Chapter 160 Terms of Compensation

    Kirby’s POV

    I stared at Leslie, my gaze dark and unwavering.

    “Have you made up your mind about the territory project?”

    b32 /b

    Finished

    She raised an eyebrow, a knowing look shing in her eyes. Her tone carried a trace of dry amusement. “A matter this small, and the Alpha himself had to show up in person?”

    My expression stayed cold, my presence calm as ever.

    “The sooner the decision’s made, the better. We can’t afford dys.”

    Her fingers tapped lightly on the desk. Her gaze shifted, thoughtful. Then she looked at me, clear–eyed and firm. “I’m willing to cooperate. But… I have one condition.”

    I watched her in silence, curious. She sounded so resolute–what was she going to ask?

    “I don’t care what kind of deal you made with Lyana,” she said evenly, “but if I’m in this project,

    she’s not.”

    Her voice dropped like stone on steel–unyielding. For a moment, I was caught off guard. The demand came out of nowhere. Who was she to ask me to drop another partner?

    I frowned, puzzled, but kept my tone steady. “Why?”

    Leslie gave a thin, cold smile. “Kirby, I know inviting the Rogue Pack into this project was your way of making amends.”

    I said nothing, simply meeting her gaze.

    She took a calm sip of her coffee and set the cup down with practiced poise. “I’ll ept the gesture.”

    I blinked, momentarily surprised. I hadn’t expected her to ept so easily–let alone with suchposure.

    “You’re sure?” My voice dropped, wary.

    “But I won’t work with Lyana,” she said tly. “So she’s out. This is your one chance to make things right.”

    Her words struck deep. She was willing to partner–but only on her terms. I couldn’t think of anyone else who’d speak to me like that without flinching.

    …

    32

    Chapter 160 Terms of Compensation

    “Why?” I asked again, though I already knew the answer wouldn’t beplicated.

    She gave a dryugh. “No reason. I just can’t stand her.”

    She waved a hand carelessly, as if Lyana were nothing but an irritating smudge on ss.

    Finished

    My expression didn’t change, but inside, something twisted. Her demand was annoying, yes- but oddly, I felt… relieved.

    After a brief pause, I nodded. “Fine.”

    I didn’t even hesitate.

    Maybe it would be troublesome to handle Lyana, but if this was the only way to start healing what I’d broken between us… I’d do it.

    Leslie showed no sign of emotion at my response. She simply stood up and moved behind her desk, all business. “I’ll have someone contact Crimson Moon Pack to coordinate. Until then, keep it quiet.”

    I nodded. That was probably for the best. The project was still in its early stages–no need to stir attention yet.

    From her posture, it was clear she was wrapping this up. I didn’t want to push. Things were only just beginning to smooth over–I couldn’t ruin it now.

    I rose from my seat. “Then I’ll—”

    But I stopped mid–sentence.

    My eyes caught on something behind her a bronze sculpture of an adult wolf standing tall and still. A rare piece by a renowned werewolf sculptor, blending ssic and modern elements. Worth a fortune.

    But that wasn’t what made me freeze.

    At the tip of one of the sculpture’s outstretched branches–gleaming in the sun–was a diamond ring.

    My engagement ring.