Third Person's POV
"If you don't like her, I can have her leave," Cliff said.
"Even without Genevieve, others would come," Vanya replied indifferently. "She's no threat to me. No harm in keeping her around."
Seeing her nonchalant attitude, Cliff pursed his lips. He reached to fasten her seatbelt but paused mid-motion, sensing her instinctive flinch.
"You're afraid of me," he said.
"No, I'm not," Vanya answered briskly.
"Then why do you keep dodging me?" Cliff was puzzled. What had he done to make her so averse to contact?
Vanya frowned. "You're overthinking. I'm just not used to it. Nothing more."
"I'll help you get used to it," Cliff said.
He started the car. Vanya realized they weren't heading to the usual business district and asked, "Where are we going?"
"I'm taking you shopping," Cliff replied.
"Cliff, given Todd Group's current situation, shouldn't you be at the company instead of taking me shopping?" Vanya thought she'd misheard.
M Group's pressure on Todd Group had reached its peak; he should have no time to spare.
At that moment, Cliff's phone rang—it was Elliot.
He hung up immediately. When Elliot called again, Cliff powered off his phone.
Vanya said coldly, "Pull over."
"What's wrong?" Cliff asked.
"Pull over," she repeated.
Cliff silently parked by the roadside.
"I'll go back and handle things if you think work is more important," Vanya said.
"I only have three months. I don't want to waste a second," Cliff said, looking at her with a depth of feeling she'd never seen before.
Before Vanya could respond, Cliff cupped her face.
She froze, unsure of his intent.
Cliff leaned in slowly, but Vanya quickly turned her head away.
He paused, then dropped his hand. "Come to the company with me. I'll wrap things up quickly," he said.
Vanya was about to refuse when Cliff added, "You agreed to give me three months. Let me have a little more time with you, okay?"
His vulnerable expression was unlike anything she'd seen before—he was always the aloof one.
After a moment, Vanya sighed, "Fine."
Cliff's face lit up with a smile as he turned the car around.
Todd Group was in chaos.
As soon as Cliff entered, he saw Elliot, who had been about to look for him.
Relief washed over Elliot. "You're here!" he said.
Cliff had been in a daze lately, unable to focus even in meetings. Many decisions were pending, and the situation was dire.
"The directors are waiting for you in the conference room," Elliot said, glancing at Vanya in surprise—Cliff had never brought Vanya to the office before.
"To the conference room," Cliff said.
"Shall I arrange the lounge for Luna Vanya?" Elliot asked.
"No need," Cliff replied coolly. "Vanya and I will attend together."
"Wh-what?" Elliot stammered.
But Cliff was already leading Vanya forward.
Vanya instinctively tried to pull her hand free from his, but the warmth of his palm reminded her of the young man who'd held her hand and walked her home years ago.
Cliff and Vanya walked hand in hand through the office, drawing stares from staff.
"Who's that with Cliff? Is she Mrs. Todd?" they whispered.
"Doesn't look like it. Who was that lady often accompanying him to work before?" others wondered.
"You don't know? That's his ex-girlfriend, not his real wife."
Rumors swirled. Vanya paid them no mind—Cliff had never brought her to the office; it was natural they didn't recognize her.
Cliff suddenly spoke. "Elliot."
"Yes, Alpha Cliff?" Elliot responded.
"Fire everyone who was gossiping just now," Cliff ordered.
"Alpha Cliff?" Elliot exclaimed in shock.
Cliff's expression turned cold. "I don't repeat myself."
"Yes... sir," Elliot said, bowing his head.
Vanya frowned. "It's not necessary. I didn't feel uncomfortable at all."
"I want everyone to know you're my wife and no one will speak ill of you," Cliff said, tightening his grip.
Vanya fell silent.
In the past, such words would have pleased her.
Now, they only filled her with guilt.
Her feelings for Cliff were irreparably changed.
When they entered the conference room, the directors, anxious and pacing, fell silent upon seeing Vanya. All eyes turned to her.
One director complained, "Alpha Cliff, we're discussing important matters. No outsiders allowed."
"Moreover, Miss Dalton is rumored to have ties with the M Group. How can we be sure she won't leak information to them?" another added.
Vanya remained expressionless—she had no interest in these old-timers' theatrics.
If it weren't for Cliff's influence, they'd have been out in the cold long ago.
"Vanya is my wife. Her presence here is only natural," Cliff declared.