Chapter 2

The banquet was held at the manor in the center of the territory.

When I appeared in a red evening gown, the previously noisy hall immediately fell silent.

Usually, only high-ranking female werewolves dared to wear red.

Various looks came my way from all around.

"Look, that wandering werewolf actually dared to show up."

"She probably thinks dressing like a queen can change her lowly bloodline."

"I heard the Alpha has already decided to confirm his mate bond with Sophia. This woman is just a joke."

These comments weren't deliberately lowered—we could all hear them clearly.

Lowly? If I released my power, every werewolf here would kneel and tremble from the bloodline pressure.

I straightened my back, picked up a glass of champagne, and pretended not to hear.

Because I didn't want to ruin this good show yet.

The hall doors opened again, and Lucian walked in.

He wore a black suit and looked very handsome—that was the Alpha's charm.

Sophia came in holding his arm.

She wore a pure white gown, her whole being seeming to glow.

Standing together, they looked like the perfect pair from the Moon Goddess's prophecy.

Sophia saw me.

She nestled into Lucian's arms, whispered something in his ear, and then they walked toward me together.

"Audrey," Sophia's voice was sweet, "Lucian said you've been following him for a long time, taking care of his daily needs. Now that I'm here, you can rest."

She told me she was the mistress of the house and also told me to leave.

I swirled the wine in my glass and smiled. "Ms. Brown, you're too kind. Taking care of Mr. Wolfe is my job. After all, Mr. Wolfe pays me very well."

Lucian's face darkened.

Actually, he wasn't always this terrible to me.

Once, his eyes were full of me.

Until three years ago, when I needed to raise a large amount of money to buy medicine to suppress my bloodline aura, I asked him to borrow money.

But at that time, my injuries hadn't healed, and I couldn't reveal my identity. I couldn't explain it to him.

He decided I only loved money and frequently brought different women home to punish me.

To survive, I could only endure the humiliation and play the role of someone who only cared about money.

"Audrey, watch what you say."

Sophia covered her mouth and laughed. "Audrey speaks so bluntly. I heard you're from the border rogue area? Do people there all care so much about money?"

"Maybe," I answered coolly. "After all, we people from the rogue area aren't like Ms. Brown, born with everything. To survive, we have to sell our souls for bread."

"But," my gaze fell on Lucian, "Mr. Wolfe should know very well that my services are completely worth the price, right?"

Lucian gritted his teeth, his eyes full of disgust.

He probably thought I was embarrassing him by discussing this kind of transaction in public.

"Enough." He interrupted coldly. "You can get lost."

"As you wish, Mr. Wolfe."

I cheerfully put down my glass and turned to leave.

Behind me came Sophia's coquettish voice: "Lucian, look at her, so rude."

"Don't bother with such a lowly wolf."

"She's just a tool who always wants more money."

A tool?

So, my five years of companionship, countless nights of waiting, in his eyes, I was just a tool.

For the sake of bloodline and reputation, he threw away a chance that could have elevated his family's status a hundredfold.

Lucian, you're such a fool.

Walking out of the manor, the cold wind hit my face.

I didn't cry.

My wolf spirit didn't howl either—it just proudly flicked its tail.

I returned to my place and started packing.

Actually, there wasn't much to pack.

All the furniture, decorations, and clothes in the closet in this villa were bought by Lucian.

Only the old backpack that had accompanied me through years of wandering belonged to me.

I put all the expensive jewelry Lucian had given me into a box.

I didn't want to take any of these things.

But then I thought, why should I leave them for him?

These were all my hard-earned possessions.

I earned them by putting up with his bad temper, his coldness, and enduring countless nights.

Why shouldn't I take them?

Not only would I take them, but I'd also convert them all into cash.

I contacted a friend who did business in the underground black market.

"Sell everything, as fast as possible. I don't care if the price is a bit low, I want cash."