Cliff's POVI pulled Vanya into the car parked outside the school, the atmosphere inside as cold as an ice cellar."Give me an explanation," I demanded, my voice icy with suppressed anger.Vanya showed no fear, responding candidly, "I want to study finance at Wolfe.""I forbid it," I blurted out without hesitation, a sense of resistance welling up within me for no apparent reason."By what right do you forbid it?" she retorted, undaunted."Because I am your mate!" I raised my voice, my tone even colder. "Vanya, don't think I don't know what you're up to!""What are you talking about?" she feigned innocence, looking at me with an air of bewilderment."Melinda is at this school, and you deliberately followed to make things difficult for her!"I accused, my mind's eye filled with Melinda's delicate figure, fearful that she might be hurt in any way."Cliff, I'm not as petty as you think!" Vanya's eyes betrayed a hint of disappointment."Vanya, I know you've never liked Melinda being part
Melinda's POVFawn looked at my reaction and continued smugly, "It's true. I asked a friend from the admissions office specifically. The principal and vice principal accompanied that woman. It's clear her family is either wealthy or noble, probably trying to get in through connections."Raven was also confused by the news and asked doubtfully, "Our school is never short of rich kids, but who is this woman exactly? Do you know her identity?"Fawn shook her head helplessly, "No idea, but no matter how wealthy the people at our school are, we've never seen the principal and vice principal personally receive anyone before. It shows that this woman's family background must be extraordinary.""So beautiful and wealthy, yet trying to steal someone else's boyfriend, how strange."Fawn and Raven discussed back and forth, each of their words like a sharp sword, piercing my heart and leaving me in a panic.I knew that if Vanya really came to Wolfe, the lies I had carefully woven would be exposed
Melinda's POVRaven dragged me to the second teaching building.I was well aware of her ulterior motives.She claimed to be interested in the graduate exam questions, but in reality, she was on the hunt for a wealthy boyfriend.Most students at our school came from affluent families, and many who applied for the finance graduate program were already successful individuals in the industry.Sure enough, halfway there, Raven was already bouncing with excitement.She chattered away, "I heard Wilmot Hammond is here, too. There will definitely be a crowd around him. If we're late, we might not even catch a glimpse."Hearing this, my curiosity was piqued as well.The Hammond Group was a financial giant in Los Angeles, with a vast banking enterprise and a reputation for being extremely low-key.Yet, there were persistent rumors that their wealth was so immense that they could rebuild Los Angeles from scratch, which was not an idle claim.Raven, like an inquisitive squirrel, kept looking aroun
Vanya's POVAfter that, until the end of the exam, Wilmot didn't write a single word.Seeing his nonchalant attitude, I felt a sigh of relief internally.Regardless of his actions, I felt confident that I had nailed this exam.With a light heart, I stepped out of the exam room when suddenly, a powerful force grabbed the back of my neck.[$]I turned around in horror to see Wilmot pinning me against the wall.His eyes were like a rebellious eagle's, with a hint of laziness and unruliness.Perhaps due to regular fitness, his figure was exceptionally robust, and the solid muscles exerted a sense of pressure even through his clothes.My wolf growled in my mind, and every hair on my body stood on end.As an Alpha myself, Wilmot's naturally exuding powerful aura was quite oppressive.This might be the innate ability of the ancient Alpha families.I feigned composure and said, "Hey, I don't even know you."I was well aware that with his strength, a single punch could knock me unconscious, ma
Cliff's POVThis woman was getting more and more audacious, not showing the slightest fear in front of me."Ding ding -" My phone rings again, the ringtone jarring in the quiet atmosphere.I answered the call impatiently, my tone harsh, "Speak.""Alpha Cliff, Luna Vanya's results have come in."The voice from the school office on the other end carried a hint of difficulty. I instinctively frowned, a sense of foreboding rising in my heart, and responded, "I see."Vanya sits across from me, looking at my expression, seemingly having guessed what the call was about."Vanya, I really didn't expect that you would dare to cheat in the exam at Wolfe," I couldn't help but accuse, my heart full of dissatisfaction and doubt towards her behavior."I passed, didn't I?" Vanya completely ignored my words.She seemed to care little about how I viewed her, focusing only on the exam results.From my expression, she had obviously deduced something. She should have passed the cut-off line."Cliff, since
