Chapter 113 The Path Frederick Laid Before Me

Chapter 113 The Path Frederick Laid Before Me

Stephanie's POV

We climbed the stairs to the third floor, the muffled hum of conversation fading behind us. Oscar stopped before a heavy oak door, his hand resting briefly on the brass handle.

"We're here," he said.

The door swung open with a soft creak, and a wave of scent spilled into the hallway—cigars, red wine, and something faintly metallic, like the tang of old coins. I stepped inside, and for a heartbeat, I forgot how to move.

Five or six men sat around a long table, each one dressed in tailored suits that seemed to carry the weight of decades. Their ages ranged from fifty to sixty, but there was nothing frail about them. They were the kind of men whose presence filled the air, pressing down like an invisible hand.

Every head turned toward me at once. My spine straightened instinctively, as if my body knew it was standing before predators.

These men… their aura was overwhelming.

"Frederick!" A white-haired man rose from his chair, his smile warm but edged with authority. "Finally, you've arrived."

"Ivan." Frederick crossed the room and clasped his hand firmly. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

Ivan's gaze slid to me. "This must be Stephanie?"

"Yes," Frederick said, pride threading through his voice. "My granddaughter."

Ivan studied me openly, his eyes glinting with appraisal. "That knight's attire suits you. You carry yourself well."

Several of the others nodded in agreement.

"She has the same presence you did when you were younger, Frederick," said a man with rimless glasses.

Frederick laughed, the sound rich and unrestrained. "Of course. My granddaughter is cut from the same cloth."

The tension in the room eased, replaced by a ripple of amusement. Frederick guided me forward, making introductions.

"This is Ivan Turner, Alpha of the Turner Pack."

"This is William Black, Alpha of the William Pack."

"And this…"

With each name, my pulse quickened. These weren't just influential men—they were the heads of the most powerful families in Pack Headquarters. Any one of them could send shockwaves through the business world. And now, they were all here… for me?

"Stephanie, relax," Frederick said, patting my shoulder. "They're all allies here."

I drew in a steadying breath and lifted my glass. "It's an honor to meet you all."

Ivan's mouth curved into a smile. "Stephanie knows her manners. Not like some young people these days."

Laughter rippled around the table.

"Sit down," Frederick told me. "No need to be so formal."

I took the seat beside him, though every muscle in my body remained taut. These men could crush me without lifting a finger. I had to tread carefully.

"Stephanie," William said suddenly, his tone measured. "I hear you've been working at Elite Choice Executive Search Firm?"

I nodded. "Yes."

"You've done well," he said. "I've seen some of your decisions. Sharp thinking."

"Thank you."

"But," William continued, his voice shifting, "the headhunting industry runs deep. You'll need to be cautious."

Something in his words made me lean forward. "I'd appreciate your advice."

He shook his head. "Advice is too strong a word. Consider it a reminder—talent is the heart of this business. Whoever controls the best people controls the market."

I nodded slowly. "I'll remember that."

The door opened again, and a familiar figure stepped inside. My breath caught.

Anthony Humphrey—Chloe's father.

"Sorry I'm late," he said, moving into the room with an easy smile. He greeted the others, then his eyes landed on me. He froze.

"Stephanie?"

"Mr. Humphrey." I rose to my feet.

"What are you doing here?" Anthony asked, confusion flickering across his face.

"She's my granddaughter," Frederick said.

Anthony's eyes widened. "What?"

He looked from me to Frederick and back again. "Stephanie is your granddaughter?"

"Of course," Frederick replied, amused. "You didn't know?"

Anthony shook his head. "Chloe never mentioned it."

"Well, Anthony," Ivan said with a grin, "your daughter's chosen her friends wisely."

Anthony chuckled. "She has."

He took a seat and turned to me. "That person you asked me for—I've had HR select someone. They'll be at your office tomorrow."

"Thank you, Mr. Humphrey."

"No need for thanks," Anthony said, waving a hand. "You and Chloe are close. That makes you one of us."

Frederick watched us, satisfaction in his eyes. "Stephanie," he said quietly, "do you know why I brought you here tonight?"

I shook my head.

"Because these men will be your allies in the business world," he said, his voice low but firm. "Pack Headquarters is far more complex than Capital City. Without the right network and resources, it's hard to stand your ground. I want you to know them. Learn from them."

The realization hit me like a sudden light. Frederick was laying the path ahead for me.

"Thank you, Grandpa," I said sincerely.

He smiled. "Silly girl. Who else would I help, if not my own granddaughter?"

Ivan leaned forward. "Stephanie, if you ever run into trouble here, come to me."

William nodded. "Me as well."

Others voiced their agreement, each offer stacking into a wall of support.

My throat tightened. They were here because of Frederick's name, but his intent was clear—he wanted me to walk into the arena with armor already in place.

"Thank you, all of you." I stood and bowed slightly.

"No need for that," Ivan said. "We've known Frederick for decades. You're a child we've watched grow."

Anthony added, "And with your friendship with Chloe, we'll look out for you even more."

The atmosphere warmed, conversation drifting toward family stories and shared memories. I stayed quiet for the most part, listening, absorbing. Every gesture, every exchange, every subtle shift in tone was a lesson.

These were men who commanded empires, and I was sitting at their table.

Halfway through the meal, Anthony turned to me. "Stephanie, what's your connection to Karon?"