CHAPTER 19%
I walked through the orphanage, smiling as the children crowded around me. My disguise was firmly in place, No one would recognize me as Evelyn Bennett.
“Your Highness, thank you so much for your generous donation, Mrs. Taylor, the orphanage director gushed beside me.
I smiled warmly at her, “Please, call me Alexandra. And it’s my pleasure to help these wonderful children.”
Alexandra, the royal name rd chosen for my new identity.
I spotted them in the reception area–Luces and Clara, dressed in their finest clothes, anxiously waiting with a donation check in hand, I purposely took my time, letting them sweat
“Would you like to see the new playground your donation will help build?” Mrs. Taylor asked.
I nodded, “Of course. Lead the way, 2
I made them wait another thirty minutes before finally making my way to the reception area. Mrs. Taylor announced me as I entered.
“Your Highness, these are the donors I mentioned–Mr. Walker and Ms. Williams from Silverstone Pack.”
Luces and Clara immediately bowed so low I thought they might kiss the floor. It was delicious seeing them like this–the same people who had called me pathetic and worthless now bending the knee before me
“You may rise,” I said coolly after letting them stay down for just a few seconds too long
Lucas straightened immediately. “Alpha Queen Blackthom, thank you so much for granting us this audience. We are deeply honored”
“I heard you made a generous donation to this orphanage,” I said, getting straight to the point.
Clara nodded eagerly. “Yes, Alpha Queen. We donated fifty thousand dollars to help with renovations and new programs for the children.” I pretended to be impressed. “That’s quite generous. I admire people who care for children”
“We’ve always had a soft spot for orphans: Lucas said smoothly. The same Lucas who had mockingly called children annoying little beasts whenever we passed playgrounds.K
I tilted my head. Is that why you’re here? To donate to a worthy cause?”
Lucas and Clara exchanged quick glances before Clara stepped forward. “Well, Alpha Queen, we were hoping to also discuss the possibility of receiving your recommendation to Alpha King Blackwood. My husband is seeking to become Alpha of the Silverstone Pack. and your support would mean everything ”
I turned slightly, enjoying the flash of panic on their faces as they thought I might leave. “So the donation was just to buy my favor?”
“No! Of course not!” Clara’s hands flew to her chest in fake shock,}
Suddenly, tears welled in her eyes. She was good, I’d give her that “I’ve always admired you, even from afar, You’re everything I aspire to be
strong, beautiful, confidenthi
Before I could step back, Clara came forward and hugged me. It took everything in me not to shove her away or reveal my disgust.
“There, there,” I patted her back awkwardly before gently extracting myself, “That’s… nice”
“Forgive my wife, Alpha Queen She’s emotional due to the pregnancy.”
“I understand,” I said. “I’d be happy to hear more about your request. Perhaps somewhere more private?”
They followed me eagerly to a small office Mrs. Roberts had offered for my use. Once inside, I studied them from behind the desk |
“You’re Lucas Walker and Clara Williams, correct? From the Silverstone Pack?” I asked, enjoying how they exchanged nervous glances.
Lucas cleared his throat. “Yes, that’s us.”
“I’ve heard rumors about you. Something about a rejected mate? A woman you both mistreated?”
Clara’s face twisted into an ugly expression before she quickly masked it. “Those rumors are completely false, Alpha Queen. The woman in question was unstable and dependent. She couldn’t handle pack life and abandoned her responsibilities.
Lucas nodded eagerly. “She was weak, unsuited for the role as my mate. When she realized she couldn’t measure up, she ran away rather than face her failures–2
How dare they continue to speak of me this way, painting me as the villain when they were the monsters?
I took a deep breath, “I see. And this woman–Evelyn, was it?-you treated her well during your relationship?” “Of course,” Lucas lied smoothly. ” gave her everything. A home, protection, status. But she was ungrateful.” “Extremely unstable,” Clara added with fake concem. “We tried to help her, but she refused. Then she just vanished one day”
I smiled tightly. “How interesting. Well, I be frank with you both. I don’t appreciate packs that spread rumors or mistreat their members,
If I hear any more stories about this Evelyn or anyone else from your pack being mistreated, I will not hesitate to withdraw any support might offer.”
They both nodded frantically.
“Now, there’s an Alpha King Summit approaching, and only those with invitations are permitted to attend. I could secure invitations for you both.”
“That would be incredible,” Lucas breathed. “Thank you so much“!
I held up my hand, “On three conditions.”
“Anything” Clara said eagerly.
I held up one finger. “First, you will publicly denounce those hurtful posts about Evelyn and apologize for any pain they caused.”
19
11:20 AM chc
“Anything. Clara said eagerly
I held up one finger. “First, you will publicly denounce those hurtful posts about Evelyn and apologize for any pain they caused.”
Lucas’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. “Of course, Your Highness”
“Second,” I continued, “you must attend a charity auction I’m hosting next week. The minimum bid is twenty thousand dollars.”
Clara’s eyes widened, but she forced another smile. “We’d be honored to attend.”
“And third,” I leaned in closer. ‘you will never again refer to another wolf as ‘worthless‘ or ‘pathetic. If I hear even a whisper that you’ve been belittling others, I will personally ensure you never become Alpha. Do I make myself clear?”
“Crystal clear Your Highness,” Lucas assured me quickly. “We would never do such again.
Liars. Both of them
I handed them a business card. This is my assistant’s number. Call her if you need anything or have questions about the auction.“)
After another round of bowing and groveling, they finally left. The moment the door closed, Mia emerged from her hiding spot in the connecting room.
“That was impressive,” she said with a low whistle. “I almost didn’t recognize you under all that blonde hair and attitude.”
I collapsed against the chair. “I nearly fainted out there, Mia. The way they lied about everything, about me… it took everything not to reveal myself and slap both of them.”
“You handled it perfectly.” Mia assured me. “So what’s this auction event you mentioned? That wasn’t in our original plan.”
A devilish smile spread across my face. “You’ll see.“%
“What are you plotting, Eve?” Mia asked suspiciously.
