I had to admit, Randall really was a smooth talker. His words were airtight—he not only showcased NK Corporation’s growth and strength but also handed me a perfect excuse on a silver platter. Most people would’ve been tempted already. Unfortunately, I was Raelynn, Alpha of the Shadow Pack. Those so-called terms he offered meant nothing to me. I smiled politely and turned him down. “I’m just a lowly employee. How could I possibly be a bargaining chip between Eclipse Pack and NK Corporation?” A trace of surprise flashed across Randall’s face, but he quickly composed himself. He shrugged. “If Ms. Raelynn is unwilling, I wouldn’t dream of forcing you. However, NK Corporation will not concede anything in this deal.” Hearing that, I stood up and gave him a businesslike smile. “I understand, Mr. Randall. In that case, I won’t press the matter.” I turned and prepared to leave. This was what you call retreating in order to advance. Randall’s offer didn’t impress me, but the fact that he made it meant he was determined to get this deal done. Sure enough, I had only taken a couple of steps when Randall called out behind me. “Ms. Raelynn, wait.” I chuckled inwardly. I knew it. I’d bet right. Randall was too smart to let this opportunity slip away. I turned back and asked with a pleasant smile, “Yes?” Randall looked at me with a helpless expression. “Ms. Raelynn, I should’ve known. Fine. The partnership between Eclipse Corporation and NK Corporation will proceed as planned. I’ll draft the contract and send it to you shortly. I look forward to working with you.”Only then did I reach out to shake his hand. “Then let’s have a successful partnership.” “Ms. Raelynn, to be honest, I like you even more now,” Randall said as he looked at me. “Thank you, Mr. Randall. I hope you’ll not only like Raelynn, but also come to appreciate Eclipse Corporation.” I withdrew my hand and responded graciously. Randall chuckled. “Of course.” After dealing with Randall, I booked the earliest flight back to Eclipse Corporation. I was planning to take a few days off to return to Bluewater Corporation and handle some issues—but I ran right into Aiden. “Raelynn,” he called out. I raised an eyebrow and didn’t bother being polite. “Oh? Shouldn’t you be off reuniting with your first love right about now? What are you doing here?” “It’s not what you think.” I cut him off. “Mr. Aiden, you don’t need to explain. I don’t have time to talk about your old flame.” With that, I turned and walked straight to HR to request time off. His sweetheart was back—what was I still doing here playing third wheel? Just thinking about it pissed me off. Aiden’s POV I knew Raelynn misunderstood. But she wouldn’t give me a chance to explain. In truth, just after I left, Andrix told me he’d gotten it wrong. Geraldine hadn’t come back. I had left in such a rush not because of rekindled feelings, but because of a lingering question that had haunted me for years—something only Geraldine could answer. But watching Raelynn’s retreating figure, so resolute, a part of me couldn’t help feeling... oddly pleased. Was she jealous? Just then, my phone rang. I glanced at the screen and saw Randall’s name flashing.Curious, I picked up. Randall’s voice was cheerful. “Mr. Aiden, did you receive the contract?” I frowned. “What contract?” “Ms. Raelynn didn’t tell you? If she hadn’t insisted on making this deal happen between Eclipse Corporation and NK Corporation, we probably would’ve been at a standstill. What—Mr. Aiden didn’t know?” When I didn’t respond, Randall continued in surprise, “I figured Ms. Raelynn would’ve told you first. How strange that she didn’t.” I couldn’t be bothered with his passive-aggressive jabs. I asked bluntly, “Why did you suddenly agree to the deal? You were refusing before.” Randall chuckled and lowered his voice. “Well, I got... a compelling offer. All thanks to Ms. Raelynn.” A compelling offer? A strange feeling settled over me. “What happened with Raelynn?” “You’ll have to ask her that yourself.” Randall gave a short laugh. “Mr. Aiden, I have to go. We’ll talk another time.” He hung up, but the call left me uneasy. I had just overheard HR say that Raelynn requested a full month off—starting today. She was leaving, and right on cue, Randall called to say the deal had gone through. Could the offer have been... her? I couldn’t hold back anymore and immediately called her. “Where are you?” Raelynn answered with a cold laugh, “I already put in for leave. Where I go isn’t your concern, is it?” “You’re not taking leave. Get back to work.” At that moment, I was almost certain she’d struck a deal with Randall—why else would she be leaving so suddenly? “Aiden, I followed the proper procedures to take time off. You don’t have the right to interfere.” I lowered my voice and ordered, “Don’t make me repeat myself.”“Aiden, what the hell is wrong with you today?” I couldn’t help letting out a bitter laugh. “Raelynn, you’re on your way to NK Corporation right now, aren’t you?” She was clearly caught off guard. “Why would you think that?” I took a deep breath. “I know Randall made you a generous offer. That’s why you left Eclipse Corporation—right?”