Linda's eyes gleamed as she slid closer. "Maybe we should invite her to your birthday party this weekend?" she suggested innocently, though her true intentions were far from genuine.
Ryan paused. His birthday was coming up, and in the past, I had always been the one to plan every detail.
Last year’s celebration at the prestigious Mooncrest Hotel had been extravagant—guests still talked about it.
It was an exclusive event, costing more than most could afford in a year.
It was a symbol of status, and everyone in our social circle wanted an invite.
"Of course," Ryan replied, his voice lighter. "She’s always come to my birthdays. She’s been distant lately, but maybe she’s just planning something for the party. A surprise, maybe."
Linda’s smile was tight as she nodded. "You’re probably right. She wouldn’t miss it for anything."
---
Later, when I arrived back at the pack, Ethan was waiting for me at the door, holding a photograph in his hands. He handed it over without a word.
The young man in the picture was striking—sharp, defined features, with a strong jawline and piercing eyes that gleamed with intensity. His dark hair was swept back, revealing a subtle scar over one eyebrow.
There was an undeniable aura of coldness and hostility about him, yet his expression was calm and composed, almost regal.
"Is this the person you’ve been looking for?" Ethan asked quietly.
My heart leapt the moment I saw the face. "That’s him! That’s Lirian!" I exclaimed, barely containing my excitement. "Where is he now?"
Ethan’s expression shifted into something more serious, more complicated.
"Sophia," he began slowly, "there’s something you need to know. This young man… he’s the long-lost son of the Alpha King from the Ironclaw Pack. They found him only a few days ago."
My heart froze in my chest. Ironclaw Pack? I thought. How could that be?
In my past life, Lirian had grown up in the slums, struggling to survive until I had brought him into the Stardust Pack. He had never mentioned anything about royal blood, let alone being the son of an Alpha King.
A pair of silver earrings dangled delicately, catching the glow from the hotel lights.
I had styled my hair in loose waves, giving me an effortlessly sophisticated look.
As I smoothed out my gown, I could feel the eyes of everyone on me.
The entrance to the hotel was crowded with familiar faces—Ryan’s friends, their girlfriends, and even some classmates. The moment they saw me, their conversations halted, their eyes widening in surprise.
"Is that… Sophia?"
"Wow, she looks incredible."
"Gosh, the dress she's wearing looks so fancy and expensive, it must have cost a fortune!"
"‘Isn't she the maid's daughter, where did she get that much money?"
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The readers' comments on the novel: After I left, the twin Alphas went crazy