Chapter 20

Their remarks stung my pride, but I didn't yield. I stood tall, shoulders back, chin high. After all, I wasn't alone. I'd known this couple would harass me. In my previous life, they were Noah and Zoe "shippers," vehemently opposed to me. Their shouting and insults were familiar. Worse, they'd relentlessly pursued Zoe, forcing Noah to confine her to his most secure estate. He couldn't afford the same protection for me, leaving me vulnerable to the paparazzi and escalating conflict. This time, however, I wouldn't fear them.

This time, I was embracing the paparazzi, inviting a journalist for an exclusive interview and documentary. She happened to be capturing footage when we encountered the Noah/Zoe shippers. I glided across the red carpet, maintaining composure as the couple yelled. Journalist Zhang Emily filmed the entire encounter beside me.

"Does this happen often?" she asked, her camera switching between my harassers and me.

"More and more frequently," I said nonchalantly. "Did you get enough footage of the dinner?"

"Yes, I think so," Emily replied, sounding distracted. I was surprised she could focus with the couple shouting. "Back to the current remarks, any information you can provide?"

"Oh, that?" I dismissed them, as if they were annoying mosquitoes. "Just a couple of harmless Noah/Zoe shippers."

Anyone watching would see they were anything but harmless. But by acting as if they were, I appeared calm and collected. Emily seemed more at ease, too.

"So, you aren't worried about them causing problems?" she asked.

I glanced at the couple. As Emily's camera focused on them, they froze. I smiled kindly. "No, not at all."

The interview took place in my living room the day after the Alpha/Luna dinner. I set out salami, cheese, and wine for Emily and me. Emily positioned her camera across the table, filming while taking notes. After starting the recording, she cleared her throat and began.

"Thank you for having me today, Luna Hannah," she said.

"Thank you for being here, Emily," I replied. "Please, call me Hannah."

"Of course, Hannah. It would be my honor."