I shook my head. “No, thank you. I’d prefer just to see the children and leave quietly.”
She seemed taken aback for a moment, then her smile widened, her eyes crinkling with genuine appreciation.
“Nowadays, there are so few who give without seeking recognition. It’s rare to find someone who truly thinks only of the children.”
I wasn’t sure what to make of her words, but I followed as she led us through the orphanage.
We passed by rooms filled with laughter and play, but something caught my eye as we approached the classroom.
There, in the doorway, stood a young woman dressed in fashionable, bejeweled clothes, her smile as bright and fake as the camera flash that captured it.
She was holding a skinny little girl, who looked more uncomfortable than anything, while two photographers with professional cameras clicked away.
Lights flashed, illuminating the room like a film set.
I stopped in my tracks, a cold sensation creeping up my spine.
The woman turned slightly, and my heart dropped.
It was Aria.
Seeing Leo, Aria’s eyes lit up, a bright smile spreading across her face.
“Honey, what are you doing here?”
she called out, her voice dripping with false sweetness.
She let go of the little girl she had been halfheartedly entertaining and completely ignored me, her focus solely on Leo.
Without hesitation, she ran towards him, her arms outstretched as if she wanted nothing more than to fall into his embrace.
But just as she was about to reach him, Leo stepped aside and subtly motioned for Panther, his BETA, to intervene.
Panther, ever the silent and observant guardian, moved quickly, positioning himself between Aria and Leo.
Aria, caught off guard, collided with Panther instead of the embrace she was anticipating.
Her eyes widened in shock, and for a brief moment, she stood frozen, processing what had just happened.
Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and then, in a flact
of anger, she reached out to slap Panther.
But Panther, true to his nature, reacted swiftly, catching her wrist before her hand could connect with his face.
He held her wrist firmly but without malice, his expression calm and unreadable.
Panther was a wolf of few words, just as his name suggested–quiet, stealthy, and always watching.
His loyalty to Leo was unwavering, and while he rarely spoke, his presence alone was enough to keep most adversaries at bay.
He was the embodiment of silent strength, always ready to protect those he served, yet he never sought the spotlight.
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Chapter 99
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