Chapter 1 Wandering Prince

• In a dim alley in Fairlake, an old man spoke to the man across from him in a respectful manner.
• “Your Highness, Alpha wishes for you to return to the family! Even though Alpha expelled you in the past, it was to protect you. Alpha's life is in danger, and the family is in dire straits. Your Highness, the wolf pack needs an alpha!”
• Facing the elderly man was the future leader of the world's oldest werewolf family.
• As the future alpha of the wolf pack, Eric Artemia received the best elite education from a young age and grew up to be the exemplary figure all werewolves expected.
• He was blessed with a handsome face, fluent in eight languages, proficient in dozens of musical instruments, and excelled in all sports.
• The first half of Eric's life was incredibly glorious. He was admired by all his peers. Women took pride in climbing into his bed, while men were proud to become his followers.
• However, three years ago, this rising star was suddenly expelled from the family by his father, Alpha, becoming the most despised lone wolf among werewolves. Eventually, he wandered to the small city of Fairlake, married a human woman, and lived in her home.
• For the past three years, Eric had been constantly marginalized and oppressed by his wife's family, yet strangely, he never complained.
• In the eyes of others, Eric was a loser, leeching off his wife, Serena Groff.
• To the envy of many, Eric had married Serena, the most gorgeous woman in Fairlake!
• They were like Beauty and the Beast, and that made many people feel terrible for Serena.
• “Your Highness, Alpha regrets it now. He has restored your status and transferred all assets to your name,” the old man said.
• The old man, whose real name was Thomas, was the beta of the Artemia family. However, he was aware of the conflict between Alpha and Eric.
• Three years ago, as Eric's standing within the family elevated, there were voices advocating for the current Alpha to step down early, making way for Eric as the rightful alpha of the wolf pack.
• This infuriated Alpha deeply. While he regarded Eric as his heir, it did not mean Eric could challenge his dignity now. According to the rules of the pack, unless the alpha voluntarily steps down, other wolves could only challenge him in a fair and open duel to take his place.
• Nevertheless, Eric refused Alpha's invitation to a duel.
• This move was seen as evasion and cowardice by the wolf pack.
• Consequently, Eric found himself abandoned by his own kin. Alpha's immediate expulsion left him as a lone wolf, scorned and disdained by all.
• “Three years have passed. Time flies, doesn't it?” Eric lamented.
• “Yes, Your Highness. You've been away for three years, and we are waiting for your return.”
• “Are they anticipating my return?” Eric glanced at Thomas and scoffed, “Or are they longing for access to Alpha's fortune, now conveniently transferred to my bank account?”
• The magnitude of Alpha's inheritance remained a mystery, but as a long-lived species, werewolves had amassed wealth for generations, so it could possibly reach trillions.
• Even a saint would be tempted to claim the money as his own.
• Eric wasn't naïve. The conflict with Alpha three years ago could have been averted.
• However, some people must've added fuel to the flame, causing the situation to escalate to this point.
• He didn’t have money and couldn't please everyone. Some in the wolf pack didn't want to see Eric inheriting Alpha's title.
• Clearly, his father had realized this, or he wouldn't have transferred all his assets to Eric resolutely.
• This would compel even those lurking in the shadows to acknowledge Eric as the rightful heir.
• Thomas appeared somewhat embarrassed. True to Eric's speculation, the oldest and most extensive wolf pack would undoubtedly collapse without that substantial sum of money.
• Although Thomas aimed to make another attempt to convince Eric to return, Eric grew impatient.
• Spinning on his heels, he strode away. “I'm doing well here. I don't wish to return for the time being. Inform those elders not to bother me without cause when you return!”
• With that, Eric left the rooftop.
• Turning to the side exit, Eric acted as if he had just arrived and quickly walked toward the main entrance, where his wife Serena was anxiously waiting.
• “Why are you so late? The meeting is about to start. Didn't I ask you to leave early?” Serena looked a bit annoyed.
• The Groff family meeting was scheduled to take place that day, and all members of the family had to attend. No one dared to defy her grandfather's wishes, so Serena reluctantly brought Eric along.
• “Be careful with your actions as many relatives are around.”
• Serena had long been accustomed to Eric's cowardice over the past three years Thus, she merely gave routine advice without delving into details.
• That day, she planned to stay in a corner as a small fry and quickly get through this banquet.
• Nevertheless, certain individuals found pleasure in targeting others, diminishing the others to elevate themselves and fulfill their inner sense of inferiority.
• Among them was Serena's cousin, Andres Groff, the designated heir to the Groff family.
• “I didn't expect a mute like you to show up at such an important event. How surprising,” Andres commented cheerfully as he approached the couple. “If I were you, I'd be too ashamed to come. After all, compared to others, you're worse than trash.”
• Glancing at Andres, Eric unsurprisingly maintained his usual demeanor and didn't say a word.
• “Tsk tsk, look at you. You really don't seem like a man. Since Serena ended up with you, she doesn't even own decent clothes,” Andres sneered as he scrutinized them, intentionally adjusting his expensive suit.
• Serena felt her cheeks warm up.
• This time, she had intentionally purchased a new ensemble for the banquet. Despite its fashionable appearance, it was still cheap. The tailoring and stitching were in no way comparable to top fashion brands, giving it an unmistakably counterfeit look.
• Although Andres and Serena were both part of the Groff family, the treatment they received was different.
• Serena's father died early, and the three women in his family had always been the targets of others' bullying. The inheritance left by Serena's father was gradually consumed by these relatives using various means.
• Recently, their situation had gotten worse. Rather than saying they were still part of the Groff family, it was more accurate to say they had already been marginalized, and their branch was on the verge of expulsion.
• “Mind your own business. I don't need you to worry about me,” Serena managed between gritted teeth, looking stubborn.
• “Oh, look at you two. It seems your relationship is quite good. That's unexpected.” Andres perked up. “But as a cousin, I have to say something to you. You're too foolish to make money, but can't you at least flirt around? Just go to a bar, show off half your chest, and you'll come back with some cash.”
• “Shut up, Andres!” Serena's cheeks were burning. She knew Andres was shameless, but she didn't expect him to go this far.
• Serena suddenly raised her voice, and everyone's attention instantly shifted to her.
• Her grandfather, Oliver Groff, who was just about to speak, frowned in displeasure.
• “Serena, what are you doing? Apologize to your grandpa now!” Serena's mother, Theresa Stone, immediately chided her.
• Noticing Andres' gloating expression across from her, Serena realized she had made a mistake. She parted her lips to explain to Oliver.
• To her surprise, Oliver just gave her a casual glance and said, “No need for any explanation.”
• After that, he shut his eyes, waiting for everyone to show up.
• Seeing that, Serena and Theresa sighed in relief. At the same time, they felt slightly puzzled as Oliver wasn't usually this easygoing.
• When everyone was finally here, Oliver opened his eyes. “Recently, the family has encountered significant financial issues. I believe you all are aware of that. If this goes on, the Groff family will face bankruptcy. Mr. Mark is willing to lend us a hundred million in Anglandurn currency in the name of Griffin Entertainment. However, he has a condition. We need to provide a beautiful woman from our family to become his sex slave for three days. Do you have a suitable candidate in mind?”
• Once Oliver made that announcement, he turned his gaze to Serena, who was standing in a corner.