Vanya's POVThe next day at noon, I was leaning against the window, intently reading a finance book, when Jenny gently knocked on the door and said, "Luna Vanya, the dressmaker and stylist are here, asking if it's convenient for you now?""Is there something?" I responded with some confusion."Aren't you attending the Thunder Pack's family dinner tonight?"Hearing this, I couldn't help but frown.With the recent flurry of events, had it not been for Jenny's reminder, I might have completely forgotten about returning to the Thunder Pack tonight.I rubbed my temple, thinking that if it weren't for this monthly family dinner that I must attend, I really didn't want to go."I see, let them in," I put down the book in my hand and organized my thoughts.The Thunder Pack is one of the largest packs in Los Angeles, with many ancient traditions.Among them, the Dalton family's rule of having a monthly family dinner has continued to this day.As long as I am a descendant of the Dalton family, t
Vanya's POV"Aldridge..." I was about to defend myself when the Packhouse door suddenly opened.Cliff, dressed in a sharp suit and followed by several pack members carrying gift boxes, walked in."Sorry, everyone, I'm late," Cliff said calmly.I was taken aback and whispered, "Why are you here?"Cliff didn't answer but naturally took my hand, saying, "Picking out gifts took longer than expected, but I didn't miss much, did I?"Mirabel, who had just claimed to see Cliff at a women's store with another woman, looked shocked at his sudden appearance.[$][$]Aldridge's expression eased as he said, "Alpha Cliff, it's great that you could make it. But these gifts are...""A token of introduction for everyone," Cliff explained with a smile. "I intended it as a surprise for Luna Vanya, but it seems I almost messed it up."After speaking, he deliberately glanced at Mirabel.Mirabel's smile froze, and her voice weakened as she said, "But I distinctly saw you shopping with a woman today. That c
Cliff's POVI noticed Vanya's action, and I frowned slightly.However, this subtle movement went unnoticed by the others at the table.The family dinner finally came to an end, and Vanya and I walked out of the Thunder Pack hand in hand.But as soon as we were outside, she quickly pulled her hand away.I subconsciously looked at my empty palm, a strange discomfort welling up inside me.After a while, Vanya asked, "Why did you come?"I looked at her and countered, "Knowing that you would be wronged if you came alone, why did you still come by yourself?"Vanya paused and said softly, "I asked you."I pursed my lips and replied, "Today is Melinda's birthday. I have to go there.""Melinda's birthday?" Vanya looked surprised, "Then why did you come here?"She now seemed to accept that Melinda held a special place in my heart.But hearing Vanya's tone, I couldn't help but frown and explained, "The Dalton family's dinner concerns the relationship between the Todd and Dalton families. For var
Cliff's POVThe next day, as the first hint of dawn began to lighten the sky, the faint morning light filtered through the windows and spilled into the living room.I leaned against the sofa, having not slept a wink all night, feeling waves of exhaustion wash over me.After last night's chaos, my nerves were still taut. My mind was a jumbled mess of conflicting thoughts.At that moment, I saw Vanya coming downstairs, carrying some toiletries, apparently planning to head back to her apartment early in the morning.The moment I saw her, my nerves tightened like a bowstring about to snap, and I tensed up instantly.I quickly stood up and took a few steps forward to block her path. My tone softened involuntarily, tinged with caution, "Where are you going?""Back to my apartment," Vanya replied coldly, her eyes distant and resolute, as if I were a complete stranger.Her voice was soft, but it struck my heart like a heavy hammer.Instinctively, I reached out and grabbed her wrist, wanting t
Vanya's POVI knew that only by leaving with Cliff could the two packs remain unscathed, and I could secure their future protection.At this thought, a chill ran down my spine, and a deep sense of unease washed over me.Edwin's mind was incredibly meticulous. Every move seemed meticulously planned, which was truly terrifying.He was like a wolf lurking in the shadows, always ready to strike with a fatal blow, catching everyone off guard.After a moment of silence, I said, "Thank you, Mr. Hammond. It's getting late, and I'll leave with Alpha Cliff now. I apologize for any rudeness today and will come to make amends another day."Edwin lowered his eyelids. After a while, he raised a hand in a gesture.The bodyguards stepped aside, and Cliff's grip on my arm tightened even more as he turned to leave.I keenly noticed that outside the Hammond family's door, Cliff had also brought his own people.If I had chosen to stay just now, Cliff's men might have stormed the hall without hesitation.
