Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 97 you believe it?

Author’s pov:

The commotion at the entrance had drawn quite an audience, with several onlookers witnessing Ethan’s humiliation and removal from the premises.

Brian Gillies nudged his older brother, his eyes following Victoria’s retreating figure. "That’s Victoria Lancaster I was telling you about, the one who helped me with translation that day. Can you believe it? I had no idea she was from the Lancaster family."

The Gillies family descends from the Alpha family of the Galactic Pack.

The Galaxy Pack also boasts formidable capabilities.

Brian and his brother Elijah had been invited by Joseph Miller and had arrived just in time to witness the scene unfold. After their previous encounter, Brian had mentioned Victoria to Elijah, explaining how she’d stepped in to translate during his diplomatic meeting. Before he could properly thank her, she’d disappeared.

Her assistance had given Brian deeper insight into the struggling nation’s plight, which had prompted him to contact his superiors about modifying some of the recently implemented diplomatic protocols. He never expected to see Victoria again here, much less witness such a spectacle.

"The Lancaster pack has always kept their distance from the Silver Galaxy Pack," Elijah remarked, his eyes assessing Victoria with new interest. His wolf, typically silent and reserved, stirred with curiosity. "But I must say, William’s granddaughter appears quite impressive."

Brian’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Brother, I never thought I’d hear you compliment someone. That’s quite rare coming from you."

Elijah Gillies rarely found anyone worthy of praise. For him to offer such an assessment spoke volumes about Victoria’s impact.

"Let’s head inside," Elijah said, his expression returning to its usual stoic mask. "How’s Jacob doing these days?"

As they walked, their conversation turned to their younger brother. Jacob was the most unpredictable of the three Gillies brothers, with a free spirit that contrasted sharply with his siblings’ composed demeanors. While Elijah and Brian had embraced their roles within their pack’s hierarchy, Jacob had refused to take any position in the family business, choosing instead to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

"I met with him a few days ago. He’s doing well," Brian replied. "You shouldn’t be so hard on him, brother. He’s terrified of you. You have no idea how intimidating you look with that perpetual scowl."

Years in the cutthroat business world had hardened Elijah, giving him a maturity beyond his years. His aura differed significantly from Brian’s. Where Brian projected warmth and approachability to outsiders—though he could turn ice-cold when defending his nation’s interests—Elijah maintained a constant aura of aloofness that kept others at a distance. His wolf, powerful and dominant, radiated an intensity that made even other alphas uncomfortable.

"I’m not intimidating," Elijah protested mildly. "And I’ve done nothing to him."

"That’s precisely it," Brian explained. "You haven’t done anything specific, but Jacob has been afraid of you since childhood. Maybe try smiling at him next time you meet. It might improve things."

"Really?" Elijah considered this advice with surprising seriousness. Perhaps he would smile at Jacob during their next encounter.

Victoria’s POV

I was still engaged in conversation with Joseph when he asked about my grandfather’s health, then skillfully shifted to talking with Damien. It wasn’t everyday someone got the chance to speak face-to-face with the mysterious Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack.

As they discussed business matters, I listened intently. I rarely spoke with Damien about work, but hearing his views now, I couldn’t help but admire his brilliance. He truly was a business genius. His theories were refreshingly unconventional—when others thought he would make one move, he’d surprise everyone with something completely unexpected.

What rivals dismissed as sacrificial pawns were actually calculated pieces in his grand strategy. Nora, my wolf, stirred with interest inside me as I watched him speak, his confident presence commanding the room. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

"Victoria."

I turned toward the familiar voice, surprised to see Brian Gillies standing there.

"Mr. Gillies?" I hadn’t expected to run into him here. After we’d parted ways at the airport, I assumed he’d returned to Europe.

"You helped me tremendously last time, and I haven’t properly thanked you," he said warmly. "Running into you today must be fate. Let me introduce my brother, Elijah."

Elijah extended his hand to me. "Pleasure to meet you, Miss Lancaster."

As I took his hand, I noticed how large and warm it was. The moment our skin touched, something like an electric current passed between us, making my heart flutter unexpectedly.

"I’ve heard the Lancaster heiress keeps a low profile," Elijah said, his voice rich and magnetic. "Meeting you today, I can see your grandfather has raised you exceptionally well."

I smiled politely. "You flatter me, Mr. Gillies. I’m hardly a princess. My grandfather’s health hasn’t been ideal lately, so I’ve had to step up. If there’s an opportunity in the future, I hope Silver Galaxy Pack and Crescent Dawn can work together."

