Chapter 27: Acting
Chapter 27: Acting-
(Olivia’s POV)
How could there be such a wonderful Alpha in this world? I don’t have any unreasonable thoughts, I just purely think he is a particularly good Alpha. Cassius Shadowcrest had shown me kindness that I hadn’t
experienced in years.
The moonstone bracelet now rested safely on my wrist, its familiar weight comforting. Every time I glanced at it, I remembered not just my mother, but also Cassius’s unexpected generosity.
“Stop smiling at your bracelet,” I scolded myself, though my wolf seemed to purr with contentment beneath my skin.
I needed to focus on planning our dinner. An Alpha of Cassius Shadowcrest’s caliber would be accustomed to the finest establishments in the Northern Territory. The restaurant needed to be exceptional–private enough for a meaningful conversation, yet prestigious enough to show proper respect.
My fingers hovered over my phone. There was only one person who could help me with this.
I texted Lily: “Need restaurant recommendation for important thank–you dinner Must be impressive.”
Her response came almost immediately: “Who’s the VIP?”
I hesitated before typing: “Cassius Shadowcrest.”
Three dots appeared, disappeared, then reappeared. Finally: “WHAT?! Call me NOW!”
I sighed and dialed her number.
“You’re having dinner with THE Cassius Shadowcrest?” Lily practically screamed when she answered. “The Alpha of the Shadowcrest Pack? The most eligible bachelor in the Northern Territory?”
“It’s just a thank–you dinner,” I explained, my cheeks warming despite myself. “He helped me get my mother’s bracelet back at the auction.”
“By outbidding everyone with three hundred million dollars! Livvy, that’s not just ‘helping‘–that’s grand gesture territory!”
My wolf preened at her words, but I quickly tamped down the feeling. “I need to thank him properly and discuss repayment. That’s all.”
Lily snorted. “Sure, that’s all. Well, if you want to impress an Alpha like Shadowcrest, there’s only one place- the top VIP room at Imperial Moon. My family just renovated it last month.”
“Isn’t that incredibly expensive?” I asked, though I already knew the answer.
“For the Shadowcrest Alpha? Absolutely. But it’s the most private setting for high–ranking wolves, and the food is exceptional. I’ll arrange everything personally.”
I didn’t hesitate. “Book it. I’ll pay whatever it costs.”
After finalizing the details with Lily, I texted Cassius using the private number he’d given me: “Dinner reservation at Imperial Moon Restaurant, 7 PM tomorrow. Private VIP room. Thank you again for your
Chapter 27: Acting
generosity.*
His reply was simple: “Okay”
Just that one word sent a flutter through my chest. My wolf was practically dancing beneath my skin, eager
and excited for reasons I wasn’t ready to examine.
The good mood carried me through the rest of the day and into the next morning. I arrived at the Storm Trading Company early, determined to clear my schedule for the evening.
I was reviewing quarterly reports when a familiar scent hit me–bitter herbs and expensive perfume trying to mask underlying aggression. Gloria Ellis. My stepmother’s scent filled the hallway outside my office before she even appeared.
The door flew open without a knock. Gloria stormed in, her eyes already flashing with rage.
“You think you’re so clever, don’t you?” she snarled, slamming her hands on my desk.
I kept my expression neutral. “Good morning to you too, Gloria. What brings you to my office?”
“Don’t play innocent! Everyone’s talking about you and Cassius Shadowcrest. You think an Alpha like Shadowcrest would actually be interested in a pathetic she–wolf like you? He’s just playing with you.”
My wolf bristled at the insult, but I maintained my composure. “I don’t recall discussing my personal life with
you.”
“You’re embarrassing our pack with your pathetic social climbing! First Graham, now Shadowcrest? At least Bella was honest about her intentions with Graham.”
That was the breaking point. My eyes narrowed as I stood slowly.
“Honest? Is that what we’re calling it now? Bella deliberately pursued my mate–to–be, manipulated him with her illness, and wore my handcrafted ceremonial gown to humiliate me. At least I’m not stealing another
wolf’s mate.”
Gloria’s face contorted with fury. “How dare you speak about my daughter that way! Bella is dying!”
“And that gives her the right to take whatever she wants? Including my mate?” I added with a cold smile. Gloria’s control slipped. Her wolf surged forward, causing her features to partially shift–her eyes glowing, canines lengthening. She grabbed the stapler from my desk and hurled it at my head.
