Vanya's POV
I looked at the manager and asked, "Seems like you have high hopes for Neville."
"Neville brings in a lot of revenue for the company every year, so of course I'm more optimistic about him..."
"Last year, almost all the resources Neville had were bought by the company at a high price, yet even so, his achievements were nothing special. He didn't bring much benefit or fame to the company. How much did he pay you to promote him so vigorously in front of me?"
Perhaps not expecting my sudden sharpness, the manager nervously swallowed and started sweating on his back. "Miss Dalton, you've misunderstood, I..."
"Whether it's a misunderstanding or not will be clear once we check the accounts."
Hearing this, the manager's expression became even more tense.
To promote Neville, the company had spent a lot of money, but he still couldn't break into the top tier. The benefits he brought to the company were nowhere near proportional to t
Vanya's POVI continued, "Take a good look at the new contract. If you don't trust me, you can have it reviewed by the law firm in Beverly Hills. If you do trust me, I'll make you the biggest star within a year."Calvert hesitated for a moment, looking at my earnest expression. "Why not promote Neville?"After all, Neville was the most popular artist under Dalton Media."Neville will be kicked out soon," I said, though the timing wasn't right yet.Calvert fell silent for a while, then asked, "What's the catch?""Catch?" I asked, puzzled.Calvert said coldly, "Are you trying to get me to hook up with female clients for you, or are you looking to...?"He didn't finish his sentence, but his eyes shifted nervously.I suddenly understood what he meant and said, "I'm not talking about that! I'm not asking you to hook up with clients, and I'm not trying to keep you!"Calvert pursed his lips. "Then...""If there ha
Vanya's POVEugene swallowed hard, his legs trembling. He had worked at Dalton Media for over a decade and never expected to be fired.I showed no mercy. Parasites like Eugene needed to be removed as soon as possible."I choose... to resign voluntarily," Eugene said, crying uncontrollably.I replied indifferently, "Then you can leave."After dealing with Eugene, I turned to Neville."I'm giving you two choices as well," I said."The first choice is to stay with Dalton Media, but you won't get any more roles."Neville was shocked."The second choice," I continued slowly, "is to switch to Todd Group's entertainment division. I'll write you a letter of recommendation."Neville was taken aback. He hadn't expected such a good opportunity."Really?" he asked."Of course," I said."Then I'll take the second option!" Neville was overjoyed. Who would stay at the hopeless Dalton Media when they could jo
Third Person's POVCliff was irritated by the noisy directors. He knocked on the table and said sternly, "As far as I know, Vanya sold that land a long time ago. She has nothing to do with this mall."The glimmer of hope that had risen among the board members was instantly shattered.Thinking of Vanya, who hadn't been home once in the past three months, Cliff waved his hand irritably and said, "Adjourn the meeting."The directors had no choice but to leave the conference room one by one."Alpha Cliff, the dean called today. He said Miss Coleman's graduate studies have been arranged," Elliot said reluctantly. "Miss Coleman mentioned she'd like to invite you to dinner."Cliff, seemingly not hearing him, asked, "Where's Vanya?""Luna Vanya... she's been busy with her internship lately," Elliot replied."Internship?" Cliff echoed."It's a school requirement for graduate students to work outside for a month and then write a t
Vanya's POVCliff was naturally suspicious. With the recent news of M Group's IPO and the fact that I had bought that piece of land in the shopping mall, if I disappeared now, he would definitely suspect that I was the mastermind behind M Group.Theodore said, "I'll drive you."I nodded. Theodore went downstairs to get the car, with me following closely behind.I was worried about being late and hurried out of M Group, but as I descended the stairs, my foot slipped, and I fell backward.Instinctively, I closed my eyes tightly, expecting to land flat on my back, but the next second, I fell into someone's arms.I opened my eyes to see Theodore smiling down at me."Don't rush. We won't be late," he said softly.My face turned red instantly. I quickly got into the car.Theodore, sitting in the driver's seat, had a faint smile on his face."Buckle up and hold on," he said.Before I could react, he floored the ga
Vanya's POVFor these past three months, he had been sending people to secretly monitor me, but they were all blocked by Theodore's men. His people couldn't even catch a glimpse of my back.I looked into Cliff's eyes, seeing the fury there, and sneered, "What do you think?""Bitch!" Cliff shoved me hard, and I fell back onto the sofa with a thud. But inside, I felt a strange sense of relief.Seeing Cliff's explosive temper, I was reminded of my despair in my past life.In that life, Cliff had cared nothing for me, his wife, all for Melinda.Even when I was hemorrhaging in the pack hospital, Cliff refused to come see me, refused to use our mate bond to heal my wounds.Cliff was a murderer!He had been willing to let me die just so Melinda could take my place as Luna in the Silver Moon Pack.Now, all I was doing was having normal interactions with Theodore, yet Cliff was making a big deal out of it.So he could be j
