Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 101

**Where Falling Leaves Whisper Stories Written In Silence by Ryn Jace Reed**

**Chapter 101**

**Devon**

As I neared my office, I spotted Terry Walker, one of the board members, rushing toward me with an outstretched hand and an almost exaggerated grin plastered on his face.

“Devon! What a delightful surprise to find you here,” Walker exclaimed, his tone dripping with an enthusiasm that felt forced. “We’ve been quite worried about your extended absence from the company. The board has some questions regarding—”

A flicker of irritation sparked within me, and I felt my eyes narrow dangerously. “The company is functioning perfectly well, isn’t it?” I replied, my voice steady yet laced with an unmistakable edge. “I may not be physically present, but everything is running as it should. Or is there something specific on your mind, Walker?”

I noticed Walker take an involuntary step back, a clear indication that he sensed my rising agitation. My wolf was close to the surface, and it was evident that Walker felt the tension in the air.

“No, no, certainly not. Everything is in impeccable order,” he stammered, beads of sweat forming on his forehead like tiny pearls. “I simply wanted to extend a warm welcome back.”

“Then we’re finished here.” I dismissed him with a subtle nod, watching as he turned to leave, his demeanor visibly shaken by our exchange.

Once inside my office, I found Jason waiting for me, piles of documents strewn across his desk, each one demanding my immediate attention. I sank into my leather chair, the familiar scent of polished wood and aged leather enveloping me like a comforting embrace. “How’s the restoration project for Evelyn’s historical home progressing?” I inquired, eager to get to the heart of the matter.

Jason pulled out a specific folder, his brow furrowing with concern. “We’ve encountered a minor setback. The renovation requires specialized reinforcement materials that are quite costly. Ms. Gray’s deposit only covers the basic restoration. We’ve prepared three different proposals based on varying price points.”

Without giving the documents more than a cursory glance, I reached for the most expensive option, signing it with a flourish that left no room for doubt. “Utilize the higher-grade materials for everything. Charge it to my personal account.”

“I’ve warned you repeatedly about the quality issues,” I interrupted coldly, cutting him off. “You chose to ignore my concerns. This is strictly business, Alex.”

He stared at me for a long moment, the fury in his eyes slowly being replaced by a calculating gleam. Adjusting his suit, he shifted his demeanor entirely. “Look, I know Emilia has been persistent, but I can send her abroad for a while. She won’t interfere with whatever you have going on with that Gray girl.”

My jaw tightened at his suggestion. “I never had feelings for your sister, Alex. I’ve made that abundantly clear from the start. The arranged mating your family keeps pushing is never going to happen.”

“Our families’ alliance would bolster both our positions in the werewolf community,” Alex insisted, his voice taking on a pleading tone.

“I don’t need a mate to strengthen my position,” I responded, my voice dropping to a dangerous octave, the air thick with tension. “The Hall pack stands on its own merits. Now, if you wish to discuss genuine solutions to your company’s problems, I’m willing to listen. Otherwise, this conversation is over.”