The Secret Heirs of the Lycan King (by Misha K) novel Chapter 9

**When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown**
**Chapter 9**

**Bella**

Fifty-five vouchers.

The figure loomed in my mind like an insurmountable mountain. As I sat on the edge of the bed, I felt the weight of despair pressing down on my shoulders. The thought of leaving New York the very next morning was becoming increasingly appealing. What was the point of it all? Phoenix Mall would never consider a small, unremarkable business like mine. I chastised myself for even entertaining the idea; it felt like a waste of precious time, money, and my already frayed nerves. At twenty-eight, I was still at an age where I could take risks, yet here I was, paralyzed by doubt and fear.

“I’m going to change the flights,” I announced to Nancy, who was blissfully unaware of my internal turmoil while the twins slept peacefully in the other room. “It’s pointless. They’ll never select me.”

Her expression fell, disappointment washing over her like a sudden rain. “Bella, this is my first time in New York! I’ve dreamed of visiting Central Park. Can’t we stay just one more day? We can head home tomorrow.”

A sigh escaped my lips. Nancy had been my rock, steadfast and supportive through thick and thin. How could I refuse her heartfelt plea? “Alright, just one more day,” I conceded, my voice softening.

Her eyes sparkled with delight. “You’re the best!” she exclaimed, her excitement infectious.

I chuckled lightly, opening my laptop to search for flights for the following morning. Just as I was about to finalize my booking, my phone rang, the number flashing on the screen completely unfamiliar.

“Hello?” I answered cautiously.

“Ms. Bella Williams?” a deep voice inquired from the other end. “This is Phoenix Mall management. Our CEO, Mr. Scott Moore, has requested an in-person meeting with all shortlisted applicants tonight. We kindly ask that you attend. Further details will follow in your email.”

The phone nearly slipped from my grasp. “What? Tonight?”

“Yes, ma’am. Your presence is important.”

After hanging up, my hands shook with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Nancy, ever perceptive, noticed my distress. “What happened?” she asked, concern etched on her face.

“They’ve shortlisted me! And now they want me to meet the CEO himself,” I blurted out, my heart racing.

Her eyes widened in disbelief. “Hecate! This is incredible news! You absolutely must go. You’ve worked so hard for this. I knew you would make it!”

As the evening approached, I found myself stepping into a grand hall on the third floor of Phoenix Mall. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. As I surveyed the room, I was struck by the sheer elegance of the people around me. They looked as though they had just stepped out of a fashion magazine—tailored suits, shimmering silk dresses, and diamond-studded watches glimmering under the soft lights. I clenched my fists, painfully aware of my simple black dress, which felt woefully inadequate in such a glamorous setting.

My eyes darted around nervously as I tried to spot the CEO. I had read about Scott Moore, but his elusive nature meant that no one truly knew what he looked like. There were no photographs, no interviews—just whispers of a billionaire who preferred to stay hidden. Why was he so secretive?

Seeking solace, I made my way to the wine counter, hoping a drink would settle my nerves. A few heads turned in my direction, their expressions cool and dismissive, as if they were silently questioning what someone like me was doing in their midst. My stomach twisted in discomfort. I picked up a glass of wine, took a deep breath, and sipped, trying to calm the storm within me. Just then, a voice from the side cut through the chatter. “You’re finally here.”

I froze, my heart dropping. That deep, baritone voice was unmistakable. It was one I hadn’t heard in five long years, but it was forever etched in my memory. Slowly, I turned to face him. He stood a few feet away, tall and broad in his impeccably tailored dark suit, looking just as perfect as I remembered. I had replayed that moment between us countless times in my dreams, and now, seeing him in person sent a jolt through my very core.

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