Chapter 6. The News

With that kind of money, I could live a peaceful life without having to work and even start my own computer business. The person behind this offer must be immensely powerful and influential, seeking my expertise to breach the world's most intricate security system.

It felt like staring into an abyss with no bottom.

Incredibly dangerous.

Unbelievably treacherous.

With a frustrated groan, I forcefully slammed my laptop shut, distancing myself from the enticing allure of dangerous possibilities.

"What's troubling you, Selena? You seem agitated," Uncle inquired, his gaze filled with concern. He was elderly and had grown weaker after surviving the war. He couldn't assist me financially or with household chores.

"Oh, it's nothing, Uncle! I have an interview today. Will you look after Austin for a while?" I smiled, asking him a genuine question, not revealing the reason behind my irritation from the tempting offer I had received.

In the dark web, I was known as C-tech. Our real identities and faces remained hidden, while payments were discreetly transferred to our dark web accounts. We could withdraw the funds in cash, maintaining our anonymity. So, how did he find me, and why did he need only me to do this job? A strange coincidence, if it was one!

"Of course, Selena. But are you sure you’ll get a decent job? You dropped out of school," Uncle reasoned.

"Let me give it a try, Uncle. What if they really can see my incredible skills in computers and hire me without a degree?" I shrugged with hope in my heart.

Uncle had been a pillar of support in raising my son, Austin. Whenever I couldn’t be at home due to work commitments, he was there, ensuring Austin's well-being.

"You’re right, Selena. You should try. Don’t worry about Austin. He’ll be fine with me. You focus on getting a high-paying job," my uncle reassured me.

I nodded, grinning with encouragement. Yes, I could do it. I had to get a decent, well-paying job ASAP—for Austin’s future.

Uncle reached for the remote control, an air of boredom evident on his face. "It's the same old news again! Let's switch channels and see if we can find something more interesting," he grumbled, flipping through the various options until he stumbled upon a set of headlines that caught his attention.

"Alpha King, Zander Blake, to wed his childhood sweetheart, Avery Wright, next month. Preparations for the grand event are already underway," announced the news anchor, his voice capturing my full attention. Every fiber of my being became acutely aware of whom they were discussing.

My eager, yet treacherous, gaze fixated upon the television screen, and the sight that greeted me stole my breath away.

Alpha King, Zander Blake!

The very image that had haunted my sleepless nights and tormented my heart appeared before me. He was the architect of my wretched existence, the cause of my misery.

Despite the passing years, the despicable man still exuded an irresistible allure. In fact, during that three-year absence, he had only grown more striking and captivating. His sculpted physique emanated dominance, a mere glimpse of his imposing build enough to instill fear in anyone. His short, dark hair was slicked back, emphasizing his sharp features, while his piercing blue eyes seemed to penetrate the screen, as though he possessed the power to see through it.

His perfectly tailored suit clung to his form, emphasizing his chiseled chest and showcasing the defined contours of his rock-hard eight-pack abs. It was no wonder women yearned to throw themselves at the feet of this cruel and heartless Greek God. The first time I laid eyes on him, he captured my heart effortlessly. Little did I know then that it would be the worst decision of my life, a stark reminder that appearances could be deceiving.

He appeared blissfully content in his new life without me. Of course, he would be ecstatic with his chosen mate, the one he was now preparing to marry. I tore my gaze away, my attention drifting from the news. The news anchor delved into intricate details about the extravagant wedding and the opulent ceremony that would seal their bond as Alpha King and his future Luna.

A twinge of pain gripped my chest, and I attempted to push the thoughts aside. Perhaps three years and my immense hatred for him weren't enough to erase him from my memory.

Everything was still fresh in my memory, haunting me even as I attempted to forget. From the day I married until the moment I escaped my cruel husband, the memories were etched into my mind like deep scars. Despite my efforts to move on, painful recollections threatened to consume me, and the urge for revenge surged, overtaking every other emotion. But above all, I had a greater purpose—to ensure my son, Austin, did not suffer because of the burning fire of revenge within me. As much as I longed for retribution against my ex-mate, Alpha King Zander Blake, I refused to put Austin's well-being at risk.

But the truth was, taking down the invincible Alpha King was no easy task. It required a foolproof plan and abundant resources to challenge the mightiest, most merciless, and seemingly indomitable ruler. The rumors of his heartlessness were undoubtedly true, and I feared he wouldn't even hesitate to kill his own son if it served his pride and ambitions.