Chapter 172
172
Third Person’s POV
As for the bartenders, the police temporarily released them all but ordered them to clarify the facts within three days and to publicly apologize to and compensate Miss Davidson of the Frostfang Pack.
After all, the city hall had conspicuously gone to the Glenveil Pack to investigate Wanda. Even if Madison found a scapegoat, it would be hard to clear Wanda’s doing.
Giving the bartenders three days to clarify was ostensibly procedure but effectively granted Madison operational space.
However, intimidation no longer worked. Only bribery remained.
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Indeed, Wanda spent a fortune, not only the three million dollars she received from Priscilla but also an additional sum.
With the money, the bartenders successively apologized at the Frostfang Pack’s border, offering compensation.
Though they didn’t meet Adelaide, the scale of the apology drew many onlookers.
Some heckled, “Did Wanda pay you?”
“Or was it Madison?”
“Don’t be absurd! Do you want to die for offending Madison?”
“I’m just stating facts! At Madison’s birthday party, Miss Davidson gifted a painting by Craig, only to be falsely accused of presenting a forgery and have it torn apart on the spot!”
“Tore up a Craig oil painting? Goodness, Madison adores art collections. Craig’s paintings aren’t for sale.”
“Where was the torn painting thrown? Tell me, and I’ll go pick it up!”
“I heard Wanda did it. As Alpha Winslow’s mate, she can’t even recognize an authentic Craig?”
“The Glenveil Pack probably only allied with her for her family background. What a blow to their century- old reputation.”
When the old luna of the Glenveil Pack arrived by car, she witnessed the commotion
Listening from her vehicle, she grew so angry she saw black.
Back then, Winslow hadn’t intended to bond with Wanda. It was Wanda who set her sights on him.
Madison approached the old Lycan King, begging him incessantly, though he never publicly agreed.
Only at a private werewolf gathering did the old Lycan King mention it to the then Alpha of the Glenveil
Pack.
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After multiple refusals, the old Alpha eventually relented and permitted Wanda to become Winslow’s
mate.
Rowena took a pill to calm her nerves before sending an omega to announce her arrival.
Beta Valentine, spotting the car, was surprised but promptly had Omega Ivy welcome Rowena.
Rowena’s personal visit only solidified Wanda’s doing.
Some citizens speculated that the Glenveil Pack’s forthrightness was commendable, yet having such a Luna was a misfortune.
For a time, public discourse shifted to the Glenveil Pack’s internal affairs, and despite Rowena’s composure, her frustration with Wanda was palpable.
Omega Ivy greeted Rowena with proper decorum, escorting her to the packhouse living room.
Adelaide soon joined the guests. Facing Rowena, she was nothing but courteous, offering the finest refreshments.
Her tone was gentle and humble, always deferential as a junior.
Regarding Wanda’s smear campaign, Adelaide smiled and said, “I didn’t take it to heart. You shouldn’t either. This matter has nothing to do with the Glenveil Pack. I’m truly grateful you went out of your way to visit.”
Rowena, looking into Adelaide’s clear eyes, knew her words were sincere–she held no grudge against the Glenveil Pack.
At ease now, Rowena acknowledged that the Glenveil Pack wished to avoid unnecessary enemies, especially with Alpha Lance and Alpha Adelaide, both formidable figures.
Their military merits alone commanded respect, making them valuable allies.
Rowena sighed, “Alpha Adelaide, your understanding is truly commendable. But I feel deeply guilty. Had the police not intervened to clarify, you might have carried the burden of infamy for life—a devastating blow by any measure.”
Adelaide shook her head gently, “To me, it’s hardly a serious blow. Merely idle gossip.”
Hardly a serious blow?
Rowena stared, initially thinking Adelaide feigned magnanimity.
But her calm demeanor suggested genuine indifference.
Reflecting on Adelaide’s trials–the battlefield loss of her father and brothers, her family’s annihilation- Rowena understood why she dismissed the gossip as insignificant.
Rowena, though unrelated to Adelaide, felt a pang of tenderness thinking of her and seeing her resilience.
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Those must have been extremely tough times for Adelaide, yet she hadn’t succumbed to despair. Instead, she chose to follow in her father’s and brothers‘ footsteps and went to the battlefield.
The spirit of Alpha Bentley truly stood unyielding.
Rowena regretted not connecting with Adelaide sooner. The Glenveil Pack’s members could learn much
from her.
Today, she had brought a gift–a ruby necklace.
She let an omega open the box, offer it to Adelaide; and even rose to help her put it on.
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