Chapter 24 Vanya's POV Stepping into the Packhouse living room , I saw Cliff sitting on the sofa , tending to Melinda's wounds intently . As soon as I appeared , Melinda jumped up like a startled fawn , her expression flustered as she explained , " Luna Vanya , Alpha Cliff just saw that I was injured and wanted to help bandage me …" However , she was abruptly cut off by Cliff's cold voice , " There's no need to explain . " Hearing Cliff's words , Melinda quickly lowered her head like a child who had made a mistake . She snuggled up beside him , looking exactly like a frightened little rabbit seeking shelter . Witnessing Cliff's indifferent gaze , which mirrored my past memories , felt like my heart was plunged into an icy abyss . The gratitude I had felt towards him vanished . It seemed he had never truly cared about my feelings . " I'm very tired . I said , not wanting to linger in the suffocating atmosphere any longer . I turned and headed towards the stairs . My thoughts had already moved past the entanglement between Cliff and Melinda . After the harrowing experience , I realized that if Jasper could so easily launch an attack on me , others with ill intentions could do the same . I couldn't remain a weak wolf relying on the pack's protection , hoping for Cliff's patronage . I needed to become a strong , self - reliant she - wolf . Otherwise , my fate would always be at the mercy of others , as fragile as a flickering candle in the wind . The next day , I woke up early , preparing to go out . As I descended to the living room , I saw Veronica sitting there , with Melinda standing beside her , her eyes red and puffy , as if she had been crying . " Mrs. Todd ? " I frowned , puzzled . Veronica rarely visited here . What brought her today ? " I heard you spent five million dollars on an obsidian rough? " Veronica's tone was accusatory , making the atmosphere tense . I slowly walked down the stairs , sat in front of her , and poured her a cup of coffee from the pot . " Yes , that's true , " I replied calmly . " And you were kidnapped by an enemy last night , right ? " she continued to press .. " Yes , " I lowered my eyes slightly , pondering her intentions behind these questions . " You must understand , as the Luna of the Silver Moon Pack , one of the most powerful packs in Los Angeles , you should keep a low profile . Business and strengthening the pack's power are the Alpha's concerns . Your priority now is to have a child , to prevent others with ulterior motives from getting the wrong idea ." Veronica spoke meaningfully , glancing at Melinda , who stood beside her . Following her gaze , I looked at Melinda . As expected , her eyes welled up with tears at the words , and she said with a hint of grievance , " Mrs. Todd , I just … " " You don't have a say here ! " Veronica cut her off mercilessly , leaving Melinda speechless . 1/2 -15 Chapter 24 " Cliff is becoming more and more derelict in his duties , allowing a rogue to step into the Sil dignity . " Veronica's words were like a sharp sword , slicing through the calm air . At the same time , it also plunged me into the painful memories of my past life . Moon Pack , disregarding our rules and In my past life , she had stood firmly by my side , using her authority and power to shield me from all external storms . She despised Melinda , who was a rogue . But the merciless gears of fate turned , and that protection didn't last long . A few years later , the Thunder Pack suffered a significant setback and declined , and I was unable to bear children , as if fate was cruelly mocking me . At that time , Melinda returned from abroad , transforming into Cliff's capable assistant in the business field . Like a well - planned hunter , she used her gentleness and diligence to gradually break down Veronica's defenses , eventually leading Veronica to withdraw her support for me . Ultimately , all these changes were part of a complex game of interests and power . Just then , Cliff , who was about to head to the company , walked into the living room and heard Veronica's sharp accusations . His brow furrowed slightly , seemingly annoyed by this sudden conflict . " Veronica , Melinda was injured last night , and I allowed her to stay here for the night . Don't blame her , " he said . Veronica let out a cold laugh , filled with mockery and disdain . " You might have good intentions , but her true intentions are not so certain . This morning , as soon as I entered the Packhouse , I saw her bustling in the kitchen , breakfast already prepared . For a moment , I thought the Silver Moon Pack had quietly changed its Luna . " 2/2