My Alpha Baby daddy can’t let me go

Chapter 6

Freya’s POV

Morning sunlight danced across the surface of the steaming pool at the back of the mansion, turning the water into liquid gold. I sank deeper into its warmth, letting the heat seep into my tired muscles and the raw ache that still lingered in my chest. A soft pillow cradled my head, cool cucumber slices rested over my eyes, and a thick honey concoction smoothed across my face. A glass of chilled wine sat within arm’s reach on the marble edge. For the first time in months, I allowed myself to simply breathe.

Soft giggles floated on the breeze from the nearby maids, followed by the steward’s quiet chuckle. I smiled beneath the mask, curiosity stirring.

“Is there something you’d like to say?” I asked, my voice light and amused.

I lifted the cucumber slices from my eyes and looked at them. One of the maids, a warm, friendly woman about five years older than me, stepped closer with a playful grin.

“Nothing serious, Princess. We just find it amusing that you applied the honey concoction… a little wrong.” She gestured politely toward my hair.

I reached for the small hand mirror beside me and let out a bright laugh. Streaks of golden honey had dripped into my dark hair like mischievous highlights. The rest of the staff joined in, their laughter genuine and carefree, filling the courtyard with a lightness I hadn’t felt in a very long time.

That warmth shattered the moment a deep, authoritative voice sliced through the air.

“Everybody, excuse us.”

The laughter died instantly. The maids and steward bowed quickly and hurried away, leaving me alone with the newcomer. I turned slowly in the water, ripples spreading around me, and met a pair of familiar, steady eyes.

“You know, Carl, you really should learn to ease up a bit,” I said with a teasing smile.

My childhood best friend stood at the edge of the pool, looking every inch the polished executive in his tailored black suit. A sleek communication pad rested in his left hand while his right stayed tucked casually in his pocket. Even after two years apart, Carl hadn’t changed much… Still serious, still fiercely loyal, still carrying himself like the weight of the world rested comfortably on his shoulders.

“I couldn’t believe it when I heard,” he said, his voice thick with barely contained excitement. “You’re finally back. I thought you’d lost your mind choosing to stay away so long. When I got the call that the crown princess and heiress had returned, I dropped everything and rushed here to see for myself.”

He crouched down beside the pool, bringing us eye-level. A mix of joy and gentle scolding filled his gaze. “But I’m still pissed you left without telling me. You were lucky I didn’t hunt you down. I would’ve dragged you back myself if I had to.”

I sighed dramatically and rolled my eyes, but my smile betrayed me. I reached out my hand. Carl took it without hesitation and pulled me effortlessly from the water. He grabbed a thick towel and tossed it to me. I dried my hair and body while he waited patiently, his presence a comforting reminder of home.

“Give me a few minutes to change,” I told him. “I’ll meet you in the living room.”

Back in my room, I stood before the full-length mirror and chose clothes that felt like me…tight blue jeans that hugged my figure, a crisp white shirt with a bold red heart emblazoned in the center, comfortable sneakers, and stylish sunglasses. I pulled my hair into a sleek, high ponytail.

When I looked at my reflection, I was stunned into silence. The woman staring back was almost unrecognizable. With Leon, I had hidden myself away, wearing baggy clothes that swallowed my shape, heavy makeup to dull my features, always trying to shrink to fit into his world. Now, the real me stood tall and radiant. It felt like coming home to myself.

When I descended the grand staircase, the reaction was immediate and heartwarming. Carl stood frozen mid-step. The maids paused in their duties. Even my little siblings, who had been playing nearby, looked up in awe.

“Oh my goodness… Big Sis looks so beautiful!” Amira exclaimed, her small eyes wide with wonder.

“You look stunning, Freya,” Carl said, a warm, genuine smile spreading across his face as I reached him.

“Thank you.” I returned the smile, feeling a flicker of confidence bloom in my chest.

Carl quickly shifted into business mode, though his eyes still sparkled with happiness. “Your father instructed me to bring you up to speed on the family’s holdings. We’ll visit several of our companies today so you can meet the staff and get a feel for operations. I’ve also prepared documents and study materials for you to review later.”

I nodded, impressed by how seriously he took his role. Carl had always been more than a friend. His father had worked as one of our gardeners years ago. The day young Carl tagged along, we instantly bonded over shared mischief and dreams. I had begged my father to adopt him. Though he didn’t, Father took a liking to the boy and sponsored his education at the prestigious Wolves Academy. When Carl showed a natural talent for business, Father brought him into the company. Now a trusted Beta wolf and manager, Carl had earned every opportunity. Father had even willed him ownership of one of our companies. His loyalty and sharp mind had never wavered.

We left the sprawling estate in one of the sleek black vehicles and spent the morning touring our growing empire. Logistics firms hummed with activity, fashion houses showcased elegant designs, beauty brands filled the air with luxurious scents, and more. Eight companies in total. By the time we reached the final stop, I felt both exhausted and invigorated by the sheer scale of what my family had built.

Carl drove through massive iron gates guarded by alert beta wolves and pulled smoothly into the parking lot.

“Finally,” he announced with a note of pride, “the Golden City News Station.”

I stepped out of the car and stared up at the impressive modern building. We owned a media empire too? The realization sent a thrill and a spark of strategic possibility, racing through me.

“Come on,” Carl said. “Let me show you around and introduce you to the manager.”

Staff members welcomed us warmly as we moved through the bustling floors and rode the elevator to the top. We walked down a long, sunlit hallway until Carl pushed open the manager’s office door without knocking.

A distinguished man in his fifties sat behind a large oak desk, speaking on the phone. The moment he saw us, he ended the call and rose to his feet, bowing respectfully.

“Welcome, Mr. Carl.” His gaze shifted to me, and a practiced smile appeared. “And you must be the CEO and heiress… Princess Freya.”

I nodded politely, but something nagged at the back of my mind. Those eyes… I had seen them before. They were strikingly familiar, sharp and calculating yet I couldn’t quite place them.

As Carl and the man exchanged pleasantries about recent performance and upcoming projects, I continued studying him. The longer I looked, the stronger the feeling grew.

“What’s your name?” I asked suddenly, cutting through their conversation.

Both men paused and turned toward me.

“What’s your name?” I repeated, voice calm but firm.

The manager swallowed visibly, glancing nervously at Carl before answering. “Mr. Vlad Weathers.” He adjusted his tie with slightly trembling fingers. “Is there a problem, Miss Freya?”

My pulse quickened. The pieces were falling into place. “Do you have a daughter, Mr. Vlad Weathers?”

Carl looked at me curiously, clearly wondering where I was going with this. Vlad’s hands trembled more noticeably now.

“Yes… yes, I do,” he replied, his voice tight with worry. “Chloe Weathers, Miss Freya.”

The name dropped between us like a live grenade. Tension thickened the air as recognition fully hit me.

Chloe’s father.

The woman who had stood beside Leon and helped tear my world apart was the daughter of my family’s media manager.