Chapter 42 By the time they arrived , the ballroom was alive with the hum of conversation and the gentle clinking of glasses The crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the elegantly dressed crowd , creating a shimmering spectacle of light and shadow . As Nora and Leo stepped through the grand double doors , heads turned almost instantly . Noras appearance was nothing short of captivating Her gown , a deep champagne golden that complimented her striking features , swept gracefully along the polished floor . The subtle sparkle of her earrings caught the light , drawing attention to her poised expression . Len , in his tailored midnight black suit , exuded a quiet authority that made him the perfect counterpart to Noras elegance Mr. Nara the host exclaimed , moving quickly to greet them . His smile was broad and genuine , his voice carrying over the murmurs of the crowd . What a pleasure to have you both here tonight . The pleasure is ears Leo replied smoothly , shaking the hosts hand . Nora offered a warm smile , her voice calm and measured as she added . The arrangements are beautiful . Its a lovely gathering As they exchanged pleasantries , Nora couldnt ignore the growing ripple of whispers among the guests . Eyes darted toward the entrance , and a wave of surprise spread through the room . Curious , she and Leo turned their heads to see what had drawn such a reaction . The doors creaked open , and a sudden tension swept over the atmosphere . Beside her , Lena , her wolf stiffened , her voice a hurried whisper . Hes here . Nora muttered Who ?, though she already suspected the answer . Lena murmured , a hint of excitement and complexity in her tone . The band between their ma mates still kept them irresistibly drawn to each other , but Nora understood that they were getting farther apart . True to Lenas words , Arnold strode into the room with practiced ease . His commanding presence drew attention as he walked , his friends trailing behind him . Among them was Linda , wearing a gown that was unmistakably from one of the most exclusive boutiques in the region . The shimmering silver fabric clung to her frame , the intricate beadwork catching the light with every step . Her beauty , amplified by her choice of attire , was undeniably striking . The crowd buzzed with hushed remarks . That gown … its from Élode Haute Couture , isnt it ? years salary someone whispered Theard it costs more than a She must be someone important , another voice chimed in . Do you think shes Arnolds date ? Maybe the future Luna ? Noras heart sank , t „ though her expression remained calm . Her years of experience in public settings had trained her to mask her emotions . However , the quiet murmur of a nearby ge ched her ears , bringing a small , unexpected relief . To be honest , I much prefer the lady in the champagne golden gown , a man commented , gesturing subtly toward Nura . Theres something rape about her . That kind of grace at something money can buy noise in the balls ballroom seemed to Arnolds gaze swept across the room , his expression unreadable until his eyes landed on Nora . For a brief moment , the noise fade , and an unspoken tension stretched between them . Chapter 42 Beside him . Linda followed his line of sight , her expression shifting su subtly to one of irritation . Leg stepped closer to Nora , his presence grounding and protective . He leaned in slightly , his voice low and calm . Are you all Nora nodded , her eyes never leaving Arnold . Tim fine , she replied , though the flutter of unease in her chest betrayed her words . The warmth of the ballroom seemed distant to Nora as her thoughts drifted . The Snowmoon pack was small , everyone knew that . They didnt have the resources to aff afferd such İvextravagant luxuries, let alone fund Lindas opulent lifestyle . It wasnt hard to piece together the truth : Arnold had bought the gown for Linda . And not just any gown . that gown . The one from the high end boutique , its price is like a looming mountain of gold that has deterred countless people . A symbol of his favor , his care . Noras chest tightened briefly , though her face betrayed nothing . Shed always prided herself on her composure , and tonight was no exception . But Leo , standing beside her , wasnt so easily fooled . He leaned closer , his sharp eyes scanning her face . Nora be said gently , his voice low enough that only she could hear . Whats wrong ? Nora took a steadying breath and turned to him , her lips curving into a faint smile . Tm fine , she replied smoothly , though the tightness in her tone hinted otherwise . Leo wasnt convinced . Youre quiet . Too quiet , he pressed , his gaze unwavering . If somethings bothering you , you can tell me . matters anymore , 1 appreciate it , Les , but really . Im fine , she assured him , her voice soft but firm . Its nothing that ma And she meant it or at least she was trying to convince herself she did . Yes , Arnolds gesture had stung at first , but the more she thought about it , the more she realized she was fast ceasing to care . Arnold could dress Linda in gold and diamonds for all she cared . It wouldnt change who he was or what he had done . Still , it was hard not to notice the way Arnold and Linda had effortlessly become the center of attention . A group of guests had gathered around them , their laughter and admiration filling the air . Linda , basking in the attention , smiled graciously , her every movement calculated to showcase her beauty and charm . Nora felt a subtle shift in the rooms energy . It was as if a thread had pulled her attention involuntarily toward Arnold . She looked over , her gaze meeting his for a fraction of a second . Perhaps he had felt her gazoe or perhaps Enzo , Arnolds wolf , had Thes here , Enzos voice echoed in Arnolds und low and insistent . I can feel her presence . We should meet her . Arnold frowned slightly , his eyes scaring the roo Why would I do that ? he muttered internally , his voice laced with irritation . If shes here , its because shes chasing after ine Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!