Claimed by fate

Pearl smiled and greeted whoever she met even though they didn't reply.

She was so determined to make her first unique that she avoided anything that could pose a threat to her new job.

At first she did not know what to do because she doesn't have much experience in this field. The little knowledge she had acquired was as a result of the one her father could teach her before he died.

"What job is she to do?" she asked herself while her heart was racing and she almost panicked.

But because she knew she couldn't give up she stayed strong.

Pearl navigated the first day at her new job with cautious optimism. The Golden Empire, with its towering structure, was both intimidating and awe-inspiring. The stares she received as she made her way to her station were met with her warm smiles, despite the lack of response from most.

The interior was as grand as the exterior suggested. Pearl marvelled at the sleek design and modern layout. She sought guidance from the receptionist, who, despite her initial reluctance, directed Pearl to the Human Resources department.

As she approached HR, Pearl encountered a mix of emotions—nervousness, excitement, and a tinge of fear. Would her new colleagues accept her? Would her unique status as a rogue cause trouble?

The HR manager greeted her with a polite smile, introducing herself as Ms. Lorraine.

Sensing Pearl's apprehension, Ms. Lorraine reassured her, "Welcome to the Golden Empire, Pearl. We're thrilled to have you on board. Your qualifications and experience precede you. Don't worry; you'll find everyone here welcoming."

"Thank you for your warm welcome ma, I promise to do a great job" Pearl said putting aside her nervousness.

With a tour of the office and a brief orientation, Pearl was introduced to her team. They seemed curious about the new addition but appeared professional and courteous.

"Hi I am Ammy" a curious tall girl with blonde hair reached out to her first. Pearl smiled at her in return. The rest of the group did not bother to show any interest.

Throughout the day, Pearl familiarised herself with her tasks, getting acclimated to the corporate environment with the help of Ammy.

Her wolf instincts helped her adapt quickly, catching the subtle nuances in her coworkers' behaviour.

Soon lunch time came by , and she found herself alone in the cafeteria.

Despite the bustling crowd, she sat quietly, lost in thought. A colleague, Kevin, noticed her solitude and headed towards her direction .

"Hi, I am Kevin. Sorry I did not bother to greet you earlier" he said trying to start up a conversation.

" Hey, I am Pearl. It's nice to meet you" Pearl said with an innocent tone.

People in the cafeteria seem to pay little attention to her.

Over the meal, he shared some of it. His experience in the company.

He went ahead and told her a little about the company culture, offering helpful insights and advice, easing Pearl's nerves.

As the day drew to a close, Pearl felt a mix of relief and accomplishment. She never thought that she could get through the day.

She headed home, eager to share her experiences with her family. On her way back, a feeling of contentment washed over her; maybe this new job wasn't just an opportunity for her, but a chance to establish a sense of stability for her loved ones.

~~~

Scarlett's troubles continued to brew within the palace walls. Her obsession with Alpha Draco and Alpha Edgar's attention fueled her erratic behaviour beyond control.

As her father, Alpha Washington, settled into the palace for his brief stay, Scarlett's desperation for validation and approval intensified.

She flaunted her authority, trying to mask her insecurities with a false sense of power. However, her father saw through her facade, sensing her unrest.

Alpha Washington observed Scarlett's demeanour keenly. He noticed the tension and unease that lingered beneath her attempts at grandiosity.

He knew her for who she truly was—a fragile soul masking her vulnerabilities behind a veil of arrogance.

Their postponed discussion loomed over the palace, waiting to unravel the secrets Scarlett harboured.

She anxiously awaited the day's end, attempting to distract her father with a lavish feast and an extravagant tour of the castle.

As they roamed the grand halls, Alpha Washington subtly probed his daughter about the missing details regarding the alphas' intentions.

Scarlett evaded his inquiries, deflecting his questions with empty pleasantries and superficial topics.

However, Alpha Washington's patience dwindled. He demanded answers, his tone growing stern and commanding.

"Scarlett, enough with this facade. I'm not blind to your manipulations. What are you hiding? What's the real reason behind your fixation on those two alphas?"

Scarlett hesitated, fear creeping into her eyes. She realised she couldn't evade her father's scrutiny any longer.

Her mind raced, trying to fabricate a convincing tale. But before she could respond, a commotion interrupted their tense exchange.

A maid rushed in, visibly distressed, her voice quivering as she addressed Scarlett, "Madam, Lady Mira has fallen ill. She's in need of immediate attention."

Scarlett's heart skipped a beat. Lady Mira, the one she detested the most, lay in distress. Her initial shock was quickly masked by a façade of concern.

"Father, I must attend to this emergency. We'll continue our conversation later," she said, trying to escape the imminent confrontation. She couldn't care less about what happens to lady Mira.

However, Alpha Washington's gaze was piercing. He saw through Scarlett's sudden change in demeanour.

Without a word, he gestured for her to attend to Lady Mira, sensing there was more to the situation than met the eye.

As Scarlett hurried away, her thoughts swirled with fear and apprehension. Lady Mira's sudden illness bore a weight of suspicion.

Scarlett's antagonistic relationship with her and the timing of the incident sparked questions within the palace walls.

Unbeknownst to Scarlett, her actions had stirred unrest among the palace staff. Lady Mira's illness was seen as a consequence of Scarlett's mistreatment and abuse of power.

Whispers of dissent and speculation circulated, threatening to expose Scarlett's tyrannical reign.