Chapter 60: Confrontations and Revtions

Chapter 60: Confrontations and Revtions

(Elena’s POV)

In the evening, Adrian Whitmore personally drove me back to the Moonhaven Estate. The familiar gates came into view as his sleek vehicle pulled up to the entrance.

Before I could reach for the door handle, he suddenly bspoke/b. “Are you free after eight o’clock tonight?”

I paused at the Shadow Gate Foyer, puzzled by his unexpected question, “What’s wrong?”

Adrian’s amber eyes held a hint of uncertainty as he exined. “I’ve been invited to a pack gathering tonight. Being new to the Northern Territory, I was hoping you could be my femalepanion.”

He quickly added, “I’d be happy to pay extra for your time, of course.”

I considered his request for a moment. The thought of attending a formal pack event felt strange after so long, but something about his genuine manner made me want to help.

“I’ll go with you,” I said without hesitation. “But there’s no need for extra payment. Consider it a favor for Aunt Dorothea,

Adrian’s face brightened with relief and gratitude. “Thank you, Elena. I truly appreciate this.”

After Adrian left, I returned to my Moonhaven Private Quarters and drew myself a hot bath. The warm water felt soothing against my skin as I tried to rx.

Opening the Moonhaven Wardrobe Chamber, I was greeted by a full array of cosmetics and beauty products. The sight made me pause, causing me to reflect on how long it had been since I had truly cared for my appearance.

I realized I had spent six years trying to please Marcus ckwood, gradually losing myself in the process. Every choice I made had been filtered through what he might want or approve of

This moment felt different. This was my decision to reconcile with my past and reim myself.

I selected a crimson U–neck velvet retro gown that bugged my curves elegantly. The rich fabric felt luxurious against my skin as I slipped into one–strap high heels.

I let my l

long hair cascade over my shoulders in loose waves, framing my face softly. For the first time in years, I was dressing for myself.

As night fell, Adrian waited by his car in the estate’s courtyard. When he saw me walking toward him, his eyes widened with genuine admiration.

“You look absolutely stunning,” he said, his voice filled with sincere appreciation. “That look suits you perfectly.”

“Thank you

you,” I replied, feeling a warmth spread through my chest at hispliment.

During the drive, Adrian exined more about our destination. “The pack gathering is actually a charity event hosted by a consortium’s chairman. It’s being held at the Moonstone Manor.”

My eyebrows rose in surprise. “The most luxurious establishment in the Northern Territory?”

Chapter 60 Confrontation

Adrian nodded. “The same one. It’s balso /bknown for auctioning ancient pack artifacts. The most exclusive chamber, the Alpha’s Private Dining Chamber, costs three hundred thousand minimum.”

He continued with obvious fascination. “It’s decorated like an ancient pack elder’s hall,plete with healing spring pools and a stage for pack bards.”

As we entered Moonstone Manor, the opulent surroundings took my breath away. Crystal chandeliers cast warm light over marble floors, and the air hummed with sophisticated conversation.

We were led to the Crimson Moon Banquet Hall, where curious stares immediately followed our entrance. I

could hear whispered conversations around us.

“Who is that beautiful woman with Young Master Whitmore?”

“Probably the future Luna of Alpha Whitmore.”

“Look at how elegantly she carries herself.”

A middle–aged Alpha approached Adrian with a weing smile. “Young Master Whitmore, what an honor to

have you at our event. Your esteemed presence truly elevates the gathering.”

Adrian responded with polite grace. “Thank you for the warm wee. This is Elena.”

I appreciated that he introduced me simply bby /bname, without mentioning my pack background. In high society, such discretion was considered refined manners.

Turning my head, my eyes met Nathan Sterling’s across the room. He raised his ss to me in greeting, and I

walked over to him.

“Elena, you look absolutely radiant tonight,” Nathan said, his eyes sparkling with admiration. “I must admit, I underestimated your rtionship with Adrian Whitmore.”

“Adrian helped me before,” I exined simply. “I’m returning the favor.”

Nathan reached out to touch a strand of my hair, his voice dropping to a whisper. “You are truly beautiful

tonight.”

“Alpha ckwood.” A voice called out from behind.

My face stiffened instantly. I turned to see Marcus ckwood watching me, his golden eyes dark and

unreadable.

Marcus leaned against a high table, hismanding presence impossible to ignore. I recognized a hint of dangerous intensity in his gaze but quickly looked away.

.He turned to greet someone else, maintaining our usual public facade of polite indifference.

Adrian approached me, asking if I was done chatting. He extended his hand toward Nathan with professional

courtesy.

“Tm Nathan Sterling,” Nathan introduced himself with a charming smile.

Adrian’s expression showed recognition. “Ah, Elder Theodore Sterling’s grandson. I only know your grandfather through pack connections, but his reputation precedes him.”

As I turned to leave with Adrian, I identally bumped into Marcus ckwood. The moonpetal wine in my

goblet poured out, left a subtle scent mark on his bcor. /b

Chapter 60: Confrontation

Marcus noticed immediately, his nostrils ring slightly. He addressed me, his voice low band /bcontrolled “Remove it.”

Pack members around us turned to watch the unexpected interaction. The tension in the air bwas /bpalpable.

I

I tried to maintain myposure despite the scrutiny. “I have a cleansing herb that should work.”

Marcus just stared at me, his expression unreadable. The surrounding guests began to specte in hushed

tones.

“Is Alpha ckwood interested In Young Master Whitmore’s date?”

“There’s definitely some history between them.”

Noticing Marcus’s hesitation, I spoke with deliberate sarcasm. “Though I suppose you probably wouldn’t use

ba /bstranger’s belongings.”

I

As I was about to withdraw the cleansing herb, Marcus grabbed my wrist firmly. I stiffened, trying to pull

away, but his grip only tightened.

He chuckled softly, the sound sending an unwee shiver down my spine.

I frowned and tried to keep my voice steady. “Let go of me so I can cleanse it for you.”

Marcus released my hand slowly, his fingers trailing against my skin. I handed him the cleansing herb with as much dignity as I could muster.

Adrian stepped forward, his usually gentle demeanor turning protective. “Are you deliberately making things difficult for my date, Alpha ckwood?”

The two men stood together, presenting a striking contrast in styles. Adrian’s refined elegance against

Marcus’s raw power.

Marcus epted the cleansing herb with an inscrutable smile. ‘I’m simply impressed by Elena’s social skills. She seems to have connections with both you and Nathan Sterling.”

“Elena, are you familiar with Alpha Marcus ckwood?” Adrian asked me deliberately. He knew I had the same surname with Marcus

I stood calmly amidst the stares, feeling the weight of others‘ spection. I started to say we were “familiar,” but seeing the slight frown on Marcus’s face, I changed my mind.

“Not familiar,” I said clearly,