Alpha's mate is a male?!?-Chapter 59: Stepping In.

"What if he blames me for all of this? For his father, for... for what’s happening to him now?" Ace unable to move on asks again.

Kieran’s expression softens. "Then so be it, Ace. You did everything you could to protect him. And when he wakes up_ and we try to help him, but still throws tantrums_ then so be it! If you keep living like this, blaming yourself for everything that happens even if it’s not your fault then you will forever live in sorrow, you will never see happiness, Ace. So just stop it."

The conversation is interrupted by a soft knock at the door. A wolf enters, bowing slightly before speaking. "Alpha, as instructed, the arrangements have been made. We’ll take Mr. Wang’s body to the mortuary tonight."

"Good," Kieran says with a nod. "Make sure it’s handled discreetly."

The wolf hesitates before saying, " Yes"

"I’ll go with them, then I guess it’ll be morning by then, I’ll pass by the hotel." Ace say.

Kieran wants to argue but he knows it’ll be useless since Ace won’t listen.

-

Ace accompanies the wolves to the mortuary, his heart heavy and mind clouded with guilt and uncertainty.

The ride is silent, filled only with the faint hum of the engine and the occasional whisper among the two wolves.

Ace stares out the window, his thoughts tangled with memories of Jun and the chaos that Lila’s schemes have brought into their lives.

When they arrive at the mortuary, the air is cold and heavy.

The dim lighting of the small facility casts eerie shadows on the walls.

Ace watches as the wolves carefully unload Mr. Wang’s body, their movements precise and solemn.

Despite the ache in his chest, Ace forces himself to remain composed. He knows this isn’t the time to break down.

After answering some questions and everything done and the body is taken inside, Ace steps outside , leaning against the wall outside the building.

The night is quiet except for the faint rustling of leaves and the occasional howl of distant wolves. His thoughts drift back to Kieran’s words earlier.

"If you keep living like this, blaming yourself for everything that happens even if it’s not your fault, then you will forever live in sorrow."

Ace sighs, rubbing his temples. Deep down, he knows Kieran is right, but the weight of everything feels suffocating.

"Noble Ace?" One of the wolves steps near him, interrupting his thoughts. "Now that everything’s been handled. Should we escort you back to the mansion?"

Ace shakes his head. "No. You can just leave, I’ll head somewhere for a moment."

"But Alpha Kieran said we shouldn’t leave your side, maybe we can escort you then we will wait for you before we had back to the mansion." He insists.

"I’ll be fine, you go back." Ace says his voice firm. And obviously his patience running out so fast.

The wolf hesitates, concern evident in his eyes, but he doesn’t argue anymore. "Very well."

That night Ace walks, trying to clear his mind.

He even barely notice when morning comes, he goes back to where he left Kieran’s car.

Soon enough, the morning sun casts its golden glow over the towering hotel, its sleek exterior gleaming like a beacon in the heart of the city.

Ace steps out of Kieran’s car, his gaze lifting to the familiar building that holds so many memories.

His chest tightens as he takes a deep breath, preparing himself for what’s to come.

The doorman, recognizing Ace instantly, bows slightly. "Ace? Good morning. It’s been a while." many people in this hotel have known him as a casual person.

When he used to come here, he would talk to anyone and joke about anything. But today...

Ace nods curtly, offering a faint smile before striding through the grand glass doors.

The lobby is as opulent as ever, with its polished marble floors and glittering chandeliers, but there’s an undercurrent of unease in the air.

Workers glance his way, their expressions a mix of curiosity and wonder.

He knows why.

The chairman and his son haven’t shown up for some days now, without a word, and Ace just showed up, his attitude so different from what they are used to, whispers of uncertainty spreading like wildfire.

Ace squares his shoulders, his steps purposeful as he approaches the front desk.

The receptionist, a young woman with wide, anxious eyes, straightens immediately upon seeing him. "Ace! It’s good to see you again."

Ace places his hands on the counter, his expression firm but calm. "Good to see you too, I need you to call the management team. I want everyone in the boardroom in twenty minutes. And pass the word_ every department head needs to attend."

