The invitation from Drakov Group arrived like a royal decree.
Arlov Company was mid-sized, ambitious, and constantly seeking higher ground. When Eldon Arlov saw Cassian Drakov's personal 3mail on the message requesting a meeting — and specifying that his son must accompany him —
For a moment, Eldon thought it was fake.A scam or a prank done by someone.
A poorly crafted attempt to bait him.
Cassian Drakov will never reached out first to average company like theirs.
No one like him called for a company like theirs.
Eldon checked again.
Then again.
Then contacted Drakov Group directly.
When the confirmation came through his secretary Elena—
There was no longer any doubt.
His hands trembled slightly.
Not with fear but with excitement.
An opportunity.
A door opened by a man who stood above the rest.
A chance to rise.
To climb the ladders without needing detours.
To reach a place Arlov Company had only ever looked at from below.
his heart leapt with triumph.
Is this a blessing in a disguise.
A door opened by the god himself for their small company.
He immediately called his son Kane.
"Pack your things and get ready. You're coming with me to attend a meet at Drakov company."
Kane raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
Eldon smiled broadly. "You'll understand soon. Just come."
He did not explain further. He didn't need to. In their world, when Cassian Drakov summoned, one simply has to obey.
Evening fell by the time the Arlovs arrived at Drakov Tower.
The building pierced the skyline like a spear. Inside, everything gleamed — it all screamed power. They were escorted to the executive floor and guided to a waiting lounge outside Cassian's office.
And there they waited.
Minutes stretched long. The air itself felt heavy. Kane sat quietly, posture relaxed but eyes alert.
Kane leaned back slightly, one leg crossed over the other, gaze steady, observing everything without appearing to.
His expression remained calm.
But his mind was not.
His father, however, kept his excitement barely contained.
He kept adjusting his tie.
Straightening his coat.
Smoothing invisible creases.
Excitement radiated from him.
Finally, the door opened.
"Elena will see you now," the secretary said.
They stepped inside.
Cassian's office was vast and cold, lit by city lights through a wall of glass. Cassian stood by the window, hands in his pockets, his back to them. Even without facing them, his presence filled the room.
"Master Drakov," Eldon greeted quickly, bowing. "It is an honor to meet you up in my simple life."
Kane inclined his head politely despite feeling awkward by his father's flattering words. "Sir."
Cassian turned.
His gaze swept over Eldon
He remarked "we'll watching your watch your remarkable simple life is showing well— then his eyes settled on Kane.
"Sit," Cassian said.
They obeyed like a children and sat immediately.
Cassian moved to his desk and leaned against it casually, though nothing about him was casual. His eyes were sharp, unreadable.
"I called you here," Cassian began, "to ask for a favor. In exchange for information."
Eldon's eyes lit up. "Of course. Whatever you want, we will cooperate."
Cassian's lips curved slightly.
"You'll receive the Helios Project contract," he said smoothly.
Eldon nearly gasped. That project was worth millions can also stretch to more than half a billion.
That project—
Was not just valuable.
It was transformative.
It could elevate their company beyond anything they had ever imagined.
"Master Drakov—this is—this is beyond—"
Cassian didn't look at him.
His gaze never left Kane.
Eldon quickly bowed again. "Master Drakov, you honor us—"
Cassian lifted a hand, cutting him off. His gaze shifted to Kane.
"Tell me," Cassian said, voice calm, "do you remember the last banquet? The omega you attended with. Your partner that night."
Kane's expression changed almost imperceptibly. He opened his mouth to speak—
"Oh, him that cute blonde boy?" Eldon interrupted quickly, he thought he hit a jackpot if this person has interest in a mere omega and that omega's information gives this project if we help him find, he hurriedly wave a hand. "Just a friend from Kane's university. They graduated recently. He was sightseeing in the city,he is not a local here, so Kane toured him in the city and then invited him to the banquet.Nothing significant."
In Eldon's mind, gears turned rapidly.
If Cassian Drakov had interest in that boy, profit could be endless. He just has to come to his good sides.
Cassian's eyes remained fixed on Kane.
"Oh?" he said softly. "Then what about his name or other information. His whereabouts."
This time, Kane spoke before his father could.
"That is private info of someone without his consent we can't tell them.," Kane said firmly. "Afterall He is my friend. I cannot disclose his personal matters and information regarding him, sir."
Silence came to their ears. Cassian's face was unreadable
The temperature in the room seemed to drop instantly.
Betas could not sense pheromones — but even they could feel pressure when a top s- class alpha's control sharpened into something lethal.
Eldon's smile stiffened. Sweat formed at his temple.
"Sir," Eldon said hurriedly, "that boy evan is not related to us in any way—"
"Dad," Kane snapped, turning to him.
Then Kane faced Cassian directly.
"If you are looking for him because of the banquet incident," Kane said, voice steady, "then you should know — he helped you. That suppressant saved you from losing control and sully your reputation. Otherwise, something terrible would have happened that night."
Cassian studied him for a moment.
Then, slowly, his lips lifted into a dangerous smile.
"So," Cassian said, voice low and smooth, "his name is Evan."
Kane's eyes widened slightly. He realized too late he had confirmed it and this person before him has eyes of predator when he called his friend's name. This is bad hope evan never came to his contact.
Cassian's gaze softened — but only in appearance. Like a predator amused by clever prey.
"I only wish to thank him for saving my life for the rest of his life," Cassian said. "Nothing more."
Both father and son understood the underlying method of 'rest of his life's kane frowned " sir don't go too far'
Eldon flinched slightly.
But quickly stepped in.
Eldon despite his son's foul behaviour immediately seized the moment.
"Of course! Of course! If that is all, then we will surely assist—"
Cassian turned to Eldon.
"The Helios Project is yours," he said. "And I advise you…"
His eyes flicked briefly toward Kane.
"…to teach your son caution in these coming days."
Eldon understood instantly.
It was not an advice. It was a command with meaning.
He bowed deeply. "We understand, Master Drakov."
Kane looked at his father sharply, realizing what that meant. They will confine and put him in restrictions just so that he cannot contact and warn his friend.
They left the office in silence.
The sweet prision in his own home awaits.
When the door closed behind them, Cassian returned to his chair and sat slowly. He opened the file Elena had prepared and wrote one name at the top with his own pen.
Evan.
The ink settled onto the page.
He leaned back, eyes half-lidded, mind replaying sky-colored eyes and fearless defiance.
A faint smile touched his lips.
"I'll find you soon," Cassian murmured.
"Sweetheart."
The city lights glittered outside like a cage waiting to close.
" This time I'm sure you'll be in my hands with shackles tight on your neck. Victory is mine"
Outside—
The city lights shimmered.
Endlessly Beautiful to the eyes.
Like something waiting to close in.
"A cage suits you better."
His fingers tapped once against the desk...
"This time…"
His gaze darkened.
"You won't walk away."
And the hunt moved to its next stage.