Bella’s POV
When he ended the call, he gestured toward Camilla to join him. She rushed to his side, and I could sense his parents had arrived based on his sudden urgency to summon her.
"They’ve made it!" my stepmother chirped with enthusiasm, linking arms with my father and practically dragging him toward the entrance.
Standing there in that mont, I felt utterly isolated and displaced. Like I was watching soone else’s life unfold while I remained invisible on the sidelines.
Then my gaze drifted to my children, reminding that solitude was just an illusion.
"Mommy," Zack whispered softly.
I gave him a small nod to show I was paying attention.
"You look way prettier than your sister," he murmured, placing his tiny hand over his mouth to stifle his giggles.
My other two little ones bobbed their heads in agreent, and his innocent observation struck deeply. With them by my side, loneliness could never truly consu .
Minutes later, Hugo’s family made their entrance. A compact, heavyset man with a gleaming bald scalp walked beside a statuesque woman whose jet-black hair fell in perfect lines down her back.
Her figure was so flawlessly proportioned that even I felt a twinge of inadequacy.
She possessed an otherworldly beauty and moved with such refined elegance that everyone’s attention gravitated toward her automatically.
She had been born into alpha bloodline privilege.
When her father died, the pack territories consolidated, transforming Hugo’s pack into the powerhouse it was today.
As she surveyed the interior, I watched her critical assessnt unfold.
Her husband’s eyes followed her every reaction, only expressing satisfaction when she approved first.
Without her blessing, he remained completely silent.
"The renovations turned out acceptable," she stated with emotionless delivery.
From her minimal interaction with anyone present, her displeasure about this union was crystal clear.
I found myself curious about what tactics Hugo had employed to gain her consent.
Her piercing stare eventually found .
"You must be Bella Vance, correct?" she inquired.
She was the sole person who acknowledged my updated surna, revealing that this encounter wasn’t coincidental.
She had conducted thorough background research.
"That’s right, Mom. She’s been instruntal in treating the children’s condition," Hugo interjected, positioning himself beside her.
Her impressive height was evident, though I could see where Hugo inherited his towering stature.
He still dwarfed her fra, constructed like a fortress with commanding shoulders tapering to a lean waist.
"Ah yes, and now you’re raising three children. Well, I’m pleased you’ve elevated yourself beyond your previously mundane existence and accomplished sothing aningful."
True to form, she spoke in asured tones, never raising her volu. Yet her mannerisms and physical presence radiated resentnt and antagonism.
I understood the consequences of challenging her, but chose to engage regardless.
"Mrs. Linda, you remain exactly as you always were. One might expect you’d be celebrating today. This is a montous occasion for your son. Typically when won embrace motherhood, they develop empathy. However, I suppose certain individuals never evolve."
My response served as a pointed reminder that she remained emotionally stunted, the sa person who once quarreled with teenagers like myself.
Even after all these years, she hadn’t matured.
I observed her expression darkening while Hugo’s eyes expanded with surprise at my bold confrontation of his mother.
"Mrs. Linda, please allow to escort you to your seat. The evening al has been prepared," Camilla interrupted hastily, attempting to defuse the mounting tension.
"And goodness, that ebony dress is absolutely stunning on you," she continued, manufacturing an artificial smile.
Rather than acknowledging the complint, Linda simply rolled her eyes and proceeded toward the dining area with her husband trailing behind.
I witnessed Camilla’s manufactured expression crumble as she glanced toward Hugo, wordlessly expressing her frustration with his mother’s conduct.
We were all directed to gather around the dining table.
The dining space appeared freshly constructed, situated in the house’s corner adjacent to the garden area.
While connected to the main structure, it was obviously a recent architectural addition.
Glass walls enclosed the room, featuring an exquisite vintage dining table surrounded by perfectly coordinated seating.
Everyone began claiming their positions, and I settled down with my children.
Hugo claid the seat directly opposite mine, ensuring he dominated my field of vision whenever I looked up.
Camilla sat to his left, accompanied by her parents extending down that side.
Hugo’s parents occupied his right side, with his mother positioned closest to him.
I found myself relegated to the table’s far end with my children.
The dostic staff Hugo had employed began erging, presenting the evening’s cuisine.
The presentation resembled sothing from an aristocratic feast.
I could sense Linda scrutinizing the serving staff, determined to demonstrate that these arrangents originated from her son rather than Camilla or her family.
After completing her assessnt, her attention shifted to .
We maintained eye contact briefly before she smiled and redirected her focus to my children.
"Zack, Tara, and Leah," she began, reciting their nas.
She must have morized them during Hugo’s earlier introductions, now showcasing her retention to impress .
"Yes ma’am."
Zack’s imdiate response clearly caught her off guard.
"You’re quite a delightful young man," she observed, studying him with unusual intensity.
I began wondering if she was drawing comparisons between him and her son.
"You’re an extrely beautiful lady too," Zack replied.
His complint triggered laughter around the table, though Linda appeared genuinely impressed.
She smiled authentically for the first ti since arriving, then turned toward Hugo.
"You possess remarkable social skills for soone so young. I appreciate your eloquence," she told Zack.
Her tone finally sounded natural instead of the calculated, deliberate cadence she typically employed.
"My mom teaches to be polite to everyone," Zack announced proudly, raising his eyebrows. "And when soone is really pretty, I try to be extra nice."
He continued captivating her attention.
Looking between him and Hugo, their resemblance was startlingly apparent.
"Linda, you truly look magnificent. I’d love so advice about your beauty regin," Camilla quickly interjected.
She couldn’t tolerate Zack monopolizing attention on her special evening.
"Thank you," Linda responded, her warmth evaporating instantly.
"The purpose of tonight’s gathering is announcing my engagent ceremony date with Camilla."
Hugo began his announcent, signaling for staff to distribute envelopes containing formal invitations.
The server began placing them before each guest.
Tara imdiately grabbed mine and tore it open.
I noticed Linda’s disapproval intensifying, clearly disliking Tara’s impulsive behavior.
Her expression soured, particularly regarding Tara’s spirited personality.
"Look! It’s scheduled for December 28th, right after Christmas!" Tara shouted enthusiastically.
Everyone turned toward her since they were supposed to open their invitations simultaneously with Camilla’s announcent.
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