Chapter 9:

Jenny P.O.V

Minutes passed until I arrived in front of the palace, with memories of the past flooding over me. I remembered how my father had cast me out, shaping me into who I am now because of that moment. I also remembered meeting Max, who stood by me throughout those years and helped me become one of the top businesswomen, intelligent and dependable.

I opened the door, and all the memories came rushing back: my father's wife whipping me, my father’s love, and Olivia conspiring against me. Both happy and sorrowful memories flashed before my eyes.

I smiled with arrogance as I glanced at my stepmother (Emma), bypassing her without a word and entering my father’s office. Emma was stunned to see me return, looking much better in neatly pressed clothes, especially compared to the tattered garments I had left the house in.

I stormed into the office, approached the desk, and sat in the chair opposite my father. He looked genuinely ill and asked, “What made you remember me after all these years?”

I answered calmly, “I only returned to treat you; the pack is no longer my concern.”

I studied my father’s features. I missed everything about him. His eyes had grown greener, and his beard was completely white. There was an air of dignity and wisdom about him that I had never seen in anyone before. His heart was still pure, but they had tainted it with bitterness against me. I vowed to make him know the truth. I wouldn’t leave my father again. I would complete my mission and have him by my side. I would no longer look at him from afar but would embrace him and tell him how much I love him.

“We finally found you!” my father said, looking at me while smoking a cigarette. He remained steadfast and strong despite his illness.

“I’m not that child waiting for you to accept me and be affected by your negative criticism!” I replied firmly, avoiding eye contact.

“I’ve heard about your three children! The entire pack has heard about these kids!” my father clarified, trying to provoke me.

“If you had listened to me that day…” I justified, feeling despair and betrayal.

I looked at him with pain. “When you’re well, when I can heal you, and when I prove my innocence, I will leave and never return.”

My father repeated, “I know everything—about your companion and what happened to you.”

It was disappointing to me that my father knew the entire truth but there was a missing part: Olivia and her conspiracies against me. I ignored it to avoid crying and weakening. My father needed to be healed, and I was capable of doing that.

I left the office, casting a scornful glance at the woman eavesdropping on us, and said as I approached her, “Isn’t it shameful to be eavesdropping, Luna of the Pack?”

Emma tensed and said angrily, “Don’t get involved and don’t entangle yourself!”

I whispered mockingly in her ear, “I don’t care about you, and your daughter doesn’t interest me!”

I left with pride and strength, smiling at everything that had happened so far.

As soon as I left, Emma hurriedly called Olivia to inform her of my arrival at the house.

Olivia asked, “What do you mean, Mom? Did Dad invite her to the pack?!”

Emma snapped sharply, “I heard your father inviting her!”

“Is the man she returned with really the father of her three children?” Olivia asked with suspicion, her mind racing.

“Maybe, or maybe not. What do you mean?” Emma asked, confused.

“I mean nothing, and I hope my suspicions are wrong,” Olivia repeated obsessively.

***

Now in Dragon’s palace, in the room next to his. I remembered everything as if it had happened yesterday. Today, I was with my children because of this night and that stranger...

I smiled a lot until I decided to take a shower and change clothes, as my mischievous little ones had gone out to explore the pack on Dragon’s orders. But my thoughts were interrupted by a call from an unknown number. As soon as I answered, I recognized the voice on the other end.

“What do you want, Olivia?” I asked with sarcasm.

“How you’re feeling in my palace,” Olivia retorted with the same sarcasm and a biting tone.

I smiled with irony and responded sharply, “You never do anything without a motive, Olivia. Cut to the chase. What do you want?”

“You’re always so suspicious, Jenny. I just wanted to have dinner with you. I’ve missed you, my little dear,” she replied with a mocking laugh.

“And I haven’t missed you and have no desire to dine with you,” I answered calmly.

“Dragon told me that we would all be having dinner together,” Olivia said with a mix of disgust and defiance.

I hung up the phone, muttering to myself, “What are you planning now, Olivia? It seems you’re plotting something big, but you don’t know who I am. I’ve changed a lot. Maybe I should meet with you so you can see who Jenny Anderson really is.”

I smiled coldly and then sent a message to Max, informing him that we would be dining with Dragon. Max knew everything about me, but I hadn’t told him who my companion was and that he was Olivia’s husband.

Shortly after, I arrived at the dining hall and saw Olivia there, but I ignored it with a smirk as I walked in with confident steps that drew everyone’s attention, including Olivia’s. Her resentment and jealousy were palpable; even after having three children, I remained as beautiful and graceful as ever.

I bypassed her and went to the table farthest from Olivia’s. I sat down without greeting or speaking a word, which made Olivia reluctantly start the conversation, clearly annoyed by my pompous and dismissive behavior. “Aren’t you going to greet your elder sister?”

“I’m not in the mood for greetings, but I am hungry. Your invitation truly saved me. My children and I will have a pleasant evening, despite having to see you,” I replied with a calm smile.

“But where are your children?” Olivia asked with curiosity.

Jackery and Jackson entered together and went straight to me, while Jerry watched Dragon, which worried me slightly. What concerned me most was that Olivia might notice the resemblance between my children and Dragon.

Max entered with Dragon. Dragon’s face was inscrutable, perhaps the calm before the storm. He was silent, not uttering a word, and interacted with me and the children with great warmth. He also refused to allow me to join the Golden Sun Pack upon my return, a decision that would not serve his interests, especially since I knew Olivia, as Luna of the Pack, would reject my presence.