Chapter 414
Chapter 414
Third Person’s POV
Thomasina intentionally threw the ball back into Trista’s court.
If Trista asked for a fortune, she’d be labeled “greedy and low–class.” But if she said it wasn’t worth much, the humiliation she’d endured all night would turn into a total joke.
Trista looked down at the jagged red stain on her skirt and let out a calm sigh. “Mr. Manwaring gave me this dress, so I don’t actually know the retail price. I’ll just call him and ask. I’ll take the original cost—not a penny more p>
The second the words left her mouth, the ballroom erupted in whispers. To a room full of sharp–eared wolves, every syllable carried weight.
Madison arched a brow, her eyes flashing with jealousy.
She released a sharp, prickly scent, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, please. Elias Manwaring is a top- tier legal powerhouse. Why would he give you a cheap rag like that? Is that all you’re worth to him p>
Trista swept a look over her.
Even though she was suppressing her aura, the natural aura of an Alpha’s daughter made Madison instinctively flinch and take a step back.
Trista dialed the number and hit speaker.
Cassian’s gaze locked onto her, his pupils shrinking into lethal slits.
So, the dress was a gift from Elias. The realization hit him like a physical blow.
‘A bit late for a call, isn’t it?” Elias’s voice came through the speaker – smooth, deep, and steady like a cello.
He sounded genuinely concerned. “You sound tired. Is the gala too loud p>
Trista’s fingers curled slightly. Her voice softened, carrying a hint of reliance she didn’t even realize was there. “Mr. Manwaring, that dress you gave me last week… do you know how much it cost p>
There was a brief silence on the other end, followed by a soft chuckle. “It doesn’t matter. As long as it makes you feel elegant, it’s done its job p>
“I’m at the Blackthorn gala with Xander,” Trista said honestly. “Someone ruined the dress, and they’ve offered to pay for it p>
The dress had been a thank–you gift for the way she cared for his pup.
Elias had been tight–lipped about the price, but Trista could smell the faint trace of magic in the fabric- the signature of a high–end, custom enchanted piece.
“Are you in trouble?” Elias’s voice dropped an octave, the warmth replaced by a subtle, heavy pressure. “Do you need me to pick you up? My driver is nearby p>
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11:38 am
P 88 P &
Chapter 414
The room went dead silent.
Finished
Elias might not be part of the Big Eight packs, but his mysterious background and the fact that his legal reach could dismantle half of Los Angeles meant nobody messed with him.
Cassian stared at Trista, his wolf roaring in a jealous rage. His claws were practically digging into his palms.
He’d seen her be a wall of ice to him, yet here she was, showing her soft side to another male.
Fred frowned, watching the unstable, violent energy radiating from Cassian.
Alpha Edwin, meanwhile, was busy wiping cold sweat from his forehead.
He’d assumed Trista was just a discarded, powerless stray–that’s why he’d let Thomasina bully her.
He never expected Xander, Fred, and now the reclusive Elias Manwaring to be in her corner.
Trista ignored the shifting faces around her. “Mr. Manwaring. I just need the number p>
‘I know!” Sayer’s high–pitched, childish voice chirped in the background. “The tag was still on it! It started with a 3, and then… one, two, three… seven zeros p>
Hearing Elias softly tell the pup to settle down, a genuine smile finally broke across Trista’s face. “Thanks, Sayer. Now listen to your dad and go get some sleep p>
She hung up and looked at the stunned faces in the hallway.
Alpha Edwin and Thomasina looked like they’d been struck by lightning. Trista was the godmother to Elias’s kid?
Trista held up her phone like a judge delivering a sentence. “Luna Thomasina. Thirty million dollars, plus medical and emotional damages. Do you want to wire it from the pack account, or should I wait for a check p>
Thomasina went ghost–white. “That’s a lie! That rag is worth a few grand at most! You’re going to take the word of a toddler p>
Madison and George quickly chimed in. “Exactly! The kid can’t even count. You can’t be serious p>
Fred let out a cold laugh. “Actually, that dress was a custom commission for my brother’s mate. The diamonds on the waist chain are top–tier deep–sea minerals. Those stones alone are worth ten mil. You can be ignorant if you want, Luna Thomasina, but if you insult my family’s brand, you’re picking a fight with my entire pack p>
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Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.