Chapter 313

Chapter 313
Freya

Back at Morgan Group, I made my way to the secure communications room. Nathan's contact information was encrypted in our system, and I needed to reach him without any possibility of interception.

The call connected.

"Nathan, I need an update on Kai Sterling's movements," I said without preamble.

"He's been staying close to the family estate recently," Nathan's voice crackled through the encrypted line. "Also, there's something you should know: in a couple of days, his daughter Zoe and adopted son Leo are having their marking pre-ceremony."

Now that was useful information.

Currently, we didn't have enough evidence against Kai to bring him to justice or make him pay for what he'd done. We needed to collect more proof.

A ceremony would bring together Sterling family members and their closest allies. It would be the perfect opportunity to gather intelligence.

"I'll help you get into the ceremony, but you need to infiltrate Kai's study and find something useful. Can you do it?" I said.

Nathan's response came without hesitation. "I guarantee I'll complete the mission."

Nathan's hatred for Kai ran deep - his original plan had been to get revenge through Zoe, but that had fallen apart when she genuinely fell for Leo. This assignment would give him a different kind of satisfaction.

I responded, "Good. If you get exposed, I'll send people to extract you. You don't need to worry about getting hurt."

---

Three days later, at Zoe and Leo's marking pre-ceremony.

Lucas and I arrived together, and our appearance immediately caused a stir among the guests.

"Aren't Morgan and Sterling supposed to be competitors? Why would Lucas Morgan and Freya be here? What's going on?"

"Haven't you heard? Paxton Sterling had Sterling Group invest in that robotics project with Morgan and Chandler. They have a temporary partnership now. Goes to show - there are never permanent enemies in business!"

Amid the murmured speculation, Lucas took my arm as we found our seats.

Before long, Kai Sterling approached us.

He held a wine glass, his eyes clearly displeased as he looked at us with obvious sarcasm.

He said, "I never expected you to grace our humble gathering. You've truly brought honor to our modest home. Are you two here to deliberately cause trouble at my daughter's ceremony?"

Since everything was out in the open now, Kai had stopped pretending, revealing his true nature.

I curved my lips into a smile and raised my glass in a toast.

I responded, "We're business partners with Sterling Group, after all. It's only natural for us to attend the ceremony. Your attitude is quite disappointing for business partners."

Kai was about to say something else when Paxton approached.

Paxton said, "Freya, don't take my uncle's words to heart. He's just been in a bad mood lately, so he's speaking more harshly than usual."

Kai glared at Paxton.

"Useless! A few words from them and you're completely won over! I can't believe you actually went and partnered with them. You've lost all dignity as an Alpha, Paxton. Absolutely pathetic."

After his angry outburst, Kai stalked off to another part of the venue.

Paxton didn't seem bothered by his uncle's words, instead turning his attention to me.

"Freya, how have you been feeling lately? I heard there was some trouble at the signing ceremony. These past few days must have been difficult for you."

Hearing this, I could only respond with cold laughter.

"What does that have to do with you? Even though Sterling and Morgan have a temporary partnership, in my mind, you're not worthy of this project. So you don't need to make false pleasantries with me."

Just then, Wayne approached, smiling as he clinked glasses with me.

"Freya, you handled things beautifully at the signing ceremony. I never expected Lucian to be the one behind all the scheming. I watched that livestream - the robot you developed is truly impressive. It's Sterling's honor to collaborate with you."

Even though Wayne annoyed me, I responded with a smile. "I hope Sterling won't cause any more trouble going forward. That way, Sterling will benefit more from this project, don't you think?"

I studied his face, looking for the calculation I knew was hiding behind his polite words. Wayne had always been Paxton's most loyal enforcer, and I doubted that had changed.

Wayne's smile never wavered, but I caught the brief flash of something dangerous in his eyes. "Of course. Though I have to say, your Alpha presence seems... stronger than before."

He's assessing me as a threat.

---

The main event was about to begin when Zoe Sterling made her entrance, resplendent in traditional ceremony attire. She stumbled slightly on the steps, but Leo was there instantly to steady her, his protective instincts on full display.

I found myself studying their interaction with professional interest. Whatever else was true about this family, Zoe and Leo's bond appeared genuine.

However, Zoe's attitude toward me was anything but warm. The moment she spotted me in the crowd, her expression hardened.

She snorted coldly with obvious displeasure.

I raised an eyebrow but wasn't angry. Zoe was simple-minded, loved and hated openly, and was clearly viewing me through colored glasses.

Zoe walked up to me, arrogantly looking me up and down.

"I'm warning you," she said, approaching with Leo trailing behind her, clearly uncomfortable with the confrontation. "Don't you dare cause trouble at my ceremony."

I smiled calmly. "I'm only here to witness Sterling family happiness."

Zoe's eyes narrowed, but before she could respond, Leo placed a gentle hand on her arm. "Come on," he said.

As they walked off, I watched them go with a thoughtful, measured gaze.