Chapter 28
Olivia’s POV
The next morning. I turned on my phone and saw a text message from Hannah.
It had a link to some news article.
Still groggy, I rubbed my temples as I clicked to read it.
Turned out my dance with Zander last night was posted online.
Zander was not only the Alpha of the Blackthorn Pack but also the future. CEO of the Wells Group in San Francisco.
Yes, his dad was still running the show for now, but it didn’t stop Zander from being influential in San Francisco and even Los Angeles.
In the eyes of others, he was a handsome and wealthy man born with a silver spoon.
And I was just Marsh’s cast–off–an unrecognized Mrs. Walton.
In the eyes of netizens, I was Zander’s new girlfriend.
Not only did the video of me dancing with Zander spread online, but photos of me hitching a ride in his car after my car broke down also circulated.
The headlines from those gossip media outlets became increasingly absurd, with sensational titles like “Fiery Romance” and “Unbreakable Bond.”
I let out a little laugh and tossed my phone onto the bed before heading to the bathroom to freshen up.
Those gossips were boring.
People online didn’t know the true identities of Zander and me. And I believed that other werewolves in other packs wouldn’t take these gossip stories seriously.
So, I wasn’t stressing about it at all. I even stopped by for breakfast on my way to work.
I didn’t have any meetings this morning, but there was still plenty on my plate. I spent most of the morning buried under piles of paperwork.
By the time I looked up to check the clock, it was already lunchtime.
Wendy knocked and came in asking, “Ms. Johnson, what would you like to have for lunch?”
I paused mid–scribble and looked up at her with a smile. “What do you
want to eat? Just pack one for me when you’re buying your own lunch ”
字串
The Red Moon Pack was the largest pack in San Francisco.
My father was not only its Alpha, but he also owned a massive business conglomerate with branches spread across the United States.
Although the Red Moon Pack was loaded, my parents kept my identity under wraps because they worried someone might try something shady against me.
My school years weren’t anything special compared to other werewolves. I didn’t go to some exclusive Alpha–only school, instead, I went through regular schooling like most werewolves did.
In life, I was easygoing. I didn’t have specific preferences when it came to food. I could enjoy a meal at a five–star restaurant just as casily as I could savor a dish at a street–side eatery.
As long as it tasted good, it was enough for me.
“Alright then.”
As soon as Wendy left, I received a call from Dad.
“Olivia, have you had lunch?”
I leaned back in my chair and put down my pen. “I just asked Wendy to buy me some food. Dad, what about you?”
“I’ve had it.”
Dad cleared his throat before continuing, “Well, Olivia, are you dating. Zander, the Alpha of the Blackthom Pack?”
I was amused by his words. “Dad, what are you talking about? I haven’t officially rejected Marsh yet!”
“What does it matter? Once you do it, you’ll be free. Your mating bond is almost broken, and you just need one little ceremony to seal it off. You can be with whoever you love. But I don’t think Zander is the right choice. I’ve seen too much tabloid news about him. Don’t be fooled by his looks.”
“I got it, Dad.”
After hanging up, I couldn’t help but pick up my phone and log on to Twitter again.
The trending topics had changed. I searched for keywords related to me and Zander, and there were only a few accounts still buzzing about it.
47
At five o’clock in the afternoon, Wendy knocked on my office door and walked in, saying, “Ms. Johnson, I checked your schedule. You’ve got a business dinner tonight.”
“I know.” I nodded back at her.
Then, I glanced at her, signed the document in my hand, and handed it to her. “Isn’t that bid proposal ready yet?”
“No.”
I frowned. “Go and remind them. I want that proposal on my desk before we get off work tomorrow.”
That piece of land was important, and I didn’t want any mishaps.
“Okay, Ms. Johnson.”
By 6 PM, I’d touched up my makeup and headed out with Wendy towards Sandlington Restaurant.
I had just gotten out of the car when I saw Marsh, who happened to be getting out of the car as well.
Well, what a coincidence.
I raised an eyebrow, carrying my bag as if I hadn’t seen him, and walked straight towards the restaurant entrance without missing a beat.
Suddenly, Beta Jeffrey sounded behind me.
“Alpha Marsh, it’s Luna, oh no, Ms. Johnson,” he said.
“I’m not blind,” came Marsh’s gritted reply right after that.
11
Then, I walked away, not interested in their conversation.
Tonight, I had dinner with those I couldn’t offend. Last time, I upset Morgan by collaborating with another company without asking for his permission. Thus, he told me to show up here when he himself should’ve been doing it instead.
I certainly knew that he did it on purpose to make things difficult for me
But I couldn’t back down.
As soon as I arrived, I accepted three challenges. I took three shots of strong liquor in a row, and the burning sensation was quite unpleasant.
Throughout the night, I drank a lot of alcohol, but my tolerance held up well.
The year I graduated from high school, I secretly took a few bottles of rare Bourbon from Dad’s wine cellar and shared them with friends. Everyone got drunk after having one bottle, but I, despite feeling a bit dizzy, stayed surprisingly sober.
