A charity gala was way more exclusive than Lara initially thought. It was not just about the charity, apparently, because the best drinks were served together with expensive food.

How much was spent on the refreshment and how much would end up in actual charity missions was a mystery she didn't want to solve. She suspected she wouldn't like the response.

?If people say anything off, you're expected to talk back,? Nate whispered while walking in. ?Especially if they're rude. You don't need to stay silent if they attack you.?

?I'd prefer to let you defend me,? she murmured, smiling wily. ?Aren't you my knight in shining armour tonight??

?Oh, sure! I will defend you!? he said, forgetting about anything he was trying to say.

His mate needed him for something. It was awesome!

?Also, if people seem to have bad intentions, just cling on my arm, and they will stop.?

?Sure,? Lara chuckled. ?I will remember to do so.?

?We're not getting into a battle, though. Relax and enjoy the time. This is just a party like any other.?

?You don't need to worry so much, Nate. I did attend a charity gala with my father once. It wasn't so high-end and luxurious, but I pretty much know how things work. I won't make you leave a bad impression; I promise!?

?I'm not worried, Lara.?

And he didn't really care about impressions. It was more important that Lara had fun and accepted to appear more often next to him.

?Mr Woods, it's the second time in a row you appear with this lady by your side,? a middle-aged man said while walking to them. He had started talking when they were still far apart, so his tone was loud and attracted attention.

Yet, he didn't seem to have ill intentions.

?Is that such a surprise?? Nate inquired.

?We're all curious about the lady, now. It looks like you have serious intentions.?

?Of course, I do have serious intentions.?

He wouldn't expose his woman to the world like that if he wasn't a hundred per cent sure she could bear it. And if he didn't have clear intentions, of course.

It seemed obvious to him, but Lara's blushing cheeks were a spectacle that welcomed his words. Why was she reacting like that all of a sudden?

?What is the lady's name?? the man continued.

?I'm Lara Clayton,? she said, getting a little confident.

?It's a pleasure. My name is Matthew Heartmore.?

?The pleasure is mine, Mr Heartmore.?

Her mother had always told her to allow others to introduce her first in that kind of situation. She should have waited for Nate to do all the hard work while smiling aimlessly.

But that would have been boring. Somehow, she couldn't like that image. The woman next to Nate couldn't be a soulless beauty without anything to say. Somehow, she felt better by showing a little character.

Moreover, Nate didn't seem to mind. He hadn't complained even when she talked with other people. If anything, he would smile proudly instead of shutting her up. It was completely different from her family.

?How did you two meet?? Matthew Heartmore asked, curious about that new face. ?I bet every lady in this hall would like to know how you attracted Mr Woods. As well as every mister is dying to know where Mr Woods found such a beauty.?

Lara chuckled before answering.

?Actually, we met long ago,? she said. ?It's just that we started going out in public now.?

?Oh, so CEO Woods already had a woman in his heart, but he kept her well-hidden from the world.?

?I wouldn't say that,? she murmured, uncertain about what to say.

She didn't want to lie about their relationship, but she also didn't want her cubs to be involved should a scandal break out. It was a difficult situation, and she didn't mind her own reputation as much as the pressure on the twins if people were to find out they were born out of wedlock.

?What about your family, Miss Clayton?? the man asked.

It was just the usual conversation when someone new was introduced to high society. They would inquire about where she comes from. There was nothing malicious in the man's intentions. He was just curious.

?My family has a small company dealing with fabrics for clothes.?

?Oh, is that how you met Mr Woods??

?Not at all. My family's company doesn't have contact with the LY Corp,? she pointed out. ?We met by chance. That's all.?

?Oh, I see. It's been years, so... I would like to ask if there's some meaning in suddenly appearing together... Is it a sign of your intentions as a couple??

Nate chuckled, shaking his head.

?I won't tell my intentions to you first, Mr Heartmore. We'd first talk about it among ourselves, don't you think??

?Oh? So, there's nothing official yet.?

?We don't need officialism, do we?? he chuckled, glancing at Lara.

He grinned when she replied to his statement with a shy smile.

Their exchange didn't pass unnoticed to Matthew Heartmore. Nor to many other curious eyes not too far from the couple. Some were curious, others jealous about their relaxed gaze communication.historical

They did look like a married couple, somehow. But they also had the fresh happiness of newlyweds.

?I was just wondering who's attracting all these people's attention,? a familiar voice exclaimed.

Lara's blood froze in her veins, and Nate's eyes turned cold all of a sudden. Still, they had to act polite in that environment.

Lara gripped Nate's arm, and she tried conveying him a reassuring expression. Nate had to stay calm and not react at any provocation.

They were surrounded by humans, after all. He needed to take care.

Even if the Mayford Alpha was walking to them, even if his dark eyes were filled with evil intentions, they had to keep calm.

He couldn't hurt them in between all that crowd, could he?

?It turns out it's Miss Clayton again,? he continued. ?What a surprise! I'm glad to see you're all right, by the way.?

Her old instincts kicked in, and Lara just smiled back as her mother taught her. A cold, frigid smile.. Still, polite enough for the situation.