(God’s POV)

    “Cipher appeared on the dark web this time and did only one thing: help Alpha King Matthew eliminate the hackers who were nning to enter the European Territory.”

    The voice on the phone was insistent, each word dripping with urgency.

    “Cipher is Matthew’s capable assistant, in the territory, by his side. Tell me who she is? You will get everything you want!”

    Tasha gripped her phone tighter, her knuckles white against the ck device. The morning sun cast harsh shadows across her face as she stood outside the government building.

    “I can help you create a mate bond severance agreement between Matthew and Olivia,” she said coldly. “But I won’t get involved in anything else.”

    “That’s not enough—”

    “That’s all you’re getting.” Tasha’s voice was ice. “I’m not suicidal.”

    She ended the call with a sharp tap, her heart pounding. She was willing to destroy Matthew’s happiness, but she wasn’t stupid enough to cross lines that would get her killed.

    Meanwhile, at the Northwood Manor, Theodore sat behind his mahogany desk, his amber eyes fixed on the tracker standing before him.

    Jack shifted ufortably under Theodore’s intense stare. “Alpha, the legendary ‘Cipher‘ reappeared on the dark webst night.”

    Theodore’s jaw tightened. “What did they do?”

    “Blocked every hacker trying to enter the European Territory. It was… impressive.” Jack’s voice carried a note of awe. “But I thought you said you had prevented Cipher’s return?”

    The question hung in the air like a challenge.

    “Does Cipher not listen to you anymore?” Jack mused aloud, oblivious to the dangerous shift in Theodore’s expression.

    Theodore’s hands clenched into fists on the desk surface. “What else?”

    “The dark web is buzzing with news of Cipher’s presence in the territory. It’s going to attract countless challengers, Alpha. Every hacker worth their salt will want to test themselves against the legend.”

    Theodore’s gaze shifted to the surveince monitor on his desk. The screen showed Olivia walking out of the Shield Chain Technology office, her dark hair catching the sunlight.

    Without a word, he grabbed his suit jacket and strode toward the door.

    At the government bidding site, Olivia adjusted her employee badge as she walked beside Bastian Miles. The imposing government building loomed before them, its ss facade reflecting the morning sky.

    “Ms. ckwood, I have to be honest,” Bastian said, his voice tight with anxiety. “We’re apany of less than fifty employees going up against giants.”

    Olivia’s expression remained calm. “Sometimes size isn’t everything.”

    Their conversation was interrupted by the sharp click of heels on marble. Lydia Miles approached them, her perfectly styled hair and designer suit a stark contrast to Olivia’s simple business attire.

    “Well, well,” Lydia’s voice dripped with scorn. “If it isn’t the famous Luna who collects powerful mates.”

    Olivia’s eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?”

    “Oh, don’t y innocent.” Lydia’s smile was razor–sharp. “The gossip is everywhere. Two pups with two different Alphas – Theodore Redgrave and Matthew Kane. How convenient that you managed to mate with the Alpha King while already carrying his pup.”

    Bastian stepped forward protectively, but Olivia raised a hand to stop him.

    “My personal life is none of your concern,” Olivia said evenly.

    Lydiaughed, the sound harsh and grating. “Personal life? You mean your career as a social climber? Using your looks and pups to manipte powerful Alphas like Theodore, Matthew, and even Killian Vance?”

    Before Olivia could respond, two figures approached from across the lobby.

    Can Mooncrest moved with calcted grace, his cold eyes assessing the situation. Beside him walked a younger man with striking features and an air of barely contained intensity.

    “Ms. ckwood,” Can said smoothly, “I hope you’re not being harassed.”

    Olivia pointedly ignored him, her gaze shifting to hispanion.

    The younger man stepped forward with a warm smile. “Sister.”

    Olivia blinked in surprise. “Ethan?”

    Ethan Moonstone’s eyes crinkled with genuine affection as he looked at her employee badge. His expression shifted when he read thepany name.

    “Shield Chain,” he murmured, a shadow crossing his face. “Do you know the history of that name?”

    Olivia shook her head, confused by the sudden change in his demeanor.

