Rejected By My Mate; Claimed By Lycan Quadruplets Chapter 359

The private dining room of the high-end hotel was dimly lit, the ambiance oozing luxury and power. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a soft golden glow over the dark wooden table set with fine china, imported wine, and delicately plated appetizers.

The scent of expensive cigars lingered in the air, mixing with the faint aroma of aged whiskey.

Mr. Thomas Winters sat comfortably in his chair, his posture relaxed yet commanding. Across from him sat an elderly man, dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, his silver hair neatly combed back.

Even without an introduction, it was clear—this man was wealthier than most. His presence alone radiated authority, the kind that came from years of building an empire from the ground up.

Thomas took a sip of his whiskey before setting the glass down with a quiet clink. “You see, Richard, I wouldn’t normally bother you with this, but I know a man like you understands the value of business integrity.”

Richard Montague, one of the most influential investors in the industry, tilted his head slightly, swirling his own glass of whiskey. “Integrity is everything in this game, Thomas. But why do I get the feeling you’re about to tell me someone lacks it?”

Thomas smirked, his fingers drumming lightly against the table. “You’re a smart man. I wouldn’t waste your time otherwise.”

Richard took a slow sip before setting his glass down, leaning back in his chair. “Go on.”

Thomas exhaled, pretending to be thoughtful. “I’m sure you’ve heard of Rocky’s Designs.”

Richard chuckled. “Heard of them? They’ve been making waves in the industry these past few years. Young CEO, quick expansion, solid reputation—though I did hear they hit a bit of trouble recently.”

Thomas nodded. “Exactly. Serena Winthrop, the CEO, is… ambitious, but reckless. Her success is largely built on luck and connections, rather than real business acumen. And let’s not forget the personal scandals tied to her name.”

Richard raised an eyebrow. “Personal scandals don’t always ruin a company, Thomas. If anything, they can add to the publicity.”

Thomas smirked, as if he had been expecting that response. “That would be true—if she weren’t constantly at the center of controversy. The recent scandal with her ex-husband, my son, nearly damaged her company beyond repair. And let’s just say, this isn’t the first time she’s shown poor judgment.”

Richard remained silent, letting Thomas continue.

“The thing is,” Thomas went on, lowering his voice slightly, “I know for a fact that Rocky’s Designs is not as stable as it appears. The recent scandals have made investors uneasy, and internally, there’s a lot of disorganization. You know as well as I do that businesses like that don’t last. The question is, do you want your money tied up in something so fragile?”

Richard tapped his fingers against the table, considering the words carefully. “Are you suggesting I pull out my investments?”

Thomas shrugged casually. “I’m merely suggesting that you reevaluate. There are far more stable companies to invest in, ones without the risk that comes with impulsive leadership.”

Richard exhaled, nodding slightly. “You make an interesting argument, Thomas. I’ll have my people look into it.”

Thomas smirked, knowing he had planted the necessary seed of doubt. “That’s all I ask.”

The two men continued their conversation for a few more minutes before finally shaking hands, sealing an unspoken agreement.

As Thomas left the hotel, his phone buzzed in his pocket.

He pulled it out, glancing at the screen before answering. “Is it done?”

A voice on the other end responded instantly. “Yes, sir. The mole has been set up inside Rocky’s Designs. Everything is in place.”

Thomas’s smirk deepened. “Good. Make sure they keep a close eye on everything. I want to know Serena’s every move before she even makes it.”

“Understood.”

Thomas ended the call, slipping his phone back into his pocket as he stepped into his car.

Serena Winthrop thought she could fight back, but she had no idea the storm that was coming for her.

—

At Rocky’s Designs, Serena sat behind her desk, flipping through the reports Emma had left for her that morning. Things were finally settling into place.

The engagement announcement between Ryan and Kate had drawn attention away from the scandal, and their company was slowly regaining its footing.

There was still damage, of course. Some clients hadn’t responded to their apology emails, and a few long-term investors were hesitant to return.

But Serena wasn’t worried. She had built this company from nothing, and she would continue to push forward.

A soft knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.

“Come in,” she called, adjusting the papers on her desk.

Emma stepped inside, holding a tablet in one hand and a few documents in the other. “Morning, Serena. I have some updates for you.”

Serena gestured for her to sit. “Go on.”

Emma set the tablet down, scrolling through a few files. “First, the new hires for the unoccupied positions have been finalized. I interviewed them personally and selected the best candidates.”

Serena nodded approvingly. “Good. We need strong people in place, especially after everything that’s happened.”

Emma continued, “Also, a few of our high-profile clients have started responding. Some are willing to resume business, but a few still want more reassurances before making a decision.”

Serena exhaled. “Expected. Keep following up, but don’t push too hard. If they’re hesitant, we’ll focus on clients who are actually committed.”

Emma nodded. “Got it.” She paused, hesitating slightly.

Serena noticed and raised an eyebrow. “What else?”

Emma shifted in her seat. “I also received a few concerning calls this morning. There’s been some talk in investor circles—whispers about Rocky’s Designs being unstable, that there might be internal issues beyond what was reported.”

Serena’s jaw tightened. “Whispers from where?”

Emma sighed. “Hard to say. It seems like someone’s trying to shake investor confidence. But whoever it is, they’re careful. Nothing official has been said, just… rumors spreading in the right places.”

Serena leaned back in her chair, her fingers drumming against the desk. She wasn’t stupid. She knew how the business world worked. This wasn't a coincidence. Someone was pulling strings, making sure these whispers reached the right people.

And she had a very good idea of who was behind it.

“Keep your ears open, Emma,” Serena said, her voice calm but firm. “And start looking into anyone who might have an interest in seeing us fail.”

Emma nodded. “Already on it.”

As Emma turned to leave, Serena turned her chair toward the large window, gazing out at the city skyline.

Someone was trying to weaken her.

Someone thought they could push her out.

But they were wrong.

She had fought too hard, built too much to go down easily.