Chapter 3

Before leaving, I attended the pack assembly despite my injuries.

It was the final duty I had to fulfill as Luna, and I wanted to see it through properly.

During the meeting, Lucas praised Caroline for her initial contributions to the pack. Her name was even listed ahead of mine.

Sitting below the stage, I gripped my prepared speech until the paper was creased.

What Lucas was reading aloud as Caroline's achievements were clearly my own work. He had merely repackaged them and presented them as her contributions.

He had combined the competitions and projects Caroline had participated in during college with my work, instantly turning her into the pack's rising star.

Applause thundered through the conference hall. The movement strained the wound in my arm, making the pain even worse.

Someone stood up to question Caroline's achievements. It was one of my project collaborators.

Lucas smiled calmly and gestured for me to speak. "Caroline has been working alongside the Luna. She knows better than anyone how much Caroline has contributed to the pack."

The room fell silent, and everyone's gaze shifted to me.

I used one hand to support myself against the back of my chair as I stood. The movement pulled at my injured arm, making me gasp from the pain.

Lucas spoke to me through our mind-link connection. "Eleanor, just play along with me. Caroline is only an Omega. A lot of people look down on her, and she needs this opportunity to establish herself in the pack.

"Don't worry. Once I've taken care of her affairs, I'll devote all my time to you."

I spoke calmly. "Caroline did participate in organizing some of the research materials."

Caroline's tense expression immediately relaxed, and Lucas gave her a reassuring smile.

I continued, "But I'm not in a position to judge whether her contributions deserve the level of praise she's receiving from the Alpha. Besides, Caroline is the Alpha's assistant. She hasn't been working alongside me all this time."

The atmosphere, which had just begun to ease, grew tense again.

Lucas frowned and gestured for me to sit down. He signaled that I should say no more.

Looking at his face, I suddenly recalled how things had been three years ago, shortly after our marking ceremony.

My first assignment had been to count the number of rogues wandering around the pack's borders and find a way to drive them away.

One of the rogues had lost control and nearly attacked me. Lucas had stepped in front of me and taken the blow himself.

"Reports can always be redone, but you only have one life," he'd said.

Later, he personally completed the investigation. I reviewed his findings, but when the final report was submitted, he had put my name first without hesitation.

Back then, Lucas had gently patted my head and said, "You worked just as hard as I did. You deserve the credit."

But now, he was a different person.

Heartbroken, I turned around to leave.

Lucas noticed my sour mood and hurried after me. He stopped me before I could get away. His voice softened as he tried to comfort me.

"I know you felt wronged by what happened today, but I promise this is the last time. From now on, I'll make sure every single one of your contributions is properly credited under your name."

I said nothing.

Lucas sighed. He then reached inside his jacket and retrieved a velvet box.

He spoke softly while trying to appease me. "Don't be upset. Look. I already picked out your birthday present."

Inside the box lay an exquisite diamond bracelet. It wasn't the minimalist style I usually preferred. Instead, it was the kind of jewelry Caroline often wore.

Looking at the anticipation in Lucas' eyes, I found the whole thing utterly ridiculous.

I lowered my gaze and said indifferently, "I don't like wearing jewelry. Just keep it."

Thinking I was still sulking, Lucas slipped the bracelet onto my wrist anyway. He held up my hand and looked pleased with himself.

"Eleanor, this bracelet looks lovely on you. You're always so understated. You should dress up a little more often."

I didn't resist. After all, I would be leaving soon, and I had no desire to argue with him anymore.