chapter 77
Hanna's POV:
The crystal champagne glass felt cold against my fingers as I watched Elizabeth Grayson communicating with Tori.
My jaw clenched involuntarily.
Why did Tori always manage to charm everyone so effortlessly? First Lucas, then little Leo, and now Elizabeth herself. What made her so special?
"Hannah, darling, you seem tense," Alexander whispered beside me, his hand finding the small of my back.
I forced a smile. "Just worried about being on my feet too long in my condition," I lied, placing a protective hand over my pregnancy.
His eyes softened immediately. "Perhaps we should find you a seat."
"In a moment," I murmured, my attention fixed on Elizabeth as she gestured animatedly while speaking to Tori.
The way Elizabeth looked at her—with such genuine interest and warmth—made my stomach turn. She was clearly taken with Tori.
Just thinking about Tori—Ethan's ex-girlfriend—boldly parading around at this event made my blood boil.
I couldn't fathom what tricks she'd used to secure an invitation.
Whatever her methods, I wouldn't allow her to destroy what Fiona had built with Ethan. More importantly, I couldn't let Tori infiltrate these elite circles.
If she got too close to the right people, certain secrets would become impossible to keep buried.
When Elizabeth finally moved on to other guests, I excused myself from Alexander's side.
I pulled out my phone and dialed Tori's number, intending to summon her for some fabricated emergency—anything to get her away from the Graysons.
The call quickly cut off. She'd hung up on me! Fuming, I tried again only to be sent straight to voicemail. That ungrateful girl had silenced her phone.
My mind raced as I scanned the crowded room. I needed to act quickly.
My gaze landed on Garrett Woods, a middle-aged Alpha businessman who'd been watching Tori from across the room with poorly disguised interest.
He was known for his taste in young Omegas, offering them "protection" and opportunities in exchange for their companionship. His shipping business gave him considerable influence in certain circles.
Perfect.
I approached him with calculated casualness, two fresh champagne flutes in hand.
"Hannah Price," he greeted me, accepting the offered drink. "Lovely party."
"Indeed," I replied, standing close enough that no one else could hear. "I noticed you watching my daughter."
His expression shifted, becoming guarded. "I wasn't aware—"
"Oh, don't apologize," I cut in, my voice honeyed with false warmth.
"Tori is quite striking, isn't she? " I took a sip of champagne before continuing.
Garrett's eyebrows rose with interest. "Her beauty is quite rare among Omegas."
"She's looking for protection, you know," I whispered, leaning closer. "A strong male to help her regain her footing. She'd never admit it, of course—too proud. But an Omega in her position..." I let the implication hang between us.
His eyes darkened with predatory interest. "Is that so?"
"She is very interested in you," I added. "Always talking about how she wishes she could meet you."
Garrett straightened his tie, his chest puffing slightly. "Perhaps I could speak with her."
"What a wonderful idea," I said, spotting Tori wandering toward the crystal display. "She's right over there. "
I touched his arm conspiratorially. "Let me introduce you."
Moving quickly through the crowd, I intercepted Tori before she could disappear again. Her body tensed as I approached, those silver eyes—so like her father's—narrowing with suspicion.
"Tori, darling," I said loudly enough for her to hear. "There's someone you simply must meet."
"I was just heading to find Morgan," she replied coolly.
"This will only take a moment," I insisted, gripping her elbow firmly and steering her toward a quiet terrace away from the main ballroom.
I felt her initial resistance, but she quickly relented, clearly unwilling to cause a scene by pulling away from a pregnant woman.
Her eyes flickered briefly to my midsection before she allowed herself to be led away.
That subtle glance confirmed what I already knew—Tori wouldn't risk appearing to manhandle an expecting mother, especially not in such a public setting.
The cool night air carried the scent of moonflowers and forest pine as I guided her to where Garrett waited.
"Tori, this is Garrett Woods. He owns Woods Shipping—the largest independent shipping company in the Northeast. Mr. Woods, my daughter Tori."
Garrett's smile didn't reach his eyes as he took Tori's hand, holding it longer than necessary. "A pleasure to meet such a lovely young woman."
Tori withdrew her hand quickly, her posture stiffening. "
"Not interested. Can I leave now?" she said, her tone neutral but wary.
"Mr. Woods was just telling me about his interest in lunar phases and their effect on maritime shipping," I lied smoothly. "I mentioned your research and calculations, and he was fascinated."
"Is that so?" Tori's voice was flat, her eyes darting between us.
"Oh, I just remembered—I promised to bring Alexander a fresh champagne. Excuse me while you two chat."
I turned toward Garrett, giving him a meaningful look. "Don't let her slip away too quickly. She's quite shy about her talents."
As I walked back toward the ballroom, I heard Garrett's voice drop to a lower, more intimate tone. "Your mother tells me you've had a difficult time since returning to society..."
I didn't look back. Instead, I positioned myself near the terrace doors, close enough to intervene if absolutely necessary, but far enough away to maintain plausible deniability.
I sipped my champagne, a cold satisfaction spreading through me.
It would be quite entertaining to see everyone's reaction once they discovered Tori entangled with someone of Garrett's notorious reputation.