Page 16 of The Wolf Prince's Mate

I perused the document as Michael continued. “The company seemed to have hit rock bottom and almost fell into bankruptcy until two years ago when the founder and late CEO died, leaving the company to his widow. Its stock prices skyrocketed, and the shares have tripled in price over the last three years.

“And this widow, is she someone we know?” I asked through gritted teeth. He swiped on the tablet, revealing a photo of anelegant-looking woman. She was dressed in all black, and her veil covered almost all of her face. She looked like she was at a funeral.

“This is the only picture we have of her. She is known to be very private. She stays off social media and will sue any paparazzi who film her without consent.”

I took in all the information Michael dumped on me, appreciating how he was always a step ahead and updated on everything.

“Set up a meeting with her. If this is a ploy to get my attention, she has all of it,” I replied, returning the tablet to Michael.

“I don’t think that’ll be possible, sir. She’s known to not honor invites or accept interviews. We’ve tried setting up something with her in the past, but she sent her secretary.

“Then make sure she doesn’t send her secretary this time. If she’s been going after my deals, she must have something to say to me, and I think I’m ready to hear it.” I ordered, finalizing the conversation and returning my attention to the board, which was currently engaged in multiple chatters, each expressing their concerns and displeasure.

“Alright, gentlemen, there’s no cause for alarm. I’ve set up a meeting with the CEO of Diamond Corporation. I’ll hear what she wants, and hopefully, we’ll regain our partnership with Donovan.”

My statement was met with nods and murmurs of agreement. The meeting was finalized on the note that I would meet with Mrs. Diamond and figure out what she wanted with us.

I couldn’t wait to meet the woman who had successfully stolen two projects from me, and most importantly, I couldn’t wait to hear her motive.

I was a formidable businessman. Most people didn’t like to get in trouble with me, hence my heightened interest in Mrs. Diamond. My interest was soon watered down and replaced with rage after she declined to meet with me twice.

“Are you sure she’s aware that I am not some journalist seeking an interview with her?” I asked Michael, staring daggers at the generic email from her office.

The woman was not only stealing my deals, but she was also declining my invites and refusing my emails. If that wasn’t a declaration of modern-day corporate war, I didn’t know what was.

“We made sure of that, sir, but it didn’t stick out to her.”

“Then, find me a way to meet with her,” I roared, slamming my fist on the table in my study.

Michael looked visibly shaken by the outburst, but he maintained his cool. I drew in a deep breath, willing myself to stay calm. It was difficult to contain myself when my mate was devising a new means of sending a maid to the healer half-beaten to death every day, but I couldn’t afford to make a mess of the situation.

“Find a way to hack into her calendar. Look up events where she’ll be present, and make it look like an accident,”

I added in a calmer tone, and I could feel him relax.

“Donovan will be hosting a gala in honor of her newly signed deal and success in the medical field. I’m certain she’ll be there.”

“Get me on that guest list as soon as possible. If there’s a seating arrangement, I want to be seated next to her,” I ordered, a small smile forming on my face. If Mrs. Diamond wanted to play mysterious, I would beat her at her own game.

During the days leading up to the gala, Mrs. Diamond occupied my mind. I thought of every motive she could have, deals she could be interested in, and offers I could make to get her off my back. I didn’t even mind patterning with her if she was up for it. Someone who was that formidable was someone I’d love to have on my team.

With my intentions well lined up and my goals ready, I added a finishing touch to my outfit and left my room.

I was on my way out of the palace when a cry of anguish exploded from the kitchen. I rushed to the source and was immediately assaulted by the metallic smell of blood that was so potent I could taste it on the tip of my tongue.

“Why are you so slow? I told you not to give her enough of a break to heal. You idiot, whip her!” Lilith’s voice echoed in the kitchen, preceded by the swift hiss of a whip cutting through the air and the nauseating sound of broken skin.

The maid lay in a pool of her blood. Her skin was battered so badly that her bones were visible. Even her clothes were shredded, leaving her almost naked.

A cocktail of rage and nausea poured down my throat, and I ordered the guard to drop the whip and take the girl to the infirmary.

Lilith turned to me, her sinister expression suddenly replaced with a sweet smile. Except for the spatter of blood on her dress, she almost looked like the innocent girl I fell in love with.

“Hey, baby.” She placed a soft kiss on the corner of my lips. “I didn’t see you there.” Her gaze ran over my body, and her nose crinkled in displeasure. “Why are you dressed in a suit at 8 p.m.?”

I turned to the guards and servants still hanging around the kitchen. “Leave us.”

When the kitchen was empty, I turned back to Lilith, who was toying with my tie clip. “What was that?”

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