Third Person's POVAs dusk settled, Vanya lay back in her chair at M Group, while Derrick anxiously said, "Cliff's move is pretty ruthless. He's got all the companies participating except for M Group. This is clearly an attempt to isolate us.""It's not just isolation; it's forcing everyone to take sides," Vanya replied with a faint smile.She knew all too well the tactics Cliff would use and had anticipated this move ever since she had Derrick buy trending topics on Twitter.Cliff was still playing his usual domineering game.Theodore chimed in, "Do you have a plan to counter this?""We'll do our own thing while he does his," Vanya said."You mean counter him? Come on, M Group is strong, but those companies aren't fools. They won't risk offending Cliff for an uncertain future with M Group. They'd rather offend you and try to make amends once you succeed," Derrick argued."Of course I know that," Vanya said, sitting up straight
Third Person's POVMelinda's heart skipped a beat. "But..." she began."You're a student. This mature and glamorous makeup isn't suitable for you," Cliff said, making Melinda feel even worse.She had spent so much time perfecting her look—could it really be that unattractive?Elliot walked ahead. Melinda quietly asked, "Elliot, do I look bad in this dress?"Elliot glanced back with a cold look. "This dress was prepared for Luna Vanya."Hearing this, Melinda's face drained of color.The dress... was meant for Vanya!"But the doorman downstairs said you sent it to me," she protested."Then the security guard got his message wrong. You aren't supposed to be here today," Elliot replied, his tone distant and cold.Melinda felt a wave of humiliation wash over her.At that moment, Vanya was in her apartment, working on her resume. Grace said, "Cliff asked you to accompany him to the gala. Why didn't you go?
Vanya's POV"Damn it!" I had a bad feeling and dragged Grace up to the second floor.When we got there, we were blocked by Cliff's people.The bodyguards, seeing it was me, hesitated but still followed the orders of the security guard downstairs and blocked me outside."Stop right there! Alpha Cliff said no one is allowed in here. Please go back downstairs," one of them said.My tone turned cold instantly, and my eyes sharpened. "What? I'm still not divorced from Alpha Cliff, and the Todd Group already has a new lady?"The two bodyguards exchanged glances, seeming a bit unsure.Not far away, Elliot ran over and coldly scolded, "Are you both blind? You dare to block Luna Vanya?"The bodyguards quickly stepped aside, and Elliot's face lit up with relief. "Luna Vanya, you're finally here."I frowned and asked, "What happened in there?"Elliot hesitated for a moment, then said, "It's Mr. Hammond. He broke into Miss Co
Third Person's POVCliff immediately pushed open the bathroom door. The room was filled with steam and a faint, sweet scent.The smell was oddly familiar to Cliff, as if he had encountered it before.But Melinda didn't give Cliff time to think. She threw herself into his arms. Feeling the smooth skin and the warm touch, Cliff shuddered and tried to push Melinda away.However, Melinda wrapped her arms around his neck. Her face was flushed with a hint of red. Her eyes were filled with desire."Alpha Cliff... I really can't live without you. Don't you like me?" Melinda's voice was unusually soft and seductive.Cliff felt an unfamiliar sensation rising within him. Just a gentle touch was enough to ignite the desire he had been suppressing."Cliff, look at me. You used to care for me the most," Melinda said, standing on her tiptoes and placing a kiss on the edge of Cliff's lips.She then teasingly ran her tongue along his lips, a mo
Third Person's POVCalvert noticed Vanya's hesitation and said, "Don't worry, I checked. There are no cameras around here."Vanya frowned and asked, "Don't you have to go for a photoshoot?""I've finished for today, but I'll probably be around for the next few days. I still have some ads to shoot," Calvert replied."Then go ahead and get busy. I'll do the same," Vanya said, preparing to leave.But Calvert stopped her, placing the takeout bento in her hand. "It's from my grandma.""Mine?" Vanya asked, surprised.Calvert added, "She made it specially for you."Ever since Vanya had visited Calvert's home last time, his grandmother had taken a liking to her.Vanya accepted it with a bit of embarrassment. After all, it was Grandma Sutton's kind gesture."Tell her thank you for me," Vanya said, patting Calvert's shoulder as she left."Keep up the good work! Your future is bright."Calvert watched Vanya's r
Vanya's POVGrace noticed my thoughtful expression and asked, "Did Cliff suspect you when you went back to the Silver Moon Packhouse today?""He did suspect me, but... it wasn't quite what I expected," I replied."What do you mean 'not quite what you expected'? Isn't suspicion just suspicion?" Grace hugged a pillow, her curiosity piqued as she waited for me to explain.I said, "He gave me a ring today and said... he likes me."After I finished, Grace was stunned. "Cliff?""Yes," I confirmed."This feels like something my silly brother Theo would do," Grace said, looking puzzled.I rested my chin on my hand and thought carefully before saying, "Cliff probably likes Melinda. He's saying this because of M Group. Right now, the Todd Group can't afford any more scandals. He wants to keep me stable. As long as we don't divorce or cause trouble during this period, he can avoid a lot of headaches."I repeated to myself, as if tr
