Evelyn's POV

Calvin wanted to talk to me, but what was there left to discuss between us? After he chose to be with Clara, after my twin boys preferred Clara over me, I didn't think there was any room for negotiation.

I loved my twin boys, but only Alexis, my daughter, stayed close to me and loved me with all her heart.

I didn't want Calvin to find out that Alexis was his daughter. In the Bloodbane Pack, hierarchy was strictly enforced, with great emphasis placed on bloodlines and reputation. My daughter Alexis was a wolf without a scent. I worried that other wolves in the pack would treat her badly. I couldn't let Calvin take Alexis away from me.

I shook my head firmly, refusing his request. "There's nothing to discuss. My mate will be back soon. Please leave as quickly as possible."

Calvin's brows drew together, his face darkening as he stared at me. His sharp jaw clenched, and when he finally spoke, his words cut like blades.

"Evelyn, you really don't waste time, do you?" His voice dripped with venom.

"You broke up with your first love and immediately married me, then rejected me only to remated without missing a beat. Now you even have a daughter. You certainly didn't waste any time moving on, did you? How... efficient."

Hearing his accusation, anger surged through me.

I gave up my first love for the sake of our pack's alliance. Did he really think this was the life I wanted?

Still, I forced myself to stay calm. "And what if I did?" I snapped.

I didn't want to argue anymore.

"We agreed you'd only stay one night. Please keep your word and take your sons with you," I said coldly.

Calvin's jaw tightened. "Evelyn, Rowan and Rhys are your kids too. Just because you have a daughter now, you're ready to throw them away?"

Before I could respond, his Beta Zeon stepped in.

"There's no housing available," he said quickly. "The roads are flooded. Even if we wanted to leave, we can't."

"That's your problem, not mine," I said coldly.

"Zeon, take your Alpha and leave, or I'm calling the police."

Just then, my phone rang.

I glanced at the caller ID. It was Eryx.

Without hesitation, I answered, letting my cold expression melt away.

My voice turned soft, deliberately so.

"Honey, when are you coming back?" I said sweetly, loud enough for Calvin to hear every word. "Of course I miss you. Alexis does too. I'll send someone to pick you up soon."

The change in me was instant. One moment I was cold and distant, the next, tender and affectionate, like a woman who had already moved on.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Calvin's expression twist. Fury. Hurt. Maybe even jealousy.

His tall frame swayed slightly, and then he collapsed.

"Alpha!" Zeon rushed forward in panic. "Alpha Calvin!"

I stayed where I was, clutching my phone as though nothing had happened.

Zeon said quickly, "Recently, Alpha has been working tirelessly on the Red Cedar Resort project. His health was already poor, and yesterday he stayed up all night with Rhys's fever. That's why..."

At the mention of Red Cedar Resort, my gaze sharpened. Eryx had told me that an anonymous company was offering high prices to compete with us for this land.

So Calvin was the competitor Eryx mentioned. Was he bringing the kids here to check out the place?

A moment later, Calvin lay in the guest room bed, dressed in fresh pajamas Zeon had just helped him into.

I gazed at his handsome face, flushed with fever. His eyes were tightly closed, long eyelashes resting softly against his skin. His face was pale, so pale, and for the first time, he looked vulnerable.

As an Alpha, Calvin Wolf had always projected an image of strength and authority. He rarely got sick, and even when he did, he usually downplayed it. Yet looking at him now, I saw just an ordinary man, stripped of all titles...

I checked his condition, then handed the medication to Zeon.

"Make sure he takes it on time," I said quietly.

Looking at Calvin's exhausted face, I just couldn't bring myself to throw them out into the storm.

I let out a soft sigh."You can stay for now."

Zeon's eyes lit up with relief."Thank you, thank you, Lu-"

"Don't call me that," I cut him off coldly.

I turned to Rowan and Rhys, who sat beside their father, watching him intently. Gently stroking their heads, I bent down and said, "Let Dad rest now; you can play with Alexis. Don't worry about him; he'll wake up soon."

Calvin's POV

"Calvin, you're not my mate," she said firmly, leaning against another man.

