The Rise of Alpha Zac

ALPHA ALEX POV

The day had arrived. The day I was going to marry Michelle. My heart wasn't truly in it for Jane. Not only did I hurt her deeply, but I also left her unwell in the penthouse.

But what could I do? I couldn't cancel this wedding because Michelle's father had threatened to withdraw all his investments from my company. I was cornered and had no choice.

My company couldn't afford to go bankrupt. I refused to let the name Crawford Holding, which my father had built with so much effort, be tarnished and lost in the business world. I wouldn't allow that to happen even if it meant sacrificing Jane's feelings.

I believed she would eventually understand. My love for Jane was unwavering, and I intended to divide my time evenly between her and Michelle.

While exchanging vows with Michelle, a sudden commotion caught my attention. The ballroom's door swung open, revealing a captivating woman entering. She wore a butterfly-shaped mask on her face, standing out among the guests.

This woman was the only one masked here. Yet, her appearance was breathtaking. She donned a sleek black dress that exuded both allure and elegance. Her wavy accentuated hair complemented her beauty. Even though I couldn't recognize her face, a sense of familiarity swept over me. Who was she? My curiosity was piqued.

Beside her was a man in a black suit. He stood tall and imposing, his stern features framed by glasses. This was my first time seeing him, so naturally, I couldn't place his identity. However, they appeared to be a harmonious couple.

"Zac..." Michelle's father called out to the man as he approached them. So, his name was Zac. Likely a relative of Michelle, who came accompanied with his wife.

My thoughts drifted back to Jane. How was she faring now?

Attempting to communicate through our mindlink, I discovered she had blocked me. Classic Jane.

As Michelle mingled with guests, I made an attempt to call Jane. To my concern, she wasn't picking up. What could she be up to? Was she alright?

Growing increasingly anxious, I dialed Selena's number. She was the omega I trusted to look after Jane while I was away.

"Hello, Alpha," Selena answered.

"What's Luna doing? She's not answering my calls. Check her room and inform me immediately," I commanded.

"Yes, Alpha."

Ten minutes later, I received a video from Selena. It showed Jane's disheveled room. Her clothes were strewn on the floor, yet she was nowhere to be found.

I promptly dialed Selena back.

"What's happened to Luna? Where is she?" My worry was turning into anger due to Jane's unexplained absence.

"I-I'm sorry, Alpha, but Luna isn't in her room, and it was like that when I entered," Selena explained.

"Damn it! Idiot!" Frustration surged within me, but I quickly ended the call. I couldn't lose my temper in front of so many people.

Instead, I contacted Philip, who was nearby.

"Yes, Alpha. Do you have any instructions for me?" Philip's voice came through.

"Jane is missing. Find her! Review the building's CCTV footage! I want you to locate her immediately!" I ordered.

I was far from at ease. Where had Jane disappeared to? Why would she selfishly leave me, especially now that she was pregnant with my child? I wouldn't allow her to go far. I had to find her and bring her back!

As I awaited Philip's response, Michelle led me into a guest room.

"Come, Honey, Daddy wants to introduce you to a special guest. He's from the North," Michelle cooed.

I cared little about the identity of the guest. All my thoughts were consumed by Jane. Where could she be? I needed to find her!

"Zac, meet Alpha Alex Crawford, my son-in-law," Ben, Michelle's father, introduced me once I was beside them.

The man from earlier, the one who had entered with the masked woman, was introduced as Zac. But where was his wife? I couldn't see her.

Out of respect for Michelle's father, I extended my hand to shake hands with Zac. He hesitated briefly, his gaze sharp and assessing, before he offered a faint smile. I didn't like that smile. It lacked any warmth or friendliness. Was he deliberately seeking confrontation with me? Regardless, my thoughts were solely focused on Jane.

Finally, he accepted my hand, saying, "I'm Alpha Zac Stallone. Pleasure to meet you."

What did he just say? Stallone? Was I hearing correctly? The name triggered my memory of Stallone Realty Group. What connection did they have?

"Excuse me, Father, I need to have a word with Michelle." I swiftly drew Michelle away from Ben and Zac.

"Tell me, who is that man?" I urgently inquired as soon as we were alone.

"As you heard, Honey. He is Alpha Zac Stallone, the owner of Stallone Realty Group," Michelle replied.

I had been right!

"So, you know him? Why didn't you tell me earlier? Is he a relative of yours?" I continued to press Michelle for answers.

Damn it! No wonder Michelle's father had warned me against dealing with Stallone. They were clearly well-acquainted. But if that was the case, why hadn't Michelle's father supported me in winning the bid for the project in Germany? Could it be that Michelle and her father had planned this all along? Perhaps they intended to let my company go bankrupt, only to come in as its savior in the end.

However, on second thought, if that was their plan, Ben should have demanded a significant share of my company. But he hadn't done that. Instead, he'd entrusted everything to me on the condition that I marry Michelle. That was the sole condition he had imposed. What did all of this actually mean? I was utterly baffled.

Before Michelle could respond, Philip approached me. He likely had news about Jane.

"Excuse me, ma'am. I need to speak with Alpha for a moment," he requested.

"Of course. Go ahead," Michelle replied before walking away.

Philip showed me a video on his phone. It was a CCTV footage from the penthouse building. What I saw left me stunned.

Jane!

In an instant, my gaze swept around the ballroom. The stunning woman in the butterfly mask was Jane, my wife. What the hell was going on?!

Why had she altered her appearance like this? I'd almost failed to recognize her. It was utterly insane! What was going on in Jane's mind to dress up in such a manner?

I despised it. I really hated it. Everyone in this ballroom had ogled Jane when she had entered earlier, surely harboring inappropriate thoughts about her. What a bunch of jerks! I felt an intense surge of anger, as if I wanted to gouge out the eyes of every man present!

My focus then shifted to a corner of the ballroom, where I spotted Jane without her mask. But what I witnessed next surprised me even further. Jane was standing right in front of that damned man! The conniving Stallone who had nearly bankrupted me! His hands were shamelessly placed on Jane's exposed hips.

Damn it! Jane was my wife, she belonged to me! I wouldn't allow anyone to lay a finger on her! I felt an overpowering urge to confront Stallone, to take him down for daring to touch what was mine. The anger within me was seething, and I vowed that he would pay for his audacity.