---- Moved by her seeming understanding, Gary sighed in relief. That same day, they secretly completed their mate claim ceremony. Their Packs jointly released the video of their Mating Vows and issued a statement to " clarify" the rumors. Pack's opinion swiftly reversed. Gary and Jane had grown up together,they were childhood friends turned lovers, while Nadia was painted as the deranged adopted daughter who came between them- delusional and pitiful. Despite Gary's pack statement admitting that it was he and Jane who had concealed the truth, the Werewolf Media ran wild with the narrative, fanning the flames. One clip-Nadia slapping Jane-was uploaded online and ignited a storm. Suddenly, Nadia became the target of mass condemnation. To many who didn't know the full story, she was the villain. They needed a scapegoat, and Nadia fit the ---- role too perfectly. Online vitriol wasn't enough-werewolf in the pack camped outside the Black clan's den, hurling rotten eggs and vegetables over the walls, filming their acts like some grotesque justice performance to "avenge" Jane. Some even hung a banner at the den's front gate: "Let Nadia rot in hell!" When Gary found out, he was furious. He immediately ordered all the guards taken down and increased security around the den. No one was allowed to disturb Nadia again. That same day, after the mob had been cleared away, Gary stood at Nadia's door. He pressed the doorbell several times. No answer. His frown deepened. He looked up toward the second- floor window, open to the humid summer air. Raising his voice, he called out, "Nadia, I know you're in there. " ---- "You're still mad at me, aren't you?" "I'm sorry. I didn't expect the internet to go this crazy. I've already asked the Pack team to handle it. It'll all die down soon." No response.