---- 9 Damon's car slowly stopped at the banquet hall entrance. As soon as the door opened and he stepped out, a large group of Gamma wolves surrounded him. They crowded around excitedly, faces full of anticipation like they were waiting for a show to begin. "Alpha, what's the plan? Did the application get approved? Aren't we supposed to trade Sage Rivers' mating rights to threaten her brother? Did you find the auction house? And did the Alpha Council approve the application?" Someone asked impatiently, eyes gleaming with gossip. Damon frowned slightly. Just when everyone thought he was about to arrange specific details, he suddenly put his phone back in his pocket and said casually, " The plan is cancelled." These simple words were like dropping a boulder into acalm lake, instantly causing massive waves. Everyone's eyes widened in disbelief. ---- "The plan is cancelled?!" they cried out in unison, faces full of shock. Someone couldn't help but ask, "Alpha, what do you mean? We've been planning to threaten Garrett Rivers for so long, and we finally have a good opportunity!" "Yeah, we prepared for so long. Why suddenly cancel? Alpha, don't joke with us! Today we invited the best reporters, newspapers, and TV stations from the Werewolf Alliance." Damon's eyes turned cold, his tone carrying impatience. "No particular reason. I just think it's not the right time yet. We don't have enough leverage. If Sage Rivers gets pregnant with my child again, she'll be even more unable to leave me. When that time comes, we'll use Sage Rivers and the child to threaten Garrett Rivers. That way our success rate will be higher, and Garrett Rivers' pain will be deeper. What's the rush?" The men looked at each other, clearly surprised by his answer. ---- Someone couldn't help but mutter quietly, "We've been preparing for five years, isn't that enough leverage? Alpha, you've really been acting strange lately." Another person directly asked, "Alpha, tell me honestly, are you..." "No!" Damon sharply cut him off, his voice cold as ice. His eyes were sharp as he swept over everyone present. ''The videos are mine with her. I'll release them when I want to. I'm the Alpha-I don't need you making decisions for me." The atmosphere became awkward. The Gamma wolves quickly tried to smooth things over, their tone placating. "Alpha, that's not what we meant. Don't be angry." Someone patted his shoulder. "Right, right, we were just asking casually. Don't take it to heart." Damon said nothing more, turned and walked into the banquet hall, beginning to inspect the arrangements. ---- His gaze swept over every detail, his frown deepening. He pointed at the flower arrangements on the tables, his voice low and commanding with undeniable authority. "These flowers won't work. Change them. She's a healer-she's most sensitive to floral scents. She likes ebony fragrances. Go prepare new ones quickly." He pointed at the chandelier. "This light too-too gloomy, not magnificent enough." "And why is this area so empty? Put up balloons." "Stack the gifts here. Didn't I buy a pile of gifts?!" The waiters and planning team were directed around frantically while the guards stood aside, watching in amazement. Someone muttered quietly, ''What's wrong with the Alpha? He wasn't even this invested in his own Alpha succession ceremony. Is this still the carefree Alpha we know?" "Yeah, I really don't know what he's thinking. Isn't