I expected a happy expression on Natalia's face, but I was wrong. Her calm eyes turned cold, her breath hitching as she tried to take a deep breath. I was unaware of the reason for her sudden rage.

"Adrian Miller, are you planning to humiliate me again?"

Her words surprised me. "Why do you think so?"

She scoffed, shaking her head. "A man like you can't be trusted. I think you're up to something."

I stared at her silently. Did she distrust me so much?

"I don't want to attend the party. If you want to surprise them, send them to my house. I'll spend some time with them. I don't trust their father, and I don't want to be trapped in a situation filled with insults. He's already done enough for my family—no more."

Before I could deny any plan, she hung up.

The screen went black for a second, then reverted to the wallpaper. I examined the picture carefully: a young woman holding two children, all three looking happy.

I clenched my fists and closed the tab. I said sorry, didn't I? Why was she so stubborn?

I stood up. Before going to my children's room, I discarded my cigarette butt. They had already finished dinner.

"Dad, we're done," Aria said, running to me. I bent down, held her, and glanced at Noah, who was on his phone. I sat Aria on the bed and gave her the tablet.

"You two should sleep now. It's late."

Noah didn't reply, but Aria nodded.

I left their room and went outside. Patric was waiting. I joined him.

"I made you wait," I muttered.

He was intently watching a tree. I had no idea what he was thinking. I put my hands in my pockets and also looked at the tree.

"Adrian, I misunderstood Lynda. I don't like her much, but she almost sacrificed her life for you."

As I exhaled deeply, I said, "The broken bones are something I learned about today."

He turned to me. "So, what did you decide? You thought she'd helped you, but now her health issues have surfaced."

Watching the leaves rustle in the chilly wind, I didn't answer.

After a moment, Patric asked, "You seem to have reconsidered ending the relationship, standing up for Lynda against your parents. No other woman would have been as brave as Lynda. She truly has the qualities to be the Luna, someone who would do anything for her Alpha."

A cold breeze touched my face. I closed my eyes, noticing a scent in the air. Why did I feel like everything was about to change?

"Adrian, do you want to cancel the announcement?"

Patric's question made me open my eyes. "Don't cancel it. Just postpone it."

Patric seemed shocked. "You shouldn't be surprised, Beta Patric. Your reaction shows you haven't…"

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