Chapter 9: Awakening and Awakening–2


    Sophie added with false sweetness, “Women like her, once theytch onto a wealthy heir like Ethan, would never let go easily.”


    Hearing these words, a cold, mocking smile touched my lips. What I had sensed in Sophie’s eyes at that birthday party–the veiled contempt–was no illusion. Her friendliness was just a mask. Deep down, she looked down on me no different from the rest.


    The conversation in the video continued, ruthless and unfiltered.


    “Cassandra, don’t worry. We’re all on your side.”


    “Yes, none of us like that Olivia. She should know her ce instead of forcing herself into our


    circle.”


    “Probably read too many romance novels, dreaming of marrying into wealth. Pathetic really- doesn’t she know to us, she’s just an outsider pretending to belong?”


    “Exactly. She’s not one of us. Ethan was just ying with her. Now that you’re back, Cassie, it’s


    time for her to get lost.”


    My heart remained utterly calm as I watched. Cassandra’s intentions were clear: send this video not only to dere her victory but to humiliate me, force me to see reality and give up on


    Ethan.


    Yet, contrary <i>to </i>what Cassandra might have imagined–me crying and packing to slink away in shame–those words bounced harmlessly off my growing indifference. The drunken love talk from Ethan <i>to </i>Cassandra only disgusted me now.


    I exited the video without hesitation, my fingers quickly typing a reply: “I truly am not from


    your circle.”


    Seeing this, Cassandra–clearly using Ethan’s phone–smirked and responded, “At least you


    have some self–awareness.”


    I sneered inwardly at her ignorance. The Grey pack’s so–called ‘empire‘ wasn’t even close to matching just one minor territory of my father’s Winters pack. Their yearly profits were mere scrapspared to a casual investment by my father, Richard Winters.


    The Winters family, four generations of powerful Alphas, were now among the territory’s top ten powerful packs. The ‘Winters‘ in my name was the same ‘Winters‘ that would make those


    arrogant people’s jaws drop if they ever found out.


    < Chapter 9 Awakening and A


    And so, this small interlude didn’t disturb my peace at all.


    <b>+25 </b>Puntos >


    Enjoying my rare day of rest, I loungedfortably on the plush sofa, browsing luxury brands‘


    websites on my tablet. It was time to select my engagement dress, and I approached the task


    with careful deliberation.


    After hours of searching, I narrowed it down to three stunning gowns but found myself torn


    between them.


    The first was a new–style ceremonial dress in champagne with blush embroidery and


    sparkling crystal ents. Delicate pearl chains draped from the cor over the shoulders,


    creating a youthful and dazzling effect.


    The second was a moon–white strapless fishtail gown with rose appliqué across the bodice. It


    exuded an elegant maturity that appealed to my more sophisticated side.


    The third option was a soft off–shoulder milk–white tulle dress sprinkled with rose–pink petals.


    It had a dreamy, romantic quality that made me think of fairy tales.


    Unable to decide, I posted all three photos to my social media with a caption: “Choice


    paralysis again–help me pick the best one?”


    Within minutes, likes andments flooded in. Connor left a gentle message that made me


    smile: “They’re all beautiful. Just get all three and change as you like.”


    My childhood friend Reba Frost teased, “Wow, Liv’s taste is perfect! Anyway, let Connor buy


    them all, he won’t mind the expense.”


    Another close friend, Lily,mented enthusiastically, “Buy buy buy! Our Olivia looks good in


    everything!”


    My assistant Emma Thompson chimed in excitedly, “Wow wow wow! Is something happening? Liv, are <i>you </i>getting engaged?”


    Their warmth and genuine excitement wrapped around me like aforting nket. But


    amidst these positive responses, a fewments stood out sharply.


    Sophie left only an awkward string of ellipses, clearly displeased by my post.


    Lucas Bet, one of Ethan’s friends, mocked, “Liv, you sure dare to dream? So funny.”


    A colleague from thew center sourly added, “These are all top designer gowns. Before showing off, maybe check the price tag… you couldn’t even afford the essories, let alone


    the dress.”


    Another sneered, “So rich, living the dream I never will.”


    <Chapter 9 Awakening and A


    Even Ethanmented tersely with just a question mark<i>: </i><i>“</i>?”


    Their thinly veiled hostility only amused me now. If only they knew who they were really


    talking to–the daughter of Alpha Richard Winters, heir to one of the territory’s most powerful


    packs and fortunes.


    Just then a private message popped up from Ethan: “Delete your post!”


    “No,” I replied simply.


    He pressed, his frustration evident even through text. “Trying to force me to marry you publicly? Did you not hear a word of what I told you before?”


    I replied with deliberate indifference: “Oh.”


    Annoyed, he warned, “Olivia, enough is enough.”


    But I no longer bothered to respond. His threats and demands meant nothing to me now. In nine days, I would be free of this ce, free of him, and ready to start my new life.


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