Chapter 3
I put away the old photos and began packing up. A maid knocked.“Miss Lina, the banquet has started. Mr.Nathan asked you to come down after changing.”
“I know.”
I opened the door and walked directly towards the bustling party. The maid’s eyes widened.“Oh my Moon Goddess. What is Miss Lina wearing? Did she lose her mind?”
At the party, Sophie wore a white evening gown, her long black hair cascading down her shoulders, the picture of a pure, innocent girl–next–door. She looked petite and adorable, gentle and fragile. Nathan and Brandon stood beside her, showering her with gentle, indulgent smiles. Their wolves also loyally surrounded Sophie in the center, like knights with their princess. The scene was idyllic, Nathan found himself thinking of me. If only Lina could be this well–behaved, he thought. In recent years, her disposition had become increasingly arrogant and domineering.
Lina’s here!”
All eyes turned to me as I entered. My expression remained impassive under all FirstQuarter Pack’s attention. I wore a simple T–shirt, but atop my head sat a magnificent gold phoenix crown. A magnificent emerald necklace graced my neck; jade and gold bracelets adorned my wrists; and a large pink diamond ring sparkled on my finger.
Laughter erupted.
“Lina is so tacky, wearing all that jewelry! She looks like a new money.”
“She’s definitely doing it on purpose, to show off and embarrass Sophie. Sophie is adoptive.”
I sauntered to Sophie, my tone calm.“Congratulations. You’ve finally become a member of the Ashford Family. The Ashford family is one of the top three family in our Pack.”
In my past life, the day Sophie joined the Ashford Family marked the beginning of my nightmare. No matter how hard I tried to please them, to be obedient, my brothers favored Sophie. Nathan had even said he wished Sophie were their biological sister in mindlink. This time, I wouldn’t cling to this worthless family.
Sophie, consumed by jealousy at the sight of my jewelry though she hid it well, shrank back slightly.“Lina, I know you don’t like me, but don’t worry. I won’t compete with you for the brothers‘ affection. I’m just an omega, but you are their werewolf sister of the bloodline.How could I really be one of the family member?“Tears welled in her eyes.
A cynical smile curved my lips. What a perfect image of a delicate, innocent flower–so pure, yet hiding something underneath! I’d been fooled by her innocent facade in my past life, only seeing her true nature before my death.
Brandon quickly intervened.“Sophie, don’t cry! Who said you were an outsider? From now on, you’re my real sister.”
Sophie lowered her eyelids, concealing a flicker of triumph.
Nathan produced a box.“Sophie, this is a gift for you.”
Sophie acted surprised. “Nathan, isn’t this for Lina? I can’t take it!”
I wasn’t surprised to see the limited–edition figurine inside. In my past life, Nathan, with good intentions, had ‘kindly‘ decided to give my long–awaited figurine to Sophie as an apology.
Nathan said, “Take it. She owes you.”
Brandon grumbled,“Lina, even though Sophie isn’t holding her near–drowning against you, and Nathan gave Sophie a gift on your behalf, where’s your sincerity?”
I nodded. “I know. That’s why I brought an apology gift.”
< Chapter 3
I removed all my jewelry, placing each piece on a tray.
“This is the antique phoenix crown from Eldest Brother.”
“This is the emerald pendant from Second Brother.”
“This is the century–old ginseng from Third Brother.”
“This is the rare pink diamond ring from Fourth Brother.”
“This is the jade bracelet from Fifth Brother.”
“This is the gold trophy from Sixth Brother.”
I laid them out one by one.“These are all very important to me. As an apology gift, this should be sincere enough.”
Menu
I knew Brandon would demand an apology. I’d prepared this beforehand. Since Sophie’s arrival, my brothers hadn’t given me any decent gifts; these were the most valuable items I owned. I knew they’d eventually find ways to take these back to give to Sophie.
So in front of all the pack members, I gave her my most meaningful gift.
Brandon’s expression froze. These were things Lina treasured! How dare she?
Nathan pursed his lips.“Lina, what do you mean?”
“Nathan, I said these are my sincere apologies. Brandon, don’t you think this is enough?”
My expression remained impassive, my emotions unreadable.
Sophie, surprised, wondered what tactic I was employing
—
retreat to advance?
She quickly spoke,“Lina, these are gifts the brothers gave you. They’re too precious and valuable to take. I can’t have them.” Brandon exploded.“That’s right! They’re our gifts! How can you give them away to someone else?”
Sophie’s smile faltered.“Brandon right, I’m just someone else, not a family member.I’m just an outsider. How could I deserve these gifts.”
