Chapter 801 Freya’s Adopted
Hayley’s POV:
“It is quite surprising, indeed.”
I lowered my gaze, eyeing her gown with a pointed smile. “If I’m not mistaken, that gown is from last year’s fashion week, isn’t it? It’s already out of season. Don’t you think it’s a bit inappropriate to wear something like that to a formal event?”
Before Freya could say a word, I continued to mock her, “Oh, I remember now. You probably couldn’t get your hands on anything from the current collection, could you?”
Freya’s fury flared as she flashed her sharp wolf fangs, but she didn’t dare make a move on me. After all, tonight’s welcome party was thrown especially for me. If she dared lay a finger on me, the Sanders would toss her out without hesitation. Watching her stand there helplessly only made me feel more satisfied.
Swallowing her anger, she stepped aside. “This way, Hayley. Dad’s waiting for you.”
As we passed under the arch, Alan came into view. He stepped forward, clearly intending to hug me, but I sidestepped him without hesitation and turned to face the guests instead. I simply couldn’t forget how he had let Freya get away with her wrongdoings.
His eyes dimmed with disappointment, but he said nothing. Instead, he faced the crowd and began his speech. “Everyone, allow me to proudly introduce my biological daughter, Michelle Sander! Due to a lapse on our part, she was separated from us for years. She’s still adjusting, and as a low–tier werewolf, there’s much she doesn’t know. Since all of you are close friends and family of the Sanders, I hope you’ll take care of her moving forward.”
Applause rang out. All eyes shifted from him to me. I nodded slightly, and quiet murmurs rippled through the crowd.
“So she’s the long–lost daughter of the Sanders. Who would’ve thought? She may be a low–ranking Omega, but she’s absolutely stunning.”
“Right? Her older sister, Freya, isn’t bad–looking either, but next to her, she barely holds up.”
“How can the two daughters from the same family look so different?”
“You don’t know? Freya’s adopted. That’s no secret in the circle.”
“Ah, that explains it. The Sanders always carry themselves with elegance. They’ve led several packs in the region for centuries. And while Freya isn’t a low–ranking werewolf, she still can’t hold a candle to Michelle’s presence. It all makes sense if Michelle is a biological daughter of the Sanders while Freya is adopted…”
As soon as I heard the murmurs, I immediately turned to Freya. Just as I expected, she had heard everything loud and clear. Her expression had turned frighteningly dark.
She met my eyes, and the hatred in them was unmistakable. That look alone told me she was already plotting something against me. Still, I had become an alpha when I was barely in my teens. I’d never once backed down from anyone. If she wanted to challenge me, she was welcome to try…
I withdrew my gaze. After exchanging some pleasantries with Alan and a few distinguished guests, someone suddenly called out impatiently, “Mr. Sander, aren’t we supposed to see the rare gemstone tonight?”
The moment he spoke, the surrounding guests quickly chimed in. “That’s right! I heard it’s a one–of–a–kind piece. Did the Sanders really manage to acquire it?”
Alan gave a slight nod and looked at me gently. “Michelle, did you bring the gem?”
I was just about to respond when a surprised exclamation came from the entrance. It was one of the reception staff. “Mr. White is here!”