Chapter 227: Loved Her Long Ago
Chapter 227: Loved Her Long Ago.
(Elena Blackwood’s POV)
Mere Rewarde
Professor Theodore Ashworth came back to his senses and nodded. “It’s rare for Elena to come over, so let’s stay for dinner together.”
I found myself unable to refuse their hospitality. “Thank you for the invitation.”
Mia clapped her hands together with delight. “Wonderful! I’ll tell the kitchen to prepare extra dishes.”
As lunchtime approached, the sound of heels clicking against marble announced someone’s arrival. Evelyn Ashworth entered the dining room, her posture rigid and professional. She wore an elegant business suit, and Selina Walsh followed closely behind, carrying Evelyn’s briefcase and maintaining a respectful distance.
Evelyn’s eyes swept across the room, landing briefly on me before quickly averting her gaze. She pulled out her chair with practiced efficiency and sat down without ceremony.
Professor Theodore looked up from his place at the head of the table. “How are things at the company? Is Max still handling those pack matters?”
Evelyn picked up her knife and fork with deliberate movements. “He’s dealing with some territorial disputes. He’ll return later this evening.”
She turned toward me with a polite but distant smile. “I hope the lunch suits your taste, Miss Blackwood. We weren’t expecting guests today.”
I returned her smile with equal politeness. “I’m not a picky eater. Everything looks wonderful.”
The conversation continued with careful pleasantries until Evelyn’s tone shifted slightly. “I haven’t seen your mother–in–law, Victoria, for years. Is she doing well?”
The question hung in the air like a challenge. I recognized the subtle reminder of my mated status immediately.
My spine straightened as I met her gaze directly. Is she close to Victoria? I haven’t heard
Victoria mention that.
I paused, letting my words sink in before continuing. “I will tell her and let her know how much you miss her.”
< Chapter 227. Loved Her Long Ago
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Hugo’s lips curved into an amused smile. He seemed to be enjoying the verbal sparring match unfolding before him.
Evelyn’s expression soured visibly. She glanced toward Professor Theodore, clearly seeking support from the family patriarch.
Selina Walsh couldn’t contain herself any longer. “Miss Blackwood, you should mind your manners when speaking to the Luna.”
Before I could formulate a response, Hugo’s voice cut through the tension like ice. “What right do you have to interfere in family conversations?”
His tone was so cold that Selina visibly flinched.
Professor Theodore set down his utensils with a sharp clink. “Those around us should understand the principle of treating guests with respect.”
His pointed look at Evelyn made his meaning crystal clear.
Evelyn’s jaw tightened, but she maintained her composure. “Selina, apologize to our guest.”
Selina’s face flushed with embarrassment. “I apologize for my rudeness, Miss Blackwood.”
I nodded graciously. “It doesn’t matter. Just remember it next time.”
I pushed back from the table and stood. “I’m full, and I need to return due to work commitments this afternoon.”
Hugo immediately rose from his seat. “I’ll escort you.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Evelyn interjected quickly.
Mia bounced up from her chair with enthusiasm. “I’ll take her instead! Would that be alright with you, Miss Blackwood?”
I smiled at the young woman’s eagerness. “I’d appreciate that very much.”
(Hugo Ashworth’s POV)
After Mia and Elena left, I placed my chopsticks on the table with deliberate force. The sound echoed in the suddenly quiet dining room.
“What exactly did you mean by your actions today?” I asked Evelyn directly.
She straightened in her chair, her corporate mask slipping back into place. “I only wanted my son to be more sober about his choices.”
Chapter 227: Loved Her Long Ago
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She gestured toward Professor Theodore. “Your grandfather is present. He can speak to this
matter.”
Evelyn knew she couldn’t win a direct argument with me. Her strategy was to appeal to higher authority.
“Elena is Theodore’s student and the Luna of the Blackwood family,” she continued. “The Ashworth family cannot steal another Alpha’s mate.”
I leaned back in my chair, studying her carefully. “Have I stolen anyone?”
My voice remained calm, but there was steel beneath the surface. “I could have taken action long ago if I wanted to. I didn’t need anyone’s permission.”
I stood and turned toward the door. “My decisions are my own.”
Behind me, I heard Evelyn’s sharp intake of breath. Regret colored her voice as she called out, “Hugo, wait-”
Professor Theodore’s weathered hand touched her arm gently. “Let Hugo decide for himself. If he has a she–wolf he likes, we should support him.”
Evelyn fell silent, her internal conflict visible on her face. She understood the implications better than anyone.
“I’m unsure if they could ever be together,” she whispered. “Marcus Blackwood would never watch his mate be with another Alpha.”
Seeing Evelyn’s compromise, Selina bit her lip in frustration.
(Elena Blackwood’s POV)
Outside in the car, Mia’s cheerful demeanor shifted to something more serious. “I apologize for my mother’s words today.”
She gripped the steering wheel tighter. “She only felt it would be inappropriate for the Ashworth family to claim a mate from the Blackwood pack.”
I nodded understanding. “I know her concerns. But Hugo and I aren’t in that kind of relationship.”
Mia glanced at me sideways, her fan–shaped eyes curious. “Don’t you like my brother?”
The question caught me off guard. I considered my words carefully.
“I never thought of accepting anyone else,” I admitted. “There’s no such feeling of love.”
< Chapter 227: Loved Her Long Ago
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Mia sighed deeply, her youthful face suddenly looking older. “But he loved you long ago.”
My heart stopped. “Long ago?”
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