"Don't... don't leave me, Evelyn," I pleaded. "I didn't mean to hurt you with those words, I was just angry that you rejected our mate bond... angry that you left me."

She let out a cold laugh. "It's too late. I've found a new mate."

She looked up at the man, smiling radiantly, a smile that pierced my heart.

"Let's go, darling," she whispered softly, turning to leave.

"No, no! Evelyn!" I tried to chase after her, but it was futile; some powerful force pulled me back, and I fell face-first.

I reached out my hands, "No, no!" My vision blurred as she faded away...

I jerked awake, bolting upright in bed.

When I finally awoke and found myself in the guest room again.

"Alpha, you're finally awake!"

I rubbed my temples and looked around, a dull ache creeping into my head.

"Maybe we should contact Dr. Blackwell?" Zeon asked.

I looked up at him, frowning.

He seemed startled, then quickly added, "Alpha, you're unwell, and she did take care of you, so I just thought--" his voice trailed off.

"No need," I refused firmly.

"Where are Rowan and Rhys?" I asked immediately.

"The young Alphas are sleeping in the children's room upstairs with little Alexis."

I looked up at him, and his smile froze under my gaze. He quickly asked, "Alpha, how are you feeling? Would you like some soup?"

"Hmm, what time is it?" I asked, massaging my temples. At the mention of food, my stomach growled. I hadn't eaten properly since last night.

"It's 4 AM, Alpha. You've been sleeping for about twenty hours," he informed me, making me look up.

Twenty hours? I froze. So for twenty hours, I had been under her care? Damn!

No wonder my head hurt so much and I was starving.

"Could you bring me some soup?" I asked, and Zeon left immediately.

I sighed, tilting my head, suddenly noticing the black silk robe I was wearing. Of course she would have men's clothes here.

Suddenly, the thought of wearing her man's clothes made me sick, and I quickly searched for my own clothes. I found them neatly folded by the coffee table and grabbed them just as my phone rang. It was Zeon.

I snatched the phone from the bed, answering grumpily. "Why did you change me into her man's clothes?" I roared, only to be met with silence.

After a few seconds, he asked, "Alpha, what do you mean? Those are the clothes from your emergency pack."

I blinked, looked in the mirror again, and realized he was telling the truth. Embarrassment washed over me as my forehead creased. "Why are you late? Hurry up with the food!" I yelled at him.

"Alpha, I--" but I hung up before he could finish, tossing the phone somewhere.

Damn! Why couldn't she keep any guest clothes? I stormed into the bathroom in frustration.

Just as I was about to freshen up, Zeon returned with a bowl of hot soup and some freshly toasted bread.

I devoured everything with relish, feeling much better afterward.

My headache had eased considerably, and I decided to check on the twins.

Zeon was right; they were sleeping peacefully with Alexis beside them.

I walked in and adjusted their blankets. Just as I was about to turn away, a gentle touch stopped me.

"Mmm--mmm..." a child's soft whimper tugged at my heart. I turned to find Alexis holding my hand.

Her eyes were slightly open, her little lips pouting.

I wanted to just let go and leave, but I couldn't.

"Mmmm--mmmm..." Her soft whimpers gradually subsided as I found myself drawing closer and gently stroking her.

Soon, she drifted back to sleep.

The child bore a striking resemblance to her mother, especially in her facial features; however, her clear, bright blue eyes held a gentle quality.

I pulled the blanket over her and stood quietly. But my reflection in the bedside mirror made me freeze. In the mirror, I saw myself, or more precisely, I saw my eyes. clear, bright blue eyes.

The thought struck me as I gazed at the sleeping child, and I stiffened. A strange feeling washed over me, my heart tightening with anticipation.

Could I be her father?

Then I thought of Evelyn's new mate and scoffed at myself, "I can't even catch this little girl's scent or feel any blood connection. How could she possibly be my daughter?"

I clenched my fist as I walked away.

Evelyn's POV

Early the next morning, while Alexis was still asleep, I decided to go downstairs to make coffee, having hardly slept all night.

I opened the bedroom surveillance feed on my phone to keep a constant eye on Alexis as she slept.

