Chapter 202: Shadows of the Past
作
Chapter 202: Shadows of the Past
Chapter 202: Shadows of the Past
(Marcus Blackwood’s POV)
Alexander Blackwood looked up from the chess board, his weathered face creasing with curiosity. “Who?”
The question hung in the air between us. I could feel Amber Stone’s attention sharpen from her position near
the window.
“Fred Xavier,” I replied, my golden eyes distant as memories surfaced.
Alexander’s brow furrowed as he tried to recall the name. Amber Stone, who had been quietly observing from
nearby, suddenly straightened with surprise.
“That former banking executive who suddenly disappeared from the public eye after resigning from his position as director?” she exclaimed.
I nodded to confirm her recognition. The pieces were starting to connect in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
Alexander’s expression cleared as recognition dawned. “I remember now, he did vanish for many years. I
heard he relocated overseas later.”
He put down his chess piece and looked at me directly. “But why did you suddenly think of him?”
The question carried weight. Alexander’s instincts were sharp, honed by decades of pack leadership.
“Does he have a son?” I asked instead of answering.
Alexander responded thoughtfully, “I believe so, but I’ve never encountered him personally.”
He leaned back in his chair, studying me. “This Fred Xavier was known for his diplomatic skills and extensive
network throughout the werewolf financial community.”
His voice carried a note of puzzlement. “But his sudden resignation more than a decade ago and cutting all
ties with contacts in the Northern Territory is indeed quite puzzling.”
My expression deepened with a hint of darkness. The implications were becoming clearer with each
revelation.
Alexander noticed my change in demeanor immediately. “I had forgotten about this individual until you
brought him up. Did someone mention something to you?”
I dismissed the question with calculated indifference. “Nothing.”
Just as I finished speaking, Elena returned from outside. She stepped into the Great Hall, her presence immediately shifting the atmosphere.
She paused slightly, her green eyes finding mine before she glanced away. The tension from our earlier. confrontation still lingered between us.
“Father,” she greeted Alexander with a respectful nod.
I kept my eyes lowered, remaining silent. The weight of our unresolved conflict pressed down on me.
Alexander, who wasn’t focused on chess at the moment, looked up with sudden decision. “Help me check
Chapter 202 Shadows of the Past
with the concierge if there are any available spots at the dining establishment. If there are, make a
reservation.”
Amber Stone nodded and turned to leave, her footsteps echoing in the quiet hall.
Elena was about to return to her chamber when Alexander stopped her. “Marcus and I are going to dine at the
restaurant tonight. Join us.”
Since her elder had spoken, she couldn’t refuse. She nodded and went back to her room without another
word.
I watched her leave, my silence deepening. The distance between us felt insurmountable.
(Elena Blackwood’s POV)
That evening, I dined with the Blackwood family at the upscale restaurant. The atmosphere was formal, filled
with unspoken tensions.
By chance, we encountered Deputy Minister Harrison and his mate Joyce Harrison in the corridor. The older man’s face lit up with recognition.
“Alpha Alexander’s visit to Riverside City without prior notice is indeed a rare occasion,” Deputy Minister
Harrison said politely.
Alexander responded modestly, “Deputy Minister Harrison is a busy official. I wouldn’t dare to impose upon
your time.”
Deputy Minister Harrison waved his hand dismissively. “You flatter me. I’m retiring in two years, so I’m enjoying some leisure time now. There’s no imposition at all.”
He then turned to Marcus with concern. “Is Alpha Marcus in good health?”
Marcus narrowed his golden eyes, his voice carrying an edge. “I’m doing exceptionally well.”
Deputy Minister Harrison followed up carefully. “But I heard you were seriously injured and recuperating
abroad?”
Before Marcus could answer, Alexander calmly explained, “It was just an accident, and he did take some time.
to recover from the injuries.”
Deputy Minister Harrison feigned realization. “I see.”
While the three men were talking, Joyce Harrison walked towards me with a warm smile. Her eyes held genuine kindness.
I took the initiative to apologize. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t attend your birthday celebration.”
Joyce held my hand, looking at me intently. “There’s nothing to apologize for. There’s always next year.”
Her expression grew more serious. I’ve heard about the Whitmore family’s affairs. I even mentioned it to my mate before. I didn’t expect you to really be Dorothea’s daughter.”
I was taken aback by her familiarity. Suddenly I recalled Deputy Minister Harrison’s comment about my resembling Dorothea more than Sandy Parker did.
Could there be a reason for that? Hearing Joyce address my mother in such a familiar way, I looked at her
curiously.
Chapter 202 Shadows of the Past
“Were you and my mother very close?” I asked.
Joyce’s face softened with old memories. “I’ve known your mother Dorothea for a long time. We were like
sisters, in your young people’s terms.”
Her voice carried sadness. “But since she became mentally unstable, and with our own families, we’ve had very little contact.”
She looked at me hopefully. “I would really like to see your mother again, but she probably doesn’t remember
me anymore.”
I pursed my lips and then smiled gently. “It wouldn’t hurt to visit her if you have the time. Even if she doesn’t remember, she would definitely be happy.”
Joyce was moved, seemingly comforted by my words. She nodded with a grateful smile.
Alexander suggested that the Harrisons join them for dinner, but the couple declined. “We’ve already made plans,” they explained politely.
Just then, Evelyn Ashworth approached with elegant grace. “What are you all doing here?”
Alexander paused and slowly turned to look at the approaching she–wolf. When Evelyn saw Alexander, she hesitated for a moment.
After a few seconds, she smiled and greeted him graciously. “Long time no see.”
Alexander seemed dazed for a moment, then nodded stiffly. “It has been a while.”
Observing the two, I suddenly remembered that my father–in–law’s first love seemed to be Lady Ashworth. The impact of this first love was indeed significant.
Thinking of this, I glanced at Marcus. He noticed my gaze but didn’t turn his head.
Instead, he walked straight into the restaurant without acknowledgment. I chuckled to herself – was he still brooding about what happened this morning?
But did he have the right to be upset with me?
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