Everyone—not just Victor—was momentarily mesmerized by the woman standing beside Cassian.

Lynsandra, after all, was dressed simply, wearing lighter makeup than usual. The hair clip resting at the side of her head gave her a youthful appearance, and her white dress complemented her flawless skin. The usual red lipstick was gone, replaced by a soft pink.

If one didn’t know any better, they would never think she was the feared Luna of the Royal Pack. The one who could force those beneath her to their knees.

Because right now, the woman standing beside Cassian looked young, lovely, and harmless.

"Aunt Marie!"

The silence shattered at Cassian’s jolly voice, snapping everyone out of their trance. He beamed brightly, waving enthusiastically, only to pause when he noticed everyone rising to their feet and lowering their heads.

"Huh?" Cassian blinked, confused as he looked at the guests bowing toward them. It was only when his gaze shifted to Lynsandra that realization dawned on him.

"Oh... right." He rocked his head lightly, catching her sliding a glance at him.

The moment the corner of her pink lips curled upward, his cheeks flushed.

"Lizzie, I know I already said this earlier, but you look really good in this outfit."

"Do you prefer it?" she asked lightly.

"...I prefer you," he admitted, pursing his lips.

Lynsandra raised a brow as he looked away sheepishly. Shifting her attention from him, she offered everyone a warm smile.

"Please," she said gently, "do not be so formal. Raise your heads."

Upon her command, everyone carefully straightened. Clearly, they were trying not to offend her again. Avoiding a project shutdown was one thing, but provoking her twice might not end as fortunately.

"Luna!" Aunt Marie hurried forward excitedly, rubbing her hands together. "It’s an honor that you attended this gathering."

Aunt Marie, huh?

Lynsandra knew of her, though not personally. She had heard stories. Then again, during the three years she had been with Victor, she had never truly known his family. Perhaps that was why they had lasted as long as they did, because Victor had never known hers either.

"I heard tonight is an important celebration for him," she said, glancing at Cassian as she lightly held his arm before turning a warm smile toward Aunt Marie. "So I thought I should come."

Aunt Marie gasped softly, her gaze darting between Lynsandra and Cassian. The more she observed them, the brighter her eyes twinkled.

"You two look so lovely together," she gushed. "Please, join us."

She gestured toward the table, ushering them forward. As they approached, Cassian quickly pulled out a chair for Lynsandra.

She paused and glanced at him. "Thank you."

"Hehe." He giggled, helping her settle before taking his seat beside her.

Across from them, Victor and Katarina struggled to maintain their smiles. They had been so preoccupied that they hadn’t noticed the two vacant seats directly opposite theirs.

Of all the seats...

Victor exhaled slowly. Why did she choose to sit across from us? Did they really expect her to come? Or were those seats prepared just in case?

Normally, Cassian would sit beside them, and Aunt Marie would take the seat opposite. But now, Lynsandra and Cassian sat before them, with Aunt Marie shifting slightly down the table.

"Oh, Vic, bro!" Cassian called cheerfully. "Why are you looking at us like that? You haven’t greeted Lizzie. She’s very pretty, isn’t she?"

Victor snapped out of his thoughts and forced a smile. His eyes met Lynsandra’s, his throat tightening as he swallowed.

"Luna," he greeted, his voice nearly cracking. "What an honor to have you here."

She smiled politely. "We meet again, Mr. Clark."

"Victor," he corrected quickly. "And I know it’s late, but I apologize for the misunderstanding during the launch."

"You don’t need to anymore, Mr. Clark," Lynsandra replied calmly, then shifted her gaze to Katarina. "You and your wife did not mean it. After all, your wife didn’t know. How could she?"

Katarina stiffened, her breath catching as all eyes turned toward her. She forced a smile, though it wavered.

Before she could respond, Lynsandra continued.

"Miss Lewis’ family is acquainted with one of my relatives," she explained lightly, scanning the table with a kind smile. "And even if she has ties to the Royal Pack, the royal family is quite strict. So I hope we can forget what happened at the event launch."

"Mhm!" Cassian chimed in eagerly. "Lizzie forgave me when I apologized, and we decided not to dwell on it. It’s not healthy for our relationship."

I didn’t know that, Lynsandra thought briefly as she turned to him.

Cassian leaned closer, grinning widely. "Right? This hair clip is from me. And the dress, too."

"So please," Lynsandra addressed the table once more, "let’s not make things awkward for everyone."

A brief silence followed before a collective sigh of relief rippled through the room, quickly replaced by chatter and light laughter.

"Of course, Luna!" Aunt Marie exclaimed. "We just wanted to be certain. Cassian adores you. He was very excited when he received the invitation from the Royal Pack."

"Yes! He said—" Another relative jumped in, and then another.

The stiff atmosphere that had dominated the room upon their arrival dissolved into a lively one. Everyone was eager to say something—anything—to leave a good impression.

Meanwhile, as dinner progressed and conversation flowed, Victor kept his eyes fixed on the woman across from him.

From the moment she entered until now, he hadn’t truly stopped watching her. Even when someone sought his opinion, his attention drifted back to her instinctively.

Longing flickered in his gaze.

She was so close. If he only reached out, he could touch her.

But as he watched, Cassian suddenly leaned toward Lynsandra, tapping her shoulder. When she turned, he gently wiped the corner of her lips.

Victor’s grip on his cutlery tightened, trembling slightly.

Katarina leaned back in her chair, studying the pair who now appeared every bit the couple. Lynsandra remained reserved, but Cassian’s attention never left her.

Do these two—

Her thoughts halted as she instinctively glanced at Victor and caught him staring at Lynsandra with undisguised intensity.

The corners of Katarina’s lips lifted faintly. Though she wasn’t entirely sure whether she found the situation amusing or not.

Either way, her gaze sharpened as it settled on Lynsandra.

Her time will come, Katarina thought. And I will make sure of it.