Free Web NovelChapter 195: Chapter 195
Aria’s POV
My fingers hovered above the screen. Uncertainty flickered through me. What could I do? I’d already clarified things, yet the mockery only grew sharper. Some people were even claiming Nathan had bought me a fake identity from Selina’s studio.
My wolf bristled at the mention of his name.
The malice wasn’t surface-level. It was rooted deep, and a few polite statements wouldn’t dig it out.
Just then, a new message came in.
It was from Alpha Jonathan.
“Since I’m in Asterfell, I decided to organize a Celestyr Brand fashion show. I’ve also arranged a charity gala with a nearby orphanage.”
His voice was calm, measured and flowed like aged wine. It felt like old money, old power. The kind that didn’t need to announce itself. My wolf instinctively recognized the authority beneath the gentleness.
Then he asked, politely, “Would you be interested in attending? I’ve noticed the recent turbulence around public opinion. This might be an opportunity to clarify matters.”
I told Williams what his brother had said.
Williams muttered under his breath, “Such a formal gentleman.”
Despite a twinge of embarrassment, the suggestion appealed to me.
“Aria,” Williams urged, “what are you hesitating for? He’s offering you a platform. Do you really want to keep drowning in rumors?”
I blinked, hiding my surprise.
After a brief pause, I nodded to myself.
“Thank you for the opportunity, Alpha Jonathan,” I said. “I’ll attend.”
“Oh—and Aria?”
I stopped just before ending the call.
“To establish your innocence fully,” Alpha Jonathan continued, “the most authoritative approach would be to wear an unreleased gown. One designed personally by Selina. Something that leaves no room for doubt.”
My wolf stirred, thoughtful now. A declaration without words.
“Thank you for your help, Alpha Nathan. For the upcoming quarter, I’ll offer you and Celestyr Brand a five percent discount.”
It was modest in the grand scheme of things, but it was mine to give. freēwēbnovel.com
“I’ll pass along our gratitude,” he replied sincerely. “Your generosity is appreciated, Aria.”
When the call ended, I exhaled slowly.
His courtesy was steady and respectful, like cool air after a storm. I wasn’t ready to rely on Kate’s inheritance yet. And this...this measured support, felt like a lifeline extended without hooks.
A strange lightness settled in my chest.
It wasn’t joy, just the relief of knowing I had stopped running in circles. My wolf stretched lazily inside me, finally loosening her crouch.
It was already very late. Lana hadn’t stirred during our hushed conversation. She slept deeply now, her lashes resting against her cheeks, her breathing soft and steady. The kind of sleep only a well-protected pup could fall into.
I let out a long breath.
For a moment, I simply watched her. Her cheeks were flushed a gentle pink, warmth radiating from her small body. She looked like a wandering soul that had finally found its den.
I tucked the blanket around her carefully, pulling her close. My wolf curled instinctively around her, a silent vow etched into instinct rather than words.
Only then did sleep take me.
****
Morning came quietly.
An invitation arrived like something lifted from a dream, its envelope kissed with dew, gold embossing gleaming under the early light. The words Celestyr Brand were elegant and restrained.
But Selina...
Selina dominated the page.
I couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. It was blatant, unapologetic and almost protective.
My wolf flicked her tail in amusement.
As I turned the invitation over in my hands, a heavy, familiar and unwelcomed presence lingered behind me.
Nathan.
Nathan’s POV
I adjusted my tie, about to leave the house, when the faint rustle of paper drew my attention.
The invitation in Aria’s hand caught the light and caught my temper.
I scoffed under my breath.
Even my wolf stirred, hackles rising at the sight of it.
Last night had been chaos. In the middle of the media frenzy, I’d seen the rumors. Aria’s name braided far too closely with Jonathan’s. The headlines had howled louder than any pack call. Back in my room, long after midnight, I’d watched her statement over and over, particularly where she claimed to be Selina.
And now here she is, standing before me with an invitation.
My eyes darted to the name stamped boldly on the invitation.
Selina. freewebnoveℓ.com
My wolf growled low in my chest.
Selina?
Was Aria really Selina?
For the first time in a very long while, something I couldn’t control punched the air from my lungs. I prided myself on knowing every variable, every angle. Yet this had left me genuinely stunned.
In the business world, Selina was a legend...a phantom genius. A designer so elusive that even my name hadn’t been enough. Her studio had rejected my request for a custom suit once.
I was just once but I had never forgotten that refusal.
If Aria was Selina... then suddenly, certain things made sense. Her eye for detail, her confidence.
But it still didn’t add up.
A year ago, Selina had been at the height of her career.
A year ago, Aria had been behind bars.
It was Impossible.
I stood in the doorway, my expression carved from stone, refusing to let the storm inside me show. An Alpha never reveals weakness, not to rivals, not to the pack, and certainly not to the woman who could still unravel him with a single look.
Yet my presence alone seemed to irritate her.
“Are you leaving or not?” Aria frowned, impatience sharp in her tone.
Her words snapped me back to the present. My wolf urged me to stay, to linger, to claim space that still felt like mine.
Then her impatience crushed it.
I straightened, schooling my features, though echoes of our last argument dulled my edges more than I cared to admit.
“Hemsworth Villa is my property,” I said evenly, my fingers fussing with cuffs that were already perfect.
“I could move out any moment if you don’t finalize our divorce,” she shot back, yanking sharply at my tie.
The suddenness sent a jolt through me. For a split second, my mind betrayed me, an image rose unbidden.
Hemsworth Villa, empty, silent and cold, without Aria or Lana in it.
My wolf snarled at the vision.
“Aria,” I said quietly, the weight in my voice deeper than intended, “why are you always gentle with everyone else, but your claws only ever come out for me?”
