Third Person's POV"Would Veronica really let her go?" Vanya pressed, having expected Melinda to stay for the child."This time it's different. Melinda crossed the Hammond family. Even Veronica has to show Edwin some respect," Stewart explained logically.Vanya nodded in agreement.Melinda had been living in the villa she once shared with Cliff—a scandal waiting to be exposed.A mistress living in the legitimate wife's villa? That was just not right."Also, there's another thing," Stewart added."Yes?" Vanya looked up."Mr. Winston and Mr. Simpson have urgent matters to handle...," Stewart hesitated."So they've left again without notice, right?" Vanya finished, unsurprised.She was used to Theodore's unpredictability.Although curious about his latest mission, she knew better than to pry.With the merger of the Dalton and M Groups complete, the company ran smoothly even in Theodore's absence.Vanya handed Stewart a cooperation document. "The Hammond Group will sign the contract with
Third Person's POVMelinda hadn't anticipated Cliff's ruthlessness. She froze, her tears instantly drying up.Veronica ramped up her Alpha aura, freezing the room's air with her disdain."You can't even hold onto your man? What a waste! How could you, a lowly rogue, ever fathom an Alpha's mind?" she scorned.Melinda's legs buckled, and she collapsed onto the carpet, her knuckles whitening as she clutched her dress.Her rogue pheromones reeked of despair, and she could feel the servants' judgmental stares piercing her like needles.Veronica turned on her heel and retreated to her room, her Alpha aura dissipating.Jenny, unable to stomach Melinda's scheming, stepped forward and spat at her. "You're a disgrace to the Silver Moon Pack!" she hissed, her disdain palpable.Omegas naturally felt repulsed by rogues, and at this moment, Jenny's gaze was icy, her disdain even more obvious.Melinda's fists trembled, her nails digging into her palms until they bled.Her chest heaved with a mix of
Third Person's POVVanya froze, certain she hadn't misheard—Edwin had mentioned M Group, not Dalton Group.It turned out Edwin did know she was the one behind M Group."Mr. Hammond..." Vanya began, but Edwin cut her off."I dislike beating around the bush. Don't deny your ties to M Group. I wouldn't have presented this contract without absolute certainty."With Edwin's bluntness, Vanya dispensed with pretense. "How exactly do we cooperate?""It's a long-term strategic partnership. The Hammond Group plans to launch a joint project with M. We'll benefit mutually and expand our presence in Los Angeles."Vanya frowned. The Hammond Group, with its centuries-old legacy, shouldn't need to partner with anyone.As long as the Hammond Group existed, it was the established brand here. No one would ever question the name "Hammond."Yet Edwin's proposal seemed to favor her side.M Group stood to gain significantly from this collaboration, effectively aligning with the formidable Hammond family.Wi
Third Person's POVThe EliteHaven Hotel, a Hammond family asset, had never tolerated disruptions on its premises.Melinda, an outsider to their circle, was understandably unaware of this unwritten rule.While the hotel might turn a blind eye to common incidents, any deliberate disturbance by a figure from their social sphere would incur severe repercussions.Given Melinda's current status as a Todd Group affiliate and her pregnancy with Cliff's child, any accountability for her outburst would ultimately land at the Todd Group's door."Melinda..." Edwin paused contemplatively before dismissing the name with a shrug. "I don't recall her."Vanya was taken aback. She had never expected Edwin to say such a thing.The scandal surrounding Cliff and Melinda had been all the rage, yet Edwin claimed no memory of her.Moreover, Edwin had encountered Melinda before—when she had slandered Wilmot. How could he have no memory of her?Sensing Vanya's surprise, Edwin coolly explained, "I don't bother
Third Person's POVVanya stood rooted to the spot as Melinda shot her a triumphant smile.What if Cliff had feelings for her?In the end, wouldn't he still prioritize Melinda?Watching Cliff carry Melinda away, Vanya wasn't thinking about the onlookers' judgmental stares. Her mind drifted to a bitter what-if: if only Cliff had been this responsible toward her child in her past life, perhaps she wouldn't have lost it.People were different, after all.In Cliff's eyes, no matter how vile Melinda was, the child in her womb was still precious.Vanya slowly exited the restaurant. As she reached the door, a woman's voice cut through the air, "Sir, are you alright? Let me help you up!"Following the voice, Vanya saw a familiar figure in a semi-tilted wheelchair in a nearby corner. She froze— it was Edwin.She suddenly recalled that EliteHaven was a Hammond family hotel.It wasn't strange to see Edwin here at night.
Third Person's POVCliff's Alpha aura eased slightly, replaced by pheromones laced with reassurance, as he tried to coax Vanya's resistance into submission.Hearing this, Vanya stilled, ceasing her struggle and letting Cliff hold her, though the cold aura around her remained undiminished.Noticing her stillness, a flicker of joy ignited in Cliff's eyes—only to be doused instantly by Vanya's chilling reply, "I let you go because you had nothing to do with that incident. That's all."Her words doused Cliff's hope like a bucket of ice water.His grip on Vanya tightened reflexively, the wolf hair on his knuckles growing darker.Meanwhile, the driver had delivered Melinda to the hotel entrance.Through the window, Melinda spotted Cliff embracing Vanya from behind. Jealousy blazed in her eyes like wildfire.Her wolfish agitation pheromones, tinged with cheap perfume, erupted uncontrollably—an aggressive stench.Clu