Vanya's POV
I did my best to suppress the tidal wave of complaints within me, forcing them back down into my stomach.
Cliff seemed to care little for my feelings and, instead, abruptly stepped on the gas.
His tone was icy as he said, "After we get home, transfer the money you spent today to me."
Hearing this, I was displeased.
"You're making me come out, and yet you want me to pay my own way?" I stared at him, my eyes wide with disbelief.
"It's just for show," he responded with a blank expression, as if to say that it was the most natural thing in the world.
"As a husband, what's wrong with spending a little money on his wife?" I couldn't help but raise my voice, eager to argue with him.
"You said it yourself that we're a contractual couple," his words left me speechless.
I was filled with frustration, having hoped to gain some advantage from him. It seemed I was being too naive.
Cliff, a thorough businessman, wou
Vanya's POVThe next day, I headed to Wolfe as usual.As soon as I stepped onto the campus, I sensed that the looks of the people around me were pretty strange.Their eyes were filled with surprise, curiosity, and more so, an indescribable oddness.In the distance, a man's angry scolding could be heard, "Get away! What are you staring at?"I looked up to see Wilmot tearing something off the bulletin board.His movements were extremely rough, as if the item on the bulletin board was his enemy.I frowned, a hint of doubt rising in my heart.At that moment, he crumpled the paper in his hand viciously, his face as dark as a stormy sky, full of clouds, chilling to the bone.People around saw me approaching and quickly scattered like they were avoiding a deadly virus, retreating to a distance.Yet, they couldn't suppress their curiosity and kept stealing glances in the direction of Wilmot and me, as if trying to uncover
Melinda's POVDuring class, my thoughts were completely captivated by the bulletin board outside the window, and my eyes kept glancing in that direction.The teacher's lecture seemed to become an annoying background noise. She called my name twice, but I was oblivious."Melinda. Can you answer that question?!" Professor's voice suddenly rose, her tone filled with impatience, which jerked me back from my reverie.I snapped back to reality, standing up in a panic. "Professor, I...""You've been absent from class lately, and when you do attend, you're daydreaming. I know you have decent grades, but you're a senior now. If you don't accumulate enough class hours, you won't graduate!" She frowned and reprimanded me sternly.I had been frequently absent from school recently, and my teacher, considering my grades were not bad, hadn't made too much of an issue about it.However, I had not only been truant often but also wrote my papers very c
Vanya's POVI headed straight for the cafeteria, looking for an empty seat.I spotted a free seat at the back and planned to take it.As I approached the three of them, I only then noticed Melinda, who was deliberately keeping her head down to eat and trying to make herself as inconspicuous as possible.At that moment, Raven abruptly stood up, blocking my way."Excuse me, do we know each other?" I tried my best to make my voice sound gentle and soft, with a faint smile on my lips.However, there was no real amusement in my heart. I knew she meant trouble."A call girl like you, of course, I don't know you, but I bet everyone else does," Raven deliberately raised her voice, loud enough for those around us to hear clearly.The incident with the school bulletin board had already been the talk of the day, and almost half the school was aware of it.I didn't get angry right away. I was curious to see what else she might say.
Vanya's POVI pulled Wilmot away.Wilmot looked reluctant, casting vicious glances back at Melinda and the others."Why are we leaving?" Wilmot asked, puzzled.I responded, "Arguing with them here is pointless, and I can't make a scene. If Veronica, Cliff's grandmother, finds out I'm attending Wolfe, I'll be in deep trouble.""What about your reputation? Are you just going to ignore it?" Wilmot questioned, concerned.I found his concern amusing and said, "Wilmot, in this school, who among those with family backgrounds doesn't know that I am Cliff's wife? Who doesn't know that I am the eldest daughter of the Dalton family? Why bother arguing with ordinary students who don't know any better?"Wilmot pondered my words and then realized it.Indeed, those people in the cafeteria, no matter how hard they worked their entire lives, might never reach our current status.Arguing with them was a waste of our time.The rumor
"I've already checked. She's not a resident student. No one has seen her in the girls' dormitory," Fawn said, her usual reliable gossip at hand."Not living in the dormitory means she's a day student," Raven scoffed, a disdainful curl to her lip and a look of despise in her eyes. "It must be because she can't afford our school's dorms. They cost 20 grand a year, not something every family can handle. As a call girl, she's only fit for day schooling." With that, she folded her arms across her chest and raised her chin, as if she had seen through everything.Fawn didn't chime in this time.Melinda spoke up instead, "Raven, don't talk about her like that. Everyone has their difficulties. Maybe she's also left with no choice?" Her eyes flitted around as she spoke, avoiding Raven's gaze. Her foot scraped back and forth on the ground, and her fingers twisted together. Her heart pounded like a rabbit caught in her chest, fearful that Raven would detect the cracks in he
Vanya's POVI stood atop the high-rise of the building, quietly watching the backs of Melinda and her two companions as they gradually faded into the distance.At that moment, the security guard called me, inquiring, "Ms. Dalton, three people just arrived at the entrance, claiming to be your friends. Should I allow them in?""No, and if they come again in the future, get them away," I responded decisively."I see, Ms. Dalton."After hanging up the phone, I heard Theodore's steady voice from inside the room, "Just let them go like that?""What else can we do? Engage in a heated argument downstairs?" I shrugged.I was truly unwilling to waste my time on such boring people.I was also quite puzzled. In my previous life, I had tried every means to get close to Cliff, and at that time, Melinda did not consider me a threat.But after my rebirth, when I no longer wanted to be near Cliff, Melinda started to target me.How
Melinda's POVVanya's expression grew stern, and Fawn, seeing the situation, rushed over to help me up from the ground. "Melinda! What are you doing? Get up and come with me."Fawn forcefully pulled me away, and I dared not meet Vanya's eyes.I feared seeing through my disguise in her sharp gaze.There, Fawn tugged at me, her face full of confusion as she asked, "Melinda, why did you just kneel to her?""I, I just... I was afraid she would cause trouble for you, so I wanted to talk to her privately," I feigned an extremely aggrieved look, hoping to dispel Fawn's doubts."Melinda, you... you're not deceiving us, are you?" Her eyes still held a trace of suspicion.I felt my face freeze for a moment, but quickly recovered.I said with a sense of grievance, "Fawn, how could I possibly deceive you? Why would you suddenly ask me that?"My heart was pounding with anxiety, terrified she would see through my ruse.Fawn sai
Third Person's POVMelinda's spine stiffened instantly, and she slowly turned her head, her eyes filled with restraint and unease.She stammered, "Yes... yes.""Are you from room 317?" the principal asked.Melinda nodded, wondering why the question was being asked."Is Raven from your dormitory?""...Yes, she is," Melinda glanced at Raven not far away, a hint of barely noticeable panic flashing in her eyes.Raven was taken aback, and the principal's gaze followed suit."Are you Raven?"Raven's body tensed, nodding stiffly, her heart lifting with a sense of foreboding.The principal looked down at the complaint letter in her hand, her expression grave as she said, "We received a report that you fabricated false information and spread it within the school, severely damaging the campus atmosphere and infringing upon a female student's right to reputation." She then placed a flyer with a photoshopped image of Vanya in
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