Vanya's POVMy brow furrowed, showing my annoyance.Mirabel noticed and snapped at the maid, "How clumsy! Get new clothes for Vanya right now!""I'm sorry, Vanya! I'll get clothes ready," the maid apologized fearfully.Mirabel smoothed things over, her tone seemingly gentle but actually distancing herself, "She's new and inexperienced. Don't mind her, Vanya."Then she ordered the maid again, "Take Vanya upstairs to change.""Yes, ma'am," the maid said nervously, leading me up.I glanced back at Mirabel, whose face showed fake concern, but I felt something was off.However, I figured, with all these individuals observing at the Dalton family dinner, she wouldn't dare to engage in any underhanded activities here.The maid guided me to a guest room upstairs and presented me with the clothes. "Change in this room, I'll be waiting for you outside."I nodded, took the clothes, and entered.After the maid left, I checked the clothes thoroughly—fabric, seams, buttons, even the lining. Nothing
Vanya's POVAldridge glared at Elmer, his eyes sharp with an Alpha's aura.I caught Elmer's face freeze. His wolfish air wilted.Sure enough, he froze, any defiance in him seeming to wither away instantly.I shook my head inwardly. I'd thought prison might've tamed Elmer, might've knocked some sense into him, made him less impulsive.But no—he's still the same timid soul, exactly as he was before.Aldridge turned to me, voice brooking no argument. "Vanya, I've decided to hand over some other Dalton companies to you. Good practice for you."No sooner had the words left his mouth than Mirabel, carrying a dish from the kitchen, caught the tail end of his statement.Her face paled. A fierce look flickered in her eyes. "Darling, how can you say that? The family companies are for family, not outsiders..."The word "outsider" stuck in her throat.She clearly realized her mistake and forced down the growl rising in her throat.Yeah, compared to me, they were the real outsiders.Every Dalton b
Third Person's POVCliff immediately pushed open the bathroom door. The room was filled with steam and a faint, sweet scent.The smell was oddly familiar to Cliff, as if he had encountered it before.But Melinda didn't give Cliff time to think. She threw herself into his arms. Feeling the smooth skin and the warm touch, Cliff shuddered and tried to push Melinda away.However, Melinda wrapped her arms around his neck. Her face was flushed with a hint of red. Her eyes were filled with desire."Alpha Cliff... I really can't live without you. Don't you like me?" Melinda's voice was unusually soft and seductive.Cliff felt an unfamiliar sensation rising within him. Just a gentle touch was enough to ignite the desire he had been suppressing."Cliff, look at me. You used to care for me the most," Melinda said, standing on her tiptoes and placing a kiss on the edge of Cliff's lips.She then teasingly ran her tongue along his lips, a mo
Third Person's POVCalvert noticed Vanya's hesitation and said, "Don't worry, I checked. There are no cameras around here."Vanya frowned and asked, "Don't you have to go for a photoshoot?""I've finished for today, but I'll probably be around for the next few days. I still have some ads to shoot," Calvert replied."Then go ahead and get busy. I'll do the same," Vanya said, preparing to leave.But Calvert stopped her, placing the takeout bento in her hand. "It's from my grandma.""Mine?" Vanya asked, surprised.Calvert added, "She made it specially for you."Ever since Vanya had visited Calvert's home last time, his grandmother had taken a liking to her.Vanya accepted it with a bit of embarrassment. After all, it was Grandma Sutton's kind gesture."Tell her thank you for me," Vanya said, patting Calvert's shoulder as she left."Keep up the good work! Your future is bright."Calvert watched Vanya's r
Vanya's POVGrace noticed my thoughtful expression and asked, "Did Cliff suspect you when you went back to the Silver Moon Packhouse today?""He did suspect me, but... it wasn't quite what I expected," I replied."What do you mean 'not quite what you expected'? Isn't suspicion just suspicion?" Grace hugged a pillow, her curiosity piqued as she waited for me to explain.I said, "He gave me a ring today and said... he likes me."After I finished, Grace was stunned. "Cliff?""Yes," I confirmed."This feels like something my silly brother Theo would do," Grace said, looking puzzled.I rested my chin on my hand and thought carefully before saying, "Cliff probably likes Melinda. He's saying this because of M Group. Right now, the Todd Group can't afford any more scandals. He wants to keep me stable. As long as we don't divorce or cause trouble during this period, he can avoid a lot of headaches."I repeated to myself, as if tr
Vanya's POV"Enough! Cliff, bickering with a woman like this isn't like you. What do you really want by calling me back? Don't tell me it's because you're jealous that I was at Wilmot's birthday. I won't believe such a ridiculous thing coming out of your mouth," I said.Cliff opened his mouth but couldn't find any words."About Melinda, I was wrong about you," Cliff suddenly said.I thought I had misheard."Are you... apologizing to me?"Cliff's expression froze.I looked at him and asked again, "You didn't call me back just to apologize, did you?"Cliff was silent."I knew it was for the apology," I couldn't help but say."Vanya, you..." Cliff's face turned a bit sour.He was used to being in control and having others submit to him. Admitting he was wrong was a big step for him.Cliff tried to stay calm and said, "I was wrong about this. I shouldn't have accused you. But Melinda didn't deserve to go