Christina’s POV

I wasn’t about to let Genevieve get away with this. "If not me, who else should my husband spend his money on? You? Stay out of our business. This is between mates, so stop meddling."

Hudson’s grand gesture had surprised me too, but I wouldn’t show weakness in front of her.

I turned to Hudson and whispered, "Honestly, there’s no need for all this. I don’t need this much jewelry."

I had no idea how much buying Verris & Co would cost, but I knew luxury acquisitions ran into billions. This was excessive.

"What? Worried about my finances?" Hudson asked, his voice steady and amused.

"Yeah, you work so hard. You shouldn’t throw money around like this," I said, guilt creeping in. "How much will everything here cost? Hundreds of millions? I don’t even need it. Let’s forget about it. Just the bracelet is enough."

I realized I’d been impulsive. Over a petty argument, I’d called Hudson away from important Alpha business, only for him to buy an entire store for me. When had I become such a spoiled Luna?

"I want everyone to know that when my Luna likes something, she gets it, regardless of cost," Hudson stated firmly.

When he noticed my frown, his voice softened. "A few hundred million means nothing. Your happiness is what matters."

Genevieve stared at us, completely stunned.

"I’m happy, it’s just..." What wolf wouldn’t be thrilled with such devotion?

"There are no ’justs,’" Hudson cut me off. "Your happiness is worth every penny."

Soon after, Harry finished his call and turned to Hudson. "I’ve contacted the LGH legal team and mergers department. I’ve also reached the store owner. They’ll arrive shortly."

"Complete the transfer immediately," Hudson instructed.

"Yes, Alpha," Harry replied with a respectful nod.

I knew Hudson’s pack worked efficiently, but I was still shocked when, before closing time, I held a transfer agreement in my hands. Hudson had purchased Verris & Co for 200 million and transferred ownership to me.

"The store is yours now," Hudson said, satisfaction clear in his voice.

"I can’t believe this," I stammered. "But I already have Mira & Joie."

"Which specializes in custom designs," Hudson explained. "This can be your retail branch for ready-made pieces. You’ll reach a broader clientele here."

I was speechless. Hudson had thought everything through. This wasn’t impulsive or just for show—it was a strategic business move gifted to me.

The next day, I drove to my new store. Now that it belonged to me, I wanted to plan how to maximize its potential and honor Hudson’s investment.

The store was open, and I spotted two familiar figures I never expected to see again.

I approached Pink Hair, who had slipped away quietly with Genevieve yesterday after realizing Hudson wasn’t bluffing about buying the entire store.

"Looking to shop at my store?" I thought, feeling my lips curl into a smirk.

As I got closer, Pink Hair grew visibly uncomfortable, nervously chewing her bottom lip.

I ignored her and turned to Genevieve, giving her a pointed look. "What’s mine will never be yours, no matter how desperately you try to steal it."

She bit her lip and remained silent.

***

I left the mall feeling victorious.

"Where to next, Luna Christina?" Kit asked as I slid into the car. Hudson had assigned him as my driver despite my insistence that I could drive myself.

"Please, just call me Christina when it’s just us," I reminded him. I gave him the address of a manufacturing facility on the outskirts of Highrise City. Priya thought they might handle our custom orders, but I needed to inspect their craftsmanship personally. With a new store under my name, expansion was the logical next step.

I scrolled through designs on my tablet while Kit drove smoothly through traffic.

Suddenly, something slammed into the car from behind, jerking me forward against my seatbelt.

My head snapped up. "What the hell?"

"We’re being followed," Kit said grimly, checking the rearview mirror. "Do you recognize that vehicle?"

I twisted around to look. A black Toyota Camry was tailing us closely, its license plates unfamiliar. The driver wore a baseball cap, and I caught only a glimpse of his face.

"Never seen it before," I said, feeling Akira stir anxiously within me.

"Someone’s hunting us," she growled.

A second impact hit us harder, and my stomach dropped. The crawling sensation of danger spread across my skin.

Kit accelerated, trying to put distance between us and the Camry. "I can’t shake them," he said tensely, sweat beading on his forehead as his hands gripped the wheel.

"Is this Genevieve?" Akira snarled. "Would she dare attack an Alpha’s mate?"

Who would be bold enough to target a Luna? Could Genevieve really be this reckless?

I grabbed my phone. Just as I was about to call the police, I changed my mind and hit my first speed dial contact instead.