At three in the afternoon, the Silverwood Estate’s ballroom was already shimmering with glamour and wealth.

Long tables were adorned with flowers and caviar flown in from France. Board members of the family’s corporations, pack elders, and even a few Hollywood stars were in attendance.

But the real reason these powerful figures were here wasn’t for a pair of twins’ coming-of-age ceremony.

It was for the two guests who had invited themselves.

I stood on the second-floor viewing gallery, looking down through the one-way glass.

On the left was the delegation from the Bloodmoon Conglomerate.

Three men, all in impeccably tailored black tactical suits with the blood moon insignia pinned to their chests. The man leading them was Gregor, the Bloodmoon’s Beta executive, and he radiated a cold, dangerous energy.

On the right were the representatives from Silverlake Capital.

There were only two of them, but their presence was commanding. The young man in the lead wore a Tom Ford three-piece suit in a deep navy blue, his every move exuding the quiet confidence of an ancient werewolf bloodline. He was Theodore, a special advisor for Silverlake Capital.

My father, Dominic, stood at the head of the room, holding a champagne flute, but he couldn't hide the anxiety in his eyes.

The Silverwood family was in decline. That’s why these two apex packs, both controlling vast resources across North America, had shown up at the same time—they were vultures circling their prey.

“Mr. Silverwood,” Bloodmoon’s Gregor spoke first, “on behalf of Alpha Kaelan Bloodmoon, I am here to formally propose a marriage alliance. Mr. Bloodmoon wishes to take your daughter, the one with the pure ALPHA bloodline, as his Luna.”

A tense murmur spread through the room.

Kaelan Bloodmoon. The name was synonymous with power and brutality. But three years ago, during an arctic expedition, he was struck by a meteorite fragment laced with a strange radiation.

Rumor had it his wolf essence was damaged, his genes were collapsing, and his temper was growing more and more psychotic. He was scouring the globe for a legendary gene-healer to stabilize himself.

And Serena and I, a rare pair of twin Alphas, were considered potential serums.

In my last life, it was this damn theory that sent me to hell.

“If I may interrupt.”

Silverlake’s Theodore gracefully raised his glass. “Mr. Silverwood, Silverlake Capital is also here for this matter. Our heir, Mr. Lucas Silverlake, wishes to form a deep strategic alliance with the Silverwoods, and to marry your daughter.”

His gaze flickered toward the Bloodmoon representatives. “We are seeking an equal partner, not… a medical resource.”

Dominic looked like he was trapped between two titans.

“Father, Mother.”

A clear voice drifted down from the top of the grand staircase.

Serena stood there, draped in an Elie Saab couture gown, looking like a moon goddess descended to earth.

“Since you’re discussing my marriage,” she said, gliding to Vivian’s side, “I choose Mr. Kaelan Bloodmoon.”

Serena's voice was sharp and unwavering.

The hall fell silent.

Vivian gasped, “Serena! Kaelan’s physical condition right now—”

“It’s temporary,” Serena cut her off, her eyes shining with a near-fanatical confidence. “Mother, Kaelan is the most powerful Alpha in North America. I have faith that my genes can heal him.”

She looked up, her gaze locking directly onto the second-floor viewing gallery where I stood.

In that instant, I saw the greed and mockery in her eyes.

She was reborn, too.

She remembered Kaelan’s eventual recovery and his ultimate rise to power. She also remembered the downfall of Lucas’s family after a bitter internal struggle. She was trying to steal the glory she thought was mine for the taking.

But what she didn’t know was that my defective genes were the only real cure for Kaelan. Her perfect genes would only accelerate his demise.

“Besides,” Serena said, turning to the Silverlake representatives with a perfect smile, “Silverlake Capital also needs a bride, don’t they And we just so happen to have another one. An Elena.”

She threw my name out like a piece of trash.

“Elena might be a defective product with a crippled wolf,” Serena’s tone was light, “but she has the same face as me. Mr. Lucas won’t be losing out, will he”

Vivian hesitated. “But the Bloodmoons specifically requested the 'daughter with the ALPHA bloodline'…”

“My decision is made.” Serena spoke as if to the air itself. “Elena, come out. Let everyone have a look at the ‘shadow.’”

In my last life, I cried and begged at this moment.

But this time—

I walked, step by step, into the light of the ballroom.

All eyes snapped to me. Full of mockery, disdain, and curiosity.

I ignored them all and looked straight at Serena.

“Fine.”

I said.

“I accept Silverlake Capital’s proposal. I will be Lucas Silverlake’s mate.”