spanng="EN"(Olivia’s POV)

spanng="EN"I looked over and saw Matthew’s face, which for some reason, I found even more handsome than the day before. He was slowly helping me up, and I murmured with some embarrassment, “I didn’t.”

spanng="EN"What kind of a cold joke was this?

spanng="EN"“Why were you running?” Matthew scooped me up by the waist, his voice soft. “You almost fell.”

spanng="EN"It was a protective carry, his strong arms cradling me securely against his chest. I could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat through his shirt.

spanng="EN"“Alpha King?” I eximed in a low voice, realizing that many people were following behind him.

spanng="EN"Not just his personal staff, but also some pack leaders and senior members of the Cipher Division. They were all watching us with curious expressions.

spanng="EN"I clutched the front of his shirt, a bit frantic. “Put me down.”

spanng="EN"Matthew paused, looking down at me with a gaze so deep it seemed to want to see through my very soul. He simply stated, “Your shoe is down there.”

spanng="EN"Only then did I realize I was missing a high–heeled shoe. The ck stilettoy abandoned on the concrete steps below.

spanng="EN"I struggled in his arms, insisting, “I can go down on one foot.”

spanng="EN"But Matthew began walking down the stairs, his voice distant and tired. “Let them watch me let my Luna hop down the stairs while I do nothing?”

spanng="EN"I sensed the weariness in his tone and noticed the faint dark circles under his eyes. He clearly hadn’t rested well.

spanng="EN"The pack officials behind us maintained a respectful distance, but I could feel their eyes on us. Some whispered among themselves.

spanng="EN"Before I knew it, I was ced in the pack’s SUV. The leather seats were warm andfortable.

spanng="EN"Matthew stood before me and lifted my calf. Mortified, I tried to push his hand away, ncing nervously at the pack officials who were pretending to leave but still peeking.

spanng="EN"“I’ll put it on myself,” I whispered urgently.

spanng="EN"Matthew silently slipped the shoe onto my foot. His fingers were gentle as they adjusted the strap, but his touch sent electricity through my skin.

spanng="EN"Inside the car, Beta Tristan handed me a document. His expression was professional but kind.

spanng="EN"“Luna, we’d like your input on the family–themed segment of the Alpha King’s uing address to the alliance packs,” he said respectfully. “The Luna’s opinion is of course important.”

spanng="EN"I scanned the document quickly. It outlined various public appearances and photo opportunities.

spanng="EN"Wanting to avoid public appearances, especially with our format mate bond rejection fooring in 2 days suggested, “Doing charity work at Lyra’s Hope Sanctuary would probably produce a better result.

spanng="EN"Just as I thought I had sidestepped the issue, Matthew, who had been resting with his eyes closed announced, “We’re going to the Kane Estate first. My grandma wants to see Aurora.

spanng="EN"I turned to him, instantly tense. My stomach dropped with dread.

spanng="EN"I remembered that Elder Fenris did not like me. She had made that abundantly clear during our predicament encounters.

spanng="EN"“Why does she want to see my daughter?” I asked, immediately regretting my choice of words and correcting myself. “Our daughter,”

spanng="EN"Tristan gently persuaded me, his voice diplomatic. “If the family photos taken at the Kane residence are good enough, you wouldn’t have to participate in the outdoor charity event

spanng="EN"I reluctantly agreed, seeing it as a chance to discuss my desire to regain sole custody of Aurora. “Fine, But wants to talk to Matthew privately afterward.”

spanng="EN"The drive to the Kane Estate was filled with Aurora’s happy energy as she bounced between her parentsps.

spanng="EN"She giggled and reached for both of us with her tiny hands.

spanng="EN"The proximity sometimes brought Matthew’s and my faces close together, making me ufortable. I could smell his scent and feel his breath on my cheek.

spanng="EN"Aurora seemed oblivious to the tension, babbling contentedly as she yed with Matthew’s tie. He smiled at her with genuine warmth.

spanng="EN"Upon arrival, however, my mood soured immediately, I found the so–called family gathering was filled with beautiful, unfamiliar she–wolves fawning over Matthew.

spanng="EN"Theypletely ignored me, as if I were invisible. Theirughter was too bright, their smiles too perfect.

spanng="EN"It felt less like a family gathering and more like arge–scale matchmaking event for him. My chest tightened with anger and hurt.

spanng="EN"“Alpha King, you look so handsome today,” one blonde she–wolf cooed, touching his arm.

spanng="EN"“The pack is so lucky to have such a strong leader,” another added, batting her eyshes.

spanng="EN"Annoyed and feeling out of ce, I stood up to leave. I couldn’t bear to watch this charade any longer.

spanng="EN"But Matthew’s arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me onto hisp. The sudden movement made Aurora squeal with delight.

spanng="EN"“My Luna is tired,” he dered, his first words since arriving. His voice carried absolute authority.

spanng="EN"Then, to the crowd, “Everyone, leave

spanng="EN"He shot a look at Elder Fenris, who, meeting his cold gaze, dismissed the women with a wave of her hand.

spanng="EN"But before leaving, Elder Fenris shot a pointed look at me. Her eyes were filled with disapproval and warning.

spanng="EN"“One must learn to be content, and remember not to be fickle,” she said coldly.

spanng="EN"(Matthew’s POV)

spanng="EN"Immediately defended hér, raising my tone. “Grandmother?”

spanng="EN"The word came out sharper than I intended. My jaw clenched as I stared down the elderly she-wolf.

spanng="EN"Elder Fenris left without saying anything else, her footsteps echoing in the suddenly quiet room.

spanng="EN"The room was now empty except for us and Aurora. I tried tofort Olivia, reaching for her hand.

spanng="EN"“Don’t mind her, grandmother just heard some rumors.”

spanng="EN"But she pushed away my hand and stood up abruptly. Aurora whimpered at the sudden movement.

spanng="EN"“How can they be mere rumors? They are all true,” she angrily retorted. Her eyes shed with hurt and defiance.

spanng="EN"“Her arrangements are for your own good. You don’t have to pay attention to me, choose as you wish.”

spanng="EN"She turned to leave, but I grabbed her wrist and pulled her back into my embrace. My heart was pounding with frustration and fear.

spanng="EN"I was furious, breathing heavily, but suppressing my anger for Aurora’s sake. The little pup was watching us with wide, curious eyes.

spanng="EN"“Say that again?” I asked in a stern voice.

spanng="EN"Olivia, held in my arms, finally revealed her true purpose foring here. Her voice was steady but cold.

spanng="EN"“Matthew, I want to redraft our partnership dissolution agreement. Give me sole custody of Aurora, okay?”

spanng="EN"I was stunned. The words hit me like a physical blow.

spanng="EN"Just the night before, she had been sopliant, even kissing me back. Her lips had been soft and willing against mine.

spanng="EN"Now she wanted topletely remove me from Aurora’s life? The thought made my chest ache.

spanng="EN"I held her face in my hands, my gaze intense. I recalled the images Theodore had sent and Seraphina’s words about her reconciliation with her ex–partner.

spanng="EN"The jealousy burned through me like acid. I lowered my voice, trying to control my emotions.

spanng="EN"“Tell me honestly, which rumors are true?”

spanng="EN"I heard her mumble, her words barely audible: “Those rumors, about separation, rtionship breakdown, about ex and current…”

spanng="EN"Her words made me increasingly angry. The thought of her going back to Theodore made my vision blur with rage.

spanng="EN"I couldn’t stand it anymore. I kissed her lips, pouring all my frustration and possessiveness into the contact.