Vanya's POV"Enough! Cliff, bickering with a woman like this isn't like you. What do you really want by calling me back? Don't tell me it's because you're jealous that I was at Wilmot's birthday. I won't believe such a ridiculous thing coming out of your mouth," I said.Cliff opened his mouth but couldn't find any words."About Melinda, I was wrong about you," Cliff suddenly said.I thought I had misheard."Are you... apologizing to me?"Cliff's expression froze.I looked at him and asked again, "You didn't call me back just to apologize, did you?"Cliff was silent."I knew it was for the apology," I couldn't help but say."Vanya, you..." Cliff's face turned a bit sour.He was used to being in control and having others submit to him. Admitting he was wrong was a big step for him.Cliff tried to stay calm and said, "I was wrong about this. I shouldn't have accused you. But Melinda didn't deserve to go
Vanya's POV"Sorry, Mr. Hammond, but Alpha Cliff sent me to bring Luna Vanya home," Elliot said, looking at me. "Luna Vanya, Alpha Cliff is very concerned about you. Please come back with us.""What if I don't want to go back?" I asked.Elliot paused for a moment, then said, "Then I'm afraid we'll have to insist."The bodyguards behind Elliot immediately stepped forward. Wilmot tightly shielded me, saying, "Don't worry, I'm here!"I wasn't actually scared. I knew that even if Elliot couldn't take me away, he wouldn't dare cause a scene at the Hammond residence.However, the fact that the Todd family could so easily enter the Hammond residence was quite surprising.It seemed that Cliff's position as the top businessman in Los Angeles was well-deserved.If things really escalated, no one would come out unscathed."Wait." I gently patted Wilmot's back and stepped in front of him. "Today is Wilmot's birthday party. Bringing
Vanya's POVGrace, holding the skirt of her Lolita dress, ran over and said, "Wilmot's been looking for you everywhere. He's frantic. You should change out of that costume quickly. We'll head back soon!""Alright," I replied, thinking to myself that Cliff would probably send Elliot to find me any minute now.I glanced at Theodore one last time before following Grace back to the dressing room.After quickly changing and removing my makeup, I followed Grace out of the dressing room, only to bump into Wilmot, who had come to find me."What are you two doing here?" Wilmot frowned. "I couldn't find you after we entered. Where did you go?""I suddenly needed to use the restroom," I said, using the first excuse that came to mind.Hearing this, Wilmot's face seemed to flush slightly.He turned his head and said, "Let's go. There's nothing fun here anymore.""Good! Let's get out of here. I don't think there's anything fun here ei
Third Person's POV"Unsure?" Vanya turned around in surprise at Theodore's words and said, "If he doesn't come today, then all my efforts would be in vain.""Whether he comes or not doesn't matter. As long as he knows that the M Group's masked ball is packed with guests, that's enough," Theodore replied.Vanya sensed a hint of jealousy in his tone."That's true...""But you just want to annoy him, don't you?"Vanya couldn't deny it, but she wasn't that naive."If he comes and sees that Kendrick doesn't look anything like me, he won't suspect me anymore," she said.To create the Kendrick persona, she had put in a lot of effort. This time, she planned to wear flats, don a clown outfit, and appear in front of Cliff, making him completely drop his suspicions about her."Vanya? Vanya? Are you ready?" Grace's voice called from outside the door.Vanya, now dressed as a clown, opened the door to see Grace in a Lolita outf
Vanya's POVIn the afternoon, the Hammond family's lobby was decorated exceptionally lively.Wilmot usually surrounded himself with friends who were more like troublemakers, rarely hosting a proper birthday party.Tonight, many rich second-generation heirs and socialites had shown up, but Wilmot was completely uninterested in them.These people had simply heard that the second son of the Hammond family was celebrating his birthday and had brought gifts to get close. In reality, Wilmot couldn't even remember most of their names.I sat to one side, occasionally glancing at the clock.The masked ball had already started, and I was racking my brain for a good excuse to take Wilmot away.Just then, Edwin's personal bodyguard approached us."Alpha Edwin says there's a masked ball tonight. He wants you to attend on his behalf, but under no circumstances should you reveal your identity or let anyone know that someone from the Hammond f
Vanya's POV"Vanya!" From a distance, Wilmot, dressed in workout clothes, ran over. He must have just finished his morning exercise.His bright red hair was particularly eye-catching, and I spotted him from far away."Up so early. Have you had breakfast yet?" he asked."Not yet," I replied, pointing to the people going in and out of the second-floor study. "Is it always like this at your place every morning?""Not usually. Things have just been busier lately," Wilmot said, taking my hand. "Come on, let's go eat.""Grace hasn't woken up yet. I should wake her up," I said."No need. Grace loves to sleep in. I'll have them make it when she gets up." Wilmot insisted.I was about to agree when he added, "Besides, Edwin should be eating too. His private chef is really good.""N-no, that's okay," I tried to decline, but Wilmot said, "What's there to be afraid of? We're all family here!"I reluctantly followed Wilmot to t