Free Web NovelChapter 35: Chapter 35 The Same Gift
Sylvia’s POV
As Caesar leaned in, murmuring something only I could hear, I could practically feel the envious stares burning into my back. Even my mother, Alpha Astra—composed and calculating—watched him with an expression I hadn’t seen in years. Approval.
But not everyone was impressed.
Selene’s smile faltered, her lips pressed into a line as she stole a glance toward the driveway. Caesar had arrived in a car so new, so exclusive, only ten existed in the entire country. The sleek, matte-black model shimmered under the moonlight like a predator in wait.
Hugo had tried and failed to get one. Of course. His ego wouldn’t allow him to forget that.
"Sister," Selene drawled, her eyes flicking toward the car in the driveway. "If this stunt was supposed to impress us, it’s almost... sweet. But showmanship can’t buy class."
A slow smile spread across my face as I opened my mouth to retort—but Caesar was faster. His hand closed gently over mine, warmth anchoring me.
I looked up.
In his eyes, there was no alarm. Just calm amusement. A silent message passed between us.
Let me handle it.
Without acknowledging Selene’s dig, he turned to me and said, "Sweetheart, you look tired. Come—let’s sit." His voice was velvet wrapped around steel, and the possessive way he led me toward the leather sofas across the hall made my skin tingle with a thrill I didn’t bother to hide.
"That’s enough," Alpha Astra’s voice cut through the tension, crisp and commanding. "Today is about family. I won’t have it soured with petty theatrics."
Selene bowed her head, her smile tight, her eyes colder than the ice in the champagne glasses.
"Of course, Mother," she said, switching effortlessly to that sugary tone she used when playing obedient daughter. "I only meant to help. I’ll apologize to Sylvia later. I just want our family to be harmonious."
Alpha Astra patted her hand affectionately, completely taken in. "You’ve always been so considerate. She’s always had that temper."
"Anything for you and my dear sister," Selene cooed.
Across the room, I watched them play their little scene, my face blank, my stomach churning. frёewebηovel.cѳm
"You alright?" Caesar’s voice reached me in a low, private murmur.
I didn’t look at him. "I’m used to it," I replied flatly.
When the last guest arrived, the celebration truly began. Applause filled the room as the birthday cake was wheeled in, the golden candles casting flickering shadows across the marble floor. Mother’s expression softened as she leaned in and blew them out—genuine joy for once lighting her features.
Then came the gifts.
Selene made sure everyone was watching as she handed Mother a sleek box, all smiles and grace. Hugo followed like a shadow, offering his own with a gallant bow. Inside was a set of crystal glasses—cut so finely they glinted like shards of starlight.
"Oh, these are exquisite," Alpha Astra exclaimed. "So thoughtful."
Then Caesar stepped forward, presenting his gift with quiet ease. The lid came off the box.
And the room stilled.
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Eyes widened. Whispers bloomed like wildfire.
Inside his box sat a set of crystal glasses—identical to Hugo’s.
"Wait a second," someone murmured. "Aren’t those one-of-a-kind? Auctioned to some anonymous buyer for a fortune?"
"Wait—aren’t those one-of-a-kind? So... who brought the knockoff?"
Caesar said nothing, his grip on my hand steady. Calm. Dangerous.
Selene pounced. "I’m sure it’s just a misunderstanding," she said, eyes on Caesar. "Though bringing a replica to Mother’s birthday... that’s a bold move. We all want to impress the family, but there are limits. Right?" ƒreewebɳovel.com
She tilted her head, faux sympathy dripping from every word. "A shame, really. My sister deserves someone with genuine means, not illusions."
"I assure you," Hugo added, stepping forward with all the subtlety of a brick wall, "I don’t deal in fakes. If someone here does, they should own up before making a scene."
"And you’re so sure his is the fake?" I said, stepping toward Caesar, voice low but cutting. "Did you run tests already, Hugo? Or are you just threatened that my mate outclassed you?"
My use of the word "mate" didn’t go unnoticed. It rippled through the crowd like lightning. Gossip sparked instantly.
Caesar gave my hand a gentle squeeze. He didn’t speak, but his stillness was power in its own right. He didn’t need to answer to anyone here.
"Miss Sylvia, please," one of Hugo’s cronies called out. "We all know what this is. Let’s not drag it out."
"Right," another chimed in. "Better to bow out gracefully than cling to a lie."
Still, Caesar said nothing.
He didn’t need to.
"I suggest we bring in an expert," Hugo said smugly. "My mother’s friend, Mrs. Vanessa—she deals in rare collectibles. She’ll know which one’s real."
Alpha Astra considered, then nodded. "Call her."
The wait was tense. Caesar and I remained at the edge of the room, isolated but far from vulnerable. Every time he brushed his thumb over my knuckles, I felt my wolf calm. Anchored. Ready.
"They think they’ve cornered you," I whispered.
Caesar’s smile was slow, dangerous. "Let them."
When Mrs. Vanessa finally arrived, her entrance was poised—until her eyes landed on Caesar.
Her composure cracked. She opened her mouth, clearly recognizing him—then stopped when he shot her a glance.
Swallowing hard, she turned to the table and began her evaluation.
The room held its breath.
Finally, she pointed to the box Hugo had brought. "Who presented this?"
"I did," he said proudly. "No expense spared."
Applause broke out. Compliments fluttered around like confetti.
Until Mrs. Vanessa straightened, her expression unreadable.
"Such a shame," she said calmly. "To pay so much... for a counterfeit."
Hugo’s smile collapsed. "What?! That’s impossible!"
Caesar watched, silent and unbothered, as Hugo flailed.
Mrs. Vanessa lifted Caesar’s set, examining it with the same care. Her gloved hands were reverent.
"These," she said, "are genuine."
The crowd erupted again—this time with gasps of disbelief, half-shocked murmurs, and subtle snickers.
Hugo’s face drained of color. "No. That’s not—! He must’ve tricked you somehow! Who even is this guy?! He probably bought them with dirty money!"
I stepped forward, fury flaring in my chest. But before I could unleash, Caesar’s hand gently stopped me. He shook his head.
Not yet.
My mother’s eyes flicked toward Selene.
"You were reckless," she said sharply. "Don’t let this happen again."
The criticism landed like a slap.
Selene’s expression tightened, her mask cracking. She looked at Caesar with barely concealed rage.
"What did you do, drain Sylvia’s bank account?"Selene sneered, voice pitched just loud enough to draw attention. "No way someone like you gets those without leeching off her.Only my sister would fall for a pretty face with empty pockets."
I laughed. Loudly.
"Selene,"I said, smiling sweetly, "if ambition translated into income, you’d still be broke—because manipulation doesn’t pay dividends."
"YOU—"
"Enough," my mother said, louder this time. "This matter is settled."
But the room had already shifted. I could see it in their eyes. The whispers. The new story forming.
Selene was no longer the favored daughter.
And Caesar... he wasn’t just some mysterious outsider anymore.
As I felt his arm wrap around my waist, claiming me in front of everyone.
Let them gossip.
Let them scheme.
I was done pretending.
