Chapter 207: Hannah & Fish

Hannah’s POV

Drake’s hand found my waist as we began to sway to the music. His touch was light, almost hesitant, as if even he—Drake, the supposed playboy—found this surprising. "You look stunning," he murmured, his eyes roaming over my red dress. "Not that you don't always look beautiful, but tonight…"

I forced a smile. "Thank you, Drake. I'm glad you like it."

We swayed in silence for a moment before Drake spoke again. "Hannah, I hope you don't mind me asking, but… why did you ask me to dance? Not that I'm complaining, but it's unexpected after what happened earlier."

I took a deep breath. "Drake, I have a proposition for you."

His eyebrows shot up. "A proposition?"

"Yes. I know you have feelings for me," I said bluntly, watching his cheeks flush. "And I'm willing to consider one date with you in two months."

Drake's eyes widened slightly. "Two months? That's specific, although not unwelcome. But why are you telling me this now?"

"Because I want something in exchange," I whispered, lowering my voice. "I need your help."

Drake's brow furrowed. "With what?"

I glanced around. "I believe Noah and Zoe are still in love. I found a picture of them in Noah's offering to the Moon Goddess."

Drake's grip on my waist tightened. "What? Are you sure?"

I nodded. "I need proof that Noah is cheating."

There was a brief silence. I couldn't tell Drake the full reason—I needed the proof for our divorce proceedings; without it, the divorce might be denied, even with the baby.

"You want me to help you spy on Noah and Zoe?" Drake asked, leaning back slightly, eyeing me suspiciously.

"Essentially, yes," I admitted. "Will you help me?"

Drake was quiet, his eyes searching mine. Finally, he exhaled slowly. "You know I'm supposed to return to my pack now that the Lunar Festival is over."

"You don't have to help me," I said. "If you need to return immediately, you're welcome to. But all I ask is a little help, and some patience."

Chapter 207 + 25 BONUS

Drake eyed me a moment longer before nodding. "Alright. What do you need me to do?"

Relief washed over me. "For now, just keep your eyes open. If you see anything suspicious, let me know immediately."

"Okay," Drake agreed. "I can certainly do that."

As we danced, guilt pricked me. Was I doing the right thing, or succumbing to anger, unleashing a toxic, scheming side of myself?

But then I remembered the picture of Noah and Zoe, young and in love, and my resolve hardened. I deserved the truth, no matter how painful. Noah was cheating; I just needed proof.

Noah’s POV

Noah’s eyes scanned the crowded dance hall, searching for Zoe. The festival was in full swing, but Noah couldn't shake the unease from his argument with Hannah. He spotted golden hair disappearing around a corner and immediately followed. He needed to speak to her.

He found her further down the hallway. "Zoe!" he called, but she didn't react. He quickened his pace, almost chasing her through the winding corridors until she slipped behind a heavy curtain in an alcove.

He approached cautiously, his heart pounding. He pushed aside the curtain, revealing Zoe, her back to him. "Zoe," he said, his voice tight as he stepped into the alcove and closed the curtain. "We need to talk."

She turned, giving him a doe-eyed look. "Noah. Were you following me?"

Nodding, he pulled out the photograph, holding it up. "Can you explain this? Did you put this in my offering?"

Zoe's brow furrowed. "What are you talking about? I didn't put anything anywhere."

"I hope you're not lying," Noah said, frustrated. "This was in my offering, but I didn't put it there. Hannah found it, and now she's furious."

Zoe's eyes widened in genuine confusion. "Noah, I swear I didn't do this."

Seeing his unconvinced expression, Zoe sighed, pulling out a small silver compact mirror. She opened it, revealing an identical photograph. "My copy is right here. I've always kept it with me."

Noah stared at the two identical photographs, reeling. He hadn't even considered how Zoe carried the photo everywhere, only how his copy ended up in his offering.

"But if you didn't… then who…"

"You said Hannah found it?" Zoe asked.

Noah nodded. "She had the bundle in her pocket. Said she found it in the mud."

Zoe pursed her lips, closing her compact. "We all know Hannah has a scheming side," she suggested. "You don't think…"

Noah blinked. "What are you saying?"

"Well… she seems insistent we're sleeping together." Zoe paused, touching his hand lightly.

"So you're saying she could be trying to pin a cheating scandal on me?" Noah asked.

Zoe shrugged. "I wouldn't put it past her. Or at the very least, she's trying to catch you in a lie."

Noah's mind raced. A cheating scandal… it made sense. What if she wanted to frame him for cheating to gain the upper hand in the divorce?

But Noah didn't want to believe it. He closed his eyes, remembering Hannah's horrified expression. Unless she was an incredible actress, she seemed genuine… and hurt. Hannah wouldn't go this far, would she?