Chapter 91
Aria’s POV
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This year’s Medical Summit was probably the most high–profile event of the decade.
The city center had been blocked off since early morning to ensure the Alphas could arrive at the packhouse smoothly. Giant screens on skyscrapers were looping the summit’s promo video. Crowds lined both sides of the road, all just hoping to catch a glimpse of the noble guests from faraway packs.
Everyone in the world thought Grayson was officially making his move into the medical industry.
I even saw a few expert interviews analyzing the strategic business motives behind it.
But only a handful of people knew the truth.
All this madness… was for me alone.
Grayson didn’t want any medical breakthrough.
He just wanted to cure me.
When I woke up this morning, Grayson had already left. Today was bound to be a hectic day for him–meetings with gods–know–how–many
Alphas–so I was left behind with Nora to escort me.
And just as promised, Delilah had delivered the dress she picked for me.
It was a beautiful rose–pink dress, expertly tailored and made from the finest material. Perfect for an event that was both formal and
glamorous.
After changing into it, I did a quick spin in front of the mirror and turned to Nora.
“What do you think?” I asked.
“I–It’s… It’s great,” she said, hesitating.
“You mean it washes me out.”
“No! Of course not! It’s a lovely dress and… and it really does look good on you.”
I sighed.
Nora was trying so hard to sound sincere, but nothing could change the fact-
I looked absolutely drained, especially under such a flattering dress.
I didn’t tell anyone about this.
But the moment I got out of bed this morning, I fainted. It wasn’t until half an hour later that I finally woke up and dragged myself back up.
It felt like there was a pump inside me, constantly draining every last drop of energy from my body.
Hell if Grayson found out about this, he’d lose his mind. And the last thing he needed right now was more stress.
“More foundation,” I sighed, waving the makeup artist over. “Time for a miracle makeover.”
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The makeup artist and her assistants swooped in. Together, they worked on me for two straight hours. When they were finally done, I at least looked somewhat alive again.
“Okay, that’s good enough. Let’s go,” I said after one final look in the mirror.
I was headed to tonight’s gala. The official opening event of the Medical Summit.
The traffic on the way was still terrible. Roadblocks, jams, detours–you name it. Luckily, I had two police escorts clearing the way in front and behind, and every time an officer saw my license plate, they immediately waved us through.
So I made it there smoothly.
But the moment my car door opened and I stepped onto the red carpet, the flash of cameras almost blinded me.
I wasn’t even with Grayson this time, and yet the press still went wild shouting my name, snapping photos nonstop.
No doubt. I was headline news all on my own now.
“Miss Collins, look this way please!” they shouted.
“Miss Collins! Is it true you hosted the Lunas yesterday? Does this mean Alpha Grayson has officially acknowledged you as his long term partner?”
“Miss Collins, is there a wedding coming up soon?”
l ignored all the noise and walked straight into the venue.
The gala hadn’t officially begun yet. Early guests had gathered in little circles, chatting and exchanging pleasantries.
The moment I stepped into the room, almost everyone turned to look at me.
I remember only Grayson used to have that kind of effect.
“Still terrifying,” I muttered.
“If you hate this kind of attention, there’s always a way to handle it,” Nora said with a soft laugh.
“Really? I thought I was expected to socialize.”
“Not at all. Alpha said you can do whatever you want. If someone’s bothering you, just tell the guards to throw them out. No one’s going to say a word.”
She waved over the bodyguards, who immediately positioned themselves around me like a protective circle. A few people who had been eyeing me to come over and chat saw this and quietly backed off.
I finally let out a breath and took a sip of champagne.
Then, I spotted a few Lunas.
They were from yesterday’s tea party. Cabrina, the chatty one, was waving at me excitedly right now.
“Lady Aria, should we let them through?” one of the guards asked.
I nodded, and they opened a gap in the formation to let the tunas in.
“Oh my goodness, you look absolutely stunning tonight, darling,” Cabrina gushed. The others quickly chimed in with compliments.
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I gave them a polite smile. “Thank you. Did you all sleep well after yesterday?”
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“Absolutely. We’re really looking forward to the summit,” Cabrina said, a little too eagerly. “So… after the opening, do you think we’ll get a chance to speak with Alpha Grayson? Would you mind making an introduction?”
1 frowned slightly.
But before I could answer, another voice cut in from nearby:
“I’d be happy to introduce you, Luna Cabrina.”
Isla.
