Chapter 131: Chapter 132

Chapter 0132 Chapter 0132 Now that Alexander and I were spending more time together, I sometimes forgot just how effortlessly charming he could be.

Watching him interact with the members of my pack, reminded me why he was such a strong contender for Alpha King.

His confidence, his warmth, and the way he could make anyone feel seen and valued–it all came so naturally to him, and tonight, he was in rare form.

Alexander hadn’t come empty–handed, either. For my mother, he presented a stunning sapphire necklace, its stones catching the light like fire and ice. My mother’s eyes widened as he placed it in her hands, and I could see the subtle shift in her demeanor.

For my father, Alexander had chosen a set of sapphire cufflinks that matched the necklace, their craftsmanship as fine as any royal emblem. When my father raised a brow, questioning the lavishness of the gifts, Alexander simply said, “They’re for the wedding. You’ll both look your best.

He hadn’t forgotten the others, either; he’d brought boxes of fine chocolates–enough for every person in the pack house to leave with one.

It was clear that word of Alexander’s visit had spread as people filed into the dining room, all dressed in their finest attire. They clearly wanted to make a good impression; after all, soon enough, our packs would be united, and no one wanted to appear dismissive of Alexander’s status.

Only my father’s beta, Andrew, seemed unfazed by the occasion, dressed in his usual business–casual suit, his polite yet distant smile never wavering.

When Andrew greeted Alexander, it was with a brief nod and little more. Alexander seemed almost relieved, as if being treated like any other dinner guest was all he had hoped for.

We took our seats at the table, and Alexander began to make polite conversation, mostly small talk with those seated nearby. As everyone settled in and the food was brought out, the atmosphere shifted to something a bit calmer, though there was still a buzz of nervous excitement around the room.

The pack members, it seemed, shared some of my mother’s concern over how quickly I’d gotten engaged again.

Across the table, my mother sat, her gaze firmly fixed on Alexander, scrutinizing him as he spoke amiably about the new shopping center and the upcoming holiday season. I could tell she was listening to every word, looking for any sign of weakness or insincerity in his tone.

Alexander, however, remained relaxed, his confidence evident, as he navigated the conversation with ease.

“Ella, when do you think you’ll be getting married?” Andrew asked suddenly, drawing everyone’s attention to me.

“We haven’t chosen a date yet,” I replied, offering a nervous smile. “It’s a little soon to decide that.”

“I think a Christmas wedding would be nice,” Alexander said smoothly, glancing my way. “But I’m open to whatever Ella would like.”

I looked at him in surprise. A winter wedding hadn’t even crossed my mind. It was still the end of summer, which wouldn’t leave us much time to prepare. Then again, keeping ourselves in the public eye could be essential, and a winter wedding would certainly keep the attention positive “I’ve always enjoyed winter weddings,” my mother chimed in. I glanced at her, noting the critical way she studied Alexander. She wore a polite smile, but anyone who knew her well, like my father or me, could detect the faint hint of judgment in her gaze. “Is there a particular reason you prefer Christmas?”

“New Year’s would be just as fitting,” Alexander replied coolly, meeting her gaze without flinching. “Winter’s 1/3 +25 BONUS Chapter 0132 simply my favorite time of year. But as I said, I’d defer to Ella’s preference.”

My mother nodded approvingly at that, and I got the distinct sense that Alexander had just passed some sort of test -one I didn’t fully understand.

The conversation turned back to lighter topics, and Alexander continued to charm everyone present. Once dinner was finished, and we’d enjoyed cookies and other sweets I’d helped Bethany prepare, people began to say their goodbyes, and the food was packed up as the crowd trickled out.

When one of the kitchen staff started packing up the desserts, Alexander stopped her.

“The butterscotch cookies,” he said, smiling. “Could you pack some of those up for me to go? They’re delicious, and I’d like to have a few.”

“You don’t have to do that,” I said, feeling a bit flustered.

“You made them for me, didn’t you?” Alexander replied, a playful glint in his eye. “I don’t want them to go to waste.”

“It’s no trouble at all,” the young woman assured him, casting a knowing smile my way before turning to package up the cookies.

“You must be someone special,” my mother said teasingly “I can’t remember the last time Ella cooked.”

“It hasn’t been that long,” I replied, trying to defend myself.

“It’s been at least a few years,” my father chimed in.

“There’s no need for everyone to tease me at once,” I huffed, crossing my arms.

Alexander chuckled. “There’s no shame in not cooking often,” he said supportively. “That’s why you have a kitchen staff, right?

And the fact that you know how to cook at all puts you above many of the other Alpha’s children I know.”

I shot him a grateful smile as he subtly defended me.

A moment later, the staff member returned with a bag of the cookies neatly packed, handing them to Alexander.

“Thank you,” he said warmly.

“Should we have your car prepared?” I asked, glancing at him.

“I don’t have to leave just yet,” Alexander said, his gaze holding steady as he leaned slightly closer.

“Well, there’s no reason for the two of you to remain down here entertaining us,” my father interjected, a hint of amusement in his tone. “Why don’t you head up to Ella’s room? Get a little time to talk in private.”

I felt my cheeks flush at his suggestion, especially as he gave me a playful nudge.

“That sounds nice,” Alexander replied smoothly, his eyes sparking with mischief.

“Yes,” I managed, trying to steady my voice. I glanced around, aware of my mother’s watchful eyes. It would look odd if I rushed him out the door.

“Good night, Alexander,” my mother said, stepping forward to shake his hand. “I’m glad we had a chance to get to know you a little better.”

As am I,” Alexander responded, shaking her hand warmly “It’s clear where Ella gets so much of her strength.”

“I appreciate the flattery,” she said with a half–smile, her eyes narrowing playfully. “But don’t think it’s enough to win me over completely. I’m still keeping my eye on you 2/3 +25 BONUS Chapter 0132 “I would have it no other way,” he replied, his smile genuine.

My mother’s gaze softened just slightly before she looped her arm through my father’s, and the two of them left, casting one last look back before disappearing down the hallway, leaving Alexander and I alone.

I smiled awkwardly at him. “My room is upstairs,” I said.

“Lead the way,” he replied, with an amused smile.

My heart fluttered uncomfortably at the thought of being alone with Alexander in my bedroom, but I forced the nerves aside. This wasn’t a real date, I reminded myself.

But I couldn’t stop the excited fluttering of my heart as Alexander followed me to the staircase.