Before leaving, I went to see Tammy and the others. The second she saw Randall and me standing together, Tammy burst into tears and flung her arms around me. “Geraldine just posted on Twitter! She said she and Aiden are together and planning to get engaged! She even said Aiden broke up with you a long time ago—are you okay?” Already? Aiden was jumping into a relationship with Geraldine this fast? “She’s not wrong,” I said calmly. “Aiden and I broke up a while ago.” Adrian stepped forward, hesitating for a moment before saying, “Raelyn, I really wanted you to be my sister-in-law.” I smiled and patted his head. “Don’t overthink it. I may not end up your sister-in-law, but we’re still friends. We just won’t see each other as often.” Adam caught the tone in my voice. “You leaving?” “Yeah. Heading back to Capital City.” Tammy’s eyes widened. “Why? Why aren’t you staying in Varken?” I chuckled at her clueless face. “Because I’m from the Imperial Pack. I’m heading back to get engaged to Randall.” Engaged? All three of them stared at me like I’d grown a second head. Adam especially looked crushed—even Tammy noticed. “Adam, come on. With how easy travel is these days, Capital City’s not that far. We’ll still see each other.” Adam’s voice was strained. “Got it.” After saying goodbye, Randall and I made our way to the airport, ready to return to Capital City. I was going to announce the engagement on Twitter—figured I deserved that much dignity. But Randall stopped me. “You’ve got people calling Aiden a selfish jerk right now. If they find out you’re getting engaged, too, you’ll lose public sympathy.” He smirked slyly. “Better to wait a few days. Let the dust settle. Right now, you’re the wronged party—tragic, heartbroken, graceful under pressure. Milk it a little. Why waste that?” I blinked at him. Who knew Randall could be this calculating? But… he had a point. He added, “The engagement’s happening anyway. Might as well make it sting for Aiden.” I stared at him. “You really missed your calling. You should be working in PR.” Randall dropped the smile and said seriously, “If your company’s hiring, I’ll apply.” I rolled my eyes. “Get lost.” He laughed, but I stared at him, curious. “Why are you doing all this for me?” I just couldn’t figure it out. Why was he going so far for me, thinking things through for my sake? “I told you before,” he said. “Because I like you. I really do want to be with you.” Whether or not that was true, I couldn’t say. His face didn’t look like he was lying, but something about it still didn’t feel fully genuine. Soon enough, we were back in Capital City, back at the Imperial Pack compound. Mr. Greg was overjoyed when I came back willingly—and with Randall. On the spot, he gave me 20% of the Imperial Pack’s shares. The union between Capital City’s Imperial Pack and Wesley’s Storme Pack sent shockwaves through the region. North City, Varken, Veloria, and every influential pack along the coast sent their congratulations. News of the engagement quickly dominated the internet. With my diverse background and massive fanbase, the buzz surrounding me and Randall even outshined the hype around Geraldine and Aiden. “Aiden’s a scumbag. Good thing Raelyn’s smart enough to find herself a real man!” “Seriously, I thought Geraldine was some innocent sweetheart—turns out she’s just shameless.” “Storme Pack is no joke—wealthy, clean reputation, and scandal-free. Ms. Beck and the Jade Prince really are a match made in heaven!” Though opinions varied, most comments praised Randall and me—and tore into Aiden and Geraldine.Geraldine’s POV: I was about to lose my damn mind. Announcing my relationship with Aiden was supposed to be a win. Instead, I triggered a flood of backlash! “Aiden! That woman Raelyn is too much! She’s about to get engaged herself and still pulled this stunt just to ruin our reputation!” My follower count dropped by the millions—ten percent gone in a single night. Aiden shot me a cold glare. The Eclipse Pack’s stock had dropped as well, and the pressure was getting to him. One look from him like that and I froze, biting my lip and staying quiet. “If you hadn’t rushed to make things public, no one would be dragging you now.” Aiden stood up, his voice icy. “I told you—stop provoking Raelyn. One more time, and we’re done.” I shrank back, shoulders trembling. “Got it, Aiden. I won’t act out again.” He returned to his work without another glance, and I slipped out quietly, heading back to the hotel. Only once I was back in my room did I dare make a call—to the Alpha of the Imperial Pack. “Mr. Greg, don’t you think you’re being a little heartless? I helped you split up Aiden and Raelyn, and now you turn your back on me?” Mr. Greg snorted. “And wasn’t that your own doing, Geraldine? Maybe if you’d behaved, people wouldn’t hate you so much.” I snapped, “And who exactly was I doing it for, huh? Don’t think I won’t let Raelyn find out that you planned her breakup from the start!” Mr. Greg let out a long breath. “Don’t threaten me. I’ll clean this up for you. But if you pull another stunt—don’t blame me for what happens next.” I smiled sweetly. “Of course, Mr. Greg. Don’t worry—I won’t bother you again.” He hung up without another word.