"Wait, is everything okay? Di..." she stammers before Ace cuts her.

"Can you do as I say without so much questions? For now?" She doesn’t answer as she reaches for the phone.

Ace doesn’t wait for after that.

He turns and heads toward the elevators, his mind racing as he plans his approach.

The silence and uncertainty in the hotel are palpable, and he knows it’s time to restore order, even in the face of tragedy.

When he steps into the boardroom twenty minutes later, the room is filled with murmurs.

Managers and department heads sit around the long table, their expressions full of confusion. The moment Ace enters, the chatter dies down, looking at him with curiosity.

He stands at the head of the table, his hands resting on the polished wood. For a moment, he scans the faces before him, recognizing many of them.

No one says a thing, they all know his to be related to mr. Wang, although don’t know exactly how.

But others know him as Jun’s boyfriend boyfriend. And since the chairman and his son have been unavailable without any news, they know Ace must know something about it.

But even as they look at him, their instincts tell them that the news he’s carrying is not pleasant.

"I hope you are all fine," Ace begins, his voice steady despite the weight of the news he’s about to deliver.

The room is deathly silent, everyone hanging on his every word. He doesn’t want to bit around the bush because he knows it won’t make anything better.

"I’m here today to inform you that Mr. Wang has passed away," Ace says, his voice firm but laced with sorrow.

Gasps ripple through the room, a few people whispering in disbelief. "It was sudden_ a heart attack, seems he always had some kind of a problem that we never knew before."

He poses before continuing.

"Xiao Jun, is not able to be here at the moment as he is dealing with the loss, and I’m asking for your cooperation during this period." he adds.

He pauses again , letting the news settle, before continuing. "But this hotel is his legacy, and I know Mr. Wang would want it to continue running smoothly. That’s why I’m here_ to ensure everything stays on track and to answer any concerns you might have. At the moment we can keep it calm and keep it going before we decide a day for it remain closed as we pay our last respect to him."

A manager raises his hand hesitantly, his voice trembling. "Ace... this is such a shock. Mr. Wang was like a father to many of us. He was kind, fair... It’s hard to believe he’s gone."

Murmurs of agreement ripple through the room. Another staff member dabs at her eyes with a tissue. "He always took the time to listen to us, no matter how busy he was," she says softly. "We’ve lost more than just a chairman_ we’ve lost a part of this family."

Ace’s throat tightens as he listens.

He swallows hard, his hands clenching at his sides before he speaks, his voice low but steady. "I know how much he meant to all of you. He wasn’t just the chairman_ he was the heart of this place. And his loss is... immeasurable."

He pauses, glancing around the room. "But I also know that Mr. Wang wouldn’t want us to fall apart. This hotel was his pride, his legacy. If he were here, he’d tell us to keep going, to honor him by keeping this place as strong and respected as it’s always been."

The room falls silent, heavy with emotion.

Finally, the head who first spoke clears his throat, his voice wavering with emotion. "Ace... we’re all struggling. It’s been hard without any word from Mr. Wang or Jun, well, neither from you, and now... with this news, everything feels uncertain. What do we do?"

Ace takes a deep breath, his gaze steady as he addresses the room.

His voice is calm but carries a weight of conviction. "We grieve. We honor his memory because Mr. Wang deserves that. But we also carry on_ because that’s what he would want. This hotel is his legacy, and it’s up to us to keep it thriving. No excuses."

He pauses, his eyes scanning the room, meeting the gaze of each person. "If anyone is struggling, support them. Look out for each other. But remind everyone of their responsibilities. Mr. Wang poured his heart into this place, and we owe it to him to keep it running smoothly. Not just for him, but for all of us. We’ll get through this together."

Heads nod slowly, the grief still present but mixed with a growing sense of purpose.

Ace continues, his tone softening. "Though we might need to pause it for a while until everything is settled. But for now, we still go on. COO is around, I’ll stand in for Jun for a while , together we can work."

Another speaks up, her voice heavy with sorrow but filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Ace."