Ruse

Freya’s hand flew to her mouth in shock. How could this be? That box had clearly contained Hayley’s raw gemstone. Yet now, staring back at her, was the very stone she had purchased herself! She couldn’t deny it, but she didn’t dare confirm it either. Her hesitation was all the confirmation the officer needed.

With a scowl, he stood up and barked, “Since we’ve found the item, we’re leaving. Next time, Ms. Sander, please make sure you’ve got your facts straight before wasting police resources. Winterbite Pack isn’t like your hometown,” he added coldly. “We run a tight ship here. We don’t have time for your game. Pack it up!”

Without giving Freya a chance to explain, he turned on his heel and stormed out with his team in tow. Freya clenched her jaw until her molars ached.

That jerk had clearly been targeting her on purpose. Who did he think he was? It took her a long moment to calm down. Then she turned toward the gemstone. She hadn’t opened the safe at all—so how had it ended up inside? Could she have done it while sleepwalking? But then… where had Hayley’s gemstone gone?

As suspicion crept in, Freya lifted the stone for a closer look. The moment she picked it up, a crack split across the surface. Before she could even gasp, the entire thing crumbled in her hands, falling back into the box in a cascade of jagged, dull-colored pieces. There was no fire, no sparkle—just plain, worthless rock.

Freya’s panic kicked in instantly. She grabbed her phone and dialed the officer who had just left.

“What now?” came his annoyed voice.

“My gem—my gemstone shattered! There’s not a single carat inside! Someone stole my stone!” She explained in panic.

The man on the other end groaned. “Ms. Sander, enough already. Everyone knows the rules of rock betting. You buy a raw stone; what’s inside depends on your luck. If you lose, tough luck. Quit calling us every five minutes like you can’t take a loss. And if you keep it up, I’ll file charges for obstruction of justice.”

“But-”

Beep. Beep. Beep.

He hung up without letting her finish.

Chapter 757 Ruse

Freya’s fury boiled over. Her form blurred—and in the next instant, a wolf stood in her place. She snarled and crushed the phone under her paw, then lifted her head and howled in rage.

“A bunch of scumbags!” she screamed.

“I’ll tear you all to pieces!”

After venting, she slowly turned back to human form, leaning over the desk and glaring into the box of rubble. Suddenly, it all clicked. The safe had never been locked. That guy last night hadn’t come to deliver anything—he was just buying time while she went to grab cash, long enough to memorize her code!

Damn it. It had to be Hayley. Freya clenched her teeth, her nails digging into her palms. She’d been set up—played like a fool.

“You witch! One day I’ll tear your throat out myself!”

Hayley’s POV:

The moment I stepped off the plane, I sneezed hard. “Ah–choo!” Someone must’ve been cursing me just now. I rubbed my nose, and just then, my phone rang.

“Hayley, it’s done,” the voice said. “The gem’s secure, plus 50 grand in cash. Want me to send it over?”

“No need,” I said. “Sell it. Keep your cut and donate the rest to the children’s home.”

“Why would I take a commission for helping you out? Oh, right—one more thing. That bug I left in her house? It recorded the whole scene. You’ll love the part where the Winterbite Pack cops treat her like she’s got rocks for brains. Want me to send it over for laughs?”

“Definitely. Send it.”

“Got it.”

I ended the call, and soon after, a recording file popped into my inbox—along with a sticker of a smirking cartoon wolf. I didn’t play it right away. Instead, I scanned my surroundings.

From where I stood, I hadn’t even walked far from the airport terminal, but I could already sense the distinctive energy of Cyclone Pack.

The roads here were narrow and winding, but that didn’t stop vendors from lining the streets with stalls, most of them selling handmade trinkets and souvenirs.

Chapter 757 Ruse

It was easy to tell who was local and who was an outsider. Locals dressed with a unique flair—an earthy, tribal kind of aesthetic that stood out from the sleek outfits of travelers like me. There were plenty of outsiders around. No doubt they’d all come for the Rock Betting Auction.

The Winterbite Pack might be crazy about rock betting, but this wasn’t where it all began. Cyclone Pack was the true birthplace. You could see the culture of rock betting everywhere. Some street vendors even offered a mini version of the game—pay a hundred bucks, crack open a rock, and see what’s inside. Of course, most of it was junk—common stones with no value—but it was fun, a thrill for the tourists.

“Stop here,” I told the pickup driver and hopped out. “You go ahead and drop the stuff off at the hotel. I’ll walk around.”

“Take care of yourself, Ms. Sander,” said Humbert.

“My last name’s Carson,” I corrected him.

“But aren’t you the Sanders’ daughter? Never mind. And it’s Ms. Carson now. Cyclone Pack isn’t exactly known for being safe. An Omega like you walking alone should be extra careful.” Humbert reminded me and waved the driver to go.

I walked into a crowded market square, hoping to find some fun little item to bring back for Benjamin. But after circling the place, nothing caught my eye. That’s when I heard it. “Stop! Thief!” A woman’s voice rang out behind me, growing closer by the second.