Chapter 4

The banquet was at its peak. The crystal chandeliers reflected blinding light.

I was peeling a shrimp for Noah when a loud, sharp cry echoed across the hall.

"Ouch! He pushed me! That fatherless brat pushed me!"

I looked up instantly. Selene’s nephew was crying on the floor, while Noah had been knocked down onto the hard marble. A nasty red bruise was already forming on Noah’s forehead from hitting the table corner.

Selene rushed over, screaming, "Oh, Leo, baby! Are you okay? How could a child be so violent? He has absolutely no manners!"

The guests turned around, whispering in disgust.

"Is that the kid of the former Luna? How embarrassing."

"I heard his father doesn't even want him. No wonder he’s acting out."

I threw down my napkin, rushed over, and picked up a shaking Noah.

"I didn't push him..." Noah cried, pointing to his broken action figure on the floor. "He tried to steal my toy, and he called Mommy a worthless bitch..."

Lucas walked over, his face dark.

He didn't even look at Noah’s bruised head. His first move was to comfort Selene, then he turned and glared at me.

"Elara! Take your kid and get out! Why did you bring him here just to make a scene?"

"Make a scene?"

"Lucas, are you blind? Can't you see who's actually hurt?"

Selene leaned into Lucas's chest, wiping fake tears. "Lucas, forget it. Elara has a hard time raising him alone, it’s natural she spoils him."

"But Leo is the pride of the Whitfield Pack. If my father sees this, our alliance..."

Hearing the word "alliance," Lucas's eyes turned completely cold and merciless.

He stared at me, commanding, "Apologize to Selene. And apologize to Leo."

I held Noah, my hands shaking with rage.

"What did you say?"

"Apologize!" Lucas barked. "Don't destroy Stonecrest’s future with your jealousy."

I stared at the man I had fought beside for five years. The last trace of love I had for him turned to ash.

"Fine."

I set Noah down and stood up slowly.

Lucas relaxed, thinking I was giving in.

In the next second, I grabbed a glass of red wine from the table and threw it right in Selene’s face, soaking her million-dollar diamond gown.

Before anyone could react, I stepped forward and slapped Selene hard across the face!

*SLAP!*

The entire hall went dead silent.

"That slap was for my son."

I glared at Selene, who was clutching her red cheek, then turned to Lucas. I pulled out the coalition proposal he valued so much from my bag.

*RIP!*

I tore it to pieces right in front of his eyes.

"Lucas, the powerful alliance you wanted so badly is nothing but a scam."

I spoke loudly, my voice echoing through the silent hall.

"The Whitfield Pack’s assets have been frozen. Selene’s debts are due today."

Lucas went pale. He grabbed Selene’s wrist. "Is she telling the truth? The Whitfield Pack..."

Selene panicked, trying to lie, but right then, the main doors were slammed open.

Several men in black suits walked in. The leader stepped forward, holding a debt contract.

"Ms. Whitfield, with interest, your debt is overdue. Ms. Miller sent us to collect."

Lucas looked like he had been struck by lightning. He turned to me, his eyes wide with fear and shock.

"Elara... what did you do?"

Suddenly, Lucas’s phone vibrated wildly. He answered, and Leo’s panicked voice echoed through the speaker for everyone to hear:

"Alpha! Our alliance application was rejected!"

"The other packs found out... they say we falsified our data, and the Whitfields are completely bankrupt!"

Lucas collapsed onto the floor.

He stared at my back as I walked away, finally realizing he had thrown away a goddess to embrace a leech.

The moment I stepped out of the hall, I dialed my team.

"Elara, what's next?"

I looked up at the stars, my voice calm.

"Ruining Lucas. I want him to have absolutely nothing."