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 seal on the message requesting a meeting — and specifying that his son must accompany him — his heart leapt with triumph.
An opportunity.
A blessing.
A door opened by the top alpha himself.
He immediately called Kane.
"Pack your things. You're coming with me to meet Cassian Drakov."
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 obeyed.
Evening fell by the time the Arlovs arrived at Drakov Tower.
The building pierced the skyline like a spear. Inside, everything gleamed — marble, glass, steel, 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. His father, however, kept adjusting his tie, excitement barely contained.
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."
Kane inclined his head politely. "Sir."
Cassian turned.
His gaze swept over Eldon — then settled on Kane.
"Sit," Cassian said.
They obeyed.
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. He 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?" Eldon interrupted quickly, waving 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 some without his consent we can't tell them.," Kane said firmly. "Afterall He is my friend. I cannot disclose his personal matters, sir."
Silence.
The temperature in the room seemed to drop instantly.
Betas could not sense pheromones — but even they could feel pressure when a top 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," Kane said, voice steady, "then you should know — he helped you. That suppressant saved you from losing control. Otherwise, something terrible would have happened that night."
Cassian studied him.
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.
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," Cassian said. "Nothing more."
Eldon 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.
Not advice.
A command.
He bowed deeply. "We understand, Master Drakov."
Kane looked at his father sharply, realizing what that meant. Confinement. Restriction just so that he cannot contact and warn his friend.
They left the office in silence.
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.
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. Victory is mine"
And the hunt moved to its next stage.