Vanya's POV
Cliff 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 POV"Yes, Alpha Cliff," Elliot replied.Melinda's heart was pounding. She never expected things to escalate so much.Vanya was about to leave with Wilmot when Cliff's voice rang out behind them, "What? Are you two planning to collude outside now?"Vanya felt a surge of anger but found the accusation absurdly funny.She released Wilmot's arm and turned to Cliff, saying, "Fine, then we'll just stand here and wait for the police. That way, you won't think we're scheming outside and wronging your precious Melinda.""Us?" Cliff's tone turned mocking. Great, she and Wilmot were now a "we" in his eyes."Ignore him!" Wilmot glanced coldly at Cliff, then pulled Vanya's wrist and sat down on a nearby chair.Cliff's eyes darkened as he watched Wilmot's hand on Vanya's arm."Alpha Cliff... I'm scared..." Melinda bit her lip, looking at Cliff pitifully.Cliff's expression softened slightly as he sat beside Melin
Third Person's POV"Misunderstanding?"Grace pushed aside the bodyguards and walked in. "Wilmot is the second son of the Hammond family. He's been wronged and falsely accused by your lover. Do you really think you can just brush it off as a misunderstanding?"Cliff was about to speak when he saw Edwin, seated in a wheelchair, behind Grace.His brow furrowed deeply.Vanya was also taken aback.She hadn't expected Grace to fetch Edwin.But... wasn't Edwin supposed to be frail and ill?Seeing his pale complexion yet composed demeanor, Vanya couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration.Cliff frowned, "Mr. Hammond?"Edwin had no intention of wasting words on Cliff. He raised a hand, and the bodyguards behind him moved to pull Melinda off the bed."What are you doing! Alpha Cliff... save me!" Melinda panicked, her body barely covered by a bath towel.Her shoulders were exposed as the coat slipped off unde
Vanya's POVAs we stood outside the hotel, Grace looked at me and asked, "Hey, Vanya, where are you staying tonight? Going back to the Silver Moon Pack?"I shook my head.After what had happened tonight, going back to the packhouse would be like asking for trouble.Wilmot spoke up, "That's perfect. Tomorrow's my birthday. Why don't you stay at my place?"I was taken aback. "Your birthday? Why have I never heard you mention it?""He never liked celebrating birthdays or inviting friends over," Edwin said with a smile. "It's late, and it wouldn't be convenient for you to go home. Why not stay the night and leave after the birthday party tomorrow?"After speaking, Edwin glanced at me meaningfully.My heart skipped a beat.There was something... off about that look.Tomorrow, M Group was hosting a masked ball, and the badges had already been sent to the CEOs of major companies.Could it be that Edwin suspected I
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
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