Chapter 177 When the False Mate Steps Aside

Chapter 177 When the False Mate Steps Aside


Cassandra wiped her face carefully, guarding her makeup.

“I will sign,” she said softly. “But as a friend, in private, can you help my fiancé?”

Drake lifted a brow.

“You said Drake wishes to end the bond.”

She nodded.

“Even so, I wished him well. I loved him. Whether his love came from lost memory or not, it was real. That version of him cared for me. That wolf is gone now. I only want him to survive and rise again.”

Damian smiled faintly.

“You have a soft heart. But instead of asking me, it may be wiser for Drake to speak directly to Elena. Miss Amelia holds real power. If she opens her mouth, chains fall.”

“Elena is the founder of Durok Biotech Company?” she whispered.

Edward nodded.

“Yes. You live in the world of lights and stages, not markets and power. Elena built the company herself. That is why Chairman Raphael Farrington placed her as Executive Vice President. No board accepts weakness. She earned her ground.”

Carolyn felt the world tilt. Her ears rang. The room spun.

She remembered how Drake accepted the fall of Hamilton Corporation without resistance.

He was paying penance.

It seems that he was offering everything back to Elena.

Ending their engagement was his apology. He wanted to reclaim her heart.

This shows that a stolen mate always returns when the true bond calls. The false one is left alone, stripped and exposed. She had once believed she held more love than the original. She had believed she was chosen above Elena.

How foolish.

If Drake loved Elena that deeply, how could she ever stand between them?

Confusion crushed her chest.

After signing the contract, food lost all meaning. The scent of dinner made her sick.

Damian rose.

“Before you and Drake announce the end of your bond, inform us first. Thompson Group needs to prepare for the outcome.”

She nodded.

“Once our public plan is ready, my new agent will send it to Thompson Group.”

Damian walked her outside. He held the car door open.

“You are not fully guilty in this,” he said. “Drake bonded with you while lost. Now his memory has returned. The fault rests with him. We will draft words in case the truth leaks.

Cassandra sensed that Damian's concern was real.

“I understand. I will speak with Drake and keep this from harming your company.”

Damian nodded and shut the door.

At that same time, Elena sat at the long conference table. Vallora and her team sat across from her.

“President Vallora's team moves fast,” Elena said.

Vallora smiled back.

“Speed keeps the hunt clean. Time holds value.”

Then her gaze sharpened.

“Dolphus Farrington Farrington mentioned he wants someone from our group to handle direct contact with Farrington Corporation. Has he named the person?”

Elena did not hesitate.

“It’s Raven,” she said.

The room stiffened. Heads turned. No one spoke.

Everyone knew this project had been pulled from Raven's claws by Vallora. Now Dolphus wanted Raven placed at the center again.

Vallora's smile faded.

“Does Chairman Raphael understand what he asks?”

“He does,” Elena replied. “I handled the talks myself. I worry about unseen interference. But if the one managing the contact is our chief executive’s mate, then any problem becomes his burden. No one would dare poison the work.”

Vallora studied her. Slowly, the tightness in her brow eased.

RushGreen Group bled with inner conflict. They assumed Farrington Corporation was no different. The tension between Dolphus and Elena was known, though still hidden behind polite silence.

“Please Vallora,” Elena added softly, “does this not sound fair. This project matters deeply to me. I want no cracks.”

Vallora paused, then nodded.

“Miss Elena, you are taking this too far, but I agree.”

“I only fear Raven may resist,” Elena said. “I hope you will guide her.”

“That is settled,” Vallora answered. “Since you will choose your own team, Raven will comply.”

Once the signatures dried, Elena walked Vallora to the elevator. She held the door with care.

“Safe travels. I look forward to our next meeting.”

“Of course,” Vallora said, clearly pleased. “If this hunt succeeds, many more will follow. I trust your support will remain.”

“It will,” Elena replied.

As the doors closed, quiet joy rippled behind her. Executives exchanged glances filled with relief.

“Call Miss Raven and brief her about my meeting with Vallora,” Elena said to Florence. Then she turned and headed toward Dolphus's office.

Elena’s hand lifted toward Dolphus’s door. Her fingers hovered inches away when her phone buzzed hard against her skin. She glanced down. Her grandfather’s doctor.

She answered.

The voice rushed out. He spoke fast. He said “I have called Dolphus many times. No answer. That was why I reached out to you,” the doctor said.

Elena pressed her back against the wall.

The doctor continued. “A house worker had called me in fear. Gamma Raphael had struggled for air. His chest had risen in short pulls and his lips had turned pale.”

“By the time I reached your family's house, the old Gamma's strength had already slipped. Then I have to call for an emergency assistant.

Gamma Raphael was lifted and rushed away.”

Elena’s fingers curled around her phone.

The doctor spoke again. “Since arriving at the hospital, Gamma Raphael had called two names again and again. Elena. Dolphus. So I think that you and Dolphus should come over to the hospital at once.

The call ended.

Elena pushed Dolphus’s door open. He looked up at once. His eyes sharpened. She spoke without pause.

Dolphus moved before she finished. His chair scraped back.

They left the building at speed.

The car tore through the streets. Dolphus drove with sharp turns and heavy pressure on the wheel.

Hospital lights hit them hard. Nurses led them aside. They were told to wait. Elena paced. Dolphus stood firm beside her.

Wolves arrived in waves. Pack scents filled the air.

Alpha Simeon entered with his guards. He stopped. His gaze met theirs. He raised his hand once. They bowed their heads.

Minutes stretched.

The doctor stepped out. Alpha Simeon stood beside him. The doctor called their names and led them inside his office.

They sat.

The doctor spoke.

“Gamma Raphael Farrington is gone.”