Moonlight Group was founded by the old Alpha of the Silver Spring Pack, but the actual operator was Gloria.
On the day of Gloria's 18th birthday, he signed the change of property rights himself, and from then on, Gloria, an 18-year-old girl, became the CEO of Moonlight Group, a huge company.
With Gloria running the company, the profit generated by Moonlight Group could cover the half-year expenses of the Silver Spring Pack.
When the old Alpha of the Silver Spring Pack, Gloria's grandfather, was still alive, he favored Gloria especially. Even Harry, his grandson, couldn't be compared with her.
Gloria had been nurtured by the old Alpha since she was a child, and Harry did not get to have such treatment. Because of this, back then, Gloria was known as the confident and flamboyant Miss Carter.
In terms of packs, she-wolves' marriages tended not to be valued, including Alphas' daughters.
The best thing that could happen to an Alpha's daughter was to become the Luna of another pack's Alpha, which was beneficial to the alliance of two packs. Marrying another pack's Beta wouldn't be treated seriously.
After all, for packs, their Alphas were paramount.
Therefore, the former Alpha would usually focus on raising his son or grandson.
Few Alphas were like Gloria's grandfather. Back when Gloria was a kid, he took her with him. He never attended meetings without Gloria.
Later on, he announced the formation of Moonlight Group while making it clear that it was for Gloria to practice.
Such news shocked all the werewolves in the entire Gabbs. Anyone could easily find out that the company was the real deal. It represented wealth!
Someone wanted to see Gloria make a fool of herself. They didn't believe she could run the company well.
After the old Alpha of the Silver Spring Pack established Moonlight Group, he didn't interfere with the company's operation at all. Instead, he left it to Gloria. She managed to keep the company running and even thrive.
Some Alphas had thought the old Alpha of the Silver Spring Pack was old and confused after knowing his decision. Yet now, the fact proved them wrong.
Those Alphas blamed their kids for being useless.
Patrick knew that it was one of the reasons why they twisted the knife three years ago.
It was the first time Gloria had heard someone mention Moonlight Group after she was released from the werewolf prison. The company was the topic she had been avoiding.
"Moonlight Group has nothing to do with me. I think Alpha Alger will run it well," Gloria said.
After all, Moonlight Group didn't belong to her solely. It was also her grandfather's painstaking efforts. There was no reason for the rest of the Carter family not to cherish it.
Her words made Patrick chuckle. He said, "Gloria, if I had not seen Moonlight Group grow in your hands, I would have suspected you of being naïve. You think too highly of those of the Carter family."
Hearing his words, Gloria suddenly had a bad feeling. She could not help but ask, "Mr. Hammond, what do you mean?"
"Tonight's party is technically an auction. The event is organized by the Carter family, and the venue is their villa in downtown Gabbs."
Gloria felt that something was wrong, and such a feeling only grew bigger. "What are they offering?"
"Alpha Alger is going to sell Moonlight Group..."
"They are going to sell Moonlight Group!" she shouted, interrupting Patrick.
Patrick didn't finish his sentence. He stood up and said, "It's up to you whether you go or not."
Gloria gritted her teeth. She was indeed afraid to go to crowded places, to face the disdainful looks of those who had known her and show up in public. However, it was Moonlight Group that they were talking about.
"Alright. I'll go with you." No matter what, she had to be there. Otherwise, she would never let go.
Patrick nodded, beckoned to the stylists waiting at the side, and said, "She's all yours now."
Gloria sat on the sofa and let them apply makeup to her face.
She made the decision. She thought, 'This time, I'm going there willingly. Moonlight Group was a gift from my grandfather. Though the company is now in their hands, I must see with my own eyes how my so-called family ruins the business built by my grandfather and me!'
Gloria was like a puppet, doing everything the stylist asked her to do. Patrick watched her quietly.
The designer's makeup for Gloria was exquisite but not exaggerated. The style was not exactly gorgeous. Instead, it made Gloria have a touch of competence in her grace.
It reminded Patrick of how she used to look. He found it strange that he still remembered how she looked before.
After three years, he could no longer remember Gabrielle's face. However, he remembered everything about Gloria. He remembered the look on her face when she told him she liked him, when she was angry or proud, and even when she was bossy occasionally.
She was about to change into a pure white dress according to the stylist.
"Wait," Patrick suddenly said. Gloria and the stylists looked at him.
Patrick moved to the long hanger that came together with the stylist. He scanned the line of colored gowns, picked one out, and said, "Go for the black one here."
Gloria glanced at the long dress in his hand and slowly reached out to take it.
She took the dress and walked into the lounge that was inside the office. Shortly after, the door of the lounge silently opened.
Patrick looked over. He was stunned. And it was not just because of her appearance. The way Gloria dressed in the black fishtail dress reminded him of the eighteen-year-old Gloria again when she told him she liked him in front of everyone.
There was affection in his eyes that he did not notice. Under his fiery gaze, Gloria was getting uncomfortable. He waved his hand and said, "Let's go."
Patrick's car suddenly pulled over. After getting off, he opened the door and said to Gloria, "Get off."
"Mr. Hammond, I thought the venue would be at the Carter's," Gloria said slowly as she got out of the car.
Patrick picked up her hand. He walked forward and said, "There's something to take care of before that."