Chapter 97

Hannah

I stood in the bathroom, staring at my reflection as Viona fussed with my hair. My fingers fidgeted nervously with the satin of the simple silver gown Noah had sent earlier. The straps were encrusted with delicate pearls, and the sweetheart neckline accentuated my breasts in a way I doubted he'd intended—if he even chose the gown himself, and not his assistant.

“I can’t believe he’s doing this again,” I muttered, shaking my head. Viona met my gaze, her brow furrowing.

“Trying to butter you up, you mean?” she asked, curling a lock of my hair into an elegant updo. I nodded, pursing my lips.

A soft knock came, and Amber poked her head in. “Everything okay in here?” Her gaze landed on the gown. “Oh, wow. That’s gorgeous.”

Emma trailed in, her eyes widening. “Is that for tonight? Alpha Noah has good taste.”

I shifted uncomfortably. Noah was up to something; that much was clear. But what?

“Here, let me,” Amber said, joining Viona. They worked together, gently tilting my head as they finished my hair and makeup. Emma watched quietly from the door. I caught her eye and gave her a warm smile, which she returned shyly. She was still adjusting to our friend group, but she was warming up.

“You’re going to look so beautiful,” she said softly. “Alpha Noah won’t know what hit him.”

I wanted to laugh, but her earnestness prevented me. I simply nodded.

“Alright, I think you’re ready,” Viona announced, stepping back. I turned in the mirror, admiring the transformation. I really did look beautiful. And I felt it, too; not just a superficial change.

If only this sudden event was genuine. But I knew better. He had something up his sleeve.

Suddenly, Emma grabbed a bright red lipstick. “I think you need this,” she said, holding it out. “It’ll go with the dress and give you extra confidence.”

I laughed but took the lipstick, applying it carefully. The bold color made me feel powerful, desirable—sexy.

“Perfect,” Viona said, nodding.

A commotion erupted downstairs—the front door opening, shoes scuffing on the marble floor. My heart leaped as I recognized Noah’s voice.

Chapter 97++25 BONUS

I hadn’t expected him to still be here. I’d assumed he’d go ahead, leaving me to get to… whatever this event was.

The others seemed to realize it too, exchanging worried glances.

“I’ll go have a look,” Viona whispered, slipping out.

Silence fell, then Vigna’s stunned voice drifted up the stairs. “Oh, Alpha Noah… you look very handsome this evening.”

There was a murmured response from Noah, then Viona’s rapidly approaching footsteps. A moment later, she reappeared, giving me a meaningful look.

“He’s waiting for you in the foyer,” she said simply.

I scoffed. “Well, I’ll be,” I mused, gathering my clutch and primping my hair. “Noah must have died and been replaced if he’s actually waiting for me.”

Viona and Amber snorted. Emma eyed us before giving me an empathetic glance; no doubt her own husband had pulled similar stunts.

Taking a deep breath, I nodded and started toward the door. I made my way downstairs, my pulse thundering with every step.