I Have a Strong Backer
(Amber’s POV)
Since meeting Oliver, I had been completely out of sorts. Even Florence Harper noticed my frequent distraction during meals.
“Miss Amber, you’ve barely touched your food lately,” she said with concern, ladling heart–calming venison soup into my bowl. “This will help settle your nerves.”
Dominic was constantly attentive, spoon–feeding me the soup with gentle care. But he never mentioned Oliver, which made me increasingly uneasy. I couldn’t taste anything.
I decided to probe carefully. “That Oliver, has he met me before? I felt like he looked at me strangely that day, like he knew me?”
Dominic spooned more soup into my mouth, pausing to ask, “Have you met him before?”
I drank the soup and lowered my head. “Only on TV.”
Dominic understood what I meant. I wasn’t ready to talk about what happened back then. He spooned another mouthful of soup. “He’s seen your photos, said you look even better than in the pictures.”
His words brought some relief, though doubt still gnawed at me.
Oliver, being a seasoned reporter, could maintain his composure even in the most shocking situations. He revealed no flaws and could discern people’s thoughts without causing embarrassment.
When he recognized me, he noticed my averted gaze and understood I didn’t want to acknowledge him or recall that past experience. Therefore, he remained perfectly calm.
I also hoped Oliver wouldn’t recognize me. Even my parents couldn’t identify me in my disheveled state back then. Oliver never saw my face clearly, and so many years had passed.
With this hope, and Dominic’s reassuring words, I felt a little relieved. Maybe one day in the future, I would tell Dominic everything. But not now.
(Third–person POV)
Regarding the substandard heating systems in Lunar Heights Real Estate’s new development, Shadowpeak Enterprises made the first public statement. Alpha Harrison Chase personally apologized in a press conference.
“Shadowpeak Enterprises received reports from homeowners about the substandard heating systems in Lunar Heights‘ new suburban property,” Harrison announced. “Upon learning this, I immediately formed an investigation team.”
The investigation confirmed the reports. The responsible person at the new development had taken kickbacks from the heating system manufacturer.
“Shadowpeak Enterprises declares zero tolerance for such behavior,” Harrison continued. “We are firing the responsible person and disciplining Lunar Heights Real Estate’s vice president.”
The incompetent relative who assaulted Oliver was the vice president. Harrison also announced complete removal and replacement of all heating systems in both phases.
“We invite relevant departments to supervise strictly and homeowners to send representatives for constant monit concluded.
This incident quickly became a trending topic online. No one was foolish enough to believe a company would expose itself without reason. It was clear that an issue arose that couldn’t be resolved privately.
But what did it matter? The pack’s Alpha apologized, displaying excellent attitude. All responsible parties were dealt with, compensation was paid, and the heating systems were entirely redone.
The homeowners‘ rights were protected. They were satisfied, and the unrest subsided.
he
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Shadowpeak Enterprises was warned and fined, suffering delays that cost tens of millions. But the rectification was done to standard, leaving no room for criticism.
Shadowpeak’s public relations team subtly guided public opinion. Netizens, merely seeking entertainment, easily followed suit. Shadowpeak showed maximum sincerity.
Some shrewd individuals exposed the incident of Lunar Heights‘ responsible person assaulting the Silvercrest Television reporter. This caused a significant stir online.
Later, Oliver came forward with his own statement. He admitted he was indeed beaten, but emphasized it was the responsible person’s individual act.
“Shadowpeak’s headquarters only learned of the assault afterward” Oliver stated. “Alpha Harrison Chase immediately visited me in Crescent Moon Hospital to apologize and promise a full renovation.”
Regardless of Harrison’s sincerity at that time, Oliver’s words were truthful. Oliver’s long–standing reputation for impartiality meant his statement was the best publicity for Shadowpeak Enterprises.
- Competitors attempting to discredit Shadowpeak quieted down by half. Dominic’s public relations team also stepped in to assist Shadowpeak, completely silencing those causing trouble online.
A few remaining troublemakers were insignificant. The Lunar Heights heating issue would gradually subside as long as Harrison honored his promises.
Because Shadowpeak handled the issue promptly, this situation ended up being reverse advertisement with excellent results. Inquiries and purchases for other Shadowpeak real estate properties significantly increased.
Some people felt that with Shadowpeak under public scrutiny, at least properties from the same year could be trusted.
Having temporarily resolved this tricky situation, Harrison Chase was in excellent spirits. On the day of the Chase Pack and Warren Pack meeting, he was practically glowing.
They chose Howling Peak Restaurant, the most exclusive establishment in Silvercrest City. The largest private room, the finest moonlight wine, premium cigars, and even the tea exuded wealth.
Amber Chase and Dominic Blackwood arrived relatively late. Most of both packs were already there, making them the second to
last to arrive.
However, they weren’t too late. Naomi Warren, the main focus of the day, hadn’t arrived yet. She was citing traffic due to staying at her grandmother’s house, which was quite far.
Harrison and Alpha Warren were chatting when they saw Dominic enter. They quickly stood up to greet him.
“Alpha Dominic, you’re finally here! We’ve been waiting for you!”
The two pack leaders stood up, and everyone else at the table followed suit. After exchanging greetings, Dominic asked Harrison and Alpha Warren to sit first.
As Amber’s mate and a son–in–law of the Chase Pack, he felt it was proper to wait for his father–in–law to sit before taking his own seat. Especially with outsiders present.
Since Alpha Warren was Harrison’s peer, he also had to let Alpha Warren sit first. However, the two elders engag back–and–forth, a show of false modesty.