    “Your mother, Lyra ckwood, conceived thispany thirty years ago.” Ethan’s voice carried a note of reverence. “She wanted to create a strong protective shield for the pack.

    Shield Chain was her dream.”

    The words hit Olivia like a physical blow. “My mother never told me about any dreams.”

    “Your mother was a genius she–wolf,” Ethan continued, his eyes intense. “You should look up the news from that era. You’ll understand then.”

    Olivia’s mind raced, memories flooding back. Lyra’s focused attention when watching her train, those approvals that always carried such deep understanding. Had her mother seen something in her that she’d never recognized?

    The revtion made her think of Theodore and all his lies about thepany’s origins. How much had he hidden from her?

    “Olivia.”

    The familiar voice made her blood run cold. She turned slowly to see Theodore approaching, his amber eyes filled with that same unchanging deep affection that had once made her heart race.

    Now it only sent a pang of pain through her chest. She scoffed internally at his act and deliberately turned away.

    Theodore moved past her without acknowledgment and sat beside Lydia. After listening to her confident presentation about Apex Dynamics‘ capabilities, he leaned close to her ear.

    “Do a good job,” his voice was barely above a whisper, but Olivia caught every word. “And drive Shield Chain out of theputer industry.”

    Lydia’s eyes widened with shock and delight. “Alpha, are you certain?”

    Theodore’s smile was cold as winter. “Completely.”

    The government officials were preparing to announce their preference for Apex Dynamics when Olivia’s hand shot up.

    “Please wait,” she said, rising to her feet.

    (Theodore’s POV)

    Every eye in the room turned to Olivia as she stood with newfound determination radiating from her small frame.

    “Shield Chain is a specializedpany,” she argued, her voice clear and confident. “Our software, which I personally updated three times in thest few days, is far superior andpletely self–sufficient.”

    Lydia’sughter rang out across the room. “You’re lying! There’s no way a smallpany like yours couldpete with Apex Dynamics.”

    Olivia didn’t flinch. “Then let’s prove it. I propose a live test.”

    The room fell silent. Even I found myself leaning forward, captivated by her boldness.

    “If Shield Chain’s software holds up against your best attacks,” Olivia continued, looking directly at the government officials, “can you give us a fair chance?”

    The lead official shifted ufortably. “That would be… highly irregr. We’d need approval from-”

    His gaze moved to me. The entire room waited for my response.

    For the first time in months, Olivia looked at me with a clear, direct gaze. No anger, no pain, no hatred. Just calm expectation.

    The moment stretched between us, and I felt something shift in my chest. This rare glimpse of the woman I’d fallen in love with, confident and unafraid, made my decision for me.

    “Agreed,” I said softly,

    Thepetition began immediately. Government technicians set up two identical systems

    while Lydia prepared her arsenal of viruses and malware.

    I watched Olivia’s face as she worked, her fingers flying across the keyboard with practiced ease. Her expression was bright with a confidence I had never seen when she was with me.

    The realization hit me like a physical blow. She had never looked this alive, this vibrant, during our entire marriage.

    Shield Chain’s software deflected every attack Lydia threw at it. Each virus was neutralized before it could even begin to prate the system’s defenses.

    Lydia’s face grew redder with each failed attempt. “This is impossible! No system is that secure!”

    But Olivia’s software held firm, adapting and evolving with each new threat.

    A cold understanding washed over me as I watched her triumph. Both Olivia and Cipher were no longer mine. They never truly had been.

    My hand clenched into a fist as a terrible thought took root in my mind. As long as I could keep her by my side, being a little despicable was eptable. Keep her close and she would be safe.

    When the government officials dered Shield Chain the winner, Olivia walked out of the hall with a radiant smile.

    I followed at a distance, watching as she pressed her hand to her temple, clearlymunicating through her mate bond with Matthew.

    “Yes, I won!” she eximed, her voice filled with joy I had never been able to give her. “How should we celebrate? Will I find out tonight? Okay, I’m looking forward to it.”

    But as she turned and her eyes met mine, her vibrant expression instantly froze over.

    The transformation was like watching sunlight disappear behind storm clouds.

    “Olivia,” I said quietly, stepping closer. “Come back to my side. Otherwise, I will tell everyone that you are Cipher.”