Counterback of the Despised Luna by Diana West

Chapter 27 The Battle of Pretenses Mc Crawford I frowned slightly, watching as Eleanor entered with Wendy's hand in hers.

"Dad, how are you feeling? Wendy cespecially to see you," Eleanor said, looking at Richard.

+8 Pearls "Hello, Mr. Holbrook." Wendy put on her best good girl look. "I heard you were sick and wanted to visit sooner, but I didn't want to disturb you.

Richard's smile faded slightly as he responded with mild politeness.

I immediately noticed he wasn't charmed by Wendy's t and was well aware of her intentions toward Caden. It was clear to him that Eleanor favored Wendy and didn't think I was good enough.

But she didn't know that, in Richard's eyes, I was worth thousand times more than her chosen candidate. He was the only one who knew my true identity, so he was set on gettingand Caden together.

Mom, what are you doing here?" Caden's expression turned dark the moment he saw Wendy.

"Wendy's just being thoughtful and wanted to check on Dad. She happened to be free today, so we ctogether, Eleanor replied with a warm smile, giving Wendy a subtle nudge closer to Caden.

Wendy wasted no tstepping between Caden and me, clinging tightly to him and practically shovingoff.

I pressed my lips together. Eleanor didn't like me; she brought Wendy here just to putin my place.

And Wendy thought she could pusharound? If I weren't keeping my Alpha strength under wraps, a tiny shove would send this delicate young lady flying.

Wendy was practically melting against Caden, gazing at him with open admiration. "Caden, my brother's coming back soon. Let's all get together then, alright?" Without missing a beat, Caden turned her down coldly. "I'm busy" I could barely stop myself from clapping, and Freya barked a supportive "Yes!" in my head.

Wendy looked disappointed but persisted, 'Are you really that busy?" I watched this unfold with no amusement, but before could react, Caden took a long stride forward, slipped an arm around my waist, and said, “Roseline just got to Rivemon, I'll be showing her around.” Wendy and Eleanor's faces fell. Playing along, I leaned into him with a playful smile. "You promised to takeshopping, too." Caden looked down atwith 'adoring' eyes and nodded. "Of course." What a fake! Taking advantage, are we? I pinched Caden hard on his back, but he didn't even flinch; instead, he pulledcloser. This guy was too 1/3 96% Chapter 27 The Battle of Pretenses 16 Pearls But with Richard watching, the act had to go on, and honestly, seeing Wendy's forced smile was worth it.

Wendy's expression flickered, but she pled on a strained simile. Then she presented a gift she'd brought for Richard. She smiled sweetly, doing her best to look geile and considerate. "Mr. Richard, this is the finest Vivara Snow. It's very nutritious and perfect for somente your age. My grandfather personally sourced it" She paused, casting a glance my way. "Ms. Sinclair. I'm not sure they have things like this up in Winterfell, way up north. You probably haven't cacross it before. I'd be happy to bring you snext time.” Oh. I caught the snide remarklond and clear. I replied coolly, "No need But Wendy still needed to be finished. "Ms. Sinclair, did you bring anything for Mr. Richard?" Wendy looked atchallengingly, probably thinking that, as a country bumpkin Omega. I hadn't bothered to bring any gift at all. She was relentless in her attempt to putdown.

Her whole plan was as clear as day: a little competition for gifts to show off who the real lady from a prestigious family was, the one fit for Caden. Tonight's visit to 'see Richard' was just an excuse to outshine From her meticulously chosen dress to the thoughtful gift, everything was designed to win over Richard, leaveembarrassed, and position herself as the ideal future Luna of the Eclipse Pack.

But a gift showdown? Against me? She'd seriously underestimated her opponent.

With a calm smile, I motioned for the butler, Leslie, to bring over my case. I opened it carefully, took out a framed painting, and presented it to Richard. "Mr. Richard, this is Picara Voss's original Le Rêve. My grandfather wanted you to have it." Richard's face lit up as he accepted the painting, examining it closely. "Picara Voss! A true masterpiece. Thank your grandfather for me." Wendy's expression froze in disbelief as she looked at the painting. On the canvas was a serene young woman with closed eyes and golden hair flowing behind her-a piece of artwork capturing the pinnacle of Picara Voss's genius. Just one glance revealed its priceless value.

Richard, a lifelong art lover passionate about famous paintings, was utterly delighted with the gift. With this world-renowned masterpiece in his hands, I'd hit the mark perfectly and earned his sincere approval.

Compared to my Picara Voss, Wendy's Vivara Snow locked trivial. Her face paled, and she blurted out, "Ms. Sinclair, what's the meaning of bringing a fake painting for Mr. Richard?" I inwardly laughed. My grandfather himself had entrustedwith this gift-it was no fake. She just assumed that someone from the remote Frostmoore couldn't possibly cup with an authentic masterpiece.

"Ms. Crawford, are you implying that Mr. Richard's judgment is so poor he can't tell real from fake?” I smiled, adding a touch of mockery.

Wendy flushed with embarrassment. That's not what meant. But Picara Voss's original works are priceless. Where did you get it?" Oh. I see. Are you suggesting I stole it?" I replied icily.

Before Wendy could respond. Caden spoke up. "The painting is authentic." 2/3 96% Chapter 27 The Battle of Pretensed

She hadn't expected Caden to defend me, and her face wisted with OM frustration. But + Pestis +

Caden cut her off, "Grandpa's expert eye has already confirmed 's real. Are you questioning him?" Wendy clammed up, though she shota look full of resentment.

I raised an eyebrow and smiled. “The painting, Ms. Crawford, isundoubtedly genuine. Now, as for 1 gown...

She froze. "My gown?" My lips curled in a mocking smile. "Now that Ms. Crawford is definitely a fake.” €19 50 3/3