Once the public shaming was over, I stretched lazily in victory. Aiden happened to return just then; seeing my smug expression, he picked up a little cake from the tray beside him, fed me a bite, and asked with a smile, “She came looking for trouble again?” I squinted in satisfaction. “She did, but it doesn’t matter. She’s no match for me.” “I know, but try not to go head-to-head with her if you can help it.” “What’s this—feeling sorry for your first crush, worried I’ll bully her?” Aiden shook his head. “Not a chance. I’m worried about you. She’s big back home. If you rile her up, her die-hard fans will swarm you.” I just smiled, letting him know I wasn’t concerned. Women like her should worry more about whether her stunts will get her booted from Varken for good. “Aiden, isn’t Andrix supposed to be here today?” I asked. Aiden gave a small shake of his head. “He’s supposed to; but he hasn’t shown up yet, so I’m not sure if he’ll come.” I found it strange. With all these reporters waiting, would he really dare show his face without embarrassment? Before we could say more, a commotion erupted at the entrance—louder even than when Geraldine had arrived. Aiden looked over, his brows knitting. Speak of the devil. He’d come after all. Andrix wore a pure white suit, tall and commanding. As he walked in, reporters snapped furiously; to them, infighting within a family as powerful as the Eclipse Pack was the definition of headline gold. To our surprise, Andrix didn’t go to Robin first with birthday wishes. Instead, he came straight toward us. “Geraldine just told me Raelyn targeted her. What’s that supposed to mean?” So that was it, Geraldine had gone crying to him, and now Andrix had come to demand answers. I stifled a yawn. “Target her? Please. I wouldn’t dare. She came looking for me on purpose, trying to get under my skin; I just pushed back. Funny thing, though—she really outdid herself this time, showing up with a counterfeit gift.” Andrix gave me a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Even if Geraldine’s gift wasn’t genuine, her intentions were. You knew she was a public figure, yet you still chose to humiliate her again and again in front of everyone.” I met his gaze and shot back, “Andrix, if you want to defend her, that’s your business. But I don’t like her; so do me a favor and don’t bring her up around me again.” His expression didn’t flicker. “What a vulgar woman,” he said coldly. Aiden’s eyes hardened; he stepped in front of me, voice sharp. “Who exactly are you calling vulgar?” Andrix didn’t answer. He gave me one last icy look, then turned on his heel and strode toward Robin. “Dad, I’m here to wish you a happy birthday,” he said loudly. Robin, caught mid-conversation, turned at the sound. His face froze in surprise at the sight of his estranged son. For the sake of appearances, Robin gave him a brief reply. “Dad, I was wrong before. I jumped to conclusions; I even said I wanted to cut ties with the family. That was all my fault. I hope you can forgive me; I want to call you Father again.” His words rang with emotion; then he dropped to his knees before everyone. Many of the werewolves present were visibly moved. I frowned and whispered to Aiden, “What’s his angle? Why reconcile now?” Aiden’s voice was cool. “What else—power, money. The Eclipse Pack’s name and status give him far more than he could ever achieve on his own.” “So, you think he’s planning more trouble?” “Hard to say; but from the looks of it, Andrix didn’t come with good intentions.” Several of the other sons of Eclipse Pack were already swayed. Alex looked uncertain, but Adam and Adrian stepped forward to embrace him. “It’s good you’re back.” “Blood ties or not, you’ll always be our third brother.” Overcome, Andrix hugged them back, tears running down his face.The media went wild, cameras flashing as the atmosphere swelled into a frenzy. When the banquet ended, Robin—touched by Andrix’s return—suggested a family dinner. He reserved a large private room at the hotel, and we all sat down as the dishes began to arrive. But then Geraldine burst through the door in a rush. “Sorry, I’m late.” My brow furrowed instantly. Why on earth had she been invited? Robin smiled as he explained, “I asked Geraldine to join us. She came all the way back from overseas for my birthday; she put so much thought into it, I couldn’t very well leave her out.” To make sure no one misunderstood, Andrix quickly added, “The watch wasn’t her only gift. She also brought a luminous pearl—it just arrived a bit late.” At that, everything clicked; Andrix was covering for her, throwing in the pearl as backup. Robin beamed. “Even if it’s not real, I still appreciate it. Geraldine’s heart was in the right place.”