I was well aware that the Gillies family were essentially royalty in Europe—both in wealth and power. They essentially ruled their territory with an iron grip. A partnership would be invaluable.

Elijah nodded approvingly. "I was thinking the same thing. Our packs have never collaborated before. If we have the chance, it would be Silver Galaxy’s honor."

"The honor would be mine, meeting both of you," I replied with a genuine smile.

"After how you helped me," Brian added, "I still owe you proper thanks. Perhaps dinner sometime when you’re available?"

I nodded. "I’d like that. My schedule is flexible—you’re probably the busy one here."

As Brian, Elijah, and I continued chatting, I didn’t notice my hand was still clasped in Elijah’s grip. Nor did I notice Damien’s eyes darkening dangerously as he stared at our joined hands.

Suddenly, Damien stepped forward. "Mr. Gillies, your reputation precedes you."

With surprising smoothness, he extracted my hand from Elijah’s and replaced it with his own, then subtly maneuvered me behind him in a clearly protective stance. I frowned in confusion—why was he pushing me back when we were just having a conversation?

"Mr. Sterling," Elijah responded, "I didn’t expect the legendary Alpha of Blood Moon to be so young. It’s I who have long admired your work."

I could tell Elijah was genuinely impressed. Having inherited his family business, he seemed to respect that Damien had built ME Group from nothing. Though their packs were competitors, admiration showed in his eyes.

"You’re too kind," Damien replied coolly, his lips curving into a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. His entire demeanor radiated a chilly distance.

Elijah seemed puzzled by Damien’s unfriendly gaze, clearly wondering what he might have done to offend him.

Brian turned to me, breaking the tension. "Victoria—I can call you that, right? ’Miss Lancaster’ feels too formal."

"Of course," I smiled. "Then I’ll call you Brian."

As Brian and I fell into easy conversation, he suggested, "Let’s exchange contact information so we can arrange dinner another time."

"Absolutely," I agreed, adding him to my phone. We continued chatting, and I found myself genuinely enjoying his company. Our interests aligned surprisingly well, and laughter bubbled up naturally.

Arthur rumbled inside Damien as he turned his head toward the sound of my laughter. His eyes narrowed at my bright, animated expression.

"Victoria," Damien suddenly called, grabbing my wrist. "Come with me. I need to discuss something with you."

He pulled me away to a quiet corner, leaving me bewildered. "What’s this about? What do you need to tell me?"

In truth, Damien had nothing specific to say—he simply couldn’t stand seeing me smile so brightly for another man.

"How do you know the Gillies brothers?" he asked, searching for conversation.

"Why are you interrogating me?" I challenged.

"Do you know anything about them?" he pressed. "How do you know they’re good people and not bad? You were sharing too much with them. What if they’re approaching you with ulterior motives?"

Since we were already on this topic, he continued his questioning.

"You see everyone as a potential threat," I retorted. "Maybe you’re the real villain here. You talk about others having ulterior motives—what about you? When you first approached me, didn’t you have your own agenda?"

I wasn’t blind. I knew Damien’s initial interest in me was purely to get revenge on Ethan.

Nora growled protectively inside me, her hackles raised at the confrontation. She didn’t like anyone questioning my judgment, even if that someone made her fur tingle with awareness. I felt her pressing against my consciousness, urging me to stand my ground against this dominant Alpha.

"You don’t understand pack politics like I do," Damien said, his voice dropping to a dangerous timber as Arthur pushed closer to the surface. "Silver Galaxy Pack is powerful and ambitious. They don’t make social calls without purpose."

I stepped closer, refusing to be intimidated. "And the Blood Moon Alpha doesn’t? You followed me here tonight for purely innocent reasons?"

His smoky cedar scent intensified as his emotions flared, wrapping around me like a possessive claim. For a moment, I saw Arthur flash in his eyes—territorial, watchful, and unmistakably jealous.

"Just be careful," he finally said, his fingers still wrapped around my wrist, thumb unconsciously stroking my pulse point. "Not everyone deserves your smiles."

The intimate gesture sent warmth spreading up my arm. Nora whimpered softly inside me, responding to his touch in ways that confused and annoyed me. I pulled my hand away.

"I’ll decide who deserves my smiles," I said firmly. "You think someone else has ill intentions. Don’t you think your motives for approaching me are complicated?"

In my opinion, his approach to me is purely about seeking revenge on Ethan.