Chapter 0162 Ella POV Alexanderâs family home was nothing like what I had imagined. His apartment was so sleek and highâend that I had expected his family residence to be a sprawling modern mansion equipped with the latest technology.
Instead, it was an old manor houseâupdated, yesâbut still radiating a timