Theodore's POV
My voice was a deep murmur, subtly laced with the power from my Lycan heritage.
It carried an irresistible allure that could trap the unwary.
Vanya pressed her lips together and replied, "I can't tell you just yet."
"If I insist?" I pinned her with a steady gaze.
I was sure that Vanya's purchase of the obsidian had a specific plan behind it. To me, it was nothing more than a common piece of rough, not worth five million. It was clearly a bad deal.
So, it was obvious that in Vanya's eyes, this obsidian held a value far exceeding five million in the future.
"If I told you that this obsidian will reveal extraordinary significance in half a year, would you believe it?" Vanya asked.
"No," I answered without hesitation.
At least for now, on the surface, it was unremarkable.
"What if I said it could bring about unexpected changes to everything around it?" Vanya continued.
"What kind of changes?" I frowned, thoroughly puzzled by her words. I had never considered that a mere piece of obsidian could wield any special influence.
"You'll find out soon enough," she smiled, then sidestepped me and disappeared into the restroom.
I furrowed my brow and made my way to the lobby, where Derrick noticed my expression and asked, "All signed?"
"Yep," I affirmed.
"Why the long face?" Derrick inquired further.
"What could be so special about the obsidian Vanya bought?" I questioned.
"Just a regular rock, what else?" Derrick shrugged.
"Look into it. Anything connected to this obsidian, or the area around it, and do it quick," I instructed.
"That's just a rock, and there's nothing special around it. No value connection, not even with any ordinary items," Derrick stated.
Hearing this, I couldn't help but pause, "No leads at all?"
Cliff's POV
Inside the banquet hall, soft lighting bathed every corner, and guests gracefully mingled.
Melinda, in the same dress style as Vanya, stood alone in a slightly quieter corner, her eyes flickering with a hint of unease and anticipation.
At that moment, an elegantly dressed, finely made-up lady was slowly pacing the hall.
I noticed her catch sight of Melinda, her eyes lighting up instantly, and she quickened her pace.
Her voice was filled with delight and affection, "My dear, what are you doing here?"
Melinda turned around with anticipation at the warm call.
However, the moment the lady recognized Melinda's face, her smile froze, then rapidly melted away, replaced by cold disdain.
She even took a small step back.
She turned to her companion and deliberately raised her voice, "Oh, I thought it was Vanya. Look at the difference in how this dress is worn. It's so tacky. It's cheesy."
Melinda's smile froze, her face flushing red as if slapped.
Her lips trembled with humiliation and anger, her hands clenching the skirt so tightly her knuckles turned white.
"Alpha Cliff..." she looked at me with grievance.
I felt somewhat helpless. She, indeed, wasn't suited for such attire.
"Go change it," I said.
A moment later, Melinda emerged from the restroom, now in a white dress, her expression sour.
Seeing her like this, I asked, "What's wrong?"
"I was changing in the restroom and saw Luna Vanya," she replied.
"Vanya?" I frowned slightly.
Melinda nodded and continued, "I saw Luna Vanya with that man from last time, and they seemed quite close..."
After speaking, she observed my expression carefully, then quickly added, "But maybe I was mistaken. Luna Vanya couldn't possibly know someone like Theodore... I heard he's a desperado."
"Vanya..." my tone cooled involuntarily.
The last time we met, I sensed Theodore had ulterior motives towards Vanya.
Was this woman without any sense of danger?
He was Theodore, a dangerous man.
For some reason, it felt like something was blocking my chest, causing a wave of annoyance.
Vanya emerged from the restroom, and upon seeing her, my dissatisfaction and doubts were hard to conceal.
"What were you just doing?" I asked in a low voice.
"Me? I went to the restroom," Vanya looked puzzled.
Melinda stepped forward, feigning intimacy as she took Vanya's hand, "Luna Vanya, I saw it all. Theodore is not a good person. You mustn't be deceived by him."
Vanya instinctively pulled her hand back. Melinda's reaching hand froze in mid-air, and she said with a sense of grievance, "Luna Vanya, I didn't mean to tattle to Alpha Cliff... It's just that Theodore really isn't a good person."