Rejected Luna Returns with Secret Twins (Lysandra) novel Chapter 138

Chapter 138

Two weeks had passed since my bizarre encounter with Tristan at the springs. I’d thrown myself into work, spending long hours at Ravencroft Enterprises headquarters reviewing contracts and finalizing details for our next investment project. Tonight, I closed another file and pushed it across my desk with a satisfied smile.

“One failure doesn’t define me,” I murmured to myself, fingertips drumming against the mahogany surface. I’m not a

loser.”

A knock interrupted my thoughts. Serena stood in the doorway, arms filled with folders.

“Boss, have you seen Alpha Alaric’s announcement?”

I frowned.

She placed a press release on my desk. I skimmed through it, my frown deepening with each sentence. Alaric had publicly announced Moonshade Pack was seeking alliance partners for a border defense coalition and to share our rare medicinal

herb resources.

“This is the first I’m hearing of it,” I said, unable to mask my surprise.

Serena shifted uncomfortably. “All the major Packs are competing for the partnership. Everyone wants access to our medical technology and herb reserves.”

I sighed, leaning back in my chair. “When did he decide this? And why make a public announcement instead of private

outreach?”

When I’d confronted Alaric earlier that day, he’d simply said, “This has nothing to do with the company, Lyss. It’s Pack

business.”

The intercom buzzed. “Ms. Ravencroft, the board members are here to see you.”

Four elder wolves entered my office, each carrying the dignified air that came with decades of service to the pack. They were dressed impeccably, even for a simple meeting.

“We wanted to personally invite you to tonight’s anniversary celebration,” the eldest said, handing me an elegant invitation card. “Ravencroft Enterprises‘ founding anniversary deserves proper recognition.”

I glanced at the guest list. Representatives from nearly every major Pack would attend – except Silverblood.

“Will Alpha Alaric join us?” I asked.

“Your brother sends his regrets. He’s meeting with Beta Kieran about pack business.”

The older woman leaned forward. “We wanted to assure you the… unfortunate rumors about you and Alpha Tristan have been fully addressed. Alpha Alaric made it clear they were baseless, and emphasized your engagement to Beta Kieran.”

I nearly choked. So Alaric had publicly confirmed the fake engagement without telling me? First the alliance announcement, now this. What else was my brother deciding without me?

“I appreciate the clarification,” I managed, keeping my expression neutral. “About tonight, I don’t usually-*

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‘As CEO, your presence is expected, the elder cut in gently. “The other Pack representatives would view your absence as i slight.”

I nodded reluctantly. Another social obligation I couldn’t escape..

The club’s entrance glowed with blue–tinted lights, casting ethereal shadows across the faces of arriving guests, Pack officials in formal attire mingled in the courtyard, their conversations a low hum politics and pleasantries.

Serena kept close as we followed the board members inside. The interior was bathed in midnight blue lighting, with silver accents that caught and reflected the subtle illumination. Crystal chandeliers hung from high ceilings, casting prism patterns across the walls.

We were seated at the main table, positioned for maximum visibility. I smoothed my navy dress, wondering how soon I could politely leave.

“What would you like to drink, boss?” Serena asked.

“Just water or maybe a soda,” I replied.

The board members exchanged glances. “Ms. Ravencroft,” one of them said, “we’ll be toasting the company’s success.

Perhaps something stronger would be appropriate?”

I felt all eyes on me. The last thing I needed was to appear weak or childish before these wolves.

“Fine. I’ll have a whiskey sour,” I said, giving in. “I’ll just take a sip for the toast. I don’t want to be the one ruining the

company’s big night.”

When the drinks arrived, I stared at the amber liquid, memories rushing back. I hadn’t had alcohol since before my pregnancy with the twins. Five years of sobriety, broken for a corporate toast.

The first sip burned down my throat, making me cough slightly. By the third sip, warmth spread through my chest, a pleasant buzz settling behind my eyes.

I hadn’t expected the effect to hit so quickly. My tolerance had apparently vanished during those alcohol–free years. Heat

rushed to my cheeks, and the room seemed softer around the edges.

“Ms. Ravencroft, are you aware that Dr. Eldreth Frostwhisper is here tonight?” asked the board member sitting across from

1. me.

The name caught my attention. “The Eldreth Frostwhisper? Creator of Lunaris Essence?”

He nodded. “He’s here with Northern Pack’s Alpha.”

“How does everyone know about these meetings except me?” The words slipped out before I could stop them, alcohol loosening my usual filter.

Serena leaned closer. “Beta Kieran mentioned you admire Dr. Frostwhisper greatly.”

I took another sip to hide my surprise. “Ido respect him. For his professional accomplishments and nothing more.”

My eyes scanned the room until I spotted him. He was speaking

with a young woman, his expression serious as she

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gestured with medical precision. For a moment, I imagined they might be flirting, then immediately recognized the absurdity of my alcohol–influenced thoughts.