Chapter 132: Confrontation and Schemes
Chapter 132: Confrontation and Schemes
(Elena Blackwood’s POV)
I emerged from the washroom, feeling slightly embarrassed about being caught eavesdropping. Hugo stood by his desk, his expression unreadable.
“Are you always so unsympathetic toward she–wolves?” I asked teasingly, trying to lighten the mood.
Hugo’s lips curved into a slight smile. “Sophia Rivers needs Alpha Marcus Blackwood’s
mine.”
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I nodded, then remembered something that had puzzled me. “I’m surprised Professor Andrew Kelly accepted her as a student. He hasn’t taken werewolf students from the Northern Territory for years.”
“That’s because she benefited from an anonymous research paper,” Hugo replied, his tone matter–of–fact.
My eyebrows rose with interest. “Anonymous research paper?”
“Neural stem cell transplantation techniques,” he explained. “Published about ten years ago. Quite
groundbreaking work.”
A chill ran down my spine. That was my research paper – the one I’d published anonymously during my final year at the academy. The irony of the situation struck me like a physical blow.
Sophia had built her academic reputation on my own work. The thought was both infuriating and darkly
amusing.
(Sophia Rivers’s POV)
After leaving the healing institute, I walked toward the parking area with my head held high despite Hugo’s brutal rejection. A black–clad Elite Guard suddenly appeared beside me.
“Miss Rivers,” he said formally. “Our Madam wants to see you.”
Before I could ask questions, he escorted me to a luxury vehicle. The rear door opened to reveal an elegant, well–maintained middle–aged she–wolf who appeared younger than Víctoria Blackwood.
Her refined features and expensive clothing immediately marked her as someone from the upper echelons of
pack society.
“I’m Evelyn Ashworth,” she said, her voice cultured and commanding. “Hugo’s mother from the Ashworth
Pack.”
My heart skipped a beat. This was Hugo’s mother – and she wanted to meet me.
“I’ve heard that my son has a she–wolf,” Evelyn continued, studying my face carefully. “I wanted to investigate,
though I wasn’t certain if it was you.”
I remained silent, unsure how to respond.
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“Your background isn’t suitable for pack alliance,” she stated bluntly.
The words stung, but I forced myself to remain composed. “You’re right, Madam. I come from poor origins, I was abandoned by my birth parents.”
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Surprisingly, Evelyn’s expression softened slightly. “I understand such circumstances.”
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“As long as Hugo doesn’t reject traditional pack values entirely, I can accept his choice,” she explained. “He experienced a traumatic incident that left him with psychological barriers, especially regarding blood and
violence.”
Her voice grew pained. “It caused him to distance himself from pack duties. If you could persuade him to return to his responsibilities, I would support your relationship.”
I felt a stab of guilt. She was talking about a relationship that didn’t exist.
cept eve
“I feel guilty about my son’s condition,” Evelyn continued. “I’m willing to a she–wolf from a modest background if it’s what he wants.”
Though I knew I wasn’t the she–wolf Hugo actually cared for, I neither confirmed nor denied the relationship.
“Thank you for your understanding, Madam,” I said simply.
(Elena Blackwood’s POV)
Several days later, the Advanced Healing Arts Research Symposium made new progress. Both parties
gathered at the Shadowspire Tower conference center for an important meeting.
I arrived with Professor Theodore Ashworth’s assistant, greeting other attendees in the corridor. Due to my status as Professor Theodore’s chosen successor, medical experts who were close to the elder treated me
favorably.
This was a privilege few young healers enjoyed in our competitive field.
When Sophia arrived with the collaborating party, she encountered me directly. I remained calm while she
arrogantly ignored me, instead greeting the medical experts nearby.
“I was recommended by Mrs. Ashworth,” Sophia mentioned casually to the group.,
The experts showed her courtesy out of respect for the Ashworth Pack. I simply glanced at her before
entering the conference chamber with the assistant.
Sophia’s triumphant expression suggested she believed having Mrs. Ashworth’s backing would help her
override me in the project.
During a meeting break, I went to the Moonstone Washroom. Sophia deliberately followed me inside.
At the marble sink, I noticed her approach through the mirror. “Were you waiting for me?” I asked directly.
Sophia applied lipstick with deliberate slowness. “What if I was? After everything that’s happened, you should
understand the gap between us.”
My reflection stared back coldly. “All my experiences were caused by you. You still owe two lives.”
Sophia’s face stiffened momentarily, but she recovered quickly. “Where’s your evidence? Even Alpha Marcus hasn’t moved against me.”
I grabbed her wrist, my eyes turning ice–cold. “What do you think I could do to you?”
“You wouldn’t dare strike-” she began.
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My palm connected with her cheek in a sharp slap. The sound echoed off the washroom tiles.
Sophia tried to retaliate, but I caught her wrist easily. “Do you remember a nurse named Rachel Thompson?”
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Her eyes widened with sudden fear.
I smiled coldly. “You delivered evidence right to my door. That satisfies me greatly.”
After releasing her hand, I left the washroom.
After the meeting, I walked out of Shadowspire Tower with Professor Theodore Ashworth and other medical experts. We chatted pleasantly about healing techniques as we made our way to the parking area.
Amber Stone waited by the Shadow Moon Alpha’s Phantom Rolls–Royce. When the rear window rolled down, everyone could see Alpha Marcus’s commanding presence inside.
Some familiar pack leaders approached to pay their respects and exchange pleasantries with him.
Professor Theodore and I remained in place. He turned to me with a serious expression.
“I want to entrust you with the Advanced Healing Arts project coordination,” he said.
“Would I handle it alone?” I asked, surprised by the responsibility.
“My assistant will help,” he assured me. “If needed, that young healer Hugo will assist too.”
I was surprised. “Hugo will participate? He previously wasn’t involved.”
“He contacted me a few days ago,” Professor Theodore explained. “Suddenly expressed interest in the
project.”
Marcus and Amber Stone approached us. Marcus smiled warmly at the elderly professor.
“Professor Theodore, you look robust from your recent focus on wellness practices,” Marcus complimented.
Professor Theodore chuckled. “Age catches up with everyone eventually.”
“I obtained rare moonlight herbs from Chairman Harrison,” Marcus said, gesturing to Amber Stone. “Please
accept them as a respectful gift.”
“Such an expensive gift is too much for me,” Professor Theodore protested.
“It matches your esteemed status as a medical elder,” Marcus insisted.
After Professor Theodore left with his assistant, Marcus took my hand. His warm fingers immediately
noticed how cold mine were.
“Your hands are freezing despite the warm sun,” he observed with concern. “Was the indoor air conditioning too strong?”
“It’s natural for my constitution,” I replied, trying to withdraw my hand.
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He pulled my hand into his embrace instead, preventing my escape. “In the future, I’ll warm your hands for you.”
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I looked at him in surprise. His use of “in the future” struck me particularly hard – words that made me wonder if I had misheard.
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He had been avoiding the topic of severing our mate bond despite my determined attitude and obvious indifference toward him.
