Sophia's POV

I was seated at my desk, methodically sorting through a stack of paperwork, when the office door suddenly flew open.

Lila stormed in, her face flushed with anger.

BANG!

She slammed a thick bundle of files down squarely in front of me.

"Sophia! You had the audacity to give that client a ten-percent discount—all on your own! Who do you think you are, making decisions like that?"

My chest tightened. The memory hit me with crushing clarity.

Yesterday, during a property showing, a client had been torn between choosing us and the Moore Group—Lucas's company.

At the moment it seemed the client was leaning toward them, panic surged through me. Without thinking, I had granted a ten-percent discount—completely unauthorized.

I knew it broke every company rule, but at the time, my only thought was to stop Lucas from winning.

"This company does not tolerate breaches of protocol. Pack your things. You're done here."

I sprang to my feet, desperation bubbling in my voice. "Lila, please—just give me one more chance. I really need this job."

Before I could finish, her hand shot up, and a sharp slap landed hard across my cheek.

A burning sting spread over my face, and tears welled up instantly.

"Do you think pleading will save you? This isn't some charity," she sneered.

Right then, the door opened again. Xavier stepped inside, his eyes cold as ice.

They swept past Lila and locked onto me.

I dropped my gaze, overwhelmed by shame.

I couldn't bear to meet his eyes—terrified he might fire me right then and there, just like Lila threatened.

"Lila, what's going on here?" His voice was low, steady, commanding.

Lila straightened, meeting his gaze without hesitation. "Sophia gave a client a discount without approval. I'm terminating her immediately."

Xavier's eyes shifted to me—deep, inscrutable, weighing me like a scale.

My heart thundered wildly; the fate of my future teetered on his verdict.

"Xavier, I didn't mean to overstep. I just couldn't bear to lose the client to Moore Group. I promise it won't happen again," I blurted out, trying to sound sincere.

From the side, Lila let out a cruel chuckle. "Look at you. Who gave you the right to act like that?"

Xavier's gaze hardened. His words cut sharply through the tension.

"Sophia, who authorized you to make decisions on behalf of the company?"

That was it.

I felt my world tilt.

I lowered my head, a lump forming in my throat as tears threatened to spill.

I told myself not to cry—not here, not now. But one stubborn tear escaped anyway.

Then, unexpectedly, Xavier spoke again.

"However," he said slowly, "I've invested a lot in your training. I'm not quick to throw people away. You're staying—but your salary will be docked thirty percent for this month."

I froze, disbelief flooding me.

He wasn't firing me.

Relief and shame swirled inside me in a dizzying rush.

Lila's face drained of color—clearly caught off guard.

"But... she violated company policy. She should be fired," Lila stammered, struggling to regain control.

Xavier turned to her, his voice ice-cold.

"You hired her. If she's at fault, shouldn't you bear some responsibility too?"

Lila's complexion paled further. She stood speechless, unprepared for Xavier's defense of me—a woman with a checkered past.

He faced me again, his voice low but firm.

"Don't let this happen again."

I nodded, gratitude swelling quietly inside me.

Then his gaze snapped back to Lila.

"And one more thing. Our pack forbids violence against employees. This is your first—and last—warning. If it happens again, you know the consequences."

Lila bowed her head, voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, Alpha."

Without another word, Xavier turned and left the room.

I stood there, tears flowing freely now—but this time, they weren't just from pain.

They were tears of relief.

He could have abandoned me, crushed me entirely.

Instead, he defended me. He saved me once more.

That afternoon, Amy and I went out to show a client a new development.

I straightened my posture, forcing a professional calm as I began the tour.

Just as I was fully focused on my work, I caught sight of someone I never expected to see—Caelum Hale.

He was near the window, locked in a heated kiss with a woman wearing a plunging neckline and a scandalously short skirt.

"Caelum, just sign the contract first, then we can—"

"Forget the contract. Let me have you first."

"Ah... Caelum... easy..."

His unmistakable voice echoed—Caelum Hale, son of the Blood Moon Pack's Beta.

His father had once done business with mine.

I froze, caught off guard.

Caelum noticed me immediately, lightly patting the woman's hip.

"Go wait over there, sweetie. I just spotted someone I know."

Then he strode over to me, a sly smile playing at his lips.

"Sophia? What are you doing here?"

His voice was low and magnetic—dangerous, almost hypnotic.

Instinctively, I stepped back.

"I work here," I said, trying to sound steady.

He arched an eyebrow. "Weren't you in prison?" The amusement in his tone was sharp.

My stomach dropped, and my smile vanished.

I hadn't expected him to bring that up—certainly not here.

I lowered my eyes. "I served my time. I'm out now."

I turned to leave, but he blocked my path.

"Selling houses, huh? That's rough. How about you come work with me? I can guarantee better perks."

I frowned, irritated. "I'm fine where I am."

He ignored my refusal, grinning wider.

"If you care so much about this job, then I'm here to help. Which listings do you have? Show me."

I hesitated, torn between instincts telling me to walk away and logic insisting I seize the opportunity.

I needed sales. Badly.

Without them, I'd be out—especially after today's disaster.

Caelum looked wealthy, like someone who could close a deal.

I bit my lip, nodding reluctantly. "Alright. Follow me."

His smile widened, eyes gleaming with mischief and something deeper.

Together, we headed toward the showroom.

I launched into my pitch, striving to sound professional.

"These units all have excellent natural light, with broad, sweeping views."

I prayed silently that this time, I wouldn't fail.