Chapter 28

Vanya's POV

I frowned at Cliff, wondering when he started harboring such negative assumptions about me.

"I haven't done anything," I said impatiently.

"I've told you countless times. Melinda is my true mate and will be a valuable asset to the company. She poses no threat to your position as Luna. There's no need to target her constantly. Let alone use Veronica against her."

Cliff accused me angrily, "I've told you I will reject her, but not now. Can't you wait a little longer?"

"Cliff, I've said I didn't, and it wasn't me who told Veronica about the kidnapping. She wouldn't have shown up and found Melinda staying over if you hadn't told her," I explained.

Cliff narrowed his eyes, his face filled with suspicion. "It had better be that way," he said.

"Believe it or not."

I replied, not caring whether he believed me or not. I stopped expecting his trust a long time ago.

Soon, Cliff and I got into the car, where he held my hand hypocritically.

I found his pretense amusing.

I knew he was just putting on a show for Veronica's sake.

After all, she raised him into adulthood after his parents passed away early.

Thus, he always harbored respect and filial piety towards Veronica.

I wasn't about to expose his hypocrisy.

Instead, I played along, performing our respective roles in this farce.

"The obsidian rough, what are your plans for it?" Veronica suddenly asked.

She directed the question at Cliff, not me.

Cliff, sitting in the front seat, glanced at me through the rearview mirror before responding, "It's Vanya's purchase, so she should handle it as she sees fit."

Veronica then turned her gaze to me and said in an undeniable tone, "Regarding the obsidian rough, let Cliff handle it. Honestly, this was a losing deal on your part. Now we can only hope Cliff can minimize the losses. For you as Luna, the most critical things are to take care of your mate and raise children."

"The affairs of the Silver Moon Pack and Todd Group are naturally under Cliff's purview. However, this obsidian rough was purchased on behalf of the elders of the Thunder Pack. If the Thunder Pack has any use for it, there's no need for me to get involved," I explained hurriedly.

Upon hearing my explanation, Veronica's tone softened slightly. "In the future, you should participate less in such matters. After all, you are now mated with Cliff, and your every move represents the image of the Silver Moon Pack. The Todd family is a prominent family in the United States, and we cannot be looked down upon."

"Understood," I submissively agreed.

I knew Veronica's character well. If she sensed any hint of independence from me now, I would be in serious trouble.

In the Silver Moon Pack, which valued family reputation and tradition, acting against the wishes of the elders often led to much pressure and obstacles.

"Cliff, I have a gathering tonight. Take Vanya back to the pack. Put work aside for now. Taking care of your mate is the most important thing at the moment. This is also part of maintaining family harmony and stability. As the Alpha of the pack, you must lead by example."

Veronica's words were veiled with deeper meaning.

Cliff frowned slightly but did not dare to show too much dissatisfaction.

He replied, "Alright."

I caught Cliff's gaze in the rearview mirror.

I knew he was silently blaming me for this.

My current situation was like being forced to swallow a bitter fruit without being able to speak out. The grievances and helplessness could only be endured in silence.

'Forget it, let him be. The more he despises me, the better it might be for me.'

'Maybe one day he'll impulsively propose a rejection, which would suit me just fine.'

I had planned to visit the Thunder Pack during the day, but Veronica dragged me shopping for the entire day until the sky grew dark, and she finally let me go back.

On the way back, Cliff and I tacitly maintained silence in the car.

"I have some business to take care of at the company tonight, so I won't be back at the Packhouse," Cliff broke the silence in the car.

"When was the last time you were home?" I asked without thinking.

My question left Cliff speechless for a moment.

Indeed, aside from a few visits due to the five million dollar issue, he hadn't been home at night since then.

To be honest, I enjoyed a period of peace and freedom during the days he was absent.

The car slowly pulled up to the Packhouse, and I got out with my handbag, but when I saw the trunk filled with shopping bags, I was momentarily stunned.

Veronica was indeed shrewd. She must have anticipated that Cliff might not be too willing to accompany me back, so she bought so many items, clearly intending to make things difficult for me.

There was no way I could move all these things by myself.

I glanced at Cliff in the car and said, "Alpha Cliff, could you help me, please?"