Chapter 165
Elle’s POV
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Brad leaned forward slightly, his expression growing more focused. “Although, speaking of business… Raymond, didn’t you mention
something about government relocation policies affecting communities like Moonvale?”
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He turned to Raymond with what looked like casual curiosity. “I heard there might be some initiatives to move smaller werewolf settlements to larger reservation areas. Have you heard anything about that, Raymond?”
Raymond’s response came with a heavy sigh. “This situation isn’t as simple as it appears. The relocation isn’t just a local decision – it’s
coming from the state government level. The Carter family doesn’t have much room to interfere with state–level directives.”
I watched Elder Thompson’s face fall, the color draining from his weathered features. His hands, which had been steady while serving tea,
now trembled slightly as he set down his cup.
Raymond leaned forward, his expression growing more serious. “I should explain the full picture, Elder Thompson. The state’s push for
relocation isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s tied to a massive energy development project that they want to build in partnership with the
Carter family and Rayne Group.”
“Energy development?” Elder Thompson’s eyes sharpened.
“A multi–billion dollar initiative,” Raymond continued. “The state government sees this as their chance to keep Brad here as an economic anchor. They’re essentially trying to sweeten the deal for him by offering up Moonvale’s territory for the project.”
Raymond’s gaze flickered to me briefly before continuing. “The Blair family actually approached me about this issue months ago. They asked me to intervene, to use the Carter family’s influence to shut down the relocation plans.”
Elder Thompson straightened, hope flickering in his eyes.
‘I managed to delay things,” Raymond said carefully. “But my compromise was that if the project had to happen, it should happen here in Moonvale rather than forcing you to relocate. The six packs… well, they rejected that proposal entirely.”
That’s when Brad spoke up, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.
“Since the state government is already planning to relocate you anyway,” he said, his tone casual but with an underlying edge, “why exactly would we need to come here asking for favors?”
Elder Thompson’s head snapped up, meeting Brad’s amber eyes. The Alpha energy in the room shifted dramatically, and I felt that familiar tingle of power that always surrounded Brad when he was asserting his dominance.
Brad picked up his teacup, examining it with apparent interest. “This is good tea, by the way. Local blend?”
“Yes,” Elder Thompson managed.
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Chapter 165
Hmm. Brad took another sip, then set the cup down with deliberate precision. “We’re talking about a project that requires billions in upfront investment and will generate over five trillion in GDP for the state every year.”
The numbers hit the room like physical blows. Elder Thompson’s face went ashen.
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“So tell me, Elder Thompson, Brad continued, his voice remaining conversational despite the steel underneath, “do you really think I need
to come here begging for anything?”
I watched Elder Thompson struggle with the reality of Brad’s words. His Alpha presence was being completely overwhelmed by Brad’s superior dominance, and there was nothing he could do about it.
This trip, Brad said, leaning back in his chair with casual confidence, “is purely recreational. I wanted to show my mate the countryside.
The gifts we brought are just small tokens of courtesy, nothing more.”
Raymond immediately picked up the cue. “Absolutely. We’re just here to enjoy the scenery.”
Brad’s smile was sharp. “Going around hat in hand, begging for deals – that’s not really my style.”
Raymond quickly stepped in to play the diplomatic role. “Elder Thompson, please don’t misunderstand! We really are just here for a weekend getaway. Nothing more than that.”
I realized I was watching a masterclass in negotiation. Brad had completely flipped the power dynamic in a matter of minutes.
Sophia and Abigail caught on immediately.
“I told you this was a mistake,” Sophia said with perfect timing. “We should never have tagged along on a vacation.”
“I feel terrible now,” Abigail added. “We’re making their simple trip seem like some kind of business conspiracy.”
I found myself playing along, though part of me felt guilty about the manipulation. “I’m starting to think suggesting this getaway was a
bad idea.‘
Elder Thompson’s expression grew increasingly uncertain.
Brad stood up, his movement fluid and commanding. “We came prepared for camping under the stars. We wouldn’t want to impose on
your community’s hospitality.”
I saw panic flicker across Elder Thompson’s face.
“Please!” Elder Thompson said quickly, his voice strained. “You’re all honored guests here. I’ve already prepared rooms… it would be an insult to let you camp when we have proper accommodations.”
Brad appeared to consider this for a moment, then nodded graciously. “Well enough.”
Chapter 165
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Later that evening, I found myself alone with Brad in our assigned guest room. The space was comfortable and clean, decorated with
handwoven textiles and carved wooden furniture that spoke to the local craftsmanship.
Alex knocked and entered, carrying some documents.
“How are you planning to handle the three Alphas?” I asked, trying to ignore my burning cheeks.
“Psychology first,” Brad replied. “Attack the heart of the matter. Don’t worry – just enjoy yourself.”
“What’s your relationship with Raymond really about?” I pressed.
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Brad’s grin was sharp. “Making money, of course. This project alone will bring in over a trillion annually for Rayne Group.”
My brain struggled to process that number. “Wait – didn’t you tell me your personal assets were only in the hundreds of billions?”
Brad laughed, the sound rich and amused. “My personal net worth is indeed in the hundreds of billions. But I never said Rayne Group’s
assets were limited to that.”
I stared at him blankly, and he chuckled again.
“Don’t worry about the details, sweetheart. Your job is just to spend the money.”
After Brad left to handle some business, I turned to Alex, desperate for clarity.
“Alex, how much is Rayne Group actually worth?”
Alex looked thoughtful for a moment. “If I told you that Rayne Group directly owns several oil field, would that help you understand?”
“What?”
‘In Africa, we own several mines… In Europe, countless properties, estates, companies. We have close relationships with the Rothschild
family, connections to royalty…”
My head was spinning. I couldn’t even begin to comprehend the scale he was describing.
Alex smiled sympathetically. “Miss Elle, I think you should just stop asking these questions.”
I laughed despite my confusion. “Fine, I give up.”
That evening, we were invited to join Elder Thompson for dinner in the main hall. I changed into a simple but elegant dress and made my
way downstairs, where I found a large round table laden with dishes that looked distinctly different from anything I’d eaten before.
The food all smelled incredible, rich and earthy.
I noticed Brad’s slight frown as he surveyed the spread.
“Not hungry?” I whispered.
He sighed. “For your sake, I’ll eat it.”
When dinner was served, Brad did indeed begin sampling the local dishes, though I could tell it was requiring some effort on his part.
