Chapter 9: Awakening and Awakening–2
Sophie added with false sweetness, “Women like her, once they latch 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 place instead of forcing herself into our
circle.”
“Probably read too many romance DaisyNovel, 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 playing 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 declare her victory but to humiliate me, force me to see reality and give up on
Ethan.
Yet, contrary to 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 to 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 scraps compared 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.
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< Chapter 9 Awakening and A
And so, this small interlude didn’t disturb my peace at all.
+25 Puntos >
Enjoying my rare day of rest, I lounged comfortably 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 accents. Delicate pearl chains draped from the collar 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 and comments 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 Rebecca Frost teased, “Wow, Liv’s taste is perfect! Anyway, let Connor buy
them all, he won’t mind the expense.”
Another close friend, Lily, commented 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 you getting engaged?”
Their warmth and genuine excitement wrapped around me like a comforting blanket. But
amidst these positive responses, a few comments stood out sharply.
Sophie left only an awkward string of ellipses, clearly displeased by my post.
Lucas Bennett, one of Ethan’s friends, mocked, “Liv, you sure dare to dream? So funny.”
A colleague from the law center sourly added, “These are all top designer gowns. Before showing off, maybe check the price tag… you couldn’t even afford the accessories, let alone
the dress.”
Another sneered, “So rich, living the dream I never will.”
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Even Ethan commented tersely with just a question mark: “?”
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 place, free of him, and ready to start my new life.
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