Geraldine’s smile grew brighter; she even shot me a smug glance, wearing the air of a hostess. Alex glared at Adrian. “What was that supposed to mean?” Realizing his slip, Adrian cast me an awkward sidelong look. “Sorry, I misspoke.” I had to admit—this woman actually managed to disgust me. “Well, Ms. Geraldine, handing out steak so naturally… if I’m not mistaken, this dinner was on me. If I don’t like it, I could have you off the table in an instant.” I narrowed my eyes and spoke coolly. “But if I remember right, Aiden just paid for this meal. Doesn’t that mean… it wasn’t really you treating us, Ms. Beck?” I arched a brow at Aiden. “I host, you pay. Any problem with that?” Aiden wiped his mouth and said evenly, “No problem.” Geraldine’s face went pale. She stood abruptly. “If none of you want me here, then I’ll leave.” I drawled, “Good, you finally realized it, though a little late.” She rose to go, but suddenly stumbled, losing her balance as she fell in Aiden’s direction. Quick as lightning, I slid out my foot, catching her at the waist. So that was her plan—to make Aiden catch her? “Ms. Geraldine, I already know where you stand; no need for such a grand gesture. You’re a celebrity, after all—your face can’t afford that kind of tumble.” My tone was sugary sweet, my words sharp as glass. Geraldine collapsed over my foot, a pitiful sight if there ever was one. She scrambled up, smoothing her messy hair, her face flushed crimson. “I’ll be going now.” Compared to Alex, she left in such a rush it looked more like fleeing in disgrace. Once she was gone, Adrian finally ducked his head, guilt all over him. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to call her that…” I waved it off. “Don’t worry. You’re just a kid.”Adrian nearly rolled his eyes to the ceiling. “I’m not a kid—I’m already an adult.” I fixed my gaze on him. “What about Tammy?” I hadn’t spoken to Tammy in a long time; I wondered how the girl was doing. “Her so-called cousin—he’s not even related by blood—kept hanging around outside her house. She couldn’t stand it anymore, so she moved into one of my villas.” I blinked. “You two are living together?” Adrian’s face flared red. “I mean she’s living in my villa; I’m not living there with her!” “Tammy’s still young. You’d better not take advantage of her.” I warned him. Alex reached over to ruffle Adrian’s hair, smirking. “Our second brother doesn’t even have a girlfriend yet, but you’re already cohabiting. Quite something.” “You—why does no one here understand plain speech? When did I say I had a girlfriend?” Adrian wasn’t used to being teased like this; his ears and neck turned crimson as he sputtered explanations. “Alright, enough teasing. Bring Tammy to Eclipse Pack tomorrow—I need to see her.” Adrian finally calmed down and nodded. “Time’s getting late, and we’ve eaten enough. We should head back,” Adam said suddenly from the corner, startling everyone with his first words of the night. I finally noticed him and felt a little guilty, so I asked, “How’ve you been in Guanghua lately?” “All good. Nothing to worry about.” Something about him had changed; the air around him was quiet now, nothing like the wicked edge he used to carry. I didn’t press. Together with the four young masters of Eclipse Pack, I returned to the villa. The moment I stepped through the door, Robin spotted me. But instead of greeting me warmly like he usually did, his expression was faintly uneasy. “Mr. Robin, I’ve been gone so long—didn’t you miss me?” I teased as I sat beside him. Robin gave an awkward smile. “Raelyn, you’re back.” That look on the Alpha’s face told me something was wrong. “What’s the matter, Mr. Robin? You don’t look so well.”He shook his head. “It’s nothing. I just… haven’t seen you in so long, I don’t even know what to say.” That was definitely not the truth. But I didn’t call him out; I just smiled and played along. Over the next two days, Robin went out of his way to avoid me, leaving me puzzled but with no way to press him. Two days later, Robin’s birthday arrived. As the most powerful clan in Varken, Eclipse Pack naturally drew crowds of elites for their Alpha’s birthday celebration. In the banquet hall, the four young masters stood tall in sleek suits, drawing the eyes of countless young women. “Eclipse Pack’s genes must be incredible; all their men are so handsome.” “Raelyn’s the one to envy—engaged to Eclipse Pack, with the whole Salvatore clan of men wrapped around her finger.” “But Raelyn’s already with Aiden, the best of them all. The others are still single—maybe we still have a shot?” “I’d pick Adam. That little tooth when he smiles—adorable!” Hearing all the chatter, I turned to Aiden with a click of my tongue. “The best of them all, huh? That’s some compliment.” Aiden’s sharp gaze swept over me. “And what exactly is wrong with what they said?” “Aiden, how did I never notice before… you’re this conceited?”