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"Thank you." The words came out of Beta Craig's mouth in a low growl, his tone carrying the weight of authority and irritation. His sharp eyes narrowed, glowing with an intensity that could send chills down anyone's spine, as Samantha carefully and quickly placed a steaming cup of tea in front of him. He accepted the drink with a curt nod, taking a deliberate sip, letting the warmth seep into his body while he continued to fix his piercing gaze on her. His expression was unreadable, but Samantha could feel the tension radiating from him like a storm brewing on the horizon.  

"It's been several years since you graduated," he said, his voice cold and sharp, carrying a predatory edge that left no room for argument. "Do you have any plans for your future, or are you going to continue wasting your time?" His tone wasn’t just questioning—it was challenging, almost accusing, as if he were daring her to provide a satisfactory answer.  

Samantha’s heart raced in her chest, the sound of her own pulse loud in her ears. The question hit her like a sudden blow, catching her off guard. In truth, she did have plans—ambitious ones. She dreamed of marrying Alpha Xavier, becoming the esteemed Wife of the pack’s president, and cementing her position in her father’s world. But she hesitated, unsure if she should reveal her true intentions to him. "I... I haven’t thought about it yet," she replied softly, her voice trembling as she tried to remain composed under his intense scrutiny.  

Beta Craig’s brows furrowed deeply, his grip tightening around the teacup in his hands. His disappointment was palpable, and his frustration was barely concealed. He couldn’t understand how someone, especially his own daughter, could lack ambition or direction in life. To him, it was nothing short of a disgrace—a glaring failure not only to their family but to their pack and humanity. His thoughts drifted to his daughters, Samantha and Bella, comparing them once again in his mind. How could two sisters be so drastically different, almost as though they came from two entirely different worlds?  

Bella, his eldest, had always been distant and reserved. Even after marrying Alpha Xavier and stepping into a position of power within the pack, she kept to herself, rarely making an appearance in social circles or mingling with the wealthy elite. She preferred to remain in the background, quiet and unassuming. Her behavior made her seem mysterious, even aloof, but at least she avoided scandal or embarrassment.  

Samantha, in stark contrast, was the complete opposite. She thrived in the spotlight, constantly drawn to the glitz and glamour of high society. She spent her time frequenting luxurious venues and engaging in petty rivalries with the other young ladies of wealth. Her life was a whirlwind of indulgence and superficial pleasures, and Beta Craig despised her for it. His gaze grew icy as he focused on her. "Since you seem to lack any plans for yourself, I’ve decided to make one for you," he announced, his voice commanding and final. "I’ll send you to study abroad. It’s time for you to grow up."  

"Abroad?" Samantha’s voice trembled as she repeated the word, her heart sinking. Her carefully laid plans to marry Alpha Xavier and secure her place in the pack were now at risk. Studying abroad would take her far away from Xavier, disrupting everything she had worked toward. "Dad, I don’t want to study abroad," she said, her voice wavering as panic began to set in.  

"What else would you do if you don’t go abroad?" Beta Craig shot back, his tone dripping with disdain. "Other young people like you start working early, striving for success, and building their futures. Yet here you are, content with your aimless and idle existence, wasting your days on trivial pursuits. Is that really the kind of life you want to lead?" His disappointment was written all over his face, and his sneer only deepened as he spoke.  

Samantha opened her mouth to respond but found herself at a loss for words. She lowered her gaze, her hands clenching into fists as she struggled to defend herself. Desperate for support, she glanced at her mother, Pamela, silently pleading for her to step in and help.  

Pamela, sensing her daughter’s distress, quickly spoke up. "Samantha hasn’t been idle," she said, her voice calm but firm. "She’s had ambitions to work, but circumstances led to delays. She fell ill for a while and needed time to recover. That’s why things didn’t go as planned." She tried to shield Samantha from her father’s wrath, her words carefully chosen to deflect his anger.  

Beta Craig’s expression softened slightly at Pamela’s words, though his disappointment lingered. A faint, almost forced smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and he nodded. "We, as her parents, were at fault for the hardships she endured in the past," he admitted, his tone less harsh. "Now, I want to make up for it by giving her the opportunity to study abroad. If she dedicates herself to her education, I believe she can achieve great things. It’s the least we can do for her future."  

"Why should Samantha study abroad?" Pamela countered, her voice growing firmer. "We’re unfamiliar with the place, and I don’t want my daughter to suffer in an unknown environment. She belongs here, with her family, where she’s safe."  

"Suffer?" Beta Craig repeated, his voice rising with irritation. "Why do you see it as suffering when someone has the chance to explore their potential and grow? You’re only holding her back by keeping her here."  

"Dad, please," Samantha begged, her voice breaking as tears welled up in her eyes. "I don’t want to go. I don’t want to leave you or Mom. I want to stay here, with my family." Her desperation was evident, but it only seemed to fuel Beta Craig’s frustration.  

"You can’t bear to leave us?" Beta Craig scoffed, his tone bitter. "What nonsense! Do you plan to stay here forever, clinging to us and wasting away? You need to learn to stand on your own two feet." His voice was filled with disappointment, and Samantha could no longer meet his gaze. She bowed her head, silent and defeated.  

Pamela quickly stepped in, her voice calm but firm. "Craig, if Samantha doesn’t want to go, you don’t have to force her. She can stay here and start working. I’ll help her find a suitable job."  

But Beta Craig wasn’t swayed. His expression hardened as he delivered his final decision. "This isn’t just about work. It’s about Bella. Bella and Leo will be returning soon, and Alpha Xavier is sure to visit. Samantha being here all the time will only cause problems. Sending her abroad is the best solution for everyone."  

Samantha bit her lip hard, her face pale and filled with anguish. "Dad, if that’s your concern, I’ll move out. I’ll find my own place and stay away from them," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.  

"You still don’t get it, do you?" Beta Craig snapped, his tone cold. "Your presence here is a constant reminder of trouble. The only way to ensure peace is for you to go abroad. That’s final."  

Samantha’s heart shattered at his words. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she turned to Pamela, her voice filled with desperation. "Mom, I don’t want to leave. Please, don’t let him send me away. I won’t leave, even if you beat me to death!"  

Pamela’s heart ached for her daughter, but she forced a smile and nodded. "Since it’s for Bella’s sake, let Samantha study abroad," she said, her voice calm but hollow. "Craig, make the arrangements. I’ll convince her to agree."  

As soon as Beta Craig retreated into his study, Pamela and Samantha returned to their room. Behind closed doors, Samantha’s frustration spilled over. "Mom, Dad is only doing this to make Bella comfortable. I’m his daughter too! How can he treat me like this?"  

Pamela remained silent for a moment, her expression thoughtful. Beta Craig’s behavior was strange, even for him. Something wasn’t adding up. "Don’t worry," Pamela said at last, her voice firm. "I’ll find a way to keep you here."