Third-person POV: Although Darius wasn't thrilled about Thora being so eager to distance herself from him, he was still in good spirits. He'd secured the engagement first. Who knew what the future would bring? Seeing Thora turn to walk back to the crowd alone, he quickly closed the distance with his long strides and wrapped his arm around her waist from behind. Thora's expression turned cold, and she grabbed his wrist. As if anticipating her reaction, Darius caught her hand and leaned close to whisper in her ear. "We need to act more intimate to make people believe us, don't we?" Only then did Thora release his wrist. Though her face remained expressionless, her body was no longer as rigid as before.A gleam of triumph flashed in Darius's eyes as he walked toward the Greens with his arm around Thora. Norman could no longer contain himself and asked stiffly, "Mr. Blackwood, about your engagement with my daughter Thora ... " Connecting with the Blackwoods of Nightclaw Pack would be an incredible opportunity for the Greens, but having Thora as the bride filled Norman with apprehension. Since Thora's return, the coldness in her eyes always made him uneasy. If she truly gained a foothold with the Blackwoods' backing, forget about reclaiming the Silverleaf Pack inheritance. He probably couldn't even keep his own position in the Greens. "How dare you! This is my decision. Do you have a problem with it?" Marlon's commanding shout instantly silenced Norman. "Dad, but shouldn't we at least ask Thora's opinion?" Norman forced down his resentment. At those words, even Marlon couldn't retort. "Thora, what do you think?" He worried she might refuse on the spot, which would be a slap in the face to the Blackwoods and Nightclaw Pack. Darius gave Thora's waist a gentle squeeze. Her expression flickered. Was this man asking to get hit? Getting handsy again and again like it was his hobby? "Thora, your grandfather asked you a question." Darius smiled innocently, as if his little move never happened. Thora stepped forward, escaping Darius's grasp, and said crisply, "Grandpa, I have no objections." Marlon immediately nodded with satisfaction. "Good girl!" Seeing this, Laurel quickly stepped forward with a fake smile. "Marlon, how can such an important matter be decided by you alone? Mr. Blackwood's family and the Nightclaw Pack elders surely wouldn't agree to this engagement, would they?" She refused to believe the Blackwoods would accept a disgraced mixed-blood like Thora. Her daughter, Hazel, was superior to Thora in every way. Thora also looked at Darius. In noble werewolf circles, marriages required both pack approval and compatible status. Darius's distinguished background and her own worthless mixed-blood identity were worlds apart. How would he handle this? Darius's overwhelming Alpha presence instantly radiated outward, his gaze sweeping over Norman and Laurel. Even Norman, a veteran who'd seen combat, couldn't stop himself from going rigid. "Mrs. Green is right. My engagement with Thora should indeed have my family's approval." He spoke unhurriedly, then ordered, "Carl, bring my mother over." Carl responded and headed into the crowd. Thora looked up to see a discreet noblewoman in the crowd remove her sunglasses and stand. She carried herself with poise and elegance, looking no older than 30 years old. As she approached, her gaze fell on Thora with both scrutiny and a hint of approval. Darius's lips curled into a deep smile. "Mom." He'd known his mother had secretly returned to the country, so he simply had someone escort her to the banquet. It satisfied her wish to meet her future daughter-in-law early, and it used her status to add the most solid witness to this engagement. "Mrs. Blackwood," someone said. The distinguished guests around them hurried forward to greet her.Evelyn Reid nodded, then looked at Marlon with an elegant smile. "General Green." "Mrs. Blackwood." Marlon sat up straighter with excitement in his wheelchair to salute. As a veteran of the Astralis Empire, Marlon knew Evelyn's identity all too well. She wasn't just the former Luna of Nightclaw Pack. There was much more to her than that. Evelyn smiled. "General Green, we'll be family from now on. No need for formalities. I'm here not only as Darius's elder, but the Nightclaw Pack elders have also been informed and asked me to witness this engagement on their behalf." Thora's heart sank. She'd thought this was just a show, but Darius had even coordinated with the Nightclaw Pack elders in advance. Breaking off this engagement would be extremely troublesome. Evelyn's appearance completely sealed the engagement. The Greens didn't dare to say another word. They could only accept their fate and force smiles as they received congratulations and praise from those around them. Marlon called out to Thora. "Thora, come with me for a moment. I need to talk to you." "Okay." Thora responded and stepped forward, pushing the wheelchair away from the noisy crowd.