I ducked, but not quickly enough. The metal edge grazed my arm, tearing through my silk blouse and drawing
blood.
“You’ve lost your mind,” I said, reaching for my phone. “I’m calling the Territory Enforcers.”
Gloria lunged across the desk, knocking papers to the floor. “You think they’ll take your side? You’re nothing! Ambrose is in custody because of you!”
“What are you talking about?” I asked, genuinely confused.
“Officer Caleb Hunter arrested him yesterday for public indecency with that w***e Vanessa Moore! And it’s all your fault–you and your friend Lily have been following him, gathering evidence!”
I hadn’t known about Ambrose’s arrest, but I wasn’t surprised. My father’s indiscretions were becoming increasingly public.
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Chapter 27 Acting
Before I could respond, Gloria struck me across the face, her claws partially extended. Pain bloomed along my cheek as blood trickled down.
“This is your fault!” she screamed, her voice breaking. “Bella is dying because of you! My daughter is dying, and all you care about is your precious bracelet and your new Alpha!”
She lunged again, but this time I was ready. I stepped aside, causing her to stumble against the desk.
“Gloria, stop this now. You’re not thinking clearly.”
“My daughter is dying!” she repeated, tears streaming down her face. “Do you understand? My beautiful Bella is dying, and there’s nothing I can do!”
Her maternal rage made her even more dangerous. She grabbed a crystal paperweight and hurled it at me, missing by inches as it shattered against the wall.
The commotion had attracted attention. Blair burst through the door with several Beta wolves from company
security.
“Olivia!” Blair gasped, taking in my bleeding face and arm. “What happened?”
Gloria tried to lunge at me again, but two security Betas restrained her. Her wolf was dangerously close to fully emerging, her eyes glowing with uncontrolled rage.
“Call the pack healer,” I told Blair, pressing a tissue to my bleeding cheek. “And the Territory Enforcers are already on their way.”
Blair nodded, her phone already in hand. The security team maintained their hold on Gloria, who was still struggling and snarling threats.
Within minutes, Officer Caleb Hunter arrived with two other Enforcers. Their authoritative presence immediately changed the atmosphere in the room.
“What’s happening here?” Officer Hunter demanded, his gaze taking in my injuries and Gloria’s restrained
form.
“She attacked me,” I said simply. “Unprovoked, in my own office.”
Gloria’s demeanor shifted instantly. Her wolf receded as she adopted a more calculated approach.
“That’s not true,” she said, her voice suddenly controlled. “I was disciplining an insubordinate pack member. As Ambrose’s mate, I have that right.”
Blair stepped forward. “That’s a lie. Gloria has been mistreating Livvy since her mother died. They’re not even in the same pack anymore–Olivia left the Oasis Pack years ago.”
Officer Hunter looked between us. “Is there any evidence of the attack?”
I pointed to the ceiling. “Office surveillance cameras. The entire incident is recorded.”
Gloria’s face paled. She hadn’t considered the cameras.
“She set me up,” Gloria hissed, changing tactics again. “She provoked me deliberately, knowing I would react!”
I saw my opportunity and took it. Lowering my eyes, I let my shoulders slump slightly, the perfect picture of
submission.
“I’ve never once raised a claw against my stepmother,” I said softly, allowing my voice to whine pitifully.
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< Chapter 27 Acting
“Despite years of mistreatment, I’ve always respected pack hierarchy.”
Gloria lunged toward me again, but the Enforcers held her firmly. “You manipulative little-”
“Please,” I interrupted, my voice trembling perfectly. “I just want this to stop. I’ve endured so much already.”
Officer Hunter’s expression softened slightly as he looked at me, then hardened as he turned to Gloria. “Luna, you’re coming with us to the Enforcement Station for questioning.”
As they led Gloria away, still struggling and hurling threats, I caught Blair’s surprised glance. She’d never seen me play the victim before.
I dabbed at my bleeding cheek, wincing genuinely at the pain. But beneath the discomfort, I felt a strange sense of satisfaction.
I finally understand the pleasure Bella takes in acting like a helpless pup. As long as you act weak, whimper pathetically, and pretend to be wronged, you can easily manipulate everyone. No wonder Graham is completely controlled by her.
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