Se connecterAt the Benjamin estate, the atmosphere was far from peaceful.Mr. Benjamin stood behind his desk, staring at the email displayed on his laptop with an expression that suggested he wanted to strangle someone. A financial institution affiliated with Harrington Global Consortium had postponed an important meeting concerning one of his company's expansion projects. Although the message was professionally worded, it made it clear that the institution intended to review its existing relationship with the Benjamin family before proceeding with further discussions.“This is outrageous!” he shouted, slamming his palm against the desk. “I've worked with those people for years, and now they're treating me like some insignificant businessman because of one unfortunate incident!”His eldest son stood nearby, still furious after his unsuccessful conversation with Anabella. “I called her, Father, but she refused to help. She actually laughed when I told her what was happening. I don't think she care
Anabella woke to the sound of her phone vibrating against the bedside table. She ignored it at first, pulling the blanket over her head, but whoever was calling seemed determined to ruin her morning because the moment the ringing stopped, it started again. By the fourth call, she was ready to throw the damn thing across the room.“Whoever this is had better be calling to tell me I've inherited another billions,” she muttered, reaching for her phone with one eye still closed.“Or someone died,” Nyx suggested lazily. “Although I doubt we'd be lucky enough for it to be someone interesting.”Anabella snorted and unlocked her phone, only to discover thirty-eight missed calls, several messages, and enough notifications to make her wonder whether the entire pack had suddenly developed an interest in her personal life. Most of the calls were from her family, which immediately explained why her morning was being ruined. She was about to put the phone aside when a video forwarded by one of her
The elderly man's furious question echoed through the ballroom, but nobody seemed willing to answer. Even the guards who had been approaching Anabella stopped in their tracks, their attention drawn to the distinguished gentleman standing near the shattered antique.It took only a few seconds for the guests to recognize him.“Isn't that Chairman Lance?” someone whispered.“Lance Harrington? The chairman of the Harrington Global Consortium?”A ripple of shock spread through the gathering. Lance Harrington was one of the most influential businessmen in the country, a man whose investments stretched across international finance, luxury industries, and historical preservation. His family controlled several private museums and one of the world's most valuable antique collections. Even powerful Alpha families treated him with respect, especially those whose businesses depended on Harrington investments.The Benjamin family was no exception.Anabella's father immediately straightened his jack
Anabella looked at her father for several seconds, wondering whether he genuinely expected her to stand there and accept whatever punishment he'd decided she deserved. The entire ballroom had fallen quiet after his command, and even the guests who'd been whispering about the counterfeit clock were now watching with undisguised interest.Her father stood beside the presentation table, his expression stern as he waited for her to obey. Beside him, Vivienne looked appropriately troubled, while her brothers wore the satisfied expressions of men who believed their troublesome sister was finally about to receive a long-overdue lesson.Anabella glanced at the antique, then returned her attention to her father.“I'm taking my property home,” she said calmly. “I don't see why that requires your permission.”Her father's face darkened. “Your property? You brought that ridiculous imitation into my house, embarrassed me in front of my guests, and now you think you can walk away without taking res
By the time the appraiser arrived at the Benjamin estate, the birthday celebration had become something entirely different from what its host had intended. The musicians were still playing, servants continued moving between tables with refreshments, and the enormous birthday cake remained untouched near the stage. However, hardly anyone was paying attention to those things anymore. The guests were far more interested in the two identical antiques presented by daughters who could barely tolerate each other.Anabella sat near the side of the ballroom, reading a message from Ella. The restoration company had reconfirmed the clock's purchase documents, ownership history, and transportation records. Everything matched, including the distinctive restoration work carried out before delivery. Ella was still waiting for the European specialist's final written confirmation, but there was nothing to suggest Anabella had purchased a counterfeit.“Look at them,” Nyx remarked as another group of gu
The birthday celebration was already in full swing when the master of ceremonies announced that it was time for the presentation of gifts. Guests gradually made their way toward the stage, carrying their drinks as servants cleared the center of the ballroom. The Benjamin family occupied the front tables alongside several respected pack elders, while business associates and relatives gathered nearby to watch.Anabella remained near the back with a glass of juice, wondering how much longer she needed to stay before leaving without another argument. She had already greeted her father, spoken to her mother, and endured enough unpleasant comments to last the rest of the year. If not for the promise she'd made to her grandmother, she would have been enjoying a peaceful evening at home instead.“Are we leaving after this?” Nyx asked hopefully. “Because I can think of several things more entertaining than watching rich people congratulate one another.”“That depends on how quickly they finish







