO of the Hansley Group.”