Ravenna excused herself from Matthew and began walking away, studying Soren's business card. Lost in thought, she collided with someone."Oh, for heaven's sake," Ravenna muttered, frustrated with her clumsiness. She looked up and froze, coming face to face with Rylan.Rage bubbled up inside her, but she quickly masked it with an apologetic smile. "I'm so sorry! I wasn't paying attention."Rylan smiled back. "It's alright, no harm done.""Are you sure? I feel terrible," Ravenna persisted, playing up her contrition."Really, it's fine," Rylan insisted, chuckling. "Please, don't worry about it."Ravenna relaxed her shoulders, feigning relief. "If you're certain. Thank you for being so understanding.""Of course," Rylan replied. "So, how are you doing? Getting back into the swing of things?""I'm doing well, thank you," Ravenna said. "Still adjusting, but I'm getting there."Rylan nodded towards the dance floor, where Matthew was showing off some questionable moves. "Is that your...?""Fr
Ravenna collapsed onto her bed, exhausted from the night's events. She reached into her clutch and pulled out the two business cards she'd acquired. "Soren Blackthorn, Alpha of the Blackclaw pack," she read aloud, then turned to the other. "Rylan Moonstone, Alpha of the Shadowmoon pack."She sighed heavily, tossing the cards onto her bedside table before forcing herself up to get ready for bed. As she changed into her pajamas, her mind raced with thoughts of revenge and the complicated web she was weaving.The next morning, Ravenna woke to sunlight streaming through her curtains. She stretched, her eyes landing on Rylan's business card. She scoffed, shaking her head as she made her way to the bathroom.As she applied her makeup, Ravenna considered her next move. "I can't call Rylan," she mused aloud. "That would seem too eager. I need to find a way to bump into him 'coincidentally'." She paused, brush in hand. "And Soren... well, he's not a priority right now."Satisfied with her appe
Ravenna stared at Daniella, her heart racing. "What do you mean, 'no'? Why shouldn't I get involved with Rylan?"Daniella took a deep breath, her eyes filled with concern. "Ravenna, you have to understand... Rylan Moonstone is bad news. Like, seriously bad news.""But why?" Ravenna pressed, feigning ignorance. She knew exactly why Rylan was dangerous – he had killed her in her past life. But she needed to know what others thought of him.Daniella hesitated, then began to explain. "Well, for starters, he was mated to a woman named Naida."Ravenna's face went pale at the mention of her past life's name. She gripped the edge of her chair, trying to keep her composure."According to rumors," Daniella continued, oblivious to Ravenna's reaction, "he treated her like absolute trash. It was so bad that... well, they say she committed suicide."Ravenna's eyes widened in shock. "Committed suicide?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. In her mind, she screamed, 'I never did that! He
Ravenna made her way downstairs, but suddenly froze on the last step. "Oh no," she muttered, glancing down at her outfit. "This won't do at all!"She spun around, racing back up the stairs two at a time. "Sorry, Dad!" she called out. "Wardrobe malfunction!"Bursting into her room, Ravenna flung open her wardrobe doors. "Come on, come on," she muttered, rifling through the hangers. "Trousers, more trousers... why do I have so many masculine clothes?"Her father's voice floated up from downstairs. "Ravenna? We need to leave soon!""Just a minute!" she shouted back, still searching frantically. Finally, her hand landed on a black skirt and white top. "Not perfect, but it'll have to do," she sighed, yanking them off the hangers.As she struggled to change quickly, she heard her father calling again. "Ravenna!""Coming!" she yelled, hopping on one foot as she tried to put on her heels from the party. "Note to self: go shopping ASAP," she grumbled, grabbing her purse and racing back downsta
Ravenna's father turned to her with a smile. "Now, let me show you to your office.""My... office?" Ravenna repeated, confused.Before her father could respond, a woman appeared at his side. "Mr. Thorn, you asked for me?""Ah, yes. Sarah, could you please show Ravenna to her office?"Sarah nodded and gestured for Ravenna to follow her. As they walked, Ravenna's mind raced. She had an office? Here?When Sarah opened the door, Ravenna's jaw dropped. The space was enormous and expensively furnished, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a stunning view of the city."Here you are, Miss Thorn," Sarah said. "Is there anything else you need?"Ravenna shook her head, still in awe. "No, thank you. This is... wow."As Sarah left, Ravenna sank into the plush leather chair behind her desk. She had never had an office before, let alone one like this. She put her head in her hands, overwhelmed by everything that had happened. "Why, out of all people, did it have to be Soren?" she muttered. "That r
The next day, Ravenna and Daniella strolled through the bustling mall, their arms linked together. The air was filled with the excited chatter of shoppers, the clanging of escalator bells, and the soft hum of air conditioning."Okay, CEO-to-be," Daniella teased, giving Ravenna a squeeze as they walked side by side through the crowded mall. "let's find you some killer outfits that scream 'boss lady'!"Daniella dragged Ravenna to the high-end boutiques, where the mannequins dressed in extravagant gowns and designer bags. Ravenna's eyes widened as she stared at the dazzling array of clothes, jewelry, and accessories."Try this one," Daniella said, holding up a red blazer that fit Ravenna like a glove. "It's got a nice tailored look to it, and the color will really make your eyes pop."Ravenna took the blazer and entered a dressing room, closing the door behind her. Ravenna exited the dressing room, tugging at the blazer. "I don't know, Dan. It feels a bit... stiff."Daniella circled her,
Ravenna woke up to the incessant buzzing of her phone. Groaning, she reached for it, squinting at the screen. "Twelve missed calls from Matthew? You've got to be kidding me," she muttered, rolling her eyes as she climbed out of bed.As she got ready for work, her phone rang again. This time, it was Emily. Ravenna answered, "Good morning, Emily. What's up?""Good morning, Miss Thorn. I just wanted to let you know there's someone waiting for you at your office," Emily said, sounding slightly nervous.Ravenna frowned. "Someone waiting? Who?""I'm not sure, Miss Thorn. He wouldn't give me his name, just said he was here to see you.""Alright, I'm almost there. Thanks for the heads up, Emily."As Ravenna entered the building and made her way to her office, she spotted a man standing outside her door. He was tall, impeccably dressed in a dark suit, with an air of efficiency about him."Can I help you?" Ravenna asked, approaching cautiously.The man turned, offering a polite smile. "Miss Tho
The Thorn family was gathered around the breakfast table, the air filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries. Ravenna was quietly sipping her tea when a knock echoed through the house."I'll get it," the maid called out, her footsteps fading as she headed towards the front door.Moments later, Emily walked into the kitchen, a brown folder tucked under her arm. "Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Thorn," she greeted politely before turning to Ravenna. "Miss Thorn, I have the information you requested."Ravenna's eyes lit up as Emily handed her the file. "Thank you, Emily. I appreciate your promptness."As Emily turned to leave, Ravenna's father raised an eyebrow. "What's in the file, sweetheart?"Ravenna's mind raced for a plausible lie. "Oh, it's just some client information. Nothing too exciting."Her mother frowned, setting down her coffee cup with a soft clink. "Ravenna, dear, this is the breakfast table. Any talk of business should be done elsewhere.""You're right,