She had clearly gone all out tonight. That silver–blue gown hugged her body perfectly. As she walked through the crowd toward us, I noticed plenty of men turning to admire her.
She knew exactly how to grab attention–especially from men.
I smirked and looked at Cabrina. “Isla says she can make the introduction. So–are you choosing me, or her?”
Time to see how loyal this little tea party group really was.
Cabrina hesitated for a very short second before replying confidently, “Of course you, Lady Aria. You’re Alpha Grayson’s girlfriend. His closest
person. Why would I go to anyone else?”
Another Luna immediately added with a snide tone, “We only hang out with Grayson’s official partner. There are some desperate women out
there claiming to be his friend, but let’s be honest–they’re just crazy stalkers. Alpha Grayson doesn’t even spare them a glance.”
“Yeah, no shame at all,” someone else scoffed.
Isla’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Her smile stayed perfect, but her clenched knuckles gripping her clutch were turning white. That gave her away.
“Looks like you did make some friends yesterday,” she said with a flawless smile.
“Of course,” I gave her a fake smile back. “All the Lunas ended up at my tea party, and we had a wonderful time. Even if it’s not what you were hoping for.”
“Oh god Aria, what are you talking about? Of course I want you to be friends with everyone,” she said sweetly, glancing at the guards blocking her path. “Mind letting me through? It’s hard to talk from here.”
“I don’t think so. Why don’t you go chat with someone who does want to talk to you?” I said coolly.
Her smile finally vanished.
She shot me a cold look, then turned and walked away.
I took a big sip of champagne.
Well, that felt good.
“That woman has no shame,” Cabrina scoffed. “Total mistress energy–sly and conniving. You’re smart to stay away from her.”
gave her a smile. “Thanks, ladies. And I’ll see if I can arrange a quick chat with Alpha Grayson after the gala.”
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Their faces lit up instantly.
then I excused myself and wandered into a side lounge to take a break. That tiny victory put me in a good mood, and I wasn’t in the mood to deal with more small talk.
Just as i was walking into the lounge, someone suddenly bumped into me hard.
“AHHHI”
We gasped in unison.
The bodyguards rushed in, shielding me. “Lady Aria, are you alright?”
I steadied myself with Nova’s help and nodded. “I’m fine.”
“You damn idiots! How could you let a stranger get close to Lady Aria? Throw him out!” Nova snapped.
“Yes miss Nova!”
That’s when I got a good look at the person who’d bumped into me.
It’s young man, clearly nervous, overwhelmed… maybe even a little scared.
Somehow he reminded me of myself when I first stumbled into this scary high–society world.
“N–No, please. I’m not a bad person,” he cried as the guards grabbed him. “It was just an accident…”
“No, it’s okay. He’s obviously harmless.” I waved the guards off and gave him a smile. “Are you here for the summit?”
The young man quickly adjusted his clearly cheap suit and smiled back gratefully. “Yes, my name is Malik, from White River Pack. You have no
idea how honored I am to be here.”
My heart skipped a beat.
…White River Pack?!
So they did send someone. Then what about their Alpha? Is Ke coming?
I was about to ask when Malik spoke again. “I don’t mean to offend you, but… are you ill, Miss? I just graduated from the top medical academy in White River. If you’d let me, I could take a look.”
Nova snapped, “You wish! There’s no way I’m letting a total stranger anywhere near-”
“It’s fine.” I cut Nova off and waved the guards aside. “Come here.”
Malik cautiously stepped forward and placed his hand just beneath my throat–the spot healers use to assess a patient.
After a moment, his expression changed.
“How strange… very strange…” he muttered, confused. “You’ve been injured recently, right? Your wolf should be healing you—but she isn’t. It’s like… something’s binding her…”
“Maybe my wolf is just weak,” I shrugged,
“No way!” he said firmly. “Your wolf is incredibly strong–I can feel it. But now she’s acting so… suppressed. Has anyone ever performed a ritual or sealing on you when you were a child?”
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Rituals? Sealing? What the hell was he talking about?
“This guy’s full of crap.” Nova whispered in my ear. “There are probably tons of scammers sneaking into this summit. Let me have him removed.”
“No, wait. I actually… kinda want to hear what he-”
But before I could finish my sentence, a deafening wolf’s howl erupted through the venue.
Then came the sound of shattering glass, people screaming, footsteps running in every direction.
I whipped around.
What the hell just happened?
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