Gloria followed Patrick to a jewelry store with a simple décor.
Yet when Gloria walked into the jewelry store, she realized that it was no ordinary craft workshop.
On both sides of the jewelry store were a variety of accessories and each of them had a unique design.
She couldn't help but exclaim, "It is the side business of some great artist, right? Who is the owner?"
It might be true that Patrick could erase her identity and her past. However, he couldn't alter her taste. She had been nurtured by the old Alpha of the Silver Spring Pack since she was a kid. In other words, it was something in her blood.
"You are right. This is..." Just as Patrick was about to speak, he was interrupted by a woman.
"I didn't expect to run into you when I came to Gabbs on vacation, Mr. Hammond. I guess it was the Moon Goddess' blessing." From a room inside the shop came a woman with features both deep and delicate.
Gloria sized the woman up quietly, and the woman was also sizing Gloria up.
Patrick's tone was somewhat mocking. He said, "Tomie, you are not even a werewolf. How can you be blessed by the Moon Goddess?"
When Gloria heard Patrick's words, her eyes widened in surprise. It turned out that the woman in front of them was Tomie. Gloria had heard of her name.
Tomie was a well-known designer in America, and she opened shops in Washington, New York, and Los Angeles.
Countless Hollywood stars were fans of Tomie's designs. Gloria was surprised that she owned such a boutique in Gabbs.
Gloria retracted her gaze from Tomie.
"Mr. Hammond, this is?" Tomie asked politely.
Patrick took out his checkbook and a Parker pen from his pocket. He signed a check, placed the checkbook on the crystal counter beside him, and said, "I remember you have a snowflake-shaped ruby accessory. I'll buy it now."
Tomie was stunned. She glanced at his and Gloria's clasped hands, and a trace of obscure light flashed across her eyes.
Tomie smiled and said, "Mr. Hammond, that's so generous of you. I guess she is very important to you."
After that, she turned around and went into the inner room. When she came out again, she was holding a box in her hand.
Tomie walked to Gloria, smiled gently, and said, "This set of jewelry is very, very precious. Please take good care of it. So far, I have never thought of selling it. However, Mr. Hammond helped me before, so I am willing to make an exception."
Patrick took the box from Tomie, placed it on the crystal table beside him, took out the snowflake-shaped ruby necklace, and walked behind Gloria to put it on her.
"Since I bought them. They are all hers now, and she can do whatever she wants with them. She can wear them, put them away, or toss them. It's all up to her," said Patrick.
His words deepened the smile in Tomie's eyes. She said, "So I was right."
Patrick pulled Gloria's wrist, took out a ruby bracelet in the same series as the necklace from the box, and put it on her. Then he took out the studs.
"I can do it," Gloria said quickly, trying to stop him, but Patrick avoided her outstretched hand. "Don't move."
He put the studs on Gloria in front of Tomie and picked up the ring.
"Stay still." He held Gloria's hand tightly and put the ring on her finger slowly.
Gloria's eyes were filled with complicated emotions. She thought, 'I've dreamed of this scene countless times. I never thought that today, my dream had finally come true, but the feelings I once had have long gone.'
"This set of jewelry suits her perfectly," Tomie said with appreciation after seeing Gloria wear the whole set of jewelry.
"Thank you. I appreciate your design a lot," Gloria replied.
Patrick wasn't in the mood to chat. After he nodded at Tomie, he pulled Gloria away from the jewelry store.
When the car stopped again, they were at the entrance of the Carter's villa.
By the time they arrived, the place was already filled with luxury cars.
Gloria stood at the iron gate of the Carter's villa, not taking a step forward.
"Are you afraid?" beside her, Patrick said in a calm voice. "If so, we can leave now."
"No!" she blurted out almost immediately. She took a deep breath and walked through the iron gate.
"Are you going to go in just like that?" Patrick asked.
Gloria looked at Patrick in confusion. "What?"
Patrick stretched out his hand and straightened her back. He said, "Gloria, if you are afraid, we don't have to go in. You don't just represent yourself by showing up here today. Don't forget that you are my female companion."
Gloria was used to Patrick being cold and aloof. She had rarely seen him speak so seriously and solemnly.
Patrick said, "Keep your back straight and your head up. We are at the Carter's, the place where you have lived for more than twenty years. You should not be timid, and of course, you shouldn't just run away. Do you want the old Alpha of the Silver Spring Pack to see that you do not even dare to walk straight into the villa? Do you want him to see you humbling and cringing while being inside?"
Gloria wanted to rebut his questions. She thought, 'Patrick, thanks to you that I became like this. Isn't that what you want to see?
But I can't open my mouth. My grandfather never taught me to shirk and escape. There is indeed hatred deep down in me, and it's also true that I hate and fear you, Patrick, but I have to admit that you're right. At this moment, in this very place, I should not be afraid, because my grandfather expected a lot from me!'
Gloria's chest heaved violently. Although she didn't say anything, her mind was in turmoil.
She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths. Suddenly, she opened her eyes!
Right now, the aura around her had changed abruptly!
Gloria reached out and politely wrapped her hand around Patrick's wrist. Her voice wasn't loud, yet it was very determined. She said, "Let's go inside."
To match the black fishtail dress, she wore high heels. So, she had to be extra careful when walking.
She stepped into the door of the Carter's with her beautiful high heels and limped legs.