Chapter 179: She’s Still a Luna of the Blackwood Family!
Chapter 179: She’s Still a Luna of the Blackwood Family!
(Elena’s POV)
My smile froze instantly, and I turned my face away. “Why are you bringing him up for no reason?” The question hit me like a cold slap. I hadn’t expected Hugo to connect the dots so quickly.
Hugo Ashworth remained calm and said, “The person wearing the mask that night was him, right?”
A trace of surprise flashed in my eyes. I was shocked that he knew about this. How had he figured it out so easily?
From my expression, Hugo realized he was right. He quietly withdrew his gaze and said flatly, “He’s quite devoted.”
After speaking, Hugo walked past me and entered the hotel lobby. His movements were stiff, almost mechanical.
I stood there, looking at him entering the elevator with a puzzled expression. I wondered what was wrong with him.
The elevator doors closed with a soft ding, leaving me alone in the lobby. Something had shifted between us, but I couldn’t pinpoint what.
Hugo’s tone had been different. Colder. More distant than usual.
I replayed his words in my mind. “He’s quite devoted.” The way he’d said it felt like an accusation.
Was Hugo angry that Marcus had shown up? Or was he disappointed in me for not telling him the truth?
I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. There were too many complications in my life already.
The next morning came too quickly. Hugo returned to Riverside City, claiming to have something to attend to.
His departure felt abrupt. Almost like he was running away from something.
“I have some urgent matters to handle,” he’d said at breakfast, barely meeting my eyes.
“Will you be back soon?” I’d asked.
“I’m not sure,” was his only response.
Now I was left wondering if I’d done something wrong. The easy friendship we’d built seemed to have cracked
overnight.
I stayed in the Northern Territory for another two days, spending time with my foster family. The Whitmore estate felt like a sanctuary after all the drama.
Adrian and I took long walks through the gardens. Samuel shared stories about my mother over dinner.
For the first time in years, I felt like I belonged somewhere. Like I had a real family who wanted me around.
But my vacation for the year was over. I had to return to Riverside City early the next morning.
The thought of leaving made my chest tight with unexpected emotion. I’d grown attached to this place, these
Chapter 179. She’s Still a
people.
I had breakfast with the Whitmore family father and son at the estate. The dining room felt warm and inviting in the morning light.
Samuel Whitmore put food on my plate, asking, “We’ll be returning to our main territory in a few days. Will you come back with us, or go back to Riverside City first?”
I paused for a few seconds before replying. The decision felt heavier than it should have.
“I’ll go back to Riverside City first. I’ve been on vacation for too long, and Professor Ashworth has entrusted me with the nanotherapy project. I should go back and take a look.”
The words felt hollow as I spoke them. Was I really going back for work, or was I running away from the complications here?
Samuel didn’t insist and smiled. “It’s good to be career–minded, but don’t overwork yourself. You can always talk to your brother if you need anything; he’s quite free.”
Adrian Whitmore protested immediately. “Dad, now that you’ve found your sister, you think I’m idle at home?” His indignation was so genuine that I couldn’t help but smile. The family dynamic felt natural, comfortable. Samuel shot him a glance. “Aside from finding your sister, when have you ever done anything useful? I wanted you to take over the family business, but you refused. Don’t tell me you want your sister to manage it for you?”
The teasing tone made me realize how much Samuel had missed having a complete family. He was savoring every moment of normalcy.
Adrian looked at me and raised an eyebrow. “If my sister is willing, I don’t mind.”
I was chewing on my chopsticks when he said this. The casual way he offered to hand over his inheritance caught me off guard.
“No, I am not,” I said firmly, still holding the chopsticks between my teeth.
The idea of managing a pack’s business empire felt overwhelming. I had enough complications in my life without adding corporate politics.
Adrian laughed at my immediate rejection. “See, Dad? She’s too smart to get trapped in boring business meetings.”
Samuel shook his head with mock disappointment. “Both of my children are too independent for their own good.”
But his eyes sparkled with pride as he said it. He was happy to have us both, even if we were stubborn.
The breakfast conversation continued with light banter, but my mind kept drifting. Part of me wanted to stay
here forever, safe in this bubble of family warmth.
But another part knew I had to face reality. My life in Riverside City was waiting, along with all its
complications.
Including whatever was wrong with Hugo, and whatever Marcus was hiding about his health.
I pushed those thoughts away and focused on my family’s voices. For now, this moment was enough.
