Chapter 1596: Chapter 1696

I couldn’t help but doubt my own eyes as I glanced over.

After all, in the realm of the witch clan, it was highly unusual to encounter Caleb, a werewolf leader.

As I strained to see through the haze, a weight on my arm startled me.

Andrew’s voice, soft yet insistent, urged me on.

“Debra, I’m done talking.

Your turn now.

Keep it short and sweet,” he whispered near my ear.

Meanwhile, all eyes were on me, their collective gaze like a heavy blanket.

With no way out, I took a deep breath and spoke, each word chosen carefully.

“Hello, everyone.

Thanks for being here.

I know there are doubts about me.

But I’ll prove myself by standing by Andrew and showing what I’m made of.

”

As I wrapped up my speech, the murmurs below quieted down.

But my mind was elsewhere, searching the crowd for Caleb’s familiar face.

Yet, he was nowhere to be found, as if he’d vanished into thin air.

Could I have been mistaken?

I asked Ivy, “Did you see Caleb? I thought I saw him.

”

Ivy shook her head, her disappointment palpable.

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“No, why would he be here? This place is too risky for him, and now he’s moved on.

He’s not coming back for us.

”

Debra’s POV:

Ivy’s words snapped me out of my daydream.

Yes, Caleb had a new Luna.

Why would he bother coming back for me, someone he left behind?

I sighed, a mix of sadness and self-reproach.

“You’re right; I am foolish.

I’ve forgotten all the ways Caleb has hurt me, and here I am still pining for him, hoping he might drop by.

How utterly foolish of me!”

Seeing the sadness in my eyes, Ivy fell silent.

My somber mood didn’t escape Andrew either.

He leaned closer and whispered with concern, “Debra, what’s troubling you?”

Jolted back to the present, I quickly shook my head and forced a smile.

“It’s nothing.

”

“That’s good then.

”

Andrew gave me a reassuring smile, took my hand, and guided me back to the festive atmosphere where we mingled and made toasts with the guests.

In the midst of toasting, Shirley glided towards us.

Dressed impeccably, her elegance was truly a sight to behold.

I immediately became wary.

What was she plotting now?

As I braced myself, Shirley, breaking from her usual pattern of antagonizing me, began with an apology.

“I’m sorry, Debra.

”

She raised her glass in a toast and voiced her regret.

“I was wrong before.

Can you forgive me?”