12

They dragged her into the restroom, poured buckets of water over her, stripped her, and laughed at her.

That day, she had called the guards again. The moment the guards left, they dragged her into a stall and attacked her.

They weren't afraid.

Why would they be?

As long as nobody died, their families could make the problem disappear.

Even if someone did die, Feyre doubted anything would happen to them.

Feyre's eyes turned red.

She tried to control her breathing.

She suddenly realized she was yelling at the person who had just helped her.

"Master Winchester... I'm sorry."

She had lost control.

"You've probably already investigated me. I'm an orphan. The only people I have are my foster family. They're the only thing I have left, and they're my biggest weakness."

She remembered the day they locked her inside the restroom.

Back then, she had seriously considered taking them down with her.

She couldn't fight Phil, but she could have taken Tonya and Lydia with her.

One for one.

If she had to die, she could at least take some of them with her.

But she couldn't do it.

What would happen to her family if she was gone?

"I'm sorry," Ryder said quietly.

The horse soon stopped outside a fashion shop owned by two werewolves, Justin and Keaton.

Ryder had already asked them to prepare a dress and do Feyre's hair and makeup.

Feyre remained quiet.

Ryder had bailed her out, and she felt like she owed him.

"Master Winchester, everything we found about Feyre is here."

Kingsley, Ryder's personal servant, handed Ryder a scroll while Feyre was changing.

Ryder hadn't expected her history to be this bad.

He had only ordered a basic background check before.

As he went through the scroll, his expression slowly darkened.

Feyre had been abandoned as a baby.

A female pack member had taken her in and raised her alongside her own children.

Feyre had always been extremely intelligent. Her foster mother had used everything she had to send Feyre to school.

Feyre had never wasted the opportunity.

She had been one of the top students every year. She eventually got into the training center with excellent scores.

She was also talented in making potions and medicine.

She had invented several healing potions, but some of her teachers had taken credit for her work.

She had faced many unfair situations, yet she had never allowed them to destroy her.

Feyre once dreamed of making the world a better place.

She dreamed of attending the Imperial Academy, becoming stronger, and returning home to take care of her family.

But reality had been cruel.

Orphans didn't have an easy path to success.

The system wasn't built for them.

No matter how hard Feyre worked, wealthy students could still step on her.

Tonya's jealousy wasn't only because Feyre was beautiful or intelligent.

It was because Feyre was an orphan who dared to shine.

"She was with Master Philips for four years, and I think their relationship isn't just work related" Kingsley said carefully. "Master Winchester, maybe you should choose someone else. She's trouble."

Kingsley was worried that getting involved with Feyre would bring unnecessary problems to Ryder.

The Winchester family wasn't afraid of the Philips family, and Ryder certainly wasn't afraid of Grant.

But they were all part of the same social circle.

No one wanted unnecessary enemies especially since Ryder and Grant would become betas in the future.

Ryder said nothing.

He placed the scroll aside and leaned back on the chair.

Then Feyre stepped out of the fitting room.

For the first time, Ryder felt something he hadn't expected.

Respect.

Everyone saw Feyre as a timid woman who could easily be pushed around.

But she had survived things most people couldn't imagine.

And somehow, she had managed to survive without becoming bitter.

Feyre usually wore long sleeves and long skirts.

Now she stood in front of him wearing a strappy, backless gown.

She shifted uncomfortably under his gaze.

She was beautiful, but her past had taken away much of her confidence.

"Master Winchester... do I really have to wear this?" she asked nervously, pulling the fabric over her chest.

"Change it to the red one," Ryder said.

His voice was low and firm.

Feyre was too reserved, like a flower that was afraid to bloom.

But Ryder wanted her to become confident enough to show her beauty without fear.

They quickly changed her into a wine red gown.

Her pale skin looked even brighter under the lights.

With her beautiful face, she looked stunning.

"Gosh... You're more beautiful than anyone I've ever worked with," Justin said, completely amazed.

He pulled the curtain aside so Ryder could see her properly.

The dress looked like it had been made especially for Feyre.

She stood stiffly, still uncomfortable.

This dress was still too revealing for her.

"Hey, do you want to become our muse? There are so many looks you could inspire" Keaton asked with a grin. "We pay really well."

"She doesn't need your pocket change," Ryder replied, raising an eyebrow.

Keaton laughed and pushed Feyre into the chair.

Then he started working on her makeup.

Keaton was extremely talented and didn't need much time.

Feyre already had naturally beautiful features.

He added a light eye shadow and red lip stain.

Her beauty became even more striking.

Her long black hair fell smoothly over her shoulders.

It was impossible not to look at her.

Kingsley swallowed and quickly cleared his throat.

He suddenly regretted telling Ryder that Feyre was trouble.

Yes, she might bring problems.

But she was also incredibly beautiful.

Still, tonight's dinner worried him.

Grant would be there.

Kingsley couldn't understand why Ryder insisted on bringing Feyre.

Wasn't he practically inviting trouble?