37 The Grand Scheme
**
CHAPTER 37
~Ivan’s POV~
Aaron nodded, clearly impressed. “And Clarissa? Is she still on board with the plan?”
I scoffed, leaning back in my chair. “Clarissa’s eager to see Zara fall. She tried to ruin Zara’s image with that hotel scandal, but it only backfired. But don’t worry. I’ll
deal with her when the time comes. She knows I need
Zara.”
Just then, Clarissa walked up, her heels clicking against the floor as she approached us with a sly smile. “Hey,
boys?”
I smiled, motioning for her to sit down. “Just discussing our little plan.”
Clarissa’s eyes gleamed with excitement as she took a seat. “If it’s about Zara and what you did there, good. Because I have a few ideas of my own.”
Aaron and I exchanged a glance, a bit intrigued by her
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cunny nature.
As soon as we finished the event, I immediately retired, visiting my parents‘ home. Clarissa wanted to come with me, but given my affair with her cost me Zara, and my father’s anger towards it, I kicked against the idea.
Arriving home, my mom welcomed me with her usual kiss, but as soon as I stepped into the living room, where my father sat cross–legged, his focus on the television, my wolf stirred uneasily, sensing the shift in the atmosphere the moment I crossed the threshold.
His cold gaze darted in my direction, his brows furrowing slightly.
“You’re here.”
I swallowed and made my way inside. “Hello, father.”
“What’s the update? Are the Zareks still under your control?”
I hesitated, carefully choosing my words. My father had little patience for delays, especially when it came to business.
“It’s… taking longer than expected,” I admitted, trying
37 The Grand Scheme
to mask the tension in my chest.
“Taking longer?” My father’s eyes narrowed, his voice hardening. “Ivan!” The sharpness of his tone made my
wolf bristle.
Before he could continue scolding me, my mother intervened. “Go easy on him,” she said gently. “He’s doing his best.”
My father shot her a frustrated look, his jaw tightening as if holding back his annoyance. “His best isn’t good enough. We can’t afford to lose this opportunity.”
Just then, a familiar sound of footsteps echoed through *the hallway heading to the living room.
“I second that.”
I glanced up in time to see my grandmother, dressed in a simple black knee–length gown, her white pearls gleaming around her neck, striding into the living
room.
Her presence was commanding, as always, and immediately the tension in the room shifted. The air grew colder.
She surveyed the room with a stern expression before
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her sharp green eyes landed on my mother, and without hesitation, she reprimanded her.
“You’re too soft on him, Anne,” she said coldly. “That’s
why he’s still struggling. The world doesn’t hand out favours or opportunities. You have to grab it when you
see it.”
My mother lowered her gaze, clearly unwilling to challenge the formidable woman before her. My grandmother had always been the true powerhouse in our family, the one who built the foundation that now supported us.
I felt the heat of my father’s stare, but I couldn’t bring myself to meet his eyes. I already knew what was coming–the expectation pressing down on me.
Before I could fully brace myself, my grandmother came into my line of sight, blocking my view of the rest of the family.
I lifted my head as her palm caressed my cheek, her cold green eyes boring into mine. “Ivan dearie, you know what we do is for your good?”
I nodded.
“Speak” she ordered sharply
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“Yes, grandma.”
One would have thought her expression would become softer, but they turned colder.
“I was nothing until I fought for what was mine,” her voice was filled with conviction, “I saw an opportunity for your father, and I took it. That’s why we have the company and why you enjoy these damn benefits now. Everything we have was earned, not given.”
Her words cut through me, and I knew she was right. Everything about her exuded power–she was
relentless in her pursuit of success, and she expected .nothing less from me.
Although born an omega, she worked her way up the ranks, seduced the Alpha’s son then, my grandfather and had my dad.
Still, because of her status, he couldn’t accept her. Ultimately, my grandfather was married to an alpha’s daughter, Snow’s mother, but my grandfather had a soft spot for her.
Using that to her advantage, she got a company in her name and a separate house.
Har fingers grinned my chin forcing me to hold har
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gaze. “Now, it’s your turn. It’s time for your father to lead the Ivory Crescent Pack as its next Alpha. Not Snow.”
Her eyes darkened with intensity. “There’s no time for games. Get Zara back. Secure her father’s company, and let our family win.”
I swallowed hard, feeling the pressure building in my chest. Everything inside me knew this wasn’t just business anymore–it was about power, dominance, and our family legacy.
My grandmother released her grip on me and took a step back, her sharp eyes still watching me closely.
“This is your destiny, Ivan,” she continued. “You’re not just fighting for yourself. You’re fighting for our family’s future. Snow is a threat. But you…” She paused, her lips curling into a thin smile. “You have the advantage. Zara is still within reach. Use her to get the company and take everything that should have been
ours.”
I clenched my fists and nodded.
“Don’t disappoint us,” my father said from where he sat. “There’s only so many mistakes I can accept.”
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He glanced at my mother, as though reminding her that his patience this time was because of her. “We’re
counting on you.”
I nodded, forcing myself to meet his eyes. “I won’t.”
As I turned to leave the room, my grandmother’s voice stopped me in my tracks. “Remember, Ivan,” she said softly, her words chilling me to the bone. “This isn’t just about business. It’s about survival. Don’t hesitate to do whatever it takes. If Snow had his way, he would wipe our line from the family. We can’t afford that.”
I walked out of the house, her words replaying in my mind. The stakes were high–it was a fight for everything my family had built.
As I stepped outside, Aaron was waiting for me by the car with a curious look on his face.
“Well?” he asked. “How’d it go?”
I glanced back at the house before turning my attention to him. “The pressure’s on but I need to
move fast. Zara’s the key to everything, and I can’t lose again.”
Aaron raised an eyebrow. “And Clarissa?”
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I scoffed. “She’s just a pawn in this. Zara is the real target. I’ll get her back, no matter what it takes.”
Aaron smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement. “You always did like a challenge.”
I clenched my jaw, my mind racing with plans. “Zara’s still under Snow’s control, but not for long. I’ll make sure of that.”
“Good,” Aaron said, crossing his arms. “But be careful. Snow’s not going to let go of her easily. He’s got his claws in deep.”
I nodded as I entered the car and Aaron followed.
“That’s why I’ll use the one thing he cares about more than her–his empire. I’ll sabotage his business, make him vulnerable. And when he’s too focused on saving his company, I’ll take Zara back. Besides, Zara won’t be in a position to refuse me. I have my plans for her family.”
Aaron grinned. “Now that’s the Ivan I know. Let’s
crush.”
