Chapter 111 We Are Just Friends

Chapter 111 We Are Just Friends

Stephanie's POV

Isabelle's smile carried a warmth that made the air between us feel lighter. "Karon is a good kid," she said. "His grandfather was close friends with yours when they were alive. And he himself has been almost like a brother-in-arms to your father."

Amanda leaned forward, her eyes glinting with amusement. "And he cares about you more than you realize. On your graduation day, he stood in front of everyone, shielding you as if nothing else in the world mattered."

Heat rose to my cheeks. "We're just friends."

"Friends?" Frederick arched a brow. "Friends give you a Moon Goddess insignia? Friends send a helicopter to bring a witch for your blessing?"

My mouth opened, but no words came out.

"Enough," Amanda laughed, breaking the tension. "Let's not tease her. Young people should be allowed to figure things out for themselves." She turned to me, her gaze softening with an affection that felt unconditional. "Still, Stephanie… I want you to know something. Karon is someone worth serious consideration."

I lowered my gaze and focused on cutting into my steak, letting the silence speak for me. Inside, my thoughts tangled into a restless knot.

After dinner, Amanda suggested a walk through the estate. I followed her out of the villa, the crunch of gravel under our shoes marking each step. The place was vast, the kind of expanse that made you feel small in the best possible way.

It took nearly fifteen minutes before we reached the rear gardens. A private golf course stretched out under the fading light, and beyond it, an artificial lake shimmered with the reflection of the sinking sun. The water rippled gently, catching streaks of gold and copper.

"It's beautiful here," I said, meaning it.

"Do you like it?" Amanda asked. "You can come here anytime."

"Mm-hm."

We sat on a bench by the lake. Amanda took my hand and patted it lightly, her touch grounding me.

"Stephanie," she said suddenly, "you've changed."

My heart gave a sharp, startled kick. "What?"

"You've changed for the better." Her smile was warm but knowing. "You used to orbit around Bennett, as if he were the center of your world. Now… you're finally living for yourself."

Relief loosened my chest. "Yeah. I was stupid before."

"Not stupid—just too deep in it," Amanda replied. "The important thing is, you're clear-headed now." She hesitated, then added, "You know, Frederick almost went to the Lightwood Pack to settle the score over that."

I blinked. "Seriously?"

"Of course." Amanda's laugh was tinged with pride. "Frederick is fiercely protective. If I hadn't stopped him, he would've marched in there with half the pack."

The image made me laugh despite myself. "Grandfather's good to me."

"That's why," Amanda said, "you need to take care of yourself. We all want you to be happy."

"I will," I promised.

She nodded, satisfied. We talked a little longer as the sky deepened into shades of indigo. Eventually, Amanda checked the time. "We should head back. Tonight, I'm taking you to see your gift."

A gift? Another one?

Puzzled, I followed her back to the villa. In the living room, Frederick and Isabelle were engaged in quiet conversation. Frederick stood when he saw us.

"Rested enough?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Then let's go," he said. "Amanda has a surprise for you."

My curiosity sharpened. "Now? I thought you said tonight."

"We'll set out now so that by the time we arrive, it'll be nightfall," Amanda explained. "And the view is best when the city lights come on."

I nodded and walked with them toward the door. Halfway there, Frederick glanced at Isabelle. "By the way, tonight I'm taking Stephanie to meet a few people."

"Who?" Isabelle asked.

"Old friends," Frederick said. "It'll help with what she needs to do tomorrow."

Recognition flickered in Isabelle's eyes. "I see."

Meet a few people? Something important tomorrow? My mind struggled to piece it together.

"Don't worry," Amanda said, reading my expression. "It's all good." She led me upstairs. "First, you need to change."

"Change into what?"

"You'll see." She pushed open the door to a guest bedroom.

On the bed lay a tailored outfit—black, with a distinct knightly cut. The lines were sharp, the fabric rich. Beside it, a pair of knee-high boots gleamed under the light.

"This is…"

"I had it made for you," Amanda said. "Try it on."

I took the outfit into the dressing room. When I emerged, the mirror reflected a woman who looked like she could command an army. The suit hugged my shape without being restrictive, the boots lengthening my legs. The whole look radiated confidence and a hint of danger.

Amanda's eyes lit up instantly. "Perfect! I knew you'd look incredible in this."

Isabelle came over, pride shining in her gaze. "My daughter is becoming more and more remarkable."

I felt a flush of embarrassment. "Isn't this a bit too much?"

"Not at all," Frederick said from the doorway. He stepped inside, giving me an approving once-over. "Excellent. Wear this tonight."

"Where are we going?" I asked.

His smile turned secretive. "You'll see."

We headed downstairs and into a long, sleek Rolls-Royce. The car rolled out of the estate, the scenery shifting from quiet outskirts to the pulse of the commercial district. Lights blurred past the windows, the hum of the city growing louder. My curiosity pressed harder with each passing block.

About thirty minutes later, we stopped in front of a high-rise on the edge of the sea. Its deep-blue glass façade caught the last of the sun, reflecting it in molten gold.

"We're here," Amanda said.

I followed them out of the car. At the entrance, a uniformed guard opened the door with a respectful nod. The lobby inside was a statement of opulence—polished marble floors, crystal chandeliers dripping light, and art pieces that seemed to watch you as you passed.

"What is this place?" I asked, my voice low, the question hanging in the cool air.