Chapter 5 The First Time Olivia Won

Olivia didn't return to Brown Wolfpack immediately.

Instead, she took a silver needle and slipped into the bathroom, staying there for quite a while.

When she finally came out, Amelia noticed.

"...What were you doing with that needle?" Amelia asked, watching Olivia carefully tuck it back into its case.

Olivia tugged at her sleeve, subtly trying to cover the back of her hand.

"Nothing important," she replied softly.

The next morning, Olivia prepared to return to Brown Wolfpack.

As she was about to leave, her eyes landed on the calendar sitting on the table.

In her past life, something interesting had happened on this exact day.

Olivia called over an Omega.

"Bring me a small piece of pork liver," she requested.

The Omega retrieved it quickly.

Olivia cut off a thumb-sized piece, wrapped it carefully in a cloth, and tucked it close to her body.

Then, she set off for Brown Wolfpack.

As soon as Olivia arrived at the pack house, several carriages pulled up behind her.

Three young women stepped out.

The one leading the group wore a soft yellow gown, her figure slender and graceful. Her aura was calm and polished.

Mia Taylor.

"...You must be Olivia," Mia greeted her with a warm smile.

"Mia." Olivia returned the smile.

"Aiden mentioned you weren't home the other day," Mia said. "Did you go back to Smith Wolfpack?"

"Yes," Olivia replied simply.

"I told the others to keep quiet about it," Mia added, leaning closer. Her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "Victoria would've nagged you if she found out."

Victoria Brown - Aiden's grandmother. The real power behind Brown Wolfpack.

Moments later, another carriage rolled in.

Today was church day. Victoria, accompanied by several other women, had gone to attend the service. Mia and the Omegas had returned early.

The moment Mia spotted Victoria, she rushed over to help her out of the carriage, fussing attentively over her.

"Victoria, let me hold Grace for you," Mia offered sweetly.

Grace - Victoria's beloved cat.

Victoria, tired of holding the cat, handed it over to Mia.

But as her gaze shifted toward the entrance...

Her eyes narrowed when she spotted Olivia standing quietly by the door.

"Well now, who's this fine guest?" Victoria asked coolly.

Olivia's sudden return to Smith Wolfpack had ruffled feathers in Brown Wolfpack. People whispered that she lacked discipline.

Victoria, in particular, had taken offense.

In Olivia's past life, despite not being fond of her, Victoria had discreetly helped her on several occasions.

She was the only one in the pack who ever showed Olivia any kindness.

This time around, Olivia was determined to secure her favor.

Stepping forward, Olivia spoke with calm respect.

"Victoria, I'm Olivia - Aiden's new wife. I came down with a contagious rash a few days ago and didn't want to risk spreading it to the pack members. I returned to Smith Wolfpack to quarantine."

She rolled up her sleeve as she spoke.

Her arm was covered in tiny red marks - faint, but noticeable.

The result of pricking herself repeatedly with the silver needle and dabbing a bit of powder over the wounds to create the perfect effect.

Victoria's expression softened slightly, though she still seemed displeased.

"Hmph. And what's Aiden's excuse? His wife falls ill, and he tells me you're off reading with your grandmother?"

Before Olivia could respond, Mia cut in.

"Olivia, would you mind holding Grace for a moment?" she said sweetly, lowering her voice. "My arms are getting tired."

"Sure," Olivia said calmly, taking the cat into her arms.

A hushed gasp echoed around her.

"Careful," someone whispered urgently.

Victoria's eyes narrowed, sharp with attention.

Grace had been spoiled rotten since the day she was born - the brat of the house. She clawed at anyone she didn't like.

Aside from Victoria and the Omega who cared for her daily, Mia was the only one enough to handle Grace.

Anyone else who dared hold the cat usually ended up scratched... and promptly scolded by Victoria.

Everyone braced themselves, fully expecting Olivia to be the next victim.

But instead, Grace nestled quietly into Olivia's arm, purring softly as she rubbed her head against Olivia's chest.

Olivia gently stroked the cat's head.

"She's adorable. Grace, right?"

Mia froze, her expression twisted in disbelief.

This... wasn't the plan.

She had banked on Grace losing her temper. One scratch, one chaotic scene - Victoria would definitely lash out at Olivia. That was the only reason she handed the cat over in the first place.

Victoria's stern face softened ever so slightly.

"It seems Grace has taken a liking to you, Olivia," she said, a rare trace of amusement flickering across her features.

Panic flared in Mia's chest.

She stepped forward quickly, extending her arms.

"Olivia, let me take her back."

Olivia smiled politely but didn't immediately hand the cat over.

Instead, her fingers discreetly pinched the soft fur near Grace's right front leg.

She remembered.

Today - in her past life - Grace's leg had been injured. It was starting to ache, but no one had noticed yet.

At the unexpected pinch, Grace flinched sharply, letting out a low growl.

Mia's hands hovered closer.

The second Grace saw her approaching, she lashed out - claws swiping viciously at Mia's neck.

A deep scratch bloomed across Mia's skin, thin lines of blood trickling almost immediately.

Mia gasped, instinctively releasing Grace, who tumbled to the floor, yowling loudly from the pain in her leg.

Without missing a beat, Olivia knelt gracefully and scooped the cat back into her arms.

Hidden in the folds of her sleeve, Olivia slipped the piece of pork liver she had prepared earlier into Grace's mouth.

The cat began to nibble eagerly, the treat distracting her as Olivia tucked her beneath her sleeve.

Grace pressed against Olivia's chest, silently enjoying her snack as the room erupted into chaos.

The others stared like they'd just witnessed a miracle.