Vanya's POVMy heart skipped a beat. I hadn't detected any amusement in Edwin's eyes.My initial approach to Wilmot was always driven by his status and future prospects.Such a motive couldn't even be hidden from Wilmot, let alone Edwin.I recalled how Edwin had dealt with that flamboyant woman just now—right in front of me. It was clearly a warning.My heartbeat quickened involuntarily, but I maintained a calm facade and said, "Just classmates, not particularly close."Edwin let out a soft chuckle and said, "The wind up here is rather strong. Miss Dalton, it's better if you don't come up. Wilmot is downstairs. You two can have a chat."I couldn't fathom Edwin's intentions, but one thing was clear—he didn't want me near this terrace.Naturally, I wouldn't oppose him. After a polite nod, I headed downstairs.When I reached the bottom, I saw Wilmot drinking alone at the stairway entrance.Upon seeing me
Cliff's POVIn the hospital corridor, Elliot hurried back to the ward after receiving a phone call.He said to me, "Alpha Cliff, there seems to be some trouble at the Hammond family's event."I made a shushing gesture and glanced at Melinda, who was still unconscious in the hospital bed.I whispered to Elliot, "Let's talk outside.""……Yes, Alpha Cliff," Elliot hesitated but went out to wait first.After I closed the ward door, I said, "Go ahead.""It's about Luna..."Before he could finish, I frowned and asked, "What trouble has she caused now?""It seems two of Miss Coleman's classmates were slandering Luna Vanya, calling her a call girl and saying some very unpleasant things. They were kicked out by Mr. Hammond.""Slandering Vanya as a call girl?" I furrowed my brows even more. "Would she just stand there and let herself be slandered?""Luna Vanya didn't say a word the whole time. It was Gra
Third Person's POVRaven was frightened by Wilmot. She retreated two steps, shrinking behind her father, Tristan Schmidt.Tristan had never seen his daughter so wronged, especially right in front of him.He immediately said, "Mr. Hammond! Raven is a girl. You should let her have the last word. How could you..."Tristan's words were cut short as Wilmot found it amusing. "Excuse me?"Everyone around them wore expressions of anticipation, as if watching a drama unfold.Who was Wilmot?From a young age, only Edwin had been able to keep him in check. No outsider had ever dared to lecture him condescendingly.Tristan's face fell as he said, "Even so, I am your elder!""Who do you think you are?"Wilmot gave Tristan no respect.In this circle, respect was only given to those who were more powerful.These were just obscure small-business owners, making a few hundred thousand a month. If it weren't for Vanya
Third Person's POVCliff completely ignored Vanya beside him and strode forward, swiftly picking up Melinda and holding her in his arms.He shouted, "Elliot! Go get the doctor! Hurry up!""Yes, Alpha Cliff!" Elliot glanced deeply at Melinda in Cliff's arms before rushing off.Vanya couldn't help but sneer at the sight.Melinda's fainting seemed too convenient—too perfectly timed.Anyone with even a basic understanding of the situation, including Elliot, could sense something was amiss. Only Cliff, in his concern for Melinda, failed to notice.Wilmot watched the scene with a burning heart and said to Vanya, "He just left you behind like that?""Isn't that normal?" Vanya replied, though she was genuinely surprised by Melinda's move.Raven's gaze towards Vanya grew more hostile as she watched Melinda being carried away.Vanya noticed Raven's look and raised an eyebrow.It seemed Raven and Fawn believed t
Third Person's POVCliff saw Vanya the moment she walked in.He also noticed Theodore, who was following behind her. That sight seemed to sting his eyes.Wilmot had been waiting inside for quite some time. Upon seeing Vanya, his eyes lit up instantly.He dropped the glass of red wine in his hand and strode quickly towards her."Why so late?"Wilmot's tone conveyed dissatisfaction, but more so, it was filled with delight.Vanya said, "Let me introduce you. This is my friend, Grace."Wilmot's expression changed slightly upon seeing Grace.Grace, however, seemed quite intrigued and said, "Wilmot? You've grown up. We've met when you were still a kid."With that, Grace reached out to tug at Wilmot's ear, but he quickly blocked her hand, exclaiming, "I'm grown up now! I'm not a kid anymore!"Vanya hadn't expected that they knew each other.Grace then explained to Vanya, "When we were kids, the Hammond fami
Melinda's POVI deliberately lowered my voice, pretending to be at a loss.At the mere mention of Vanya, Cliff's brows furrowed. Although he didn't say anything, I could sense his impatience."Do you not want to come?" he asked."Of course not!" My cheeks flushed as I explained, "I'm just worried that people will make wild guesses about our relationship again."Cliff didn't respond to me.Soon, Cliff and I arrived at the gala venue. There weren't many people inside. Cliff greeted the people one by one.Before long, the main doors were pushed open again.Two couples walked in, followed by Fawn and Raven, who were holding hands.They came too!In an instant, my heart dropped into the abyss. How could they be at such an important occasion?Cliff noticed the change in my expression and frowned, asking, "Melinda, are you feeling unwell? Shall I have Elliot take you home first?""I..." I was about to speak
Third Person's POV"Stop pretending. It's been so long since the incident, and you never once invited us out for a meal to apologize. What's the real deal? Now you're just trying to show off that your rich boyfriend bought you a house, right?"Raven's voice was just loud enough to reach the ears of those around them. The surrounding people cast odd glances their way.Raven had previously been accused of spreading rumors by the dean and had endured quite a few disdainful looks during that time.She had no patience for Melinda now.Melinda hadn't expected Raven's reaction to be so intense, nor had she anticipated that Raven would directly expose her vanity.Her face turned pale instantly. "Raven, let's talk this through. I didn't mean it like that..."Raven scoffed, "Who wants to talk this through with you?""Raven, I know I was wrong. This time, I genuinely want to apologize to you... can you just forgive me?" Tears rolled down