Aiden’s ability to see through things was seriously too sharp. I had no choice but to tell him the truth. “I just didn’t want you to think I had some kind of ulterior motive… If you’d known about my real identity, would you have still let me stay at Eclipse Corporation?” He didn’t even hesitate. “I would.” “Well then, I guess I was just being paranoid. My bad for doubting you, President Wen.” But Aiden’s expression still hadn’t softened. “So now that your identity’s out, what are you planning to do?” I couldn’t help laughing. “Relax. I’m not going back to Bluewater Corporation.” Only then did his tightly furrowed brow start to ease. Looking at his face, I teased, “You said Eclipse Corporation was mine. Still holding to that?” Aiden sat up straight and replied coolly, “As long as you agree to get engaged to me, Eclipse Corporation is yours.” My eyes widened in disbelief. “Aiden, aren’t you worried I’ll ruin your company?” I’d never met someone this blunt. Just handing over a massive company like it was no big deal. Aiden smirked. “I can start another company if I have to. But if I lose my mate, where am I supposed to find another one?” Mate? My face instantly turned red. Who said I was going to be his mate? He was talking like we were already getting married. “Don’t say stuff like that. I never agreed to get engaged.” “Oh?” Aiden’s eyes darkened. “Say that again?” I took a step back, watching him approach me slowly, his presence overwhelming. “I haven’t decided yet, okay? And who proposes like this anyway? Isn’t it supposed to happen naturally?” Shit, I walked right into that one.Aiden pulled me into his arms, his voice low in my ear. “If I don’t push for it, how long are you going to make me wait?” “What’s the rush?” I tried to squirm away, but he just held me tighter. “I’m out of patience.” That stunned me for a second. His words hit me right in the chest, and for a moment, I almost said yes on the spot. But I forced myself to stay calm. “Let’s not rush. There’s still something I need to take care of.” There was something I’d been holding onto deep down—something I hadn’t resolved. It was about my mother. I couldn’t shake the feeling that her disappearance had more to it. She and my father had loved each other deeply. There was no way she just walked out and never looked back. But whatever happened was buried too deep. I hadn’t found any leads yet. “My mom and dad had a falling out, and then she left us. You’ve heard about that, right?” Aiden ruffled my hair gently. “Yeah. I know.” “I want to find her before I get engaged.” “You don’t resent her?” I shook my head. “She left when I was so young I barely remember her. But I know she was gentle and kind. She wouldn’t have left us unless something forced her to. So I think there’s more to the story.” Aiden kissed my forehead tenderly. “Then I’ll help you find her.” I smiled. “Thanks, Aiden.” “It’s nothing. Let’s head back for now. I remember my dad knew a few things from back then. Maybe he can help connect the dots.” I nodded. It was the end of the workday, so we returned to Eclipse Pack together. Robin was sitting on the couch watching the news. When he saw Aiden and me walk in, all cozy and close, his face lit up with a smile of approval.I walked over, gave him a sweet “Mr. Robin,” then cautiously asked, “Mr. Robin, I heard you were close with my parents. Could you tell me a bit about them?” Robin saw how hopeful I looked. After a moment’s thought, he nodded. “I’ve been carrying this for years too. But since you and Aiden are clearly heading toward a future together, there’s no reason to keep it from you anymore. Raelynn, your parents were both good, kind-hearted wolves. It’s just a shame… your mother disappeared when you were only two years old. Poor Lishi had to raise you all on his own.” Robin sighed, clearly caught up in the memory. “Disappeared?” I echoed, startled. Robin suddenly realized I didn’t know. “Wait… Raelynn, you didn’t know?” I shook my head, then nodded faintly. “My dad told me she left after a fight. That she ran off and never came back.” So I’d been right. She didn’t leave. She vanished. Robin let out another heavy sigh. “Your father was seriously ill, down to his last ten years or so. He didn’t want to drag your mother down with him. His plan was to send her back to her family—the Goldbergs in Capital City. But she went missing before that could happen. Vanished without a trace. Maybe he didn’t want you to know the truth… maybe he was trying to protect you, keep you focused on school.” Then he gave me a warm smile. “If she could see you now—how beautiful and accomplished you’ve become—she’d be so proud.” I knew he was just trying to comfort me, but my chest still ached. “If she disappeared, then I will find her.”