---- I exhaled through my nose, the image of Becky's pained expression flashing through my mind. "I want to break every bone in his body that touched her." He stiffened. "Becky... is your mate?" The question hung in the air. I didn't answer immediately. I rubbed my face and muttered, "She's driving me insane." He was quiet for a beat. "You need clarity, Alpha. Rage clouds instinct." "Tm well aware," I said, straightening. "That's why this ends soon. No more games. No more pretending." My phone vibrated. I glanced down. The PI. "We've secured the boy. You should come." "1m on my way," I replied. ---- I turned to my butler. "With me." We bypassed the main halls, taking the shadowed passage beneath the estate-the one meant for war, not politics. The deeper we descended, the colder the air became, as though the darkness welcomed my fury. The underground chamber was a fortress- soundproofed, sealed, built for secrets and silence. He was already there. The boy sat strapped to a chair, arms bound, fear thick on his skin. He looked even younger than the file suggested. He flinched when I entered, the glow of the lone bulb overhead casting my shadow across his trembling form. I stepped into the light, my expression unreadable. "Three years ago-what happened?" My voice was pure ice. "And what the hell is all that money ---- doing in your name?" He stammered, pulling at the restraints. "I-I don't know. I swear!" "Wrong answer," I said coldly, baring a hint of fang. "T-It was my father!" he blurted. "He gave me the account. Said it was a trust fund... for my future." I narrowed my eyes. "Your father?" He nodded frantically. "Yes! Before he went to prison, he told me the money was mine. I never asked questions." I exchanged a glance with my butler, who looked just as grim. "What's he in prison for?" The boy hesitated, then whispered, "A car crash." My blood ran cold. ---- Three years ago. My mother. I stepped forward slowly, voice like a dagger. "Tell me everything." He was shaking now. "I don't know much! Just that the money was supposed to take care of me!" My breath hissed through my teeth. I turned to my butler. "Get the car ready. We're going to see his father."