Chapter 28
But she quickly swallowed her concerns, putting on her usual mask of self–pity.
“I don’t care where we have the party, Ryan,” Linda said softly, her voice quivering. “As long as I’m with you, I’m happy. I just don’t want people to spread rumors… It wouldn’t look good for you if the other classmates talked about this.”
Ryan, ever the image–conscious Alpha Heir, was visibly moved by her words.
He reached out to comfort her, his hand hovering as if he wanted to pull her into an embrace.
But then he hesitated. He couldn’t risk being seen with her here, on Moon Shadow territory. If anyone from the pack saw them together, especially with the way he’d been acting around me, it would be a scandal he couldn’t explain away.
Still, Linda’s words had hit a nerve. Ryan prided himself on his reputation, and the idea of his birthday party–something he had invited so many people to–being ruined was intolerable.
“Sophia’s gone too far this time,” Ryan muttered under his breath, his face dark with anger. “I’ll make her pay for this. When we get back, I’ll punish her severely.”
At that moment, a glimmer of excitement flashed in Linda’s eyes.
Her lips curled into a subtle smile, her sadness quickly replaced by something darker.
“Why wait until we get back?” she whispered, her voice low but filled with malice. “We can deal
with her now. I have an idea.”
The manager led me into the grand banquet hall, a lavish space that oozed sophistication and elegance. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm, golden glow across the room, illuminating the marble floors that reflected the opulence of the gathering.
High, vaulted ceilings gave the hall a sense of grandeur, while the walls were adorned with tapestries and artwork fit for the elite. The guests were dressed in luxurious fabrics, tailored suits, and gowns that whispered of wealth and power. Champagne flutes clinked, and the soft murmur of conversation filled the air, punctuated by the occasional laugh from the high society gathered here.
As soon as I entered, all eyes turned toward me. Being the only sister of the Alpha of the Moon Shadow Pack came with its privileges, and tonight was no exception.
Guests paused in their conversations to acknowledge my presence, offering smiles and nods of
cart Claimed. A Soul Reborn.
hapter 38
approval. Some even approached me with compliments.
Miss Sophia, you look stunning tonight.”
“I always admire your grace. The Moon Shadow Pack is fortunate to have such a poised young lady representing them.”
I nodded politely, exchanging pleasantries while my eyes scanned the room.
My mind, however, was focused on one person: Lirian. I searched the sea of faces for him, but to my disappointment, he was nowhere to be found.
1 stepped aside and approached the manager, who was holding a guest list in her hands. “Over at the Iron Claw Pack.” I asked, trying to sound casual, “did anyone from their side come yet?”
The manager checked her list and answered with certainty, “No, Miss Sophia. But the reply from the Iron Claw Pack was the first one we received. They confirmed they would definitely send someone. and the one representing them is the next heir, Lirian.”
Her words reassured me somewhat, though a small part of me still felt uneasy.
I nodded and dismissed the matter for now, deciding to focus on mingling with the guests.
Unlike in my previous life, where I had wasted far too much energy on Ryan, this time I was determined to build meaningful connections and expand my social circle. There were far more important things to worry about than a failed relationship with someone like Ryan.
My goal now was to become a stronger, better person, one step at a time.
The chandeliers above cast a brilliant light across the hall, making the jewels on the guests‘ attir sparkle. I was dressed in a sleek, high–fashion gown, a custom–made piece that hugged my form and whispered of elegance.
I moved between conversations with practiced ease, my demeanor calm, my smile always poised.
It was then that I caught sight of a man across the room, his scowling face unmistakable. His eyes locked onto me, and he beckoned me over with a sharp motion.
“Come here, Sophia.”
It was Arman, my cousin,
“He stood tall and imposing, his sharp features set in a look of disapproval. Behind him, I could see Ryan’s dark gaze boring into me, and beside him, Linda stood with her eyes glistening as if on the
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verge of tears.
remembered that Linda was a needy student that Arman had been sponsoring.
During a charity event at an orphanage, Arman, who was there on behalf of Moonshadow, fell in love with Linda at first sight, and has been shelling out money to pay for her education ever since, as well as studying a number of art subjects which are very expensive.
I walked over to Arman, deliberately ignoring Ryan’s angry stare and Linda’s theatrics.
you
I smiled at Arman and said, “Cousin, it’s been a long time. What did you need me for? Do you have a gift for me?”
Arman’s expression didn’t soften at my greeting. He looked at me with cold eyes and spoke in a voice that was loud enough for everyone around to hear.
“Sophia, is this what Moon Shadow’s teaching has come to? Bullying your classmates, abusing your friends? Is that the kind of person you’ve become?”
His words were harsh, and they cut through the noise of the banquet like a knife.
Instantly, the room fell silent. All eyes turned toward us, and I could feel the weight of their judgment. The whispers began almost immediately.
“Bullying her classmates?”
“She’s the Alpha’s sister, isn’t she? How could she stoop so low?”
“This is disgraceful. Such a display in front of all these people.”
Despite the growing murmur of gossip, I kept my composure. My expression didn’t falter.
“What are you talking about, cousin?” I asked calmly, my voice smooth and controlled. “I don’t seem to understand.”
I turned my gaze toward Ryan, who was standing a few paces behind Arman, his expression tense. I spoke to him softly, almost teasingly. “Ryan, who did I supposedly insult and bully?”