After spending two days with Alexis, Rowan had grown increasingly fond of his sister. Rhys, though initially reluctant, was also melting under her adorable charm.

They snuck into her bedroom, obediently waiting by the bed for Alexis to wake up.

Beta Zeon was already awake.

As soon as he stepped out of his room, the rich aroma of coffee filled the house. Seeing me brewing coffee, he sheepishly asked for a cup as well.

I felt he showed me more respect now than when I was in the pack.

Calvin emerged dressed and ready, immediately noticing the two of us drinking coffee. Beta Zeon grinned nervously. "Alpha, Lu.-- I mean, Evelyn makes the best coffee I've ever tasted. It's so aromatic and rich."

He glanced at us both, saying flatly, "Is that so? I don't see what's so special about it."

Beta Zeon's heart skipped a beat as he quickly downed the remaining coffee. "Alpha, I'll go check the situation outside today."

The rain was lighter than the previous two days, but the weather forecast showed rain continuing for the entire week ahead.

As long as the bridge remained submerged, they couldn't leave the city.

Calvin stood there, his devastatingly handsome features still bearing traces of paleness. His posture remained impeccably straight, every movement as poised as if he were on a runway.

He approached me, eyeing the coffee cup in my hand. "Five years of mateship, and you never once bothered to brew a decent cup of coffee," he said sarcastically.

I was focused on the surveillance feed on my phone, noticing that Alexis had awakened. Her chubby little hands grabbed one finger from each of the twin boys, babbling happily and even enthusiastically inviting them to join her in bed.

Hearing Calvin's remark, I turned and scoffed coldly, "I guess you never needed to know."

From the corner of my eye, I caught the scene on the surveillance feed. With no adults around, even Rhys seemed less hostile toward Alexis, and was even offering her his favorite toy to play with.

I put down my coffee and headed for the stairs when my wrist was caught in Calvin's grip. His body temperature was still slightly elevated from his recent fever.

"Evelyn, don't you feel any guilt when you see your two sons?" His voice was tight with accusation. "After disappearing for more than three years, while holding your daughter, do you even remember that you're also Rowan and Rhys's mother?"

"They're only seven years old. Haven't you considered that they need maternal love too?"

The irony of him daring to blame me now!? Did I willingly choose to leave my own children? I tried so hard to be a good Luna for his pack, but what did I get? Diana's persecution, the pack members' contempt, all because I was a wolfless Omega. I wasn't even allowed to be involved in my own sons' education.

I married him for the alliance between packs. I had originally thought we would have a peaceful life together, even if there was no love, at least respecting our mateship and each other.

But after five short years of our mateship, Calvin ultimately failed to do so.

"Guilt? Why should I feel guilty? You're the one who should feel guilty!" I snapped. "Calvin Wolfe, when you were being affectionate with your mistress, did you ever think about being a father to your two children?"

"You're being completely unreasonable! It was just one dinner and a picnic. How could you overreact like this?"

I suppressed the urge to roll my eyes. Even now, he was still defending his precious Clara first.

Calvin's eyes darkened ominously. "Evelyn, Clara isn't the kind of woman you think she is. You can misunderstand me, but don't slander others."

I never thought my heart could ache again after three years. Yet his words still pierced through me like thorns.

I was absolutely fuming.

"We're already rejected, and I've remated, Calvin. Show some respect," I said, pushing him away firmly as I tried to head upstairs to find my daughter.

Calvin grabbed my wrist, pulling me back to him with surprising strength. "Who is this man you abandoned your Alpha and children for?"

He had the audacity to question my loyalty when he never trusted me himself?

I yanked my hand free, my words deliberate and cutting. "A far better man than you'll ever be."

As I walked away quickly, I heard him collapse behind me. Calvin's fever from last night had returned with a vengeance.

Despite our bitter confrontation, the rain hadn't let up.

After some messages relayed through his beta, we finally reached a verbal agreement. They would leave Viremont once the flood subsided.

While staying at my house, they would pay $100,000 per day for accommodation and medical expenses.

A full week had passed since they first arrived.

