Aria’s POV
Nathan’s voice dropped, thick with confusion... and resentnt.
“You know you’re not as good as Sophia. Even your past reputation was mostly because of her talent. Yet for him, you—”
“Not as good as Sophia?”
The words were so absurd I almost laughed.
My eyes turned glacial, cold enough to freeze blood.
What I despised most more than insults, more than betrayal, was having my professional worth questioned. Especially when compared to soone like her.
My wolf snarled softly inside .
I had clawed my way up in a world that despised won, outsiders, and anyone without backing. I had survived sleepless nights, crushing pressure, whispered slander, and open suppression. Every case I won had been earned with blood and bone.
And now... it was being rewritten as soone else’s charity?
Sophia stared at Nathan, panic flickering across her face. It was obvious she too wondered what he ant by that.
His words implied my achievents had been due to Sophia.
I saw the fear dawn in her eyes. She knew the truth. She knew how hard I had fought, how much I had sacrificed.
Seeing my expression turn dangerously calm, Sophia quickly reached for Nathan’s arm. “Nathan, don’t say that. My sister has worked hard too.”
Her attempt at diation broke whatever tension had been building.
I felt nothing but exhaustion.
I had no interest in tearing into either of them, not today.
Without another word, I pulled free and got into the car.
The door slamd shut.
Sophia let out a breath of relief.
But when she looked up, she noticed Nathan’s gaze was lowered and distant.
“You seem reluctant to talk about what happened before,” he said carefully. “Didn’t she take the honor that was supposed to be yours? Don’t you resent that?”
My wolf bristled at Nathan’s words. What did he an by that? What lies had Sophia told him?.
Her fingers trembled as she forced a gentle smile.
She looked up at him, blinking innocently. “Nathan, what are you saying? She’s my sister. Even if she’s never really liked ... I’ve always thought of her as family.”
I decided not to bother with them, they weren’t worth it.
The engine roared to life, and the vehicle sped away, kicking up dust that blurred their figures in the rearview mirror.
anwhile, Francis surprised by directing the driver to go to a particular restaurant.
“All right,” he said, glancing at in the rearview mirror. “Let’s go have a spontaneous celebration dinner.”
For soone who always wore seriousness like armor, the faint smile on his face was his version of comfort. He wasn’t good with words, but I felt the intention behind the gesture.
I leaned against the window, watching the city slide past. The restaurant’s sign caught my eye. I recognized it instantly. It was one I’d passed countless tis while working at the Hemsworth Group. A place I’d always ant to try, and never had.
I glanced at Francis.
Was this a coincidence... or instinct?
Attorney Stephan was the first to step out, already in high spirits. He held the door open for with exaggerated politeness. After handing over that evidence in court, he was brimming with confidence, convinced victory was only a matter of ti.
But then..
His gaze flicked to .
A thought must have crossed his mind, maybe the scene outside the courthouse few minutes ago—I could tell by how his eyes dimd with sadness for a bit. But then his expression softened, and he quickly masked it with his usual cheer.
“After a day like this, I’m starving,” he said loudly. “If Mr. Murray is treating, shouldn’t we feast?”
I hesitated.
My mood was still a bit low, my wolf curled inward, appetite dulled by too many unresolved emotions. But I didn’t want to drag everyone down with .
So I nodded and stepped out of the car.
The mont I entered the restaurant, I felt it, a shift in the air.
I looked up and t a familiar pair of clear, steady eyes.
California really was small.
It was Alpha Jonathan.
“Luna Aria,” he greeted, standing up smoothly. His gaze flicked politely to the two n beside . “And these gentlen are?”
Francis’s posture changed instantly. The warmth he’d shown monts ago vanished, replaced by a sharp, guarded stillness, like a wolf bracing to protect territory.
“Friends,” I said calmly, offering a polite smile as I introduced them. “This is Francis, head of the Star Research Institute. And this is Attorney Stephan Morris.”
Then I turned slightly. “This is Alpha Jonathan, Veridale’s Executive President of Celestyr Brand.”
The brief exchange was enough for Francis’ hands to clench and unclench at his sides before he forced himself to relax.
“Pleasure to et you, Alpha Jonathan” he said coolly.
Jonathan nodded, unfazed, and gestured to the seats across from him. “Please, have a seat.”
It was nearly evening, and the restaurant was bustling with warm lights and overlapping conversations. The scent of food was thick in the air. I scanned the room instinctively and confird there were no empty tables.
Francis opened his mouth, clearly intending to decline.
But Jonathan spoke first. “The food here is excellent, and most places nearby are already full. Why not make do here?”
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