Mavis’s voice sliced through the silence, sharp and impatient, as she interrupted Eloise’s thoughts.“I told you, I closed the door by accident. It wasn’t on purpose! What do you want from me?”Her words were laced with anger, a hint of defiance that Eloise could feel deep in her chest. Mavis was certain Eloise was accusing her of something she had not done. Ever since Mavis had witnessed the kiss between Eloise and Lucian on the staircase, she had harbored a simmering resentment towards her. But despite that, Mavis believed she had done everything right. She had explained herself, hadn’t she? Eloise should be grateful, not playing the weak victim.Mavis glanced at Eloise, who stood with a pale face, her shoulders tense and her body rigid. At that moment, the sight of her made Mavis feel an uncomfortable tightening in her chest. The memory of Lucian coming to her aid when she had been humiliated by Ainsley at the Scarlet Heart Club surfaced again. She could never forget how Lucian had
Eloise was lost in her own thoughts, her mind floating in an endless fog. She didn’t hear Mavis’s sharp voice cutting through the silence, demanding a response."Eloise, you scolded me for being rude just now, and now you're pretending you don’t know what’s happening?"Mavis’s words struck the air like a whip, but Eloise couldn’t focus. She felt detached, as if her mind was too far gone to engage in the reality unfolding around her. But Mavis’s high-pitched voice grew louder, mixing with the frantic panic that bubbled inside Eloise, pulling her back to the moment.A loud bang echoed through the room, the noise so jarring that it caused Eloise to flinch. Her body collided with the doorknob, and a searing pain shot through her forehead, blurring her vision. She crumpled to the ground, disoriented and stunned, unable to make sense of what had just happened.Blood trickled down her forehead, staining her skin, her world becoming a haze of red. She gasped, trying to regain her bearings, bu
Rachel’s smile faded as the manager’s words hit her like a slap. The warmth in her eyes disappeared, and a chill settled on her expression. She stood there, silently processing the gravity of the situation, her mind racing back to the past.She stared intently at the manager, her thoughts drifting to a time long ago. Rachel had once been a rebellious young woman, lost and reckless in her own world. It was Ainsley who had pulled her from the brink, offering her a lifeline when she had nothing left. He had taken her in and introduced her to the Litha Night Walker Pack, a world she’d never imagined she could be a part of.When Ainsley discovered the Alpha blood flowing through her veins, he had welcomed her into a new chapter of her life. He had even invited her to help manage the Scarlet Heart Club, a place that now felt like home. But the manager of the Public Relations Department, while still part of the Litha Night Walker Pack, lacked the Alpha blood. And it was that very blood, that
Eloise became quieter as Mavis’s words continued to echo in her mind. She didn’t dwell on the apology; she just wanted to be respected, something she had almost forgotten how to expect from others.Ainsley, the powerful Alpha, had destroyed everything. He destroyed Eloise.Pain and regret twisted inside her as she recalled the past. She had once believed she could rise, that she could demand respect. But those hopes had been shattered long ago. She had learned that it was foolish to expect too much from anyone, foolish to expect respect when she was treated as little more than a stepping stone.The harsh words from Mavis stung deeply. Eloise could feel the weight of the cruel accusation: "You crawled on the ground and barked like a dog for money."She clenched her fists, trying to suppress the burning ache in her chest. Mavis’s words reverberated in her mind as she lay still in the sterile hospital room.Mavis had followed her tirade with a cruel smirk. "If you want to tell others tha
With Eloise's words, Mavis became even more frightened. The tension in her chest tightened as her anxiety grew. Mavis was afraid of Rachel, Eloise's association with her, her connection to that powerful figure was something Mavis had no interest in challenging. Yet, as Eloise walked away, her resolve hardened, and Mavis's hatred simmered beneath the surface.Little by little, Eloise began to change. What had once been a humiliated, submissive woman, now displayed a quiet strength. With each step, Eloise moved further from the fragility that had once defined her. Mavis, too consumed by her own bitterness, failed to notice. She remained blind to the subtle shift in Eloise's demeanor, to the newfound poise that radiated from her.Unaware of the transformation, Mavis failed to see the man who stood in the hallway, leaning lazily against the door frame. His eyes briefly met Eloise's, and for a fleeting moment, their gazes locked before she disappeared into the elevator. The man, who had be
In the Public Relations Department lounge, the escort girls were deep in conversation, their voices rising as they discussed the latest happenings. Whispers echoed through the room, as their eyes occasionally flicked toward Eloise, who sat quietly in the corner.Despite Amelia and Gold's lessons on how to behave, no one took Eloise seriously. It wasn’t just the new girls; even the more experienced workers gave her dismissive glances. There was something about her that didn't fit the glamorous image they all tried so hard to project. Her past as a cleaner in the club's toilets still lingered in the minds of many, making her presence here, in this department, feel out of place.They couldn’t understand how someone like Eloise had suddenly risen to be one of them, and the awkwardness hung in the air like an unspoken truth.Eloise followed Flora as she walked down the corridor towards the VIP lounge on the fifth floor. Flora’s face was unreadable, but Eloise could sense her impatience. Sh
