Chapter 5
Clarisse turned and went back to the guest room, slamming the door heavily behind her.
That night, for the first time, Leopold didn’t come to find her.
Clarisse lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.
Of course. His first love was back, why would he still care about her?
The next day, Clarisse deliberately slept in until noon, hoping to avoid him.
But when she opened the door, she was shocked to find that he was still home.
Leopold was sitting on the sofa, gold–rimmed glasses perched on his high–bridged nose, flipping through a finance magazine.
“You’re up?” he asked without looking up.
“You’re not going to the pack office?”
“It’s the weekend.”
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Clarisse gave a flat “Oh,” grabbed a few desserts from the fridge, and turned to head back to her room.
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But then Leopold suddenly spoke. “You get changed now. You’re coming with me to a gathering.”
Clarisse was about to reject, but on second thought, being out with him was better than being stuck alone with him in the house. At least she could get some air.
So she changed and went along.
Only when they arrived did Clarisse realize, it was Grace’s welcome–back party.
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She turned to leave immediately, but Grace quickly stepped forward and linked arms with her, all smiles. “Clarisse, I’m so glad you came! Don’t stay mad at Uncle Vexley. He was so worried when you left that he didn’t eat for an entire day.”
Clarisse sneered. “So you do know he’s only your ‘Uncle Vexley‘? Then whether I run away from home or argue with him–what does that have to do with you? You’re way too nosy.”
She flung Grace’s arm off and walked into the private room. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Grace’s teary–eyed expression as she looked pitifully at Leopold.
Leopold’s gaze darkened as he glanced toward Clarisse, his eyes full of warning.
Then he gently ruffled Grace’s hair and said something that made her smile again‘ through her tears.
Clarisse’s heart stung. She lowered her head and downed a full glass of champagne in one gulp.
The private room was buzzing with voices, laughter, and clinking glasses.
Clarisse sat in the corner watching Leopold. He was surrounded by people. His every move seemingly casual, yet his eyes never left Grace.
When Grace reached for a drink, he beat her to it and twisted the cap open.
When the hem of her dress got stained with a splash of wine, he immediately handed her a handkerchief.
Even when she coughed softly, he discreetly adjusted the air conditioning to make the room warmer.
He had never done a single one of all these thoughtful, gentle gestures for Clarisse.
She numbly drank another glass, her heart feeling like it was being slowly carved out with a dull knife, each slice deeper than the last.
In the year they’d been entangled, she and Leopold had done nothing but sleep together. Even during their most intense moments, she had never seen a single trace of emotion of losing control on his face.
Chapter 5
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“It’s landed on Alpha Leopold!” someone suddenly shouted. “It’s time for your punishment!”
Laughter erupted as someone handed him a tablet. “Everyone says Alpha Leopold is the most ascetic Alpha in the circle. We’ll go easy on you. Just play a simple game, ‘Pick One.‘ Choose the person who moves you the most as fast as you can.”
The first round flashed up: a popular actress versus Grace.
Leopold glanced briefly, then replied without hesitation, “Grace.”
The room burst into cheers and teasing.
Grace blushed, lowering her head, but couldn’t hide the smile tugging at her lips.
Clarisse’s nails dug into her palm.
Photo after photo appeared, but Leopold chose Grace each and every time, without even blinking.
Clarisse couldn’t take it anymore. She got up and walked toward the restroom.
She had only taken a few steps when louder cheer yet erupted behind her.
She turned around, just in time to see the tablet screen displaying a new round: her and Grace.
“Whoa!” The crowd buzzed with excitement. “Now this is getting interesting! Clarisse is the most beautiful woman in high society, and those celebrities don’t even compare! If Alpha Leopold still picks Grace, that’ll really say something.”
Every eye in the room turned to Leopold.
But Leopold, unusually, remained silent.
He’ll pick you for sure,” her wolf said firmly.
Clarisse stood frozen, heart pounding wildly in her chest.
Three seconds later, she heard Leopold’s low voice, “Grace.”
Chapter 5
