Vanya's POV
My heart skipped a beat. I hadn't detected any amusement in Edwin's eyes.
My initial approach to Wilmot was always driven by his status and future prospects.
Such a motive couldn't even be hidden from Wilmot, let alone Edwin.
I recalled how Edwin had dealt with that flamboyant woman just now—right in front of me. It was clearly a warning.
My heartbeat quickened involuntarily, but I maintained a calm facade and said, "Just classmates, not particularly close."
Edwin let out a soft chuckle and said, "The wind up here is rather strong. Miss Dalton, it's better if you don't come up. Wilmot is downstairs. You two can have a chat."
I couldn't fathom Edwin's intentions, but one thing was clear—he didn't want me near this terrace.
Naturally, I wouldn't oppose him. After a polite nod, I headed downstairs.
When I reached the bottom, I saw Wilmot drinking alone at the stairway entrance.
Upon seeing me come down, he immediately put down his glass and walked up to me, asking, "Why did you go up there?"
"I just wanted some fresh air," I replied, noticing a flicker of tension in Wilmot's eyes. I questioned, "Does Edwin not like others to go upstairs?"
"Not exactly... It's where he handles his affairs," Wilmot said ambiguously.
I had never attended a Hammond family gala before and was indeed unaware of their rules.
But when I went upstairs earlier, no one from Edwin's side had stopped me. It seemed Edwin had allowed it, likely to let me witness that scene and warn me to stay away from Wilmot.
"It's getting late. I should leave," I said.
"I'll walk you out!" Wilmot offered.
"No need," I replied, preparing to leave.
However, just then, the Hammond family's main doors opened, and Cliff walked in.
Everyone greeted him, but he strode straight towards me.
"Go home," Cliff said, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.
I didn't look at him.
Almost everyone present had seen Cliff carry Melinda out earlier. Now, he was back to take me away, which would undoubtedly make a fool of me in front of everyone.
Wilmot sneered, "Alpha Cliff, don't you think you're being too domineering?"
Cliff glanced at Wilmot, his expression unchanging, and said, "Vanya is my wife. If she's not going home with me, then is she supposed to go home with you?"
"You!" Wilmot, known for his short temper, was instantly ignited by Cliff's barbed remark.
The atmosphere suddenly chilled. It was evident that Cliff had come with anger, but he was holding back because of the public setting.
I didn't understand where Cliff's anger was coming from. Could Melinda's fainting somehow be my fault?
"Wilmot, apologize to Alpha Cliff," Edwin's voice came from behind, probably just arriving from the elevator.
Wilmot, though reluctant, had no choice but to comply with his command.
Wilmot said coldly, "I'm sorry."
Cliff ignored Wilmot and instead grabbed my hand, about to leave.
I winced slightly from the pain, not understanding why Cliff was using so much force.
Before Cliff could pull me out the door, a group of bodyguards suddenly blocked the entrance, and more surrounded us, encircling Cliff and me.
I observed the scene. These men were armed with stun batons—clearly not to be trifled with.
First come, first served? Edwin was certainly an interesting character.
"Mr. Hammond, are you planning to stop me from leaving?" Cliff asked.
"Alpha Cliff, you're free to leave, of course," Edwin said with a faint smile. "But Miss Dalton is Wilmot's friend and a distinguished guest of the Hammond family. No one can take her away from the Hammond family unless she wishes to go."
Hearing this, Cliff's eyes narrowed dangerously.
The tension between the two men was palpable.
Edwin then looked at me and smiled slightly, "Miss Dalton, do you wish to leave?"
I was taken aback.
Edwin's timing in posing this question to me was impeccable.
Cliff's public attempt to take me away today was clearly a disregard for the Hammond family.
Edwin, naturally, wouldn't let Cliff leave so easily; otherwise, rumors would spread tomorrow that the Hammond family feared Cliff.
By standing up for me, Edwin was giving me face and showing strength, making it clear to everyone that the Hammond family was not intimidated by Cliff.
However, if I chose not to leave with Cliff tonight, it would mean that the Todd family and the Hammond family would clash over me.
Cliff would lose face, and as his wife, I would lose the protection of the Todd family.
Even if this escalated to Veronica, she would never side with me, who brought shame to the Todd family.
As for the Hammond family, they would gain another enemy in the Todd family and would likely distance themselves from me, the Dalton lady who failed to read the room.
Edwin's question was directed at me, but his answer was already clear.
Follow Cliff.