Chapter 18

"Of course."  

The elders nodded in agreement.  

Families like the Sanchez, the Browns, the Hills, and the Millers, were not just towering financial empires in the human world but also held significant power within the werewolf community. Their patriarchs, werewolf elders with unparalleled wisdom and centuries of experience, had an uncanny ability to evaluate potential successors. In the werewolf - human society, anyone who caught their discerning eyes was undoubtedly a promising candidate for inheriting a vast dynasty, both in wealth and werewolf influence.  

While the Hill family previously groomed Nathan, a werewolf with high aspirations, their recent promotion of Caleb hinted at ambiguity in the Hill Group's line of succession. In the werewolf packs, succession battles were common, and the shifting of power dynamics could have far - reaching consequences.  

Seeing Caleb basking in the spotlight, chatting animatedly with the family heads, Nathan felt the stirrings of crisis. His werewolf senses were on high alert, and his face darkened, a sign of his growing agitation.  

As if things weren’t bad enough, a mocking voice broke through his thoughts.  

"Feeling sidelined, Mr.Hill?"  

Nathan turned to see his good friend Guillermo Sanchez approaching with two glasses of drinks. Guillermo, a werewolf from the Sanchez pack, handed him one and remarked, “Nathan, don’t blame me for pointing out the obvious, but your move to replace your wife for your ‘white moonlight’ was downright foolish. And now, here you are, personally paving the way for your rival to take over your territory. Look at how much the other family heads favor him. In our werewolf - human world, reputation and alliances are crucial.”  

Nathan retorted, “You’re one to talk. Haven’t I heard your younger brother is back at home?”  

Guillermo scoffed. “He’s just a snot - nosed kid, not worth worrying about. A young werewolf with no real experience or influence.”  

“A snot - nosed kid? But he has the dual protection of Grandfather Sanchez and Grandfather Brown. If he manages to grow up unscathed, Guillermo, your status will be in jeopardy. In the werewolf pack hierarchy, his bloodline gives him an edge.”  

Guillermo’s gaze darkened as he clenched his glass, his werewolf claws threatening to emerge. “My grandfather and Mr. Brown are relics. Once they step down, their influence will follow. The future belongs to the younger generation of werewolves.”  

Nathan shook his head. “Wisdom comes with age. In the werewolf world, the elders’ knowledge and experience are invaluable.”  

“Wrong. What I’ve heard is that the waves behind always push the ones ahead. Right now, it’s my father steering the ship. He and my mother are the true power couple in our werewolf pack.”  

Just as they spoke, commotion rippled through the banquet hall.  

“Wow, who’s that? So handsome!”  

“Which family’s young master is he? I’ve never seen him before.”  

“He must be a celebrity hired to enliven the atmosphere.”  

“No way a star has this kind of commanding presence!”  

At the entrance stood Theodore, clad in a tailored black suit. His towering figure—like a steadfast mountain—and his calm, refined demeanor were enhanced by his werewolf aura. His presence commanded attention, and his werewolf - enhanced features were striking.  

Grandfather Sanchez and Grandfather Brown, both powerful werewolf elders, shared looks of approval before stepping forward to greet him.  

"Theodore, why so late?" Grandfather Sanchez chided with a smile, his affection evident. As a werewolf patriarch, he recognized the potential in his grandson.  

Grandfather Brown, too, exuded kindness as he took Theodore’s hand and said with feigned reproach, “You rascal! I was worried sick about you this whole year, thinking you were suffering. I couldn’t eat or sleep properly. But look at you—healthier and taller than before! Seems you had a good year after all.”  

He added with pride, “Impressive, true to my Lucian Brown's bloodline. Our werewolf genes are strong.”

Grandfather Sanchez quipped, “Grandson - in - law, perhaps.”  

“In - law or not, he’s still my grandson!”  

The two old friends bickered like brothers, much to the amusement of those around them. However, Theodore’s sharp werewolf gaze landed on Nathan, standing not far away.  

Nathan was puzzled. Shouldn’t Theodore’s rivalry lie with Guillermo? Why was he staring at him?  

Theodore excused himself politely. “Grandfather, Grandfather Brown, please forgive me for a moment.”  

He walked directly to Nathan, extending a hand with a faint yet deliberate smile. “Mr. Hill, I’ve long admired your reputation.”  

As soon as their hands clasped, Theodore’s voice lowered to deliver a message Nathan least wanted to hear. “I heard your wife is missing. If you need assistance, I’d be happy to help. In the werewolf - human world, news travels fast, and secrets are hard to keep.”  

The room fell silent, and expressions shifted as whispers broke out.  

“Mr. Hill’s wife is missing?”  

“That explains her absence from such an important occasion.”  

“So this is why Mr.Hill is suddenly grooming his second son—what a cunning move.”  

Nathan felt as if he’d plunged into an icy abyss. His werewolf instincts were screaming at him, and he stared at the young man before him, whose innocent smile belied the chaos he had just unleashed.  

Feigning calm, Nathan forced a smile. “Not sure where you heard such baseless rumors, Sanchez.”  

Theodore feigned seriousness. “Oh, but isn’t it all over the internet? They say your closeness to your Sis - in - law caused your wife to leave in a huff. You even traveled overseas to win her back, only to return empty - handed... In the digital age, werewolf - human secrets are often exposed.”  

Nathan regretted asking the question. What possessed him to converse with this socially tone - deaf character?  

“Young Master Sanchez,” he said stiffly, “the internet is rife with misinformation. My wife is in America, alive and well. As for Miss Victoria, our relationship is purely professional. I intend to appoint her as the chief designer of my luxury brand. In the werewolf - human business world, I need to maintain a good image.”  

Theodore raised a brow in mock surprise. “What a coincidence. I’m planning to launch a luxury brand myself. Seems we’ll be crossing paths. In the competitive werewolf - human market, competition is inevitable.”  

Nathan ground his teeth, trying to suppress his frustration. This man seemed born to provoke him. “And who is your chief designer?”  

Theodore responded nonchalantly, “Her name is Thea.”  

Nathan smirked. “Odd, I’ve never heard of her in the industry. In the werewolf - human fashion world, established designers hold sway.”  

Theodore’s pride was evident. “She’s been busy competing in an international fashion contest. Once she’s free, I’ll make sure to introduce her to you. Her talent will surprise you.”  

Scoffing internally, Nathan thought, Introduce her? Some no - name designer? Absurd.  

Maintaining his aloof demeanor, he replied, “How coincidental. My chief designer, Victoria, is also participating in that contest. She’s a well - known figure in our werewolf - human fashion circles.”  

Thus, the rivalry between two up - and - coming companies began.  

“Young Master Sanchez,” Nathan said with confidence, “you’d best advise Miss Thea to prepare. My chief designer will spare no effort. In the werewolf - human business competition, we aim to win.”  

Theodore’s smile deepened. “We’ll see.”  

As their conversation ended, Nathan stormed off, his face thunderous. Passing Guillermo, he patted his shoulder and whispered, “Your brother is something else. Every word he says successfully infuriates me.”  

Guillermo nodded in agreement. “I told you. That naive brat is no threat. He’s just an idle young master who can’t read the room. His werewolf power is still untapped.”  

Unbeknownst to them, Theodore’s lips curled into a sardonic smile. He knew his true strength and was ready to prove himself in the werewolf - human world.