Chapter 66: Chapter 66 Heiress
Sylvia’s POV
I stood before the mirror, admiring my perfectly applied makeup. The smoky eye shadow accentuated my silver-blue eyes—a trademark of the Frostfang bloodline that I’d hidden for so long. My lips were painted a deep, seductive red that made my pale skin seem to glow. After years of deliberately downplaying my appearance to seem more omega-like, it felt liberating to finally look like myself again.
When I turned to the clothing rack, my breath caught. The pale blue strapless mermaid gown hanging there was absolutely stunning. Tiny diamonds were meticulously embedded along the train, catching the light with every subtle movement.
"Beautiful," I whispered, trailing my fingers along the delicate fabric.
This dress spoke volumes about my mother’s intentions tonight. Alpha Astra had spared no expense—this was her way of announcing to everyone that I was worthy of the Frostfang legacy. After years of hiding in the shadows, I was finally stepping into the light.
As I slipped the gown over my hips, something felt... strange. I paused, my wolf suddenly alert. Someone had tampered with my dress. I could smell a faint trace of foreign perfume near the zipper—Selene’s scent. My lips curled into a knowing smirk. So predictable. Whatever trap she’d set, I’d deal with it later.
I casually zipped up the gown and stepped out of the changing room, my hair styled in loose waves cascading down my back. The strapless design showcased my collarbones and the elegant curve of my neck, accentuating the natural Alpha grace I’d suppressed for so long.
The moment I entered the ballroom, conversations halted. Heads turned. Eyes widened. I felt a rush of satisfaction at their collective intake of breath. This was who I truly was—not the meek omega who had trailed after Zane Thorne for three years, but Sylvia Frost, heir to the Frostfang Pack.
"Sylvia, what are you doing here?"
I turned to find Zane staring at me, his face a mixture of confusion and disdain. Before I could even respond, his expression twisted into something ugly and mocking.
"Don’t tell me you think that sharing a last name with Frostline Enterprises gives you the right to attend their business gala?" he scoffed.
I studied him with amusement. How had I ever found this arrogant wolf attractive? I wanted to tell him this entire event was being held in my honor, but watching him make a fool of himself was far more entertaining.
"And why exactly would my presence here concern you?" I asked coolly.
His lip curled in disgust. "Without me, you’re nothing. That dress—did your new sugar daddy buy it for you? Working as a secretary at Frostline and dressing like this... aren’t you afraid of the gossip? God, you disgust me, Sylvia."
Every word dripped with venom, his eyes regarding me like something he’d scraped off the bottom of his shoe. Three months ago, his words might have cut deep. Now, they barely registered as anything more than irritating background noise.
I felt my wolf stir beneath my skin, claws itching to come out. Perhaps I’d been too lenient, allowing these people to think they could speak to me this way. My fingers curled slowly into a fist, ready to remind him exactly who I was when—
"Ms. Frost," came a polite interruption. "Alpha Astra is asking for you."
I turned to see James, my mother’s Beta, standing respectfully at my side.
"I’ll be right there," I replied.
Zane’s eyes bulged comically, his mouth hanging open. "Ms. Frost?" he sputtered, voice rising an octave. "Alpha Astra’s daughter?" freёwebnovel.com
I arched an eyebrow, enjoying his confusion. "Is there a problem?"
The shock on his face quickly morphed back into disbelief. "Even if you share the same last name, you don’t seriously expect me to believe you’re her heir? We were together for three years—I know exactly what you are."
"That’s precisely the point," I replied, unable to hide my derision. "After three years, you never saw beyond what you wanted to see."
"You bitch," he hissed. "You’re impersonating Ms. Frost now? Aren’t you afraid of the consequences when she finds out? I’ve met her before—she’s elegant, refined. Nothing like a gold-digger like you."
James and I exchanged bewildered glances. The Beta’s eyes reflected the same disbelief I felt. Zane had "met" me before? Who exactly had been pretending to be me?
"Alpha Zane," I said, deliberately using his title to highlight the formality between us now, "if you’re having vision problems, I suggest seeing a doctor. I don’t have time for this nonsense."
His chest puffed up with misplaced confidence. "What’s wrong? Scared because I actually know the real Ms. Frost? She thinks highly of me, you know. One word from me and your little job at Frostline is over."
He lifted his chin, smug and self-important. "Apologize now, Sylvia, and maybe I’ll consider forgiving you."
"You’re delusional," I said, rolling my eyes. "Keep talking big. I can’t wait to see your face when reality hits, you clown."
With that, I turned away, following James out of earshot.
"Sivi," James began hesitantly as we walked, "who was that man?"
"Just a lunatic, Uncle James," I replied, feeling slightly nauseated remembering Zane’s arrogance.
Whoever had pretended to be me had done a number on Zane’s ego. The fool actually believed it. Pathetic.
We arrived at my mother’s private room, and the moment I entered, Alpha Astra’s eyes lit up with approval.
"You look perfect," she said, her voice carrying that natural Alpha authority that had always commanded respect. "My daughter is always the most eye-catching woman in the room."
I stood a little taller under her praise, feeling my wolf practically preening.
"Don’t be nervous tonight," she continued. "The opening dance will be your first major appearance. Make it count."
I nodded, understanding the significance. This dance would be my official introduction as heir.
"Has Caesar arrived yet?" she asked, her tone casual but I knew my mother well enough to detect her interest.
I thought about the text Caesar had sent me earlier. "He’ll be here soon. He’s on his way."
She nodded, satisfied. "Good. As heir to the pack, you need a stable mate bond. Even if Caesar isn’t quite your equal in standing, he’s your chosen mate."
My heart fluttered at her words. My mother approving of Caesar meant more than she would ever know.
Together, we made our way back to the grand ballroom. Alpha Astra took the stage, welcoming our guests with characteristic efficiency.
"Thank you all for coming tonight," she announced. "Without further ado, let’s begin our celebration."
The moment she stepped down, the band struck up a lively tune. The dance floor filled quickly with young wolves from packs friendly to the Frostfang. As heir, I joined them, moving with the upbeat rhythm.
From the corner of my eye, I spotted Selene watching me with barely concealed hatred. I could practically feel her malicious gaze burning into my exposed back. So this was her game—waiting for the perfect moment to humiliate me publicly.
I pretended ignorance, continuing to move with the music. Just as I sensed her preparing to make her move—likely to expose whatever sabotage she’d done to my dress—I pivoted suddenly, "accidentally" colliding with a waiter carrying a tray of red wine.
The cold liquid splashed across the front of my gown, drawing gasps from those around us. Selene’s expression shifted from malicious anticipation to disappointment, then quickly morphed into fake concern.
"Sivi!" she exclaimed, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "Are you okay? How clumsy! Do you need help changing?"