CHAPTER 461: NOT APPROPRIATE

[Third Person].

Wanda didn’t acknowledge any of them. But she felt the eyes—the admiration, the envy, and it soothed something raw inside her chest.

The boutique attendants rushed to her immediately, bowing with respect. "Lady Wanda, how may we assist you today?"

She lifted her chin. "I need a dress. Something striking."

They understood instantly.

Minutes later, Wanda stood before a large gilded mirror, a deep red dress draped against her frame—long, elegant, fitted at the waist, with a slit high enough to demand attention but tasteful enough not to be criticized.

Her lips curved. "Wrap it," she said.

From the next shop, she chose a pair of matching heels that looked sharp, tall, and commanding.

Then she continued down the lane, entering Stormveil’s most reputable salon. Again, the attendants bowed.

"Lady Wanda," they greeted, "an honour."

Wanda sat while they washed her hair, the warm water and fragrant oils easing the tension from her scalp.

She let her gaze drift to the mirror as they styled her hair into soft, cascading waves that framed her strong features with just the right amount of feminine allure.

Perfect.

Her last stop was the nail salon. A nail technician nearly tripped rushing forward.

"My lady, please. Right this way."

Wanda rested her hands on the armrest, entirely in her element as her nails were painted a glossy crimson that matched the dress.

It was all completed within an hour—efficient, respectful, and seamless.

Stepping back into the sunlight, Wanda held her shopping bags and inhaled deeply.

She looked beautiful, powerful and unforgettable. No one would ever know she cried last night.

Today, she would walk into the Oatrun estate with her head high—a woman who would not be overlooked.

And Draven would see her. He would have no choice.

---

Wanda parked her car in the driveway with a smooth turn of the wheel. And before she even opened her door, two servants rushed out.

"Welcome back, Lady Wanda," they said quickly, bowing as they hurried to open the back door and lift out her shopping bags.

Wanda gave a brief nod and walked ahead of them with a thought brewing in her head.

There was no message from her father, nor any summons or threat to see him in his study.

Normally, she would expect a storm, but today? She didn’t care.

Wanda stepped inside the house and immediately spotted Levi in the living area, lounging on the sofa with a cup of tea.

He looked up the moment she entered, relief, irritation, and worry flashing across his features.

"Wanda," he called, rising to his feet and stepping forward.

She ignored him, turning to walk past, but he reached out and caught her wrist.

"Where were you?"

Wanda didn’t answer. At that exact moment, the servants carrying her shopping bags entered behind her.

They each bowed politely toward Levi, then quickly carried the bags upstairs to Wanda’s room.

Levi stared. Then the realization hit him. "You went shopping," he said flatly.

Letting out a breath, he asked, "You didn’t answer my calls. Or my messages. Why?"

"I was busy," Wanda said, then flicked her crimson nails at him, admiring the shine. The sarcasm in her tone was sharp enough to cut through steel. "So, I saw no reason to."

His jaw tensed, but he tried to keep his voice steady.

"Wanda... are you deliberately trying to anger Father? Leaving the residence without informing anyone—"

Wanda turned her head sharply, her eyes burning.

"Please," she said, her voice cold. "You all worrying about me is a first. I’m already used to being ignored. Used to being convenient. Used to being nobody’s priority."

Her lips curved in a bitter smile. "So, at least once, Father can learn to give in to me."

Levi’s expression softened just a fraction, but she had already turned away. She took two steps, then paused and glanced over her shoulder.

"What time are we leaving for the Oatrun estate?"

Levi straightened. "We will be having lunch there. So maybe in 2 hours."

Wanda nodded once. "Thanks."

Without waiting for a reply, she turned and walked away, her heels echoing across the polished floors, each step full of quiet defiance.

---

A Few Hours Later, Levi and Vivian waited in the living area, both already dressed and prepared to leave.

Vivian smoothed the sleeve of her soft cream dress for the third time. Levi checked his watch for the fifteenth.

"She’s taking long," Vivian murmured.

Levi sighed. "It’s Wanda. She always takes long when she wants to make a point."

Before Vivian could respond, the sound of heels clicked sharply against the wooden floor.

Both turned immediately.

Wanda descended the last step with unhurried grace, wearing the striking red dress from earlier, the one that draped against her figure, hugged her waist with a slit, and made her hair, styled in loose waves, fall around her shoulders as if she had just stepped out of a magazine.

Levi’s brows rose before he could stop them. He had expected Wanda to freshen up, maybe wear a simple gown or her usual pants.

But this?

This was deliberate.

Vivian stared, momentarily stunned. She quickly masked it with a smile, but her eyes flickered with confusion.

Why would Wanda dress like that to visit Alpha Draven? It wasn’t a banquet or a formal gathering.

This wasn’t appropriate at all.

Wanda caught both of their reactions—the prolonged silence, Levi’s widened eyes, Vivian’s polite but strained expression.

Satisfaction warmed her chest. But outwardly? Her face remained perfectly neutral.

She stopped at the base of the staircase, lifted her chin a fraction, and said with absolute calm, "I’m ready."

Levi blinked, recovering first. "You... look very formal."

Wanda gave a small, elegant shrug, her tone almost bored. "It’s a visit of respect. One should dress accordingly."

Vivian forced a smile and nodded politely, though her thoughts were racing.

Meanwhile, Wanda simply walked past them, her perfume trailing faintly in the air, every step measured, confident, and wordlessly defiant.

"Shall we?" she said without turning back.

Levi exchanged a look with Vivian—a mix of resignation and unspoken concern, then followed his sister out.

Today was going to be... eventful.