Page 9 of The Lycan King's Secret Child

Amelia: Excited yet cautious "He's notoriously private. It won't be easy."

Mr. Pierce: Smirking "Since when do you shy away from a challenge?"

Amelia: Grinning "Fair point."

Mr. Pierce: "I need something solid in two weeks. Think you can handle it?"

Amelia: "Absolutely."

Mr. Pierce: "Good. And Hart—be careful. Men like Drakov don't like their secrets exposed."

Amelia: "I can handle myself."

Mr. Pierce: "I know you can. That's why I'm giving you this assignment. Now get to it."

She stood up, tucking her notepad under her arm.

Amelia: "Thanks for the opportunity."

Mr. Pierce: "Don't thank me yet. Bring me a story."

Back at her desk, Amelia couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. Her brief encounter with Xander the previous night had left an impression, and now she had a professional reason to delve deeper.

Her phone buzzed with a text message from Sophie.

Sophie (Text): "Lunch tomorrow then?"

Amelia (Text): "Definitely. Have news to share."

She set her phone aside and began jotting down a plan. First step: gather all available information on Alexander Drakov.

Hours passed as she combed through online articles, financial reports, and public records. Frustration grew as she realized how little information was available.

Amelia: Talking to herself "How does a man this influential leave so few traces?"

Her colleague, Jake Matthews, sauntered over, sipping coffee.

Jake: "Burning the midnight oil already?"

Amelia: "Just trying to crack the enigma that is Alexander Drakov."

Jake: Whistling softly "Good luck with that. He's like a ghost. Rumor has it he buys out any publication that digs too deep."

Amelia: Smirking "Sounds like a challenge."

Jake: "Just watch your back. Don't want to see you disappear."

Amelia: "Appreciate the concern, but I'll be fine."

As Jake walked away, Amelia decided she needed a new approach. Perhaps visiting places associated with Drakov would yield more clues.

She grabbed her bag and headed toward Mr. Pierce's office, knocking lightly on the open door.

Mr. Pierce: "Yes?"

Amelia: "I'm heading out to do some fieldwork."

Mr. Pierce: "Stay safe."

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