As Eloise stood there, staring at the cheque in her hand, her face gradually grew paler. The weight of the situation began to sink in. She had been through countless humiliations before clients who treated her like a disposable object, who took from her what they wanted without regard for her feelings. Yet, she had always kept a part of herself intact. This time, though, something felt different. The sum on the cheque was more than she'd ever been given for so little.Why me? She thought bitterly. What did I do to deserve this money?She had understood when Micheal had given her $100,000 before, it had been because he thought she resembled the woman he loved. A twisted sympathy, maybe. But today, she hadn’t done anything to deserve this amount. She hadn't even gone through the usual humiliation, yet here she was holding the cheque.Jack was standing in front of her, a little taller than she was, watching her with eyes that seemed to dissect her every move. His gaze was unwavering, stu
Rachel blinked, stunned by the simplicity of the answer. “A kiss?” she repeated, her voice rising in disbelief. “That’s it? Just a kiss?” But before Eloise could respond, Rachel fell silent, her thoughts running a mile a minute.Rachel's voice trembled slightly as she asked the question that had been weighing on her mind. "Eloise, are you sure it was just a kiss?" Her eyes searched Eloise’s face for any sign that she was lying, but all she saw was sincerity, though tinged with a vulnerability that only made Rachel's worries deepen.Eloise’s heart warmed at the concern in Rachel's voice. She could see the worry etched across her friend’s face. She didn’t want to make Rachel anxious, so she answered as calmly as she could, "Yes, Rachel. He only asked for a kiss."It couldn’t have been that simple.Rachel knew the world they lived in. the world of men who had money, power, and twisted desires. She had seen enough to know that when a man of that stature made an offer, there were always st
Eloise looked at Richard in disbelief, her mind trying to process the words that had just left his lips. The betrayal stung more than she thought it would. For a moment, her eyes fluttered, and she tried to make sense of what was happening. But all she could feel was the numbness creeping in. She forced herself to lower her gaze, her heart heavy and expressionless. "Alpha. Anthony, then I won’t make things difficult for you," she said softly, the words feeling foreign as they left her mouth.Richard’s face twisted with guilt. "Eloise, don’t be like that. I have no choice. Don’t blame me." He reached into his wallet and pulled out a wad of cash, shoving it into her hand. "Take this. Buy food, clothes... just take it. Please."But Eloise didn’t budge. She just stood there, her body stiff, as if she couldn’t bear to touch the money. Her eyes remained unfocused, looking at nothing in particular. I don’t want your pity money, Richard. I don’t need it. Not from you. Not from anyone.Richard
Eloise felt hopeless as she thought about Ainsley’s visit tomorrow. She had no idea where to get the rest of the money.As Jack left her dorm building, she couldn’t shake the emptiness he left behind. She could feel the weight of her situation crushing her, the uncertainty gnawing at her. I need that money. But where?As Jack drove away, his departure stole away all the hope she'd briefly managed to find. I thought I could change. I thought there was a way out. But now? Now I’m stuck.The next day at Club Scarlet Heart, Eloise entered Rachael’s office, her steps heavy with anxiety."Did you get the money?" Rachael asked, her voice laced with expectation.Eloise shook her head slowly, eyes cast down.Rachael raised an eyebrow. "You didn’t ask Jack?"Eloise stayed silent.Rachael sighed, her tone a mix of frustration and concern. "So, what now?"“I don’t know,” Eloise muttered. “I’m stuck.”“Eloise, you don’t have much time,” Rachael said, her voice suddenly sharper. "Alpha Williams is
Eloise stood frozen, her mind racing as Rachael’s words hit her like a slap in the face. She could feel her pulse throb in her temples, and her stomach churned with confusion. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing."I haven't changed," Eloise muttered, her voice low and tight, though she wasn’t sure if she was trying to convince Rachael, or herself.“Eloise, can’t you see?” Rachael’s voice softened. "Your face used to be so stiff. All I saw in it was emptiness, like it didn’t belong to a living person. But now… now, I see something different. I see a spark." Her words hung heavy in the air. "I think you’re starting to feel again."Eloise opened her mouth, but the words tangled in her throat. She had wanted to protest, to say something that would make Rachael stop looking at her like that. But Rachael wasn’t finished.“Is it Jack, Eloise?” Rachael’s eyes narrowed, her voice suddenly darkening with anger. “Is that who’s making you change? Because if it is… you should know better. He
