Vanya's POV
I waved my hand quickly, smiling, "Don't say that. You're Cliff's... friend, which makes you our pack's guest."
I deliberately paused on the word "friend," observing her reaction.
Melinda's face flickered with a change, but she quickly composed herself.
She whispered, "Luna Vanya, you are truly magnanimous."
At this, Elliot couldn't help but interject, "Luna Vanya, she's just a..."
I raised my chin slightly, my gaze firm as I interrupted him, "Elliot, Melinda is now a member of our pack. Her status is special. We must afford her the appropriate treatment. She can't keep wearing those old clothes. She needs suitable attire."
In my past life, Melinda used my aversion to her to pretend to be a sweet girl who was bullied.
In contrast, I was portrayed as a cruel, cold queen.
This time, I chose to change my approach.
Before leaving, I swept my gaze over the pack members one last time and gave Jenny a look.
I went to Maggie's house. As soon as I entered, I saw several exquisite evening dresses displayed in the living room.
Maggie greeted me, smiling, "Vanya, I've had these dresses custom-made for your figure. Come and take a look."
I was filled with gratitude and went over to touch the beautiful fabrics.
At that moment, Jenny also hurried in.
Her eyes held a hint of complex emotions as she approached me and said, "Luna Vanya, let me help you change and get ready."
I nodded and followed her into the fitting room.
Jenny gently helped me out of my coat and picked up a white dress to put on me.
Once, I had tried to cater to his preferences.
I remembered that I thought if I wore a white dress like Melinda, which he might like, I could win a little of his favor.
But instead, he unexpectedly brought Melinda to the gathering, embarrassing me in front of everyone while I was also wearing a white dress.
I casually picked up a bright red evening gown and said to Jenny, "I'll wear this one."
Jenny was taken aback and hesitated, "But... when the tailor came to make clothes for Melinda this afternoon, I noticed Alpha Cliff seems to prefer white dresses..."
I never liked white clothes. I was foolish before, wearing clothes that didn't suit me just to cater to him.
Melinda's style was nothing more than the taste of an impoverished rogue.
I didn't need to lower my status to please Cliff and let others look down on me.
We werewolves earn respect through our abilities and wisdom, not by imitating others to gain others' attention.
"I'll take this one," I said indifferently. "Return all those white dresses. I don't like them."
Facing my instructions, Maggie sighed but ultimately did as I asked.
I put on the evening gown and stood in front of the mirror, examining myself carefully.
It was a burgundy mermaid dress that clung to my body, perfectly outlining my figure, like a rose blooming in the night, radiating a charming allure.
My makeup was delicately blended on my face, my eyes more profound with the outline of eyeshadow and liner.
My long hair was curled into the ultimate gentle French waves, lazily cascading over my shoulders and back, gently swaying with my movements.
Both Maggie and Jenny, upon seeing me, were stunned, their eyes filled with amazement and admiration.
Maggie was the first to react. She walked around me, circling, and couldn't stop saying, "Vanya, you look stunning! I knew you would be the highlight of the event in this dress!"
Jenny also nodded repeatedly, her eyes sparkling, "Luna Vanya, with your beauty, Alpha Cliff will surely change his mind."
I paused for a second, then laughed at myself mockingly.
I didn't need Cliff to change his mind.
I took the keys from my bag and handed them to Maggie, "Drive my car and take me to the venue. I already have the invitation."
Cliff's POV
I entered the venue with Melinda, who was dressed in a simple yet elegant white dress that I had the tailor make for her specifically.
Her hand trembled as she linked arms with me, her voice tinged with fear and shyness, "I... I've never been to such a grand occasion before. I'm a bit scared. Maybe I should go back."
I turned to look at her. As our eyes met, an emotion emanated from the depths of our souls.
She was my true mate. Every glance and every word from her seemed magical.
I gently patted her hand on my arm, trying to sound calm, "You need to learn to adapt. In the future, you will often be by my side at such events."
Melinda nodded slightly, her docile appearance stirring a hint of tenderness in my heart.
At the same time, I felt a pang of guilt towards Vanya.
Just as I was about to step into the venue with Melinda, Elliot's voice rang out inopportunely, "Alpha Cliff, are you not waiting for Luna Vanya?"