25 Chapter 25 Financial Crisis Caroline's POV 1 The moment everyone arrived , Draven instructed me to lock the office door and close his when I entered . We gathered on the sofas in his spacious office , the tension in the air palpable as Alpha prepared to speak . " Here's the situation , " Draven began , his violet eyes intense with concern . " You four are the only pack members I trust completely right now . What I'm about to share stays within these walls , " He paused , his broad shoulders tensing beneath his tailored suit . " Six months ago , I noticed something wrong with our financial reports , accounting , and commercial data . Ryan and I started digging deeper . After checking the latest financial reports , we discovered someone is stealing from the pack's company . " My wolf Rory stirred uneasily within me . This was serious - pack resources being compromised meant potential danger for everyone . " It's not just money being siphoned away , " Beta Ryan said . " They're diverting other resources too . Plus , clients are reducing business with us , and some have terminated contracts entirely . " " Then we're looking at something far more dangerous , " Clara said . " If the pack's business is under coordinated attacks from multiple angles , we risk complete financial collapse ." " Exactly , Clara ," Draven confirmed , running both hands through his golden - brown hair in frustration . " That's why I had you retrieve those accounting documents without warning yesterday . But this situation is more extensive than I initially thought . We need a thorough investigation . " My mind raced with possibilities . " Alpha Draven , " I said , " if there's company - wide theft happening simultaneously on multiple fronts , this isn't the work of a lone wolf - this is coordinated by a group . " I felt Rory stir within me . " When I worked at BuildRight Corp , I witnessed something similar happen to a supplier who appeared financially solid but went bankrupt overnight . He was a friend of Alpha Gerald ." Ryan's eyes locked with mine . " Do you know more about what happened ? " " Yes , " I nodded , sitting up straighter . " I was working as a secretary when Alpha Gerald made me available to help his friend for three months . The company had just received an audit that declared everything fine , but a week later , they were bankrupt - completely gutted . I helped him review all the documentation to understand what happened ." Draven's eyes lit up . " That's fortunate for the pack . Your experience will be invaluable , Caroline ." His lips curved into a smile that sent my heart racing . " Where did the audit fail ? " " The audit didn't fail ; it was compromised , " I explained . " We discovered the auditors were bought off by the perpetrators almost immediately . That's why I believe you shouldn't hire an external audit firm or announce an investigation . It would alert them , giving them time to destroy evidence , sabotage the process , or bribe the auditors . " " But Carrie ," Kyle's brow furrowed in confusion , " without an audit , how do we identify the traitors ? " I leaned forward . " We need to hire three or four trusted individuals under the guise of normal recruitment - people who can conduct an 07:40 773 independent audit . They would infiltrate departments as undercover operatives without anyone knowing their true purpose . They can blend in , monitor daily activities , and access offices at night for unrestricted investigation ." Draven and Ryan exchanged knowing glances , clearly in agreement . Then Draven spoke directly to me . " You have a strategy in mind , don't you ? " I nodded , feeling a surge of confidence . " I do . " " Share it with us , Caroline , " he commanded softly . " It's straightforward . The building is large , so you could clear out an entire floor under the pretense of renovation . That floor would serve as a secure command center . It should be scaled off and accessible only to trusted pack members , just like the executive suite you've already restricted . We'll recruit operatives to embed across all departments , not just the ones under suspicion . They should appear harmless , blending in easily , while acting as our eyes and ears . Their task would include duplicating all internal documents . Since this is your territory , installing recording equipment in meeting rooms won't raise any questions . The investigation team would operate exclusively at night . They'll review and analyze everything from within the secured floor . " " The concept is solid , Carrie , " Beta Ryan said thoughtfully , " but why restrict them to night shifts ? " " To minimize contact with company employees , " I explained . " It reduces the risk of detection and prevents potential corruption . Plus , it avoids raising suspicions about strangers in the building ." " That's brilliant thinking , Caroline , " Clara remarked , her eyes approving . " I can share contacts of the professionals who helped Mr. White when we conducted his investigation , " I offered . " They're independent but highly qualified . In fact , Mr. White himself would be an exceptional asset ." Draven's violet eyes widened . " Wait , are you referring to Arthur White from City Steel ? " " Yes , that's him . You know him ? " I asked , surprised by his reaction . " Of course ," Draven's voice softened . " He was one of my father's closest allies . When his company collapsed , it seemed highly suspicious . I met with him afterward . He mentioned how a friend had provided a remarkably competent person who helped uncover the fraud . That was you ? " His eyes held newfound respect . " Yes , " I admitted . " Fortunately , Mr. White managed to prove the fraud was an orchestrated scheme ; otherwise , he might have been wrongfully imprisoned ." " The lawsuit continues , " Ryan added solemnly . " Several people are behind bars , but White hasn't recovered much of what was stolen from him ." " Exactly , " I sighed , thinking of the kind man who'd become something of a mentor . " I visited him recently . He couldn't rebuild completely , but his family had other smaller businesses that prevented total ruin . Draven , why not ask Mr. White to lead this investigation ? He's become quite specialized in fraud detection since then ." 07:40 G 213 " That's precisely what I'll do , " Draven nodded . " Ryan , what do you think of Caroline's plan ?" " It's perfect , " his Beta confirmed without hesitation . " Clara ? " " Absolutely ideal , " she agreed . " Excellent , " Draven's voice took on the commanding tone of an Alpha making decisions . " We'll implement it immediately . One more thing : from now on , we'll need to meet Saturdays at my home office . Caroline and Kyle will be compensated for the extra time . " We all nodded our agreement . " And Clara , I know you're transferring to London soon and will support remotely , but can you return if needed ? " " Of course , Alpha , " Clara responded . " Perfect ," Draven continued , his posture straightening with determination . " I'll arrange a meeting with White at my house next Saturday . Clara , before you leave , relocate the staff from the floor below the executive suite - that's where we'll establish our investigation headquarters . Spread the news about upcoming renovations . I'll also meet with the head of security on Saturday ; Daniel is pack - loyal and will help us prepare the surveillance . " His violet eyes swept across all of us . " Stay more vigilant than ever and report anything suspicious . And remember , this matter is only to be discussed off company grounds in secure meetings at my home office ." Everyone agreed and filed out one by one , with me preparing to be the last to leave . " Caroline , wait a moment , please , " my Alpha called , his voice carrying the weariness of a pack leader bearing heavy responsibilities . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!