After much delay, neither had sat down. Dominic was speechless. Amber was also speechless.
a polite
After Amber entered, Mrs. Warren came over to greet her. Melanie Chase, who disliked Naomi Warren, disliked Mrs. Warren
even more.
Seeing her eagerly chatting with her daughter, Melanie also joined the conversation. After the necessary pleasantries, when it was time to sit, they too engaged in false modesty.
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I Have a Strong Backer
With the elders standing, everyone else had no choice but to remain standing. Amber directly pulled out a chair.
“No one’s sitting, huh? I have a strong backer, I’ll sit.”
Everyone was speechless. Amber said she would sit, but didn’t. Yet her interjection broke the deadlock.
Harrison let out a hearty laugh, feigning a scolding. “You’re so undisciplined, I’ve spoiled you rotten.”
After all, they would still need to interact in the future, so he had to save face. Amber didn’t retort.
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She waited for Harrison and Alpha Warren, the two pack leaders, to sit. Then Melanie and Mrs. Warren also took their seats before Amber pulled Dominic to sit down.
Amber hadn’t seen Victoria Chase in a while, Victoria had clearly put effort into her appearance today, looking exquisite from head to toe.
She wore a blue low–cut tight dress, very feminine. Knowing the sisters didn’t get along, Melanie sat between them.
As soon as Amber sat down, Melanie leaned closer and spoke to her. “Today is your brother’s big day, don’t cause any trouble.”
Although she was unhappy with the mating ceremony, her mate made it clear last night that Naomi Warren was his chosen daughter–in–law. If the ceremony fell through, he wouldn’t forgive her.
She couldn’t stop it, so she could only endure it for now. Once Naomi was in the pack, Melanie believed she could deal with her as she pleased.
Just like the first daughter–in–law who left when she couldn’t bear it. She didn’t believe that with Henry’s conditions, he couldn’t find someone better.
Melanie had been thinking about Amber’s tone when she called her Aunt Iris the other day. As a mother, it was unsettling that her daughter was closer to someone else than to her.
She tried to win her daughter’s affection back. So, at this moment, her tone was gentle as she explained her earlier words.
“Mom means, the bride’s pack is all here today, give your brother some face.”
Amber glanced at Victoria, then leaned closer to Melanie. “It’s not me you should be guarding against today, it’s Victoria.”
Victoria was clearly acting strangely today. Usually, when Amber arrived, Victoria’s eyes would have already engaged in a silent battle with hers.
But today was abnormal, very abnormal. Victoria had been distracted and preoccupied since earlier, constantly glancing at Henry Chase.
Amber also shifted her gaze to Henry. Henry was completely out of sorts today, preoccupied, and didn’t join Harrison and Alpha Warren in their conversation with Dominic.
He kept his head down, drinking tea, and didn’t look at Victoria at all. What was going on? Did Victoria and Henry have a fight?
Melanie heard Amber’s words and was about to speak when the door opened. Naomi Warren arrived.
Upon seeing Naomi Warren, Melanie’s expression instantly turned cold. She already disliked this future dat
-in–law.
For their first meeting in such a setting, being almost ten minutes late was simply rude. Amber, however, brightened up upon seeing Naomi.
She was just as Amber remembered: a delicate, gentle she–wolf who looked easy to bully. Yet, she was also different from Amber’s memory.
Back in school, they were both more naive. This Naomi wore a pure white long dress, her slender waist almost too delicate to
grasp.
Her black hair fell naturally to her shoulders. To conceal her sickly appearance, her makeup was a bit heavy, but it was beautiful
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and pleasant to look at.
So, Lucas Blackwood liked this kind of sweet, soft she–wolf.
“Naomi, do you remember me? I’m Amber Chase, we were classmates since elementary school,” Amber called out warmly. “I wasn’t going to come today, but then I heard you’re my new sister–in–law, so I rushed right over.”
Naomi walked in, apologizing profusely. “I’m so sorry, traffic…”
Her pale fingers clutched the thin strap of her bag, her forehead beaded with sweat. She had clearly been running. She was also breathing heavily, likely due to her poor health.
Melanie scanned her critically, then said with a forced smile. “It’s fine, just leave earlier next time.”
Naomi tried to explain, but Mrs. Warren pulled her, forcing her into a chair. Naomi nearly stumbled, but Mrs. Warren seemed not to notice.
Instead, she echoed Melanie’s words and scolded her a few times. Amber smiled warmly and greeted Naorni.
Mrs. Warren, who was about to scold Naomi again, changed her demeanor immediately upon hearing Amber’s words. She turned with a smiling face and warmly grasped Naomi’s hand.
“Look, I forgot, our Naomi is your classmate, Amber.”
Naomi’s moist gaze met Amber’s. Seeing Amber wink, she nodded gratefully.
When it came time to order, everyone at the table deferred to each other. Harrison asked Naomi to order, but Naomi held the menu, unsure what to choose.
Her face flushed with indecision. Amber saw her struggle and took the menu directly from her hand.
“I have a strong backer, I’ll order.”
Everyone was speechless. This meal, at first, wasn’t very interesting.
Harrison and Alpha Warren continued to monopolize Dominic’s attention, their conversation endless. Amber and Naomi exchanged phone numbers.
Just as Amber was about to send a message, she caught a glimpse of Victoria leaving. Two minutes later, Henry’s phone rang, and then he also left.
Amber squinted, sensing something fishy, and sent a text message to Naomi.
Amber: [Let’s go to the restroom.]
