Third Person's POV
"I think… I should change my clothes," Vanya said, spreading her arms to show her simple outfit. "I didn't even put on makeup today."
Cliff smiled. "You look good in anything. No need to dress up specially."
"Can't have that. Meeting clients requires proper attire to match your charm, Alpha Cliff," Vanya said with a grin.
Cliff's face lit up with a smile. "Alright, I'll have Elliot drive you to change."
"No need," Vanya declined. "I can manage on my own."
Cliff watched her for a moment, then said with a smile, "Be careful on your way, then."
"Got it," Vanya replied, turning to leave the office.
Cliff gazed after her, lost in thought.
Downstairs, Vanya called Barbara. "Has Melinda left?"
"Already gone, Miss Dalton. Should I bring her back?"
"No. Arrange a meeting. I'll send you the location shortly," Vanya said coolly.
"But it's so late…" Barbara hesitated.
"Trust me, she'll come," Vanya said before hanging up.
Wherever Cliff was, Melinda would show up definitely.
Cliff sent the restaurant address, which Vanya forwarded to Barbara.
Barbara: What if Melinda doesn't show?
Vanya: Just casually mention that the Todd Group's CEO will also be at the restaurant.
Barbara: Understood, Miss Dalton.
After ending the message, Vanya returned to the Silver Moon Pack.
Genevieve opened the door cheerfully, her face instantly falling when she saw Vanya alone.
"Luna Vanya… isn't Alpha Cliff with you?" she asked.
"He's not back. You seem disappointed," Vanya remarked with a knowing smile.
Genevieve quickly waved her hand. "No, Luna Vanya, I didn't mean anything by it."
"Just a thought. Don't take it to heart," Vanya said with a smile. "I'm back to change and do my makeup."
"Luna Vanya, are you going out?" Genevieve asked.
"Yes, Cliff invited me to the Royal Restaurant for dinner. I came back to change and freshen up," Vanya explained.
At the mention of the "Royal Restaurant," Genevieve's eyes lit up.
Vanya noticed and smiled faintly. "Carry on with your duties. I'm heading upstairs."
"…Alright," Genevieve replied.
Vanya watched Genevieve from upstairs as she hurried into the first-floor room, her lips curving into a smile—Genevieve's eagerness saved Vanya the trouble of devising a plan to expose her.
Back in her room, Vanya selected a gown.
She needed no heavy makeup; today, however, she chose an elaborate style—time to assert herself as Silver Moon's Luna.
An hour later, when Vanya descended, Genevieve was nowhere in sight.
Veronica sat on the sofa, eyeing Vanya's attire with disapproval. "Where are you going so late, dressed like that?"
"Cliff and I have a business dinner. I'm already running late," Vanya said, turning to leave.
Vanya had no patience left for pretense with Veronica.
Veronica's face darkened as Vanya walked away. "Vanya, what's your attitude? Have you forgotten how you begged me to let you be with Cliff?"
Vanya paused—Veronica's threats were tired and old.
She turned and smiled. "Grandma, how could I forget? Lately, the Todd Group's been struggling. Cliff's been busy with deals, and I'm helping where I can."
"Don't feed me lies! If you truly cared about Cliff, why did you sell that land to Theodore?" Veronica snapped.
Vanya frowned—this must have come from someone else, not Cliff.
Quickly, she said, "I'm in a hurry. Let's talk later."
Veronica was livid that Vanya dismissed her so easily.
After Vanya left, Genevieve emerged from her room.
Dressed in a simple yet pure-looking dress, she seemed innocent enough.
"Madam Todd…" Genevieve began.
Veronica glanced at her, her brows furrowing. "Going out dressed like that?"
"Uh, just for a walk…" Genevieve stammered, her face flushing.
Veronica wasn't fooled. "Dressed like that for a walk?" she said sharply.
Genevieve bit her lip. "Madam Todd, I…"
"I know you fancy Cliff. But remember, being the Silver Moon's Luna isn't just about obedience—it's about knowing your place," Veronica said sternly.
Genevieve understood—her family was minor nobility; she could never marry into the Todd family.
Veronica had kept Genevieve around to unsettle Vanya, not to let her pursue Cliff.
Genevieve had overstepped.
As Genevieve prepared to back down, Veronica added, "But this time, go see for me. If Cliff asks, say it's my doing."
Genevieve looked up in surprise—she hadn't expected Veronica to let her meet Cliff.
Veronica urged, "Hurry up."
"Thank you, Madam Todd!" Genevieve beamed and rushed out the door like a released bird.