Chapter 109 Is He Crazy?

Chapter 109 Is He Crazy?

Stephanie's POV

I was just settling into work when my phone lit up again.

Bennett.

The name pulsed on the screen like a warning light. My gaze hardened, the warmth draining from my eyes. This man… he clung like a shadow I couldn't shake.

I declined the call without hesitation.

Seconds later, the phone rang again.

I cut it off.

Third time.

I shut the phone down completely.

Finally, silence. Blessed, heavy silence.

I drew in a long breath and dialed Anthony Humphrey. Anthony was Chloe's father, the Alpha of the Humphrey Pack.

"Stephanie?" His voice carried genuine surprise. "What's gotten into you, calling me out of the blue?"

"Mr. Humphrey, I need to borrow two people," I said, going straight to the point.

"Borrow people?" Anthony chuckled, the sound warm but curious. "You don't waste time, do you? Who are you after?"

"A public relations specialist and a human resources director," I replied. "Elite Choice Executive Search Firm is just getting off the ground, and I need talent to anchor it."

"Oh? So Chloe was right—you're stepping into the headhunting business?" His tone sharpened with interest. "That's a smart move. Fine. I'll have HR pick out the best we've got."

"Thank you."

"Don't be so formal," Anthony said with a laugh. "Actually… I could use a favor from you."

"What kind of favor?"

"Keep an eye on Chloe," he sighed. "She sleeps until noon every day. I've told her to wake up earlier, but she never listens. You're her closest friend; she'll listen to you."

I couldn't help but smile.

"Alright, I'll try."

"Good. Then it's settled. I'll have those two people sent to you tomorrow."

"Perfect. Thanks again."

When the call ended, I immediately dialed Chloe.

It rang for ages before she finally picked up.

"Hello…" Her voice was thick with sleep. "Stephanie? What's up?"

"Still in bed?" I glanced at the clock. "It's two in the afternoon."

"Ugh, I couldn't sleep last night. Too excited," she mumbled through a yawn. "You have no idea—the whole club chat blew up. Everyone's talking about you and Karon…"

"Tomorrow. Seven a.m." I cut her off. "I'll pick you up, we're going to the office together."

"What?!" Chloe's sleepiness vanished in an instant. "Seven?! Stephanie, are you insane?!"

"Your dad asked me to keep you in line," I said coolly. "Early nights, early mornings. Good for your health."

She was silent for several seconds. "So he ratted me out?"

"Something like that."

"Damn it." Chloe's voice sharpened. "Fine, fine. I'll get up early."

"Good," I said with satisfaction. "Then it's settled."

After hanging up, I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes.

But my mind betrayed me, replaying the scene from this morning.

Karon standing in the doorway of my room.

The way his eyes burned when he said, "Touch her, and you answer to me."

The way his hand ruffled my hair… casual, yet claiming.

Heat rushed to my face again.

Damn it.

What has this man done to me?

Bennett's POV

Night had already fallen by the time I drove up to the old Lightwood Pack estate.

I pushed open the door to the study. Frank sat behind his desk, his face thunderous. A shattered coffee cup lay in pieces across the floor.

"Grandfather," I said, stepping inside. "You wanted to see me?"

A heavy ashtray came hurtling toward my head.

I jerked aside just in time. It smashed into the wall behind me, breaking into jagged shards.

"Stand still! Don't you dare dodge!" Frank's roar shook the air.

I froze, instinctively taking a half-step back. "Grandfather, I—"

"Look at me!"

Frank slammed his palm against the desk. His voice was pure command, his clouded eyes locking on mine with a force that made my pulse spike.

I clenched my fists, swallowing the anger boiling in my chest.

In the end, I stopped retreating and turned to face him fully.

"Speak!" Frank jabbed a finger toward me, his gaze sharp as a blade. "You sent someone to follow Stephanie?!"

My pupils contracted. How the hell did he know? "I—"

"You what?" His voice cut me off like a whip.

His breath came fast, his chest rising and falling. "Do you realize Frederick just called me? He said if you so much as lay a finger on Stephanie again, he'll wipe the Lightwood Pack off the map."

Frederick had stepped in? My blood ran cold.

"Grandfather, I only wanted to confirm her relationship with Mr. Thorn—"

"Confirm?" Frank's laugh was short and bitter. "You mean confirm, or you mean retaliate?"

I ground my teeth, refusing to answer.

"You think I don't see through you?" His voice was ice. "That little obsession you have with Stephanie—you think you can hide it from me?"

A storm churned in my chest, anger tangled with something I didn't want to name.

"She used to love you," Frank went on, his tone heavy with disappointment. "You didn't value it. Now she's done with you, and you can't stand it. Bennett, what exactly are you trying to do?"

"I…" My throat closed up, the words dying before they could form.

"From this day forward," Frank said, rising to his feet, towering over me with a finality that left no room for argument, "you stay away from Stephanie."

"If I hear you've harassed her again, I'll break you myself."

He turned and walked out, not sparing me another glance.

I stood there alone, fists clenched so tight my knuckles ached.

Stephanie.

Always Stephanie.

Why was everyone on her side?

I sucked in a breath and strode out of the estate.

Sliding into my car, I dialed her number over and over.

Voicemail.

I tried again.

Voicemail.

My vision burned red as I stared at the screen.

I murmured, "Stephanie. You think turning off your phone means you can avoid me? You think having Karon at your back means I can't touch you? If you won't take my calls, I'll make sure you have no choice but to see me."

My lips curled into a cold smile.

I dialed another number. "Find out where Stephanie will be tonight."