Free Web NovelChapter 397: Chapter 397
Nathan’s POV
The moment Gina’s car tore through the gates of Crescent Manor, my wolf stirred in irritation.
Grandmother sat in the garden, tea steaming gently between her hands, completely unbothered. When she spotted Gina strutting toward her, she smiled in a warm, indulgent manner, the kind of smile reserved for people she considered harmless.
“Gina,” Grandma greeted.
Gina didn’t bother acknowledging the staff. She practically skipped forward, throwing herself into Grandma’s arms like a child returning home.
“Grandma Jennifer!” she chirped.
My jaw tightened. I stayed where I was, silent, still, my wolf curling inward with disinterest.
Grandma patted Gina’s head. “I am glad you were able to make it.” freewёbn૦νeɭ.com
Gina smiled at Grandma, nestling closer, and I felt my wolf snort in disdain.
“Grandma Jennifer, you already know I wouldn’t miss an opportunity like this for the world!”
Grandma laughed, but then her shoulders shifted slightly. She sensed me and turned, unsurprised.
I stood there, unmoving, my presence cold.
Gina followed Grandma’s gaze. The instant her eyes landed on me, her scent changed, it was a mix of nervous excitement layered with forced sweetness. Her cheeks flushed.
“Nathan...” she murmured, suddenly shy, suddenly delicate.
I didn’t even look at her.
“Grandma,” I said evenly, “she’s on her way.”
That single word, “she”, was enough to change everything. I felt it myself, the subtle tightening in my chest, the way my wolf lifted its head, alert and restless. Grandma straightened, her attention sharpening, while Gina stiffened beside her.
I caught Gina glancing at me from the corner of her eye, confusion and jealousy warring in her expression. She must be wondering who I was referring to.
“Why are you just standing there?” Grandma said briskly. “Go greet her at the door.”
Before I could respond, the words rang out like a bell across the manor grounds.
“Ms. Aria is here!”
My wolf surged forward, my heart thudding hard.
All three of us turned toward the entrance.
Aria stepped out of the taxi wearing a simple white dress, no excessive jewels.
The air shifted. Even Grandma felt it, I saw the brief flicker of shock before something softer took its place. She seemed like she recognized Aria.
As Aria approached, led by the staff, Grandma’s gaze warmed in a way that made my chest tighten.
“Are you Aria?” Grandma asked gently.
Aria lifted her head, following the voice. When she smiled, it was polite, distant and controlled. “Yes, ma’am. I am.”
Grandma studied her openly, approval shining in her eyes. “We have met before!” Grandma said excitedly. “It is you, you were the girl from that day several months ago. The girl that helped me find my necklace”.
Recognition sparked in Aria’s eyes as though she just remembered the incident my grandma was referring to. She quickly recovered from her shock.
Then her gaze shifted to Gina.
And not once did it land on me.
The anticipation I hadn’t realized I was holding shattered instantly. It felt as though an invisible hand crushed something vital in my chest, leaving behind a bitter, metallic taste.
Aria’s POV
The moment I felt the older woman speak, my eyes widened in shock as realization dawned on me. She was right, we had met before. She was the woman I encountered when I was still working as a cleaner.
“Oh my dear, you were very unrecognizable when I met you that day. If I had known you were Nathan’s wife, I would have taken you home with me immediately.” Her voice was filled with sadness. I smiled warmly at her and looked away.
Upon turning slightly, I caught sight of a slender woman standing nearby. It was the same one who had clashed with me at the mall earlier.
Her scent spiked with disbelief and shock the instant our eyes met. She stared at me as if I had risen from the dead.
Good grief, how many more surprises did the moon goddess have in store for me today?
Nathan’s presence pressed against my senses like a low storm. I didn’t need to look to know his eyes were locked on me, heavy and intent. I ignored him deliberately.
“I am Jennifer Rowland, Nathan’s grandmother and this here,”she gestured towards the slender lady, “is Gina, a friend of the family.”
I smiled at Gina, even though it didn’t reach my eyes. She did the same, not bothering to hide the animosity in her eyes.
“It’s getting dark,” Nathan’s Grandma said calmly. “Come inside.”
She smiled and reached for my wrist, her touch gentle but firm. The moment her fingers closed around me, instinct took over. I lowered my head slightly, offering the respect owed to an elder of her standing. Old habits from the pack never truly faded.
Behind us, Gina’s irritation flared hot and obvious. She stepped forward abruptly and hooked her arm through Grandma Jennifer’s, her voice turning bright and eager. “Grandma, let me help you!”
Her glance flicked toward me, sharp with challenge.
I loosened my hold, prepared to step aside, but Grandma Jennifer caught my wrist instead. Her grip was light and teasing.
“Why are you running away?” she asked, mock sternness in her eyes. “Are you dissatisfied with me?”
I exhaled softly, my wolf amused despite herself. “You’re joking. Of course not.”
Jennifer watched the exchange, her expression softening further. “Aria,” she asked gently, “why didn’t your daughter, Lana come with you?”
“She’s too young,” I replied. “I don’t bring her out when it’s late.”
Disappointment flickered across her face, but she nodded in understanding. “You’re right. Still, you’ll have to take the gifts I prepared for her.”
She gestured toward the corner.
I followed her gaze and froze. A soft mat lay there, stacked high with beautifully wrapped boxes, ribbons tied with meticulous care. The sheer volume made my chest tighten.
“This...” I hesitated, already uneasy.
Grandma Jennifer patted my hand, warmth radiating from her. “You’ve been married to Nathan for so long, and I never gave you anything. Now there’s Lana. This is the least I can do. I’ll have them sent to Shevron Estates.”
My wolf bristled, protective and wary. Attention like this was dangerous. “Madam,” I said carefully, “Nathan and I are divorced. I came here today out of respect, not to receive gifts.”