Little Alexis was thrilled to have two new playmates, spending every day happily with Rowan and Rhys.

Rhys, being naturally childlike, quickly grew fond of the always-smiling Alexis under Rowan's guidance. Each morning, he would drag Rowan to my bedroom to wait for Alexis to wake up.

Meanwhile, Calvin rested in the guest room, his schedule still packed with endless meetings. He not only had to handle pack affairs but also make decisions for Wolfe Haven International's corporate projects.

I had my hands full, too.

Viremont's storms brought floods, but Evelink Biosciences faced a different crisis. While hospitals overflowed, I watched our supply lines drown.

LDS stabilizer production was failing. Our last Moonshade Root extract, the crucial ingredient, was running low. Without it, our cure became useless. Worse, floods had destroyed our backup cultivation site for this rare plant.

My days blurred into endless calls: rerouting shipments, begging freight companies, checking inventory with Gary. Each delay meant more werewolves sliding toward madness. The responsibility crushed me.

I lived in the lab now, searching for alternatives that didn't exist. The crisis became my escape. It kept me away from home, away from Calvin.

Calvin's POV

I had just concluded a high-stakes video conference with the core team leading our bid for the Red Cedar Resort project. The land, nestled within the forested outskirts of Viremont, was a sleeping giant: untapped, undervalued, and overflowing with potential for the luxury eco-resort we'd spent months envisioning. Its market price remained artificially low due to outdated infrastructure and poor transport links, but that precise weakness made it our perfect target.

However, an unexpected player had entered the game. A nameless, faceless competitor who mirrored our every move, matching our bids dollar for dollar, stubbornly refusing to yield regardless of our aggressive tactics.

This transcended mere real estate acquisition. We had invested heavily through detailed feasibility reports, ground surveys, political lobbying, and strategic capital movements. I had personally walked that land, experiencing firsthand the promise held in its pristine ridgelines and secluded valleys. Once the anticipated government transit project cut through that region, the land's value would skyrocket. This wasn't speculation; it was certainty.

Losing simply wasn't an option.

The meeting had left me drained.As soon as I opened the door, I saw Alexis, who should have been napping upstairs, lying on the stairs instead.

She rubbed her sleepy eyes and wobbled towards me, her tiny arms reaching out. With red eyes and a hoarse voice, she said, "Carry me."

I froze for a moment, but instinctively picked her up, my movements somewhat stiff.What kind of mother leaves her child alone on the stairs like this? What if she had fallen? What if something terrible had happened?

First she abandoned the twins, and now she's being this careless with her daughter too. She doesn't deserve to be a mother.I was furious.

A few minutes later, Nina came running over, her face full of panic.

"Sir, please don't misunderstand. Madam left for work early this morning."

I frowned. "What kind of work does she do?"

Nina hesitated, "She's a respected doctor."

Doctor? Since when did she know anything about medicine? Does she... really still have the ability to treat patients?

"Maria and I need to handle the supplies at the villa and repairs at the warehouse today, and the kitchen is still leaking... We're really short-handed," she carefully explained. "We temporarily asked Mrs. Wilson from next door to look after Alexis."

Just then, Mrs. Wilson rushed back.

My face darkened as my gaze fell on Mrs. Wilson, my voice low and suppressed. "Do you realize how dangerous it is to leave a two-year-old child alone?"

The Alpha's anger spread through my body, and I could feel the air growing heavy.

Mrs. Wilson clearly hadn't expected my anger and hurriedly explained. "My garage was flooding, and I rushed back worried about valuable items getting damaged. I live right next door and thought I'd be back quickly... I didn't expect her to wake up so soon."

Her voice gradually trailed off.

Alexis, sensing my anger from within my arms, gently kissed my cheek and mimicked Rowan's tone. "Daddy, don't be angry."

She didn't even understand the meaning of the word "Daddy."

But in that moment, an indescribable, dull ache settled in my chest. If only... if only she were my daughter.

Evelyn's POV

A miracle arrived by helicopter today: our last shipment of Moonshade Root extract. Not enough for mass production, but enough to keep our trials running. A brief respite.

