Free Web NovelChapter 78: Chapter 78 Beautiful
Sylvia’s POV
I settled on "special" deliberately, not wanting to reveal too much about something I didn’t fully understand myself. I hadn’t actually met Noah Smith’s sister yet, so I couldn’t offer my mother more details.
My mother’s ice-blue eyes narrowed in thought."Very well. Learn more about his situation. Noah Smith deserves your attention—he could be a valuable ally to the pack."
"Understood, Alpha," I replied, the formal title slipping out automatically in her presence.
I had barely returned to my office when my phone buzzed with a message from Noah Smith.
[I took my sister to that restaurant you recommended. First time I’ve seen her eat so much. Thank you.]
My wolf stirred with unexpected pleasure at his gratitude. I felt my lips curve into a smile as I texted back.
[Glad she enjoyed it. I know several other places perfect for children if you’d like recommendations. There are some wonderful activity spots too.]
His response came immediately.
[That would be fantastic. I’m actually free this afternoon. Would Ms. Frost have time to join us?]
I checked my schedule—the afternoon was relatively clear, and spending time with Noah Smith would give me a chance to discuss the design modifications needed for our current project. Mother wanted me to build this relationship, and I could use the opportunity to gauge his thoughts on our collaboration.
"I can make time," I replied. "The central park café at 3?"
When I arrived at the meeting spot, I immediately noticed Noah Smith wasn’t alone. Beside him stood a small girl, probably five or six years old, with twin pigtails and the most striking violet eyes I’d ever seen. She looked like a porcelain doll—beautiful, delicate, and unnervingly still.
The child’s eyes didn’t track movement normally, and she stood slightly behind her brother as if using him as a shield.
"Mr. Noah," I greeted him warmly before nodding toward the child. "And this must be your sister?"
Noah Smith looked down at his sister, his eyes filled with such profound tenderness. "Please," he said, his voice gentle, "we’re about the same age, and we’ll be working closely together. Call me Noah."
I considered this request. My mother would approve of this small step toward building rapport.
"Very well," I agreed. "Then you should call me Sylvia."
He smiled, the expression warming his eyes. "Sylvia," he said, testing my name before gesturing to the little girl beside him. "This is my sister. And yes... as you’ve probably noticed, she has autism."
The last three words came with a hint of redness around his eyes that he quickly masked. I felt my heart constrict at the pain evident in his voice.
"She’s so young," I said softly, my wolf instinctively wanting to comfort the child. "How did—"
"When she was very small," Noah Smith interrupted, a sudden darkness crossing his features, "my family hired a caretaker while they were busy with work. That woman..."
He didn’t finish, but he didn’t need to. My wolf bristled with anger at what remained unspoken. Someone had harmed this child—abused her trust and damaged something precious. The flash of deadly intent I glimpsed in Noah Smith’s eyes told me everything I needed to know about what had happened to that caretaker.
I pressed my lips together, then knelt down to the little girl’s eye level. When I reached out to touch her head gently, she flinched and retreated behind her brother’s legs.
"Sylvia, I’m sorry," Noah Smith began to apologize. "My sister, she—"
"No apology needed," I cut him off with a genuine smile. "Her caution is actually a good sign."
We shared a look of understanding. In wolf terms, healthy wariness kept you alive. This child had learned that lesson too harshly, too young.
"Melody," I said softly, using the affectionate form of her name that I’d heard Noah Smith use. "This café makes the most delicious little puddings. Would you like to try one?"
When she didn’t respond, I continued in the same soothing tone, "They also have a children’s play area. Maybe we could go there together afterward? Would you like that?"
Despite my gentle attempts at conversation, Melody remained withdrawn, clutching her stuffed rabbit protectively as she hid behind Noah Smith’s back. Her eyes, those striking violet orbs, barely registered my presence.
I didn’t feel the slightest impatience. If anything, seeing her this way only deepened the compassion welling up inside me.
"Sylvia, please, don’t worry about my sister," Noah Smith finally said, his voice tinged with apology. "You should enjoy your meal. I’ll get her settled, and she’ll eat if she wants to."
I watched as Melody slowly, methodically, began eating the pudding before her. The small spoon moved deliberately between the dessert and her mouth, the level in the cup gradually decreasing.
"It seems this restaurant’s pudding truly does appeal to children’s tastes," I remarked, unable to keep the smile from my eyes as I watched her. My gaze was filled with a warmth I rarely allowed myself to show in business settings.
Noah Smith nodded with a relieved "Mmm," then redirected the conversation. "You mentioned design modifications that needed attention? Let me take a look."
I retrieved the design portfolio from my bag and handed it to him. As he examined the papers, he gave his sister a gentle reminder to continue eating.
"This is for a vacation resort development in the suburban area," I explained, outlining the project specifications and areas that needed refinement. After detailing what needed to be done, I met his eyes directly. "Do you feel confident about handling these modifications?"
A self-assured smile spread across his face, though he didn’t directly answer my question. "Give me three days."
"I’ll look forward to seeing what you produce," I replied.
As we concluded our business discussion, I noticed Melody tilting her head slightly, those violet eyes watching us intently. Something had caught her interest. When our gazes met, my heart melted at the unexpected connection.
I moved closer to her, keeping my voice soft and unthreatening. "Melody, was the pudding good? Would you like another one?"
I’d prepared myself for her continued silence, another withdrawal behind the walls of her condition. Instead, to my astonishment, she gave a tiny nod.
I turned to Noah Smith in surprise, finding his expression mirroring my own shock.
"Noah, can she communicate with us after all?" I asked carefully.
His face reflected wonder and confusion. "It’s been two years since her diagnosis. This is the first time she’s responded to someone she’s just met."
The intensity of his gaze increased as he looked at me, something powerful and appreciative warming his expression. I sensed that whatever doubts he’d harbored about my sincerity were rapidly dissolving.
"Children see what’s genuine," I murmured, my wolf practically purring with satisfaction at having gained the little one’s trust. ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com
Noah’s POV
The waitress had just served the small pudding, and I watched as Sylvia leaned in to speak softly with little Melody. Her voice was gentle, patient – so different from her usual commanding business tone.
"Remember, sweetie, just one pudding today," she was saying, her smile warm and genuine. "But if you like it, we can come back another time."
The afternoon sunlight streaming through the restaurant windows caught her profile, creating an almost ethereal glow around her perfectly sculpted features. As she interacted with Melody, her entire demeanor softened.
I found myself transfixed by the scene, my heart skipping a beat in my chest. The bustling restaurant seemed to fade into mere background noise – all I could see was Sylvia and my sister, caught in this perfect moment of connection.
The way she spoke to Melody, her voice melodious and warm, the genuine smile that lit up her face – it was a side of her I’d never seen before. My lips curved upward unconsciously as I watched them together.
Something shifted in my chest as I observed their interaction. Perhaps it was time to let Melody experience more of the world, to meet more people like Sylvia who could bring such warmth into her life. My protective instincts had kept my sister isolated for so long, but watching her bloom under Sylvia’s gentle attention made me wonder if I’d been too cautious.
The Alpha was showing a softness I never expected, and it was... beautiful.
