Chapter 36 The Owner Returns
[Nyx]
An hour later, we stood before Eclipse Pharmaceuticals' headquarters. Despite the late hour, lights still glowed in the research wing. I swiped my access card at the entrance, Lysander close behind me, having sneaked out of the estate to avoid unwanted attention.
The security guard at reception jumped to his feet. "Ms. Verdant? We weren't expecting you tonight—"
"I don't need to announce my visits," I cut in, my voice steady with newfound authority. "Contact the warehouse supervisor immediately. I need to inspect NorthStar's recent deliveries."
Soon, a middle-aged man hurried toward us, his nametag reading "Paul Walker - Warehouse Manager." Sweat beaded on his forehead despite the building's cool temperature.
"Ms. Verdant, what an unexpected pleasure," he said with a strained smile. "How can I help you?"
"Take me to the NorthStar materials," I demanded. "Particularly their ginkgo extract."
Paul's smile faltered. "At this hour... perhaps tomorrow would be more appropriate—"
I stepped forward, feeling something ancient and powerful rise within me. "Paul, let me be clear. I'm the owner of this company, not a visitor. You have a choice: follow my instructions or follow Raymond's. Choose poorly, and you'll be clearing out your desk tomorrow."
My eyes flashed silver—I could feel it—and Paul's nervous scent sharpened with fear.
---
The warehouse was immense but meticulously organized. Paul led us through aisles of raw materials, nervously explaining storage protocols until I cut him off.
"Just show me the NorthStar section," I said firmly.
At the designated area, Paul gestured to rows of containers. "These are the ginkgo extracts, stored under the supplier's specified conditions."
I put on gloves and opened one container, examining the pale yellow powder. My enhanced senses detected nothing extraordinary about it—certainly nothing worth a 20% price premium.
"What makes these extracts special enough to justify their cost?" I asked, rubbing the powder between my fingertips.
"Mr. Raymond says they have higher purity and stability," Paul explained, his eyes darting away from mine. "He personally approves all quality reports."
Lysander picked up a sample. "Have you ever tested these against other suppliers' products?"
"No," Paul admitted after a pause. "Mr. Raymond discontinued comparative testing three years ago."
The pieces were fitting together too perfectly. "I need samples of these materials, records of previous suppliers' products, and all NorthStar contracts and contact information."
Paul hesitated. "That... might require Mr. Raymond's approval—"
"I'll say it one last time," I interrupted, my voice dropping dangerously. "I own this company. Are you helping me uncover the truth, or are you complicit?"
As Paul appeared to consider his options, I noticed him glance toward the far end of the warehouse.
"I'll get you everything you need, Ms. Verdant," he finally said. "Actually... I've had concerns about these supply arrangements myself."
Paul began collecting samples and files, but when I focused on examining a document, he slipped away, muttering something about retrieving additional records.
Lysander leaned close. "Nyx, we should hurry. Something's not right."
As I packed the last sample into my bag, heavy footsteps approached from multiple directions. Suddenly, security guards emerged from between the shelves, moving purposefully toward us.
"Stop! You're not authorized to remove those materials!" the lead guard shouted.
In one fluid motion, Lysander positioned himself between me and the approaching guards. "Nyx, stay back."
One guard pulled out a stun baton and lunged at Lysander, who dodged with supernatural speed and sent the man sprawling. Another tried to flank me, but Lysander swept his legs from under him.
"She is the owner of this company!" Lysander growled, eyes glinting gold. "You're assaulting your employer!"
Paul reappeared, feigning shock. "Stop! What's happening here?"
The lead guard, still on his feet, spoke through gritted teeth: "Mr. Walker, we're following Mr. Raymond's standing orders—no materials leave without authorization."
Everything crystallized in that moment. I straightened to my full height, feeling power course through my veins. "I understand now. You left to alert Raymond, didn't you, Paul?"
"Ms. Verdant, I was simply following protocol—"
"Enough," I cut him off, ice in my voice. "Paul Walker, you're fired. Effective immediately." I turned to the guards. "You have ten seconds to decide whose orders you're following—Raymond's or your actual boss's."
The warehouse fell silent. The guards exchanged glances and slowly backed away.
"Wise choice," I said coldly, then turned back to Paul. "Turn in your badge and keys. HR will contact you tomorrow about termination procedures."
"You can't just—" he stammered.
"I can, and I just did," I replied. "Next time you betray your boss, make sure you know who that really is."
With the samples and files secured, Lysander and I walked out, leaving stunned faces behind. Only when we were safely in the car did my hands begin to tremble.
"That was more dangerous than I anticipated," I admitted.
Lysander took my hand, his warm fingers steadying mine. "You were magnificent. Every bit the Alpha."
Looking at the samples in my lap, I felt a renewed determination. "I need someone to independently test these materials." A confident smile formed at my lips. "Let's contact Timothy tomorrow. We have our lead, and I've just shown the company who's really in charge."
For the first time since inheriting Eclipse, I felt like my mother's daughter—and like someone who could reclaim everything that had been taken from me.
The car ride back to the estate was quiet. My mind raced with calculations and theories about what we'd discovered at Eclipse, but my body ached with exhaustion. The gentle motion of the car and the steady hum of the engine soon lulled me into a drowsy state. As Lysander turned onto the long driveway leading to the Verdant estate, my eyelids grew impossibly heavy. I don't remember much after entering the western wing—the adrenaline crash hit hard, and I drifted off completely.