Chapter 3

A flicker of panic flashed in Ethan's eyes.

The next second, he was full of certainty, even curling his lips into a confident smile.

"Aria, what's the point of making up such lies?"

"I know you only have me in your heart. These five years, you must regret leaving me every day, right? To make me jealous, you even invented a nonexistent mate and child."

I was almost laughing from his narcissism.

Bella Rose stood aside, her nails digging deep into her palms, but squeezing out a sickeningly sweet smile.

"Aria, since you say you're mated, where is your mate? How could he let you dig through trash alone?"

I couldn't be bothered with her and bent down to pick up the ring.

"Snap—"

A polished leather shoe suddenly stepped on the ring.

Thomas quickly snatched up the ring, obsequiously wiping it clean with his sleeve before presenting it to Bella Rose with both hands.

"Miss Rose, your ring."

Bella Rose's eyes lit up.

Years as a wealthy pack lady let her instantly recognize the ring's extraordinary nature.

"Oh my, it really is my ring~"

She put on an act as she slipped it onto her finger.

"I was just looking for it - almost let certain people steal it."

"Have you no shame?"

My voice trembled with rage. "That's clearly my mating ring!"

Ethan frowned impatiently.

"Are you trying to say this is your so-called three-million-dollar ring? Even lies should have limits!"

Thomas immediately grabbed my arm.

"Alpha Marcus is about to arrive with his mate and child. Thieves and scammers like you need to get out now!"

"Let go of me!"

I struggled desperately, but he pressed me hard against the ground.

My knees hit the marble floor, the pain making my vision go black.

"Wait, search her first! What if she stole other guests' belongings too?"

Bella Rose commanded, malicious light flashing in her eyes.

Just then, a small figure suddenly burst from the crowd.

"Don't bully my mommy!"

My little Leo charged at Bella Rose like a cannonball, biting down on her wrist.

"Ah!"

Bella Rose cried out in pain, venom flashing in her eyes.

She pretended to embrace Leo while secretly gripping his arm viciously. Her nails dug into his flesh.

Leo immediately burst into tears.

"Wah... Mommy!"

"Baby!"

My heart shattered as I desperately tried to break free. "Bella Rose, let him go!"

Bella Rose put on a show of concern.

"Aria, children are innocent. How could you force a child to fight your battles?"

"Or did you steal this child too?"

She held Leo in her arms, leaving red marks on his tender face.

Leo was so frightened he couldn't speak, only struggling continuously.

"Mommy, mommy!"

"Let go of my son!"

I screamed hoarsely, tears blurring my vision.

The next second, the banquet hall doors suddenly burst open.

A tall figure stood silhouetted against the light, his cold voice instantly silencing the entire hall.

"Who dares touch my mate and child?"

I struggled to lift my head, seeing through my tears a tall figure standing backlit in the doorway.

He radiated a terrifying aura of menace, each step seeming to trample on everyone's hearts.

The pack servants instinctively released their grip on me.

I choked out through my tears.

"Marcus..."