Chapter 172: Her Appearance Attracted Everyone’s Attention
Chapter 172: Her Appearance Attracted Everyone’s Attention
(Elena Blackwood’s POV)
Hugo Ashworth emerged from his room, fully dressed in a crisp white shirt and dark slacks. His hair was still slightly damp, but he appeared completely composed, as if the earlier awkward encounter had never happened.
“About tomorrow evening,” I began, fidgeting with the hem of my jacket. “The Whitmore family is hosting a welcome banquet. Would you like to attend?”
Hugo paused, a subtle smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Do you want me to attend?”
I shrugged, trying to appear casual. “Since you happen to be here, it would be impolite not to invite you.”
His expression grew thoughtful. “Won’t there be gossip from the Blackwood family if I show up?”
I laughed, the sound coming out more bitter than I intended. “Only Isabella Blackwood from the Blackwood family might appear. I’m already used to her gossip, so there’s no need for you to worry.”
Hugo nodded slowly. “Then I’ll attend.”
(God’s POV)
That evening, Sandy Parker crept out of the villa under cover of darkness. She moved with practiced stealth, constantly checking over her shoulder to ensure no one was following.
She returned an hour later carrying a small box wrapped in a silk mesh bag. The package was roughly the size of a jewelry box, but she handled it with extreme care, as if it contained something fragile or dangerous.
Sandy looked around the courtyard cautiously before quickly slipping back into the house. Her movements
were tense, nervous.
Jacob Hayes had been hiding behind the artificial mountain in the courtyard, watching her every move. The moment she disappeared inside, he pulled out his phone and dialed Adrian Whitmore.
“Young Master, Sandy Parker just returned with a carefully wrapped box,” he reported in a low voice.
Adrian’s voice was sharp with suspicion. “A box? What kind of box?”
“Small, wrapped in silk mesh. She was handling it very carefully, like it contained something alive.”
There was a pause on the other end. “This must be her method for tomorrow. Check the surveillance footage. I want to know where she went and if any unfamiliar vehicles were involved.”
“Understood, Young Master.”
The welcome banquet was held in the villa’s expansive courtyard the following evening. Samuel Whitmore had spared no expense, hiring a professional outdoor event design team to transform the space.
Elegant string lights draped between the trees, creating a warm, magical atmosphere. Round tables covered in pristine white linens dotted the lawn, each adorned with fresh flower centerpieces.
High–end catering from the city’s most exclusive hotels provided an impressive buffet. The spread included expensive delicacies like perfectly grilled venison, fresh sashimi, premium steaks, and bottles of rare
Chapter 172 Her Appeara
moonlight wine.
The lavish preparations clearly demonstrated Samuel’s generous treatment of his long–lost daughter. Every detail spoke of wealth and careful planning.
Guests began arriving as the sun set, casting golden light across the decorated courtyard. Most were wealthy pack leaders and old friends from Samuel’s early days in the Northern Territory.
Isabella Blackwood made her entrance wearing a voluminous pink gown that spread around her like a blooming flower. Lace gloves covered her arms, and she carried a pearl–encrusted handbag that screamed designer luxury.
She initially received admiring glances from other guests, her chin lifted with satisfaction. The attention fed her ego, making her feel like the belle of the ball.
But her expression quickly soured as murmurs rippled through the crowd. Everyone’s attention suddenly
shifted toward the villa’s entrance.
Elena appeared in a powder–green Greek–style dress that perfectly embodied elegant beauty. The shallow V–neck design showcased her delicate collarbone, while the fitted bodice accentuated her curvaceous figure.
The dress highlighted her slender yet full form, where every curve was perfectly proportioned. The intricate
embroidery along the neckline and hem caught the light as she moved.
Guests began whispering admiringly among themselves. “She’s absolutely stunning,” one elderly pack leader murmured to his companion.
“More beautiful than any of the famous Luna socialites in Northern Territory circles,” another agreed, his
voice filled with awe.
Elena moved gracefully through the crowd, holding a crystal wine glass. Her high heels added to her swaying, captivating silhouette as she navigated between the tables.
A young wealthy heir, emboldened by liquid courage, mustered the nerve to approach her. His face was flushed with nervous excitement as he stepped forward.
“Miss, might I have the honor of-”
Before Elena could respond, Isabella Blackwood intervened with malicious intent. She positioned herself
between them, her pink gown rustling dramatically.
“I wouldn’t if I were you,” Isabella warned the young man, her voice dripping with false concern. “This is my
cousin’s mate. She’s looking for her next target before even severing her mate bond with my cousin.”
Her eyes glittered with spite. “Everyone should be very careful around her.”
The young man’s face went pale upon learning Elena was connected to the powerful Blackwood family. He immediately backed away, unwilling to risk offending such an influential pack.
“My apologies,” he stammered, retreating quickly into the crowd.
Elena took a slow sip of her moonlight wine, her eyes never leaving Isabella’s face. A cold smile curved her
lips.
“Now you admit I’m your cousin’s mate?”
