Chapter 5

Ariella's POV

"Who do you think you are? Kiley, let me tell you, we're not afraid of you!"

Erika was clearly enraged by Kiley. She pointed at Kiley's face, berating her with curses.

Many passersby and diners turned their heads to look at us.

"What's going on? Why are they arguing?"

"We saw it all. It was this Kiley who first insulted these two ladies!"

"Miss Kiley, if you're not going to eat, then get out! What are you making a fuss about here?"

Many of the restaurant's patrons spoke up on behalf of Erika and me, showing their support. Some even took out their phones to take photos and record videos, eager to post Kiley's unreasonable behavior online.

Kiley was incensed. She rushed over and snatched a diner's phone, smashing it to the ground with a violent throw. The phone was shattered, and the owner let out a scream of fright.

Her actions only further incensed everyone present.

"Ariella, you slut! It's all your fault!"

She blamed all the accusations on me and charged forward to strike me. Erika stood in front of me, shielding me, but she couldn't block the slap that Kiley landed on my face.

My cheek quickly swelled and turned red. The sharp pain that followed filled me with rage.

I glared at Kiley, thinking of the smug look on her and Damien's faces that night, and I punched her hard in the face.

Her earring was knocked off, scraping her cheek and leaving a gash that bled profusely, a terrifying sight.

"Ah!"

She screamed, her eyes blazing with fury. Kiley, like a bull, charged at me.

"Ariella, I'll kill you!"

This time, I didn't hide behind Erika; instead, I pulled her behind me. I was going to protect the one I loved, not just dodge.

Just as I was about to fight Kiley, a man pulled me away.

The familiar scent of pine brought me to the realization that it was Matthew.

What was he doing here?

Kiley missed and, unable to stop her momentum, fell face-first to the ground.

She fell hard, breaking her nose. Her knees were also scraped and bleeding since she was wearing a skirt.

Everyone pointed and laughed at her.

"You deserved it! A woman like you should be beaten!"

"Your nose looks like a botched plastic surgery! You're in trouble now!"

Humiliated by the laughter of everyone around her, Kiley tried to crawl to her feet, covering her face as she made a dash for the exit.

"Wait."

Suddenly, Matthew spoke.

Everyone, including Kiley, turned to look at Matthew.

Matthew glanced coldly at Kiley and said, "You are forbidden from entering this place again. As the owner, I prohibit you from stepping into any of my establishments. I will inform the staff at these locations not to allow you in."

Kiley broke down instantly. She fell to her knees before Matthew, clutching at his legs and pleading.

"Alpha Matthew, you can't do this. I'm engaged to your nephew. Have you forgotten? I'm Kiley. I'm Damien's fiancée! We've met!"

Matthew glanced at her, then kicked her away with disdain and disgust.

"Get out of here. I don't care who you are. But you've reminded me. That Damien needs to be taught a lesson as well. If you don't leave, I'll tell Damien and his mother about this. Do you think they'll come after you then?"

Kiley trembled violently. Her carefully styled hair was a mess, her face covered in dust and blood.

She shakily got to her feet, her teeth grinding. She shot a hateful glance at me before storming off.

The crowd dispersed, and the diners uploaded everything they had recorded, condemning Kiley's arrogance and despicable actions.

"Alpha Matthew, I'm sorry I'm late."

Parker's voice rang out. I turned to look at him and gave a slight nod as a gesture of politeness.

"No worries, it's all taken care of. By the way, arrange for Miss Beverley and her friend to sit in the VIP room of this restaurant. The one I usually use would be fine."

Upon hearing these words, the eyes of everyone around me filled with respect. Matthew was the Alpha of the currently most powerful Thorn Pack. Not only had he stood up for me, but he also arranged a room for me. Everyone thought that I must hold a high position to deserve such treatment from Matthew, and as a result, passing guests also bowed slightly in my direction as a sign of respect.

Hearing Matthew's words, I was stunned. I waved my hands in protest. "There's no need, really. Alpha Matthew, I'm already extremely grateful for your help today. I can't accept you arranging a room for me and my friend."

At this point, Parker stepped forward and said, "Miss Beverley, there's no need to be modest. This restaurant is just one of the many establishments under Alpha Matthew's ownership. A little favor like this is no big deal."

He slightly nodded his chin towards my back, signaling the staff to lead Erika and me to the VIP room.

Even the chef came out personally, bowing slightly and gesturing for us to proceed with a "please."

"Miss Beverley, welcome to our restaurant. We apologize for the trouble earlier. We will immediately order our staff to post a notice at the entrance, banning Kiley from entering the restaurant. You can enjoy your meal with peace of mind."

Feeling a bit overwhelmed, I had no choice but to follow them to the VIP room upstairs.

Another group of people walked past me, and I saw Matthew heading towards a private elevator instead of the stairs.

I silently marveled at Matthew's high status; he didn't even have to climb the stairs!

But then, it was only natural. He was the Alpha of the esteemed Thorn Pack; how could he be compared to ordinary people like us?

Soon, Erika and I arrived at the VIP room.

As soon as she stepped inside, she exclaimed, "Ella, oh my god, this is so luxurious!"

I looked around the room. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above, and directly in front of us was a floor-to-ceiling window facing the entire beach and coastline.

It was sunset, and the brilliant hues of the sunset made the sky look like a shimmering silk scarf, leaving both Erika and me in awe as we stood in front of the window admiring the view.

Shortly after, the food was served. Matthew had arranged for us to have the restaurant's top-tier meal, including beef, caviar, and some shellfish.

Erika and I enjoyed the delicious food while taking in the scenery outside, having a great time.

Erika recounted Kiley's embarrassing situation, laughing uncontrollably, which in turn made me laugh as well.

However, it had been a long time since I had laughed so hard.

After we finished our meal and had some desserts, we were about to leave when there was a knock at the door.

"I apologize, Miss Beverley, could you step out for a moment? I have something to discuss with you."

It was Parker.

I furrowed my brow slightly, puzzled.

At this moment, Erika gave me a meaningful look, pulled me closer, and whispered, "Go on, Ella. Beta Parker might be about to confess to you! I'll head out first. I'll bring you a sandwich for breakfast tomorrow."

I nodded and watched her skip away happily.

But what could Parker want with me?