After securing the cargo, I finally left the lab. Hanging my coat in my office felt like shedding my work persona.

Gary appeared, smiling. "Leaving early, Dr. Blackwell? Sky's actually clearing."

"Miracles happen," I said, drinking water. "Order dinner for the team. They deserve it."

Anya, my Bio-Processing head, peeked in. "Heard we got the delivery! Weekend possible?"

I laughed tiredly. "Don't push it. But coffee and pastries tomorrow, my treat."

"Deal, boss!"

After checking security logs and briefing Gary on night priorities, I added, "Any updates on the drug development or Red Cedar Resort project, call me directly."

"Drive safe," he cautioned. "Roads are still flooded."

Leaving Evelink Biosciences's sterile halls, I drove home through wet streets.

The moment I pushed open the front door, I saw Calvin holding my daughter, with Mrs. Wilson standing nearby, her face showing tension and apology.

Nina and Maria quickly came over to explain what had just happened.

After hearing her explanation, I frowned. "Mrs. Wilson, before I left, I specifically asked you to stay by her bedside without fail."

I had even paid her extra for this responsibility.

Mrs. Wilson had never seen me this cold before; I was usually quite courteous with her.

"Look, Evelyn, I saw that Alexis was sleeping soundly. My house is so close, and getting things from the garage wouldn't take much time, that's why I went."

"Alexis is fine anyway, isn't she? Plenty of kids her age are left alone. You're treating her like she's made of glass. It's not like she's royalty."

With that, Mrs. Wilson straightened her back defiantly.

"And Alexis's father is making too big a deal out of this! You don't know, he was criticizing me earlier. I've worked in your house for a month and never been treated this way. Evelyn, you need to compensate me for this."

Mrs. Wilson would step in to help whenever my housekeeping staff was overwhelmed with maintaining such a large estate.

My gaze toward Mrs. Wilson grew icier. "First, he is not Alexis's father. Second, ours is an employment relationship. Nothing happened this time, but what if something had?"

Sensing my mood change, Mrs. Wilson grew nervous.

She liked this job for two reasons. First, the pay was good. Second, she got extra benefits. I often gave her some of our good food to take home. We usually got expensive food like fresh fish and good meat. These were special foods that she couldn't usually buy herself.

"Evelyn, I promise it won't happen again. Give me one more chance."

Knowing how much I cherished my daughter, she reached toward Calvin, trying to take Alexis from him. "Come here, sweetie. Let Grandma Wilson hold you."

Calvin stepped back, denying her any contact with the child.

I noticed the unwashed dirt spots on Mrs. Wilson's hands as she reached for my daughter, and my expression hardened further. I immediately took out my wallet and extracted her wages.

"Mrs. Wilson, you're fired, effective immediately. Don't come back again."

Mrs. Wilson was stunned. She had only left for a moment, caused no actual harm, and now she was being fired?

"Well, Evelyn Blackwell, you heartless witch! Firing me just like that? How ungrateful! No wonder your husband abandoned you!"

I instantly pointed to the door. "Get out! And don't ever show your face here again!"

When I first moved to Viremont, I was alone and pregnant with Alexis. Of course, the gossip-loving residents had their fair share of whispers and rumors. But I never expected Mrs. Wilson to bring this up in front of Calvin.

Having already lost her job, Mrs. Wilson had nothing left to lose. Her true colors finally emerged in all their ugliness.

She clung to my gate, refusing to leave, hurling insults.

"Evelyn Blackwell, you say this man isn't your daughter's father, so he must be your lover, right?"

"I see his two children don't even like you. Did you steal someone else's husband? I knew a beautiful woman like you, raising a daughter alone without a man by your side, couldn't be decent!"

"I've seen plenty of women like you before. You act all kind and proper, but you're nothing but shameless! Your daughter will probably grow up to be just as cheap as you!"

Slap! Slap! Slap!

I delivered three sharp slaps across Mrs. Wilson's face.

"Watch your filthy mouth," I warned.

Calvin called over two of his warriors, who promptly threw her out.

Mrs. Wilson was stunned by the slaps, but when she came to her senses,she sat down on the ground and began making a scene.

