Chapter 57: 57. Schemes

Elijah Simons remained seated in his office, deep in thought. His mind wandered to matters that had consumed his family for generations.

"My lineage has waited hundreds of years for this moment. It’s finally time to claim what’s rightfully ours," Elijah thought, his expression stern and determined.

"The Gilbert family stole what doesn’t belong to them. It’s always been destined—my bloodline should carry the Alpha title. And now, I’ll make that happen."

He clenched his fists slightly, his jaw tightening with resolve as the weight of the past filled his thoughts.

"I must become the next Alpha," he murmured aloud. "I’m not going to let that little brat rule over me like he does everyone else."

Still lost in his thoughts, carefully planning how to seize the Alpha’s seat, a sudden knock on the door startled him.

He narrowed his eyes.

Strange... I wasn’t expecting anyone. And if someone was coming, my secretary should’ve told me.

Without hesitation, Elijah reached into his desk drawer, pulling out a pistol and sliding it under a few documents on the desk. Straightening his posture, he called out, "Come in."

But no one entered.

Seconds ticked by—ten, twenty—and the door remained shut.

Frowning, Elijah grabbed the gun again, now fully loaded, and quietly tiptoed to the door. With a swift movement, he flung it open and pointed the weapon forward, ready for anything.

But there was no one.

Confused, he slowly leaned out, glancing down the hallway and around the corners. There was no sign of anyone.

As he was about to head back into the office, his eyes caught something unusual—an envelope, white and plain, hanging neatly on the doorknob.

He hesitated.

What the hell is this? A threat? A trap? Could it be rigged?

Cautiously, he used the mouth of his pistol to nudge the envelope. After a few nudges, it felt just like ordinary paper. He finally grabbed it with a bit more confidence and opened it.

Inside was a simple letter, densely written.

He returned to his desk, sat down, and began to read:

This is to inform you that we at the Blue Moon pack have supported you to carry out all your plans to become our next Alpha. We are not happy with the leadership system of Bernard. Please make haste and execute your plans, and let your great charisma and leadership qualities grace the seat of Alpha of our great pack.

Yours sincerely,

Your true admirers from the Blue Moon Pack.

Elijah’s face twisted between satisfaction and suspicion. The content pleased him, but the anonymity of the writers made him wary.

"So... I’m more loved than I thought," he whispered to himself. "They probably hid their identities for security reasons."

He folded the letter neatly and slid it into the breast pocket of his suit.

Picking up his phone, he quickly dialed a number.

"We’re moving up the timeline," he said as soon as the call connected. "Forget next week—we’re doing it in two days."

"Wait—boss, no disrespect—but why the sudden change?" the voice on the other end asked, laced with confusion.

"I can’t explain now," Elijah replied calmly. "But trust me—this is for the best."

"Understood. I’ll update the team right away."

Elijah ended the call, chuckling darkly.

"Even if they somehow knew our original plan... this will catch them off guard. The Alpha’s seat belongs to me. And finally, my wife will have the life of a queen."

His laughter echoed through the room—cold, calculated, and filled with ambition.

***

Maria froze for a second when she stepped into the classroom. Her eyes locked instantly on Bernard—seated closely beside Cassandra. They were deep in conversation, and Bernard was laughing, clearly enjoying her company.

Maria made her way to her seat where Laura was already buried in a book. She leaned closer and gently tapped her friend’s shoulder.

Laura looked up, smiling. "Hey!"

"How long have Bernard and Cassandra been sitting together like that?" Maria asked, trying to mask the tightness in her chest.

Laura leaned in slightly. "About ten minutes. Bernard was the one who signaled for her to come over."

A smirk tugged at the corner of Maria’s lips. "Looks like our plan is working."

Laura nodded, whispering, "You need to look upset though. If Bernard sees that you’re unhappy, he’ll think you’re jealous and that you have nothing to do with this."

Maria quickly nodded, understanding. She adjusted her expression, forcing a blank and distant look. She picked up her phone and stared at the screen, her face set in an expression of quiet discontent.

Beside her, Laura continued reading, doing her best not to look in Bernard and Cassandra’s direction.

---

"Cassandra, aren’t you worried that your friends might see you with me?" Bernard asked, glancing around. "I mean, everyone in college knows about me and Maria."

Cassandra shrugged casually. "I’m not worried. Everyone also knows there’s no love between you two—and you’re clearly not compatible."

Bernard blinked. "Wait, what do you mean?"

She looked him in the eye. "Let’s be honest. Maria isn’t your type—and you know it. That’s why you’re here with me. And she’s never hidden the fact that she’s not into you. So why wait around for someone who doesn’t want you?"

Bernard leaned back slightly, surprised at her bluntness.

"You’re both great people," Cassandra continued, "but you’re not right for each other. I want you, Bernard. And I’m ready to fight for that. I don’t care what anyone thinks—not even my friends. I want you."

Bernard smiled, impressed. "I have to admit, you’re my kind of woman."

"So... have you decided?" Cassandra asked, tilting her head. "About us hanging out?"

He smiled again. "Yes. Where do you want to meet?"

"The Edibles restaurant," Cassandra replied. "This Saturday, 4 p.m. Don’t be late."

Bernard grinned. "Classy choice. That place has the best food in Scotland. I’m in."

"Thank my parents—they took me there once," she said with a laugh. "See you Saturday."

After a few more moments of playful chat, Cassandra stood and returned to her seat. Bernard watched her closely, eager to see Maria’s reaction.

He noticed the tension—Maria and her friends weren’t smiling or chatting like usual. His lips curved slightly. She’s upset... good.

Bernard always cared about his own happiness more than anything else. And that was exactly what Maria and her friends planned to use against him.

"Let’s act like we’re fighting," Maria said in a low voice as Cassandra returned. "We need Bernard to believe everything."

Immediately, Maria and Cassandra began to argue loudly enough to be noticed but not enough to raise suspicion. Laura jumped in, pretending to mediate the fake dispute.

"I’ve set the date," Cassandra whispered during the staged argument. "Saturday. Once we’re there, I’ll push deeper—get him to reveal more."

Maria nodded. "That’s good. But we need one final blow to completely erase any suspicion. He can’t doubt you."

"I agree," Laura added. "We need his full trust."

Maria sighed, resting her hands on her forehead. "I don’t have a plan yet... but I’ll think of something by tomorrow."

"Alright," Cassandra said, faking a huff. "Whatever you decide, I’m in."

The girls kept up the act—talking with tense expressions, keeping their distance.

Bernard, from across the room, looked completely convinced. His face showed quiet satisfaction.

Maria was the first to storm out of the room, bag in hand and fake anger painted across her face. Cassandra followed soon after, just as dramatic.

Once Maria reached the hallway, she quickly pulled out her phone and sent heartfelt thank-you messages to Laura and Cassandra.

She stepped into the car waiting for her and Bernard. When he joined her moments later, she didn’t say a single word...

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