Chapter 1

In the fifth year of pursuing Alexander, I received an anonymous video.

In a private room at some high-end club, Alexander had his arm around a woman, listening lazily to the chatter around him.

"Chloe skipped the party again. Is she working herself to death for Alex at the company?"

"Alex, Chloe's been chasing you for years. Don't you like her even a little?"

He swirled his drink and let out a derisive laugh.

"Like her? She's just an obedient dog I keep around."

In that moment, it felt like someone had dumped ice water over my head.

So cold.

But also sobering.

I pulled out my phone and messaged the blind date my family had arranged.

After all, the best way to forget one relationship is to start another.

I didn't know yet that the man I was about to meet was a legendary Alpha werewolf.

And that he'd been in love with me for a very long time.

He replied quickly to my request to meet, gentleman that he was, saying I could choose the time and he'd arrange the place.

The problem was, when my parents mentioned this blind date, I hadn't listened to a single word. Now I knew absolutely nothing about this date of mine.

I arrived early at the reserved restaurant, hesitating at the entrance.

What if I didn't recognize him? Wouldn't that be embarrassing?

I was pacing nervously when I suddenly tripped.

I cried out, pitching forward. My clutch went flying from my hand.

Great! My first official date was going to start with me flat on my face?

But the expected pain never came.

An arm wrapped around my waist with incredible strength, while another hand caught my clutch smoothly.

The momentum spun me half around until my back pressed against a solid, warm chest. I was completely steady.

It all happened in an instant.

Still in shock, I looked up into a pair of exquisite features, impossibly close.

And I recognized this face.

William Carter.

The most mysterious and intimidating figure in high society business circles.

I'd seen his name countless times on Alexander's target partner lists, but supposedly he was known for ruthless methods and coldness. Extremely difficult to approach. We'd never succeeded in partnering with him even once.

My mind went blank. I even forgot I was still in his arms.

How had he gotten here? When I was falling, I'd glimpsed the entrance—no one else was there.

How had he appeared from nowhere and caught me so precisely, so quickly, even snagging my airborne clutch?

His speed was almost... inhuman.

"Careful," his low, gentle voice sounded above my head.

He steadied me upright, then released his hold on my waist like a gentleman, returning my clutch. His fingertips brushed my palm inadvertently.

"Th-thank you..." I took the clutch, my cheeks burning.

All those questions about his "impossible speed" had vanished from my mind.

"You're welcome." He smiled slightly, asking softly, "Are you Miss Summers?"

I looked up in surprise. How did he know my last name?

His smile deepened. "Is it possible that I'm the one you're waiting for?"

I was stunned. My family only said they'd arranged a great blind date.

But I never dared imagine it would be someone at William Carter's level.

Now sitting across from William in his private dining room, I kept smiling on the surface while texting my mother under the table.

[You arranged a date with William Carter for me?]

[Our family background is good enough to match with his family now?]

[Did you guys make a fortune on some investment?]

Mom replied quickly.

[What are you talking about, honey? Having fever dreams in broad daylight?]

[We arranged for you to meet one of William Carter's nephews.]

[Didn't Aunt Susan explain this to you?]

I glanced at the smiling man across from me.

Could there possibly be another face like this in the world?

Meeting his gaze, I couldn't keep pretending to be busy. I stammered, "Um... may I ask if you're... William Carter?"

He nodded, then smiled apologetically. "Yes. My fault—I haven't introduced myself properly."

"Hello, Summers. I'm William Carter. It's a pleasure to meet you."

When he spoke, his gaze was deep and focused, as if he wasn't looking at someone he was formally meeting for the first time.

But in a blink, he returned to that gentle, courteous demeanor.

And the information he was giving me... completely contradicted what my mother told me.

I was confused. "But the blind date they arranged for me... wasn't supposed to be..."

William raised an eyebrow and picked up his coffee, taking a light sip.

"That little pup... I mean, that kid isn't good enough for you. So I came instead."

"What's wrong?" His voice held a hint of tension. "Would you have preferred him?"

I froze.

Why was he talking like... like we were already close?