To keep Aiden from worrying, I lied. “Oh? You sure about that?” Aiden asked, clearly skeptical. I chuckled. “Alright, don’t overthink it. I said I’m fine, so I’m fine. When have I ever lied to you?” Aiden went quiet for a moment, then changed the subject. “So when are you coming back?” “Well… soon. Mr. Greg might be missing me a bit, so he wants me to stay here for a little while.” “Do you want to come back? If you do, I’ll come get you.” His voice suddenly softened. “Raelynn, you need to know—I couldn’t care less about the Imperial Pack. If anyone touches you, I don’t care who they are. I won’t let it slide.” I instantly understood—Aiden had already figured out what kind of situation I was in. I quickly said, “It’s fine. I’m just staying here for a little while. It’s not like I’m being held captive. No need to come for me, trust me!” That last part, I said with complete seriousness, hoping he would get the message. If I really needed to run, I’d find a way myself. Seeing how firm I was, Aiden didn’t push. He asked a few more things, then hung up. Staring at the phone, still warm in my hand, I fell into deep thought. There’s no way Aiden would just sit tight in Varken like I told him. If he confirmed I was being detained, he’d bring Eclipse Pack’s warriors here without a second thought—and that would spiral out of control fast. Suddenly, Wesley came to mind. This Imperial Pack brat might actually be useful. On my first day staying with the Imperial Pack, Mr. Greg had Wesley take me to the city’s most upscale shopping center. Officially, it was to buy a few dresses and accessories. Wesley pouted the whole way, clearly annoyed. But Mr. Greg knew just how to handle him—money. He said if Wesley took me around, he’d increase his allowance. That finally got him to agree, though he looked like he was being dragged to his death. Once Wesley gave in, Mr. Greg cheerfully pulled a card from his pocket and handed it to me. “You’re part of the Imperial Pack now, so you get the same treatment. Same allowance. Spend as much as you like—if you run out, just ask for more.” Gold lettering on a sleek black card—it was one of those ultra-rare Imperial Bank specialty cards. Even people with status and wealth couldn’t get one easily. He might be a controlling bastard, but he sure wasn’t stingy with his money. I’d meant to refuse, but knowing Mr. Greg’s type, I kept it. Consider it compensation for emotional damages. Once we got to the shopping center, I wandered around aimlessly. Wesley trailed behind me, hands stuffed in his pockets, looking grumpier by the minute. After walking for what felt like ages, I still hadn’t found anything I liked. I didn’t buy a single thing. “If you’re really that tired, go sit down somewhere. I’ll call you when I’m done,” I said, noticing how unsteady his steps were. “Wesley, your stamina’s pretty sad, huh?” “Who are you calling weak?” Wesley had just opened his mouth to agree, but as soon as he heard that, all thought of resting flew out the window. “Keep walking. We’re not leaving until nightfall!” Watching him get so worked up made me grin as I turned to continue walking. When I reached a boutique storefront, a dress inside caught my eye. A black, knee-length gown that hugged the waist perfectly. The skirt shimmered with embedded gems, its pleats unfolding like petals. The sleeves and neckline had delicate sheer cutouts that added just the right amount of allure. A saleswoman quickly approached with a bright smile. “You’ve got excellent taste, miss. That’s our store’s signature piece. Only three in the world, and this is the last one. With your figure, it’d look stunning. Want to try it on?” I didn’t respond, just kept inspecting the dress. It looked strangely familiar. Still trying to make a sale, the saleswoman pressed on. “Miss, this really is a great choice. Why not give it a try? You won’t regret it.” Then her eyes shifted behind me, lighting up. “Or maybe your boyfriend can weigh in? I think this would look amazing on you.” My eyebrow twitched. “He’s not my boyfriend.” Wesley rolled his eyes. “And I wouldn’t go for someone like her, either.”The saleswoman froze in place, caught in the awkwardness. Just then, a shrill female voice rang out behind us, all sweetness and saccharine sharpness. “I like that dress. I want to try it on.” I turned to look. She was decked out in high-end labels, but no amount of money could cover up the stench of cheap arrogance clinging to her. Gaudy to the point of painful. I instinctively took a step back. She assumed I was intimidated and lifted her chin with a smug smile, like a proud little peacock. “Smart girl. Don’t try to fight me for it.” I was about to walk away, but those words made me turn back. “What did you say?” Her brows drew together at my question, and her tone turned nasty. “What, can’t you take a hint? I saw the dress first. Don’t make me say it again.” “Wow. Do you have some kind of princess complex? You talk like your brain got scooped out.” I shot back coldly.