"Heaven's justice! They've hit me! These adulterers are bullying an old woman!" she screamed.

The neighbors came out when they heard the shouting, eager to watch the scene unfold.

"Mrs. Wilson," I said firmly, making sure everyone could hear, "I paid you to watch my daughter while I treated patients.Instead, you took my money and abandoned your duties."

Looking at the gathering crowd, I made my position clear. "From now on, my daughter stays with me. You're fired, permanently."

Word of Mrs. Wilson's negligence spread quickly through the community.Her reputation as a babysitter was ruined, no family would trust their children with her again.

Perhaps it was because Calvin had watched over Alexis that day, but my attitude toward him had softened slightly.

He prepared meals for our twin sons, and by extension, for all of us.

The kitchen was busy and noisy. I could hear the sound of cooking and smell the good food. I stood at the door and watched him cook. He moved very well in the kitchen. He was making pancakes and cooking bacon at the same time.

The boys sat at the table, eyes wide with wonder at seeing their father in such a domestic role.

Alexis, perched on her chair with her legs swinging, let out delighted giggles as Calvin made a show of tossing pancakes high in the air. Even Rowan, usually so reserved, cracked a smile.

"Breakfast is ready," Calvin called out, his eyes meeting mine at the doorway."Join us?"

I hesitated for a moment,but the good smell and happy feeling made me want to go in. I sat down at the table quietly.

The food was very good. The pancakes were soft and yellow, the bacon was crispy, and the eggs were cooked well.

The irony wasn't lost on me. During our mateship, when we shared a home as mates, I never once tasted his cooking.Now, after our separation, I was enjoying meals prepared by his hands.

One afternoon,while I was working in the study, I heard Alexis's voice drifting up from the garden below.

"Daddy, look at this butterfly!" The word 'daddy' made me freeze.

I rushed to the window and saw her reaching for Calvin's hand, her face bright with innocent trust.

My heart raced. Without hesitation, I hurried downstairs and brought Alexis back up to the study.

From that day on,I restricted our movements to the second floor, only venturing down for meals. I couldn't risk letting them grow any closer.

I changed my study room into a play room for Alexis. I put many toys and games there to keep her happy.

I tried to stay away from Rowan and Rhys, but they still came to visit every morning. They didn't care that I wasn't friendly to them. They would sit with Alexis and play with her toys.

When I saw them, their obvious affection for Clara haunted me.

Calvin's Beta couldn't understand how we lived together. It was strange, but we got along well.

A few days later, the rain stopped, and the floodwaters receded the following day.

Due to the flood, Eryx couldn't return to Viremont on schedule.

I needed to take an important call, and seeing that Alexis was safely playing in her gated area in the study with Rowan and Rhys watching over her, I stepped onto the balcony to answer my phone.

"Eryx ," I said without preamble, "we absolutely must secure that Red Cedar Resort project."

Only the land at Red Cedar Resort was suitable for cultivating the Moonshade Root. Once the large-scale cultivation and experimentation succeeded, many currently fatal werewolves diseases could be alleviated or even cured.

"I'll get that land, Evelyn," Eryx promised. "Whatever it takes."

"Also, several groups are digging into your identity over Red Cedar Resort. Jackson blocked them."

"I heard Wolfe Haven International is bidding?"

"Yes, Jackson checked. They're partnering with Summit Industries."

"Summit Industries belongs to Calypso Pack," I frowned. "Is Calvin here for Clara's pack?"

The irony made me laugh. Our mighty Alpha collapsed from overwork, all for Clara's company. Yet he claims they're just friends. Such devotion for "nothing between them." Pathetic.

"I'll monitor both companies closely," Eryx assured me.

"Thank you for your diligence," I replied.

"Tomorrow is Alexis's medical check-up. I've arranged for a car to pick you up, and everything is prepared at the hospital."

After ending the call, I returned from the balcony only to discover my daughter was no longer in the study. I rushed toward the stairs.

Just as I reached the landing, I spotted someone who had no business being in my home, Clara Whitmore.

Then I saw Clara abusing my daughter.