Jack stood up, turned his head to look at the watchful woman and asked, "Aren't you going to accompany me?""No, Alpha. Jack, close the door when you leave," Eloise said."Isn't it a basic requirement of your job to escort people? Or, Ms. Anthony, do you think I'm no longer a guest to you since you're off duty and in your dorm now? Ms. Anthony, perhaps I should go to Club Scarlet Heart, the place where you work, to see you tomorrow. What do you think?" Jack said casually.Eloise thought. Seriously? Are you threatening me again? How despicable!Eloise gritted her teeth. Every time, Jack always managed to make her gnash her teeth in hatred.She said, "Alpha. Jack, you are right. I should not neglect my guests, just because I am off duty. Alpha. Jack, let me accompany you."As she spoke, she walked forward, looking at the man beside her even more vigilantly.Who knows what's wrong with him? He likes to kiss my wound so much, and he has the nerve to claim that it's healing.Thinking about
Pa!The sound of a loud slap echoed through the quiet hallway, its sharpness breaking the stillness of the night.Eloise stood there, her hand still trembling after delivering the blow. Jack’s face turned to the side from the force of the slap. After a long pause, he slowly raised his hand to touch his cheek, his fingers tracing the spot where the sting still lingered."That was a good slap," Jack remarked, his voice surprisingly calm, though his eyes sparkled with something darker, something that looked like both anger and intrigue. Eloise could feel her own heart racing with a mix of adrenaline and satisfaction. There was a strange, twisted pleasure in delivering the slap, something that made her feel empowered.She stared at him, her eyes burning with a quiet fury. "Alpha. Jack, you so enjoy rubbing salt on other people's wounds. Now you know. It hurts," she said, her voice low and steady.Turning on her heel, she walked away, her back straight and her steps firm, as if nothing had
"Alpha, Jack, I never said that the meal I cooked was worth a hundred thousand dollars. You gave it to me because you thought it was worth it. I was short of money, so I accepted it. Why did I accept it, even though I knew it wasn't an equal exchange? Perhaps you've forgotten that I'm a woman who will do anything for money. I'm a company girl, not a socialite. I need money. I need a million dollars. It means the world to me. If I don't get this money by the deadline, I'm going to lose something very important," she said frankly.Jack was silent, his face expressionless. He didn’t care about anyone else, least of all her problems.He raised his hand, looking at his watch. "I've already wasted enough time. Miss Anthony, I've bothered you for too long. There's no need for us to meet again in the future.""I thought that too. That's why I accompanied you downstairs," Eloise replied thoughtfully. She paused, and added, "Alpha, Jack, thank you. Also, you were wrong about one thing. We're ju
Eloise returned to the Public Relations Department office and sat at her desk, the sterile surroundings offering her little comfort. She was the only one there. Time seemed to slow down as she stared at the empty room. There were no calls from her colleagues or supervisors. Soon, the clock ticked past the hour, and it was time to go home.Just like the day before, and the day before that, she hadn’t received any work at all.She sighed and stood up from her desk, gathering her things before heading out the door. She left the Scarlet Heart Club behind, and made her way back to her dorm.The walk back was uneventful, and the stairs creaked under her feet as she ascended to her apartment floor. Just like yesterday, as she reached the landing, she saw Jack standing by her door, his figure as imposing as ever.This time, Eloise didn’t ask anything. The previous days of questioning, of wondering, had led her nowhere. She simply pulled out her key in front of Jack and opened the door. Her mo
Jack didn't care about her attitude. "The wounds must be treated. Leaving them untreated will only make them worse."Eloise stared at him coldly, her expression hardening. Why does he always feel the need to control everything?"It's none of your business," she said with a chill in her voice. Then she remembered that she had just received 20 thousand dollars from Jack, and her mood shifted slightly. She adjusted her tone, trying to be more civil, and continued, "Alpha Jack, please don't kiss me on the forehead again."Jack, however, didn't seem to be deterred by her coldness. He looked at her with a knowing smirk, his eyes glinting mischievously. "So, can I kiss you?" he asked, his voice soft but laced with a challenge.Before Eloise could even process his words, Jack closed the distance between them and quickly kissed her on the lips. Eloise’s gaze dropped to the floor, a flash of disgust crossing her face.She forced a smile. "Alpha Jack, the kiss is included in the money, right?" s
In the Ocean Moon Pack, Michael stared at Jack across the room, his expression hardening as he noticed the smug smile on Jack’s face. The atmosphere in the office, thick with tension, made the air feel suffocating. Jack was lounging casually on the couch, but Michael could see the flicker of something darker behind his eyes."You seem to be in a good mood these days," Michael commented, his voice cool but laced with something that could almost be concern.Jack's smile widened, and he leaned back further, his arms resting comfortably behind his head. "Why wouldn't I be?" he replied nonchalantly. "I've stumbled upon some very interesting prey."Michael set the document he had been reading aside, narrowing his eyes as he studied Jack. "Jack," he said, his tone turning serious. "Stop, there's nothing funny about this."Jack chuckled softly, the sound carrying a hint of arrogance. "Michael, you're an Alpha. Don't you know that hunting is a very elegant sport?" He winked as if this were som