Chapter 108 Grandfather Takes Action

Chapter 108 Grandfather Takes Action

Stephanie's POV

The phone lit up on my desk, its sharp ring cutting through the quiet like a blade.

I glanced at the caller ID.

Grandfather?

Frederick almost never called me first. The last time had been before my graduation ceremony. Just a few days ago, I'd told my mom I'd visit him over the weekend, but Pack business and the chaos at the company had tangled me up and kept me away.

I drew in a slow breath and answered.

"Grandpa."

A warm, teasing laugh rolled through the line. "So you still remember I'm your grandfather? I was starting to think you'd forgotten this old man."

My throat tightened. This was a lighthearted moment between the old Stephanie and Frederick. Every time he called, he'd start with the same joke.

"You know I wouldn't," I said, forcing my voice to sound light. "I meant to come see you last weekend, but something came up. I've just been… busy."

"Busy?" His tone shifted into playful accusation. "Busy falling in love, maybe? I've heard about you and Karon. Sounds like quite the story."

Heat rushed to my face. "Grandpa!"

His laugh deepened, rich and unrestrained. "Ah, so you can still blush. I thought you'd grown fearless by now."

I pressed a hand to my forehead, half in exasperation. Frederick had the spirit of a mischievous boy—never shy about saying exactly what he thought.

Then his voice sharpened, cutting through the easy warmth. "Now, about something serious. Someone thought it was smart to have you followed?"

My pulse spiked. How did he know?

"How did you—"

"Don't ask," he interrupted. "The man's name is Clayton. A private investigator. He's with me now."

I froze. So the missing detective… had been taken by Frederick.

"Grandpa, you—"

"Don't worry," he said, his tone dropping into something cold, dangerous. "I'll deal with him. Anyone who lays a hand on my granddaughter is asking for trouble."

I inhaled slowly, steadying my voice. "You don't have to—"

"This isn't trouble," he cut in. "This is a lesson."

There was a pause, and when he spoke again, his voice had the edge of steel. "The Lightwood Pack needs to pay."

My eyes widened. "Grandpa, what are you planning?"

"You don't need to know," he replied. "Just understand this—Bennett won't dare come near you again after today."

I bit down on my lip. "Grandpa…"

"What?" His tone shifted back to that teasing lilt. "Feeling sorry for him?"

"Of course not," I shot back. "I'm just worried this might cause problems for you."

"Problems?" He chuckled, deep and certain. "I've lived long enough to see storms far bigger than this. The Lightwood Pack isn't a wave big enough to drown me."

I stayed quiet for a moment, then sighed. "Alright. Just… be careful."

"Always," he said. Then, softer, "How have you been? Eating well?"

The question caught me off guard. Maybe this was why he'd called in the first place.

"I have," I said. "I've been eating and resting on schedule."

"Good." Satisfaction warmed his voice. "Remember—your health comes first. Business comes second."

"I know."

"And Stephanie," he added, "that boy from Thorn Pack… he's not bad. If you like him, go after him. Don't be like your grandmother—hesitant, hiding how she felt. I had to chase her for months before she admitted she liked me."

My face burned again. "Grandpa!"

"Alright, alright, I'll stop teasing you." His laugh was like sunlight breaking through clouds. "I've got things to take care of. Look after yourself."

"You too."

When the call ended, I leaned back in my chair, letting out a long breath.

Frederick had made his move.

Bennett was about to take a hit he wouldn't see coming.

Frank's POV

I sat in the study of the old estate, my jaw tight, the weight of the phone heavy in my hand.

Frederick's call had been brief. Brutal.

"Frank, keep your grandson in line."

"If he touches Stephanie again, I'll erase the Lightwood Pack."

Then the line had gone dead.

My knuckles whitened around the receiver, veins standing out against my skin. I forced in a deep breath, fighting the urge to slam the phone down.

Instead, I dialed Bennett.

"Get back to the estate. Now."