Chapter 312

Dr. Wang

I hate these charities. These galas. Everyone comes to show off—their wealth, their connections, their designer clothes that cost more than most people’s annual salary. It’s a pageant of egos dressed up as altruism.

But at the end of the day, at least money is raised for communities. At least some good comes from all this preening.

I place my hand on Elliot’s waist as we walk into the hall. He’s dressed in something elegant tonight—soft blues that bring out his eyes, tailored to make him look like exactly what he is: a prize.

Everyone who is somebody in this city is in this room. Politicians. CEOs. Socialites. The powerful and those who worship them.

I notice several gazes on Elliot.

Men. Women. Alphas of all designations. Their eyes follow him like he’s the only light in the room.

He has that effect on people. An unnatural ability to draw you into his orbit. I’m no exception.

When I first met him,a scared, half-starved Omega who’d stumbled into my clinic with a fever and no money—I felt it. That pull. That inexplicable need to protect, to possess, to own.

I’ve spent years cultivating it. Building trust. Becoming his safe place, his refuge from the other Alphas who use him without care.

But lately...

Lately, his attention has shifted.

"Daphne Han is here tonight," Elliot murmurs, his eyes scanning the crowd.

Of course she is.

I didn’t mind the other Alphas in Elliot’s life. At the end of the day, when it came down to it, I knew he would pick me. Vincent is violent and controlling. Charles is arrogant and transactional. Elijah is cold and distant. Even Damien, the mayor, only wants Elliot when his real life gets too heavy.

I was the only one who treated him well.

So I didn’t care about them. Because Elliot himself didn’t really care about them like that. They were obligations, transactions, survival mechanisms. I was his choice.

But it’s different for her.

"I know." I keep my voice neutral, even as something cold twists in my chest. "Stay close to me."

"Why?"

Because I don’t trust her. Because she’s dangerous. Because every time you look at her, something in me wants to break things.

"Because these events can be overwhelming," I say instead. "I’ll keep you grounded."

He nods, trusting, and leans slightly into my side.

Good. Trust me. Only me.

We circulate. I play the gracious doctor, the philanthropist, the humble servant of the people. It’s a role I’ve perfected over years—the gentle healer with a heart of gold.

Elliot charms everyone we meet. It’s effortless for him, that magnetic pull. Old money matrons coo over him. Young Alphas watch with barely concealed hunger. Even the wait staff linger near our table, finding excuses to be close.

He’s a jewel. My jewel.

And all the while, I watch.

For her.

Because she’s the only true rival I’ve ever felt, when it comes to Elliot.

I’m not going to lose him. I’ve invested too much. Years of patience, of careful cultivation, of building trust while the others burned through their chances. He’s beautiful. Compliant. Attuned to my needs. Having him on my side triggers the envy of everyone who sees us together.

He’s mine.

Eventually, I can’t avoid her.

We cross paths near the bar—me reaching for a drink, her already there, waiting for something. Elliot is a step behind me, close but not touching.

"Dr. Wang." She extends her hand, her expression perfectly pleasant, perfectly empty.

"CEO Han." I take her hand briefly, a professional touch. "Lovely event."

"Isn’t it? Your clinic’s work with Omega health has been remarkable. I’ve read your research."

"Flattering. Your shelters are making waves as well."

We exchange pleasantries like duelists circling, each waiting for an opening. She barely acknowledges Elliot behind me. Doesn’t look at him. Doesn’t smile. Doesn’t do any of the things people usually do when faced with his presence.

"CEO Han." Elliot steps forward slightly, his voice hopeful. "I—"

"Ah... yes." She glances at him, before immediately looking away.

"Well. I’ll be leaving now."

She walks away without another word.

Elliot deflates beside me, hurt flickering across his features.

But I’m not looking at him.

I’m watching her retreating back, a new feeling settling into my chest.

Uncomfortable.

Elliot has always been the best omega. The most dazzling jewel. People fight for his attention, compete for his favor, kill for his regard.

And someone just treated him like nothing.

Like he was nothing.

That’s not something nice. That’s not something safe. That’s not something I can ignore.

***

Vivienne

I notice Damien is distracted at my side.

We’re supposed to be working the room together—the mayor and his fiancée, a united front, a political power couple in the making. But his attention keeps drifting, his eyes scanning the crowd instead of engaging with the people we’re supposed to be charming.

I follow his gaze.

Of course.

The omega.

How absolutely embarrassing.

Despite the omega being on the arm of another Alpha, my fiancé is pining like a dog. His eyes follow Elliot’s every move, his jaw tight, his posture tense. Anyone paying attention could see it.

And people are paying attention.

I’ve done my investigation on this omega. Nothing about him is okay. He’s out here leading on different Alphas, must be talented, because all said Alphas have important positions. Powerful men.

He’s a walking catastrophe wrapped in pheromones.

I squeeze Damien’s arm, hard enough to hurt. "Focus," I murmur through a smile. "People are watching."

He startles, looks at me like he’s forgotten I exist, then pastes on his political smile. "Of course. Sorry."

I release his arm and step away.

"Getting a drink," I say, not waiting for his response.

I make my way through the crowd, accepting compliments on my gown (soft gold, flowing, designed to catch the light), exchanging pleasantries with people whose names I’ll forget by morning. It’s automatic, effortless—I’ve been doing this dance my whole life.

Then I look up.

And across the room, through a gap in the crowd, I make eye contact with Daphne.