I lowered my head in thought, tapping my chin. "Money?" Caden's dark eyes narrowed slightly. "Do you think Rampage Pack lacks money?" "Then what?" I couldn't think of anything else, and frankly couldn't be bothered. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I swung a leg over to straddle his lap. "Stop speaking in riddles." His fingers traced idle circles at my waist as he explained, "What Rampage Pack truly values now is connections. But they've always operated on the fringes of Werewolf Continent. While their accumulated wealth is substantial, their network remains limited." Stars Pack had built its fortune through witch's stone gambling—financially powerful, yet only established for a few decades. Without meaningful ties to major packs, they'd failed to expand their influence. Only the revered Alpha Nicolas' presence gave them any standing. Truthfully, few prominent packs willingly associated with Stars Pack—let alone someone like Jack Horton. "But money moves mountains," I mused. "That kind of wealth can't be useless." "Money helps, but which major pack in Rivemon is truly desperate for it?" Caden conceded. Beneath their civilized façades, these packs' dealings grew increasingly unsavory the deeper one looked. Listening to him, I couldn't help but sigh softly. Honestly, I wanted no part in these machinations. No wonder Grandpa had been so determined to raise me in the countryside—those peaceful mountains and streams sounded heavenly now. Noticing my distraction, Caden nuzzled closer, his breath warm against my ear. "It's alright." Meeting his gaze, I chuckled. "Oh, I'm not worried about that. I was just thinking should we retire to the mountains when we're old?" His arms tightened around me. "Anywhere you want." "Some serene place with clear waters, surrounded by grandchildren," I teased. Caden's eyes darkened. "Grandchildren? I like that idea. Sons or daughters?" I pretended to consider. "Daughters. Sweet and lovely." His palm slid up my spine as he buried his face against my neck. "Just like you ... "The heat of his breath made me shiver. Glancing down at his parted lips, I suddenly realized what I'd implied. "Caden ... " I murmured, my cheeks burned. "Mm?" In one fluid motion, he stood with me in his arms. I yelped, clinging to him like a koala. Those smoldering eyes told me exactly where this was headed. I tried injecting a whine into my voice. "I'm tired today," "Exactly why I'm putting you to bed." He carried me toward the bedroom without breaking stride. "Just sleep?" I arched a brow. His response was to pin me beneath him, capturing my lips in a searing kiss. ... Waking the next morning with a sore back, I vowed never to mention children around Caden again. Remembering my appointment with Yvette, I prepared early and called right on time—only to find she'd already arrived at Starplay Entertainment's headquarters. Rushing downstairs, I found her waiting obediently at the entrance. Her eyes widened when she spotted me. "You really do work here ... " I sighed. "You came all this way and still doubted me?" She scratched her cheek sheepishly. Wasting no time, I ushered her inside. Employees greeted me respectfully along the way, while Yvette stared at me with open curiosity. "Something on your mind?" I asked once we were alone in the elevator. "This doesn't feel real," she admitted softly. "Oh? What makes it feel so unreal?" I studied her—this girl's imagination must be fascinating."You're so young and beautiful. I can't believe you're really the CEO of a major entertainment company." I laughed, feigning offense. "What, do I look like some boss' mistress?"