Chapter 9 : Awakening and Awakening - 2 Sophie added with false sweetness , " Women like her , once they latch onto a wealthy heir like Ethan , would never let go easily . " Hearing these words , a cold , mocking smile touched my lips . What I had sensed in Sophie's eyes at that birthday party - the veiled contempt - was no illusion . Her friendliness was just a mask . Deep down , she looked down on me no different from the rest . The conversation in the video continued , ruthless and unfiltered . " Cassandra , don't worry . We're all on your side . " " Yes , none of us like that Olivia . She should know her place instead of forcing herself into our circle . " " Probably read too many romance novels , dreaming of marrying into wealth . Pathetic really- doesn't she know to us , she's just an outsider pretending to belong ? " " Exactly . She's not one of us . Ethan was just playing with her . Now that you're back , Cassie , it's time for her to get lost ." My heart remained utterly calm as I watched . Cassandra's intentions were clear : send this video not only to declare her victory but to humiliate me , force me to see reality and give up on Ethan . Yet , contrary to what Cassandra might have imagined - me crying and packing to slink away in shame - those words bounced harmlessly off my growing indifference . The drunken love talk from Ethan to Cassandra only disgusted me now . I exited the video without hesitation , my fingers quickly typing a reply : " I truly am not from your circle . " Seeing this , Cassandra - clearly using Ethan's phone - smirked and responded , " At least you have some self - awareness . " I sneered inwardly at her ignorance . The Grey pack's so - called ' empire ' wasn't even close to matching just one minor territory of my father's Winters pack . Their yearly profits were mere scraps compared to a casual investment by my father , Richard Winters . The Winters family , four generations of powerful Alphas , were now among the territory's top ten powerful packs . The ' Winters ' in my name was the same ' Winters ' that would make those arrogant people's jaws drop if they ever found out . 1/3 < Chapter 9 Awakening and A And so , this small interlude didn't disturb my peace at all . +25 Puntos > Enjoying my rare day of rest , I lounged comfortably on the plush sofa , browsing luxury brands ' websites on my tablet . It was time to select my engagement dress , and I approached the task with careful deliberation . After hours of searching , I narrowed it down to three stunning gowns but found myself torn between them . The first was a new - style ceremonial dress in champagne with blush embroidery and sparkling crystal accents . Delicate pearl chains draped from the collar over the shoulders , creating a youthful and dazzling effect . The second was a moon - white strapless fishtail gown with rose appliqué across the bodice . It exuded an elegant maturity that appealed to my more sophisticated side . The third option was a soft off - shoulder milk - white tulle dress sprinkled with rose - pink petals . It had a dreamy , romantic quality that made me think of fairy tales . Unable to decide , I posted all three photos to my social media with a caption : " Choice paralysis again - help me pick the best one ? " Within minutes , likes and comments flooded in . Connor left a gentle message that made me smile : " They're all beautiful . Just get all three and change as you like . " My childhood friend Rebecca Frost teased , " Wow , Liv's taste is perfect ! Anyway , let Connor buy them all , he won't mind the expense . " Another close friend , Lily , commented enthusiastically , " Buy buy buy ! Our Olivia looks good in everything ! " My assistant Emma Thompson chimed in excitedly , " Wow wow wow ! Is something happening ? Liv , are you getting engaged ? " Their warmth and genuine excitement wrapped around me like a comforting blanket . But amidst these positive responses , a few comments stood out sharply . Sophie left only an awkward string of ellipses , clearly displeased by my post . Lucas Bennett , one of Ethan's friends , mocked , " Liv , you sure dare to dream ? So funny . " A colleague from the law center sourly added , " These are all top designer gowns . Before showing off , maybe check the price tag … you couldn't even afford the accessories , let alone the dress . " Another sneered , " So rich , living the dream I never will . " 2/3 < Chapter 9 Awakening and A Even Ethan commented tersely with just a question mark : " ? " Their thinly veiled hostility only amused me now . If only they knew who they were really talking to - the daughter of Alpha Richard Winters , heir to one of the territory's most powerful packs and fortunes . Just then a private message popped up from Ethan : " Delete your post ! " " No , " I replied simply . He pressed , his frustration evident even through text . " Trying to force me to marry you publicly ? Did you not hear a word of what I told you before ? " I replied with deliberate indifference : " Oh . " Annoyed , he warned , " Olivia , enough is enough ." But I no longer bothered to respond . His threats and demands meant nothing to me now . In nine days , I would be free of this place , free of him , and ready to start my new life . Comentarios