Anna felt frustrated at what she considered to be naivety.
"They're all fools. That kitchen is frequented by Adam's men and werewolves. They come and go as they please. She's probably sleeping with one of them, and the wretch has probably fallen in love and does whatever she tells him. You can expect more surprises."
"We're all keeping an eye on her, and you're right. She has a lover, but she hasn't said who it is. Adam isn't interested in his employees' affairs."
"His lack of interest could cost you all your lives." Anna said. "Did you say 'right now'?" What's going on?"
Genevieve looked at her thoughtfully and they heard a knock on the door. Anna went to open it and it was Beth, wearing a beautiful dress. Genevieve was right. Everyone would be wearing their best clothes to the party.
"Mr. Lens' men have arrived to pick up the ladies to take to the party."
"But you're my guest. You're going in the car with us. I want you there to celebrate with me, not as an employee." Anna said indignantly.
Beth looked at her feeling insulted.
"And I look like an employee? Maxwell asked me to come and tell you, but I'm going with my boyfriend. He's going to give me a lift, and he's a driver. You should leave now, because they left for the party a long time ago.
"And why didn't they ask us to go together?" Anna asked thoughtfully.
Beth shrugged. She wasn't familiar enough with her bosses to ask them to justify their behavior.
"You'll have a chance to find out if you get to the party..." Beth said, gesturing for them to leave, but Genevieve didn't move. Anna, who had started to walk towards the door, stopped and looked at her questioningly.
"I'm staying with Ian, Anna. My mind isn't safe when I'm away from him. Not yet."
"You said he couldn't see through your eyes..."
"Yes. There are two presences preventing that and one of them is going to be very distracted tonight. I'll be fine. I enjoy his company."
Anna frowned.
"Is Ian one of those people who prevents the Alpha from seeing through your eyes?"
"Yes. But he can't have that effect on himself. When you're ready, you'll know everything. Now go, don't keep your father waiting."
Anna smiled at Genevieve and she and Beth made their way to the garage. The journey took a long time. It took them more than half an hour to get there.
When Anna entered the hall, the hubbub and laughter stopped and she felt her face burn as all eyes were on her. She saw her college friends' favorite band setting up their sets, and a gap was opened by the crowd of people for her to walk through, all her friends were there, and her friends' friends too. At the end of the human corridor that opened up were her father and Maxwell. Both in dress clothes, their hands in their trouser pockets, staring at her. Maxwell smiled without showing his teeth, and that gesture gave her the strength to walk more confidently through the sea of people to reach them.
She looked around for Beth, but she had disappeared. Anna believed it was something they had all agreed on. So, slowly, more confidently, and looking only into Maxwell's blue eyes, she reached them. Maxwell approached her and took her hand, kissed it affectionately, but released her soon after. Anna's father took the microphone and stared at her with eyes the same color as hers. Sometimes she thought that looking at her father was like looking in a mirror. He looked handsome and although he wasn't smiling, he was happy.
"I'd like to ask for everyone's attention." Her father said with his customary authority in his voice, which was soft but sounded like a threat, and the buzz that Anna hadn't even noticed echoing around the room died down again.
When Henry realized that everyone was paying attention, he turned to Anna. "My child... I want to start by apologizing in front of everyone for the rude and even cruel way I treated you last week. Forgive me, my child, I can't tell you how sorry and ashamed I am. You were as beautiful and glorious as you are now, and I was taken aback by your decision." He said, referring to her and Maxwell. "But I want you to know that I love you too much, and that everything I did was driven by a paternal jealousy and protection, which I know came late. I know that doesn't justify what I've done, nor does it minimize the sadness and humiliation I've put her through. There's nothing I can do to make it right, but I'd like you to try to forget. When the memory of that day comes to mind, remember this moment, today, which will bring you pleasant surprises. Now, I think I've said too much and I deserve a hug." He said and everyone laughed.
Anna didn't hesitate and snuggled into his arms. She couldn't be hurt by someone who was so good to her son. The love he lavished on her and Ian was enough to make her forget that fateful night. The people applauded, and now seemed more attentive to what was happening.
She felt a hand touch her shoulder and, letting go of her father, she turned and faced Maxwell. As she gazed at him in silence, Maxwell knelt down and held up a small black velvet box. Anna took it and looked inside the box, wide-eyed, surprised and wondering at the precious stone solitaire inside the box. It was precious, but that green stone wasn't emerald. It was something she didn't know.
Maxwell then stood up, took her unoccupied hand and looked at her with a bright, happy gaze.
"Our wedding was unconventional, but I want it to be perfect, from now on and forever. This ring symbolizes my love for you. What I feel is as unbreakable as this diamond, and there is no value to what I feel. It and our son will be the symbolic links that will bind us together for life. If you put it on your finger, it means that you feel the same as I do, but if you don't, I won't stop supporting you. I'll always be someone you can count on for anything at any time, you're free to choose."
Maxwell's eyes were clouded with tears, just like Anna's. As soon as he had said his words, she put the ring on her finger, letting the box fall, determined never to take it off her finger, and Maxwell pulled her to him and kissed her passionately.