2

Three years had passed, yet the world still seemed as chaotic and unjust as ever. Bella found herself in an unpleasantly night in their Pack's Territory, sandwiched among the extravagantly dressed elites and the restless media at the Moonlight Howl Hotel.

The pack held a grand gathering, inviting all the high-ranking wolves of the Alpha Territory. The reporters, sniffing out a juicy story, had swarmed in anticipation. As the night swelled to eight o'clock, a flashy car rolled in front of the hotel, igniting a frenzy among the crowd.

"It's Alpha Trevor, Alpha Trevor of the pack has arrived!" Reporters tripped over one another, pointing their cameras like some kind of modern weaponry.

And out came Carl Trevor, dressed in a pristine white suit, a questionably innocent smile tugging at his lips. From the other side of the car, Alice, a she-wolf, surfaced in a stunning fit of elegance. Hand in hand, they posed for the media, generously offering the photographers their best shots.

Meanwhile, Bella sat in the car, riding on a wave of contempt. Forced to trail along as Carl's assistant, she couldn't help but question his reasoning. What use would an assistant be at a social gathering?

"Miss. Moonshadow, please exit the car. Alpha Trevor will be displeased if you're tardy," cautioned the driver.

Reluctantly, Bella stepped out, briefcase in hand, suffocated by the resignation slowly tightening around her. Carl and Alice had already made their grand entrance. She hurried to catch up, but as soon as she did, a reporter’s voice rang out.

"Alpha Xavier is here too!"

The mere mention of Xavier’s name yanked Bella's attention around. There he was, dressed in a sharply cut black suit, his confidence as dazzling as ever. Three years, yet nothing had changed — he was still the same magnetic force.

The car's door swung open again, revealing Samantha. Her fiery red dress underscored her radiant smile as she stepped out leisurely.

“What a perfect couple!” gushed one reporter.

“Absolutely! A strong Alpha and the daughter of a Beta — a match made in heaven!” agreed another.

Scathing remarks had become the night’s theme. Bella watched the pair being admired and scoffed at the blatant hypocrisy. "A disloyal wolf and his lover? They are indeed a perfect match!" she thought, her heart boiling over with scorn. The grand balancing act of this cruel world continued, and she was merely a player forced to act her part.

She could not bear to see the monstrous charade playing out before her. With haste, she swiveled away to follow closely behind Carl.

By this time, Carl and Alice had already entered the elevator. The lift was nearly ready to close, and from fear of being left behind, Bella sprinted as fast as she could.

At the very last moment, when the lift was almost shut, she managed to stretch out her hand, allowing the doors to reopen. Carl scoffed as he watched her stumble into the lift. “Miss. Moonshadow, it seems you have a knack for causing a ruckus?”

“I-I’m sorry!” Bella quickly bowed her head and apologized.

Carl purely snorted in response. “Keep up properly next time. If you pull something like this again, I’ll leave you behind!”

“Yes, Alpha Trevor, I’ll surely keep that in mind!” she replied hastily.

Observing that her behavior was subservient and submissive, Carl did not continue his lecture.

The elevator halted on the 18th floor. Arm in arm with Alice, Carl sauntered out of the elevator. Bella accompanied them dutifully, her grip tight on the briefcase. As they reached the grand hall's entrance, Carl turned to her and commanded, “Wait in the lounge and ensure you're available. If I can’t reach you, there will be deductions from your monthly bonus!”

“Yes, Alpha Trevor, I understand,” Bella replied.

Watching Carl and Alice disappearing into the grand hall, Bella turned and retreated to the lounge.

Simultaneously, the lift on the other side chimed its arrival, out walked Alpha Xavier and Samantha. Xavier’s hawk-like gaze scanned the large corridor when he noticed Bella retreating into the waiting lounge. Xavier faltered and squinted, “Was that Bella?”

“No, she vanished three years ago. How could she be here? It must be a mistake!” Xavier comforted himself.

Samantha noticed Xavier’s gaze fixed on the end of the corridor and followed his sight. However, she only found an empty corner. “Xavier, what are you gazing at?”

“Nothing, let’s proceed!” Xavier, shaking away his confusion, commanded.

Starving and waiting in the lounge for over an hour, Bella was beginning to feel weak. Carl was indeed inhumane, enjoying an opulent feast with a gorgeous she-wolf, leaving her, his assistant, to starve here. Such unfairness!

As she mentally complained about her circumstances, Carl’s voice came through the intercom, “Find something to eat in the hall. Remember my instructions. Don’t linger around! Once you're done, head straight back to the lounge and wait!”

“Yes, Alpha Trevor!” she responded.

Opening the door, she walked directly into the grand hall, a bustling hive of werewolf high society. She shot a cursory glance over the sea of well-dressed wolves before heading to the buffet lineup.

She picked up a glass of juice and filled a plate with food. Just as she was about to sit down somewhere and eat, a voice boomed behind her. “Fetch me some food, Bella!”