Third Person's POV
"If you don't like her, I can have her leave," Cliff said.
"Even without Genevieve, others would come," Vanya replied indifferently. "She's no threat to me. No harm in keeping her around."
Seeing her nonchalant attitude, Cliff pursed his lips. He reached to fasten her seatbelt but paused mid-motion, sensing her instinctive flinch.
"You're afraid of me," he said.
"No, I'm not," Vanya answered briskly.
"Then why do you keep dodging me?" Cliff was puzzled. What had he done to make her so averse to contact?
Vanya frowned. "You're overthinking. I'm just not used to it. Nothing more."
"I'll help you get used to it," Cliff said.
He started the car. Vanya realized they weren't heading to the usual business district and asked, "Where are we going?"
"I'm taking you shopping," Cliff replied.
"Cliff, given Todd Group's current situation, shouldn't you be at the company instead of taking me shopping?"
Third Person's POV"I think… I should change my clothes," Vanya said, spreading her arms to show her simple outfit. "I didn't even put on makeup today."Cliff smiled. "You look good in anything. No need to dress up specially.""Can't have that. Meeting clients requires proper attire to match your charm, Alpha Cliff," Vanya said with a grin.Cliff's face lit up with a smile. "Alright, I'll have Elliot drive you to change.""No need," Vanya declined. "I can manage on my own."Cliff watched her for a moment, then said with a smile, "Be careful on your way, then.""Got it," Vanya replied, turning to leave the office.Cliff gazed after her, lost in thought.Downstairs, Vanya called Barbara. "Has Melinda left?""Already gone, Miss Dalton. Should I bring her back?""No. Arrange a meeting. I'll send you the location shortly," Vanya said coolly."But it's so late…" Barbara hesitated."Tru
Third Person's POVBrenda's face twisted with malice. "If you don't help me, I'll expose how you killed your best friend back then! Let everyone know the Todd family wasn't helping you—they were aiding an imposter!""You!" Melinda's face darkened.She knew all too well what her mother was capable of. If she refused to cover this debt, Brenda would surely make good on her threat.They'd both go down in flames. Brenda dead, and her life in ruins.Thinking this, Melinda forced herself to calm down and put on a filial expression. "Mom, how could I not help you? But if you reveal my secret, I'll never become the Silver Moon Pack's Luna."Brenda smirked triumphantly. "I knew you'd find a way! Once you're the Silver Moon Pack's Luna and pay off my debts, I'll disappear from your and Cliff's lives for good."Melinda looked at her, feigning reluctance. "I want to be with Cliff too, but there's an obstacle...""What obstacle?"
Third Person's POVBarbara's gaze turned cold as she watched Melinda leave."Are you Barbara? Let's talk business," a man said, his hand indecently on Barbara's leg.Barbara smiled, stood up, and said, "Sorry, I'm calling it a night. Enjoy your time."With that, she left, leaving the group staring at each other in stunned silence.On the other side, Vanya received the surveillance footage.She knew these people were dangerous, but the video could finally reveal Melinda's secrets.She listened to the conversation between Melinda and the men— "playing dead"?As she pondered, her office phone rang.A voice from the LA police division said, "Vanya? We found the anonymous poster's info, but...""But what?" Vanya asked."The person died five years ago," the officer replied."Five years? Dead?"Vanya's mind raced. The video's words flashed through her mind—"Your mom's owed us gambling debts for five years!" "Don't think playing dead with a sugar daddy will save you!"Five years of debt, play
Third Person's POVMelinda glanced at her phone while at her desk.Around noon, the trending Twitter topic suddenly lost traction. In its place were headlines about Vanya and Cliff, along with a statement from Calvert's studio.This time, Calvert had gone so far as to alert the police, who were now investigating the anonymous poster.Melinda stared at the statement on her phone, her heart pounding.She hadn't expected Calvert to involve the police!"Melinda! What are you doing during work hours?" Barbara said as she stepped out of her office.Melinda quickly stuffed her phone into her pocket.Barbara noticed Melinda's nervous demeanor and the phone in her pocket, but there was already a phone on the desk.She frowned."Sorry, Barbara. I've finished all the planning," Melinda said, handing over the planner.Barbara scanned it and told Melinda, "Don't leave after work today. There's a business dinner tonight, and you're coming with me.""Me?" Melinda was taken aback.As an intern, she c
Third Person's POVAs Cliff reached to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, Vanya turned her head away, leaving his hand suspended mid-air.Vanya stood up and asked, "I have a question for you.""Sure," Cliff said."Is Melinda an orphan?" Vanya asked."Yes," Cliff replied."Was she a student at the girls' school?" Vanya continued."Yes," Cliff nodded."Then why choose her?" Vanya pressed.Without hesitation, Cliff answered, "Her academic performance at the private girls' school was exceptional. The Todd family aims to support promising students. We don't pick them randomly. We evaluate their qualifications, character, and image before deciding to assist them.""But among the many students the Todd Group has helped, you've treated Melinda specially," Vanya said.Seeing Vanya's expression, Cliff thought she was jealous and took her hand, saying, "I saw her in the private school uniform giving water to stray
Third Person's POVGiven the current rumors linking her to Calvert, Vanya was wary of being photographed alone.As she exited the Todd residence, she noticed several masked women loitering outside.Something was amiss. Cliff, emerging from the garage, spotted them too and immediately called security."Get them off the property," he ordered coldly."Yes, sir," the guards responded.Vanya stood her ground. When security arrived, the women began hurling insults, "Slut! Stay away from Calvert!""He'd never look at a married woman like you!""Go to hell, Vanya!" ...Vanya's eyes narrowed.The Todd address wasn't public knowledge.If these women had found it through online sleuthing, the Todds would face daily mobs.Their presence suggested a leak.Vanya glanced back and saw Genevieve watching from the window.She knew Genevieve was behind this."Look out!"As Vanya's attention