Free Web NovelChapter 398: Chapter 398
Aria’s POV
Her expression hardened instantly. “Divorced or not, you were once part of the Hemsworth family. Lana is our granddaughter. These belong to her.”
She cut off my protest before it could form. “This is my affection. Don’t upset me by refusing.”
She turned away, clearly displeased.
Nathan’s voice followed, quieter and steadier . “Grandma spent the entire afternoon choosing those. Lana might like them.”
I paused, then nodded. “Thank you,” I said softly. “On Lana’s behalf.”
Jennifer’s face lit up, satisfaction replacing the sternness. I felt the shift in the air as she exchanged a glance with Nathan. His fingers tightened almost imperceptibly, a faint smile curving his lips as he looked at the pile.
I knew then that not all of those gifts were chosen by his grandma.
“If you’ve prepared gifts for Lana,” I said lightly, lifting the bag in my hand, “perhaps you’d like to see what I brought for you.”
Before Jennifer could respond, Gina surged forward, planting herself directly in front of her. “Grandma! I have something for you too. Look at mine first!”
She darted off and returned with several boxes from the coffee table, practically bouncing. “Jewelry I picked just for you. You’ll love them.”
Her enthusiasm reminded me of a playful cat, all bright movements and eager affection. But my wolf caught the undercurrent beneath it...the tension, the challenge, the hostility aimed squarely at me.
I glanced at the boxes and recognized them immediately. The same ones she had snatched up at the mall.
The air between us sharpened.
Her hostility was stronger now than before, no longer unfocused. This wasn’t about coincidence or pride. Her glances toward Nathan were frequent, her eyes lighting up whenever he spoke.
Understanding settled cold and clear in my chest.
Gina didn’t dislike me because I was a stranger.
She disliked me because she wanted what had once been mine.
Divorced or not, it was clear to me now, I had become Gina’s imagined rival. She clearly saw me as a threat.
The air around her buzzed with territorial tension, the way an unclaimed wolf circles a boundary she wants to mark. She busied herself tearing open one jewelry box after another, each click of velvet and metal ringing too loud in my ears.
“Look at this pink diamond bracelet!” she exclaimed, lifting it toward Jennifer. The stone caught the light, flashing aggressively. “It suits your complexion perfectly. Pieces like this barely appear at auctions.”
She didn’t pause long enough for a response.
“And this emerald necklace.” She held it up, the green beads glowing richly. “It complements your elegance.”
“And this...”
The small table quickly disappeared beneath glittering displays of wealth. My wolf watched calmly.
Jennifer examined each piece with polite appreciation, then smiled. “You’ve put a lot of thought into these, Gina. I like them all.”
Gina straightened instantly, pride radiating from her like heat. Then she turned toward me, eyes gleaming with challenge.
“And what about Ms Aria?”
Her anticipation was almost palpable. She expected to watch me falter, to see my offering pale beside hers. After all, the mall where we met was the most extravagant in Asterfell. If I hadn’t matched her spending, then surely I had already lost.
“Gina.”
Nathan’s voice cut through the tension, low and warning.
Her head snapped toward him, surprise and relief flashing together.
“Nathan!” she protested, stomping her foot like a sulking cub. “Grandma gave so much to Aria’s child. I just want to see what Aria brought in return!”
My wolf stirred, annoyed by the comparison. Gifts were not battles to be won.
“What do you mean by that?” Nathan asked, his tone colder now.
Gina lifted her hand to her eyes, feigning distress, though I could smell the resentment beneath it. She shot me a quick glance, sharp and accusing.
She hadn’t expected him to question her. Certainly not to sound as if he were standing on my side.
My wolf picked up the shift in her scent, it spiked with frustration edged with envy.
I didn’t react. I had learned long ago that showing emotion only fed rival wolves.
Instead, I turned toward Jennifer and smiled gently. “I will present my gift now. Of course, it can’t compare to Ms. Carlson’s generous ones,” I said softly. “I hope you won’t mind.” freёwebnovel.com
Jennifer’s expression didn’t change in the slightest. She was a very wealthy woman from a family and pack that had seen fortunes rise and fall like tides. Wealth alone certainly had never impressed her.
“Your words are kind,” she replied warmly, patting my hand. “It’s the thought that counts. That alone is priceless.”
My wolf settled, comforted by her sincerity. I nodded and, without ceremony, opened the box in my hands.
There was no dramatic pause or any form of acting.
Gina cast a dismissive glance my way, until her gaze snapped sharply back to my gift box.
Inside it lay a lark.
It rested against the velvet like it might take flight at any moment. Gold threads shaped its body, gemstones breathing life into it. Emeralds lined its feathers in delicate slivers, ruby eyes gleamed with quiet fire, and its wings were traced with tiny white diamonds, each one placed with impossible precision.
The craftsmanship was undeniable.
Even Jennifer inhaled softly, her eyes widening. “Aria,” she asked, awe slipping into her voice, “where did you get this brooch?”
She leaned closer but didn’t touch it, her fingers hovering as though afraid to disturb something sacred.
“It doesn’t compare to Ms. Carlson’s efforts,” I replied calmly. “I only commissioned a friend to make it.”
Jennifer looked at me then, genuine fondness warming her gaze. “I love it.”
My chest tightened slightly. “It’s my honor that you do,” I said, lifting the brooch. “Would you like to try it on?”
Her delight was immediate. She accepted eagerly, fastening it to her dress before hurrying to a nearby mirror.
“It’s remarkable,” she said, studying her reflection. “I feel younger... more refined.”
Her affection toward me deepened visibly.
Behind us, Gina stood frozen.
The praise Jennifer gave me was nothing like the polite acknowledgments she had offered Gina earlier.
“Jennifer, this isn’t right,” Gina blurted suddenly, eyes locked on the brooch pinned to Jennifer’s chest.
Jennifer turned, startled. “Gina? What’s wrong?”
Gina straightened, as if she had finally grasped something important. “Aria said she had this custom-made by a friend.”
Gina’s gaze snapped to mine.
My wolf stirred, muscles tightening beneath my skin, but I kept my expression composed. I narrowed my eyes slightly, studying her, then inclined my head.
“That’s correct.”
The next moment, her voice cracked through the room like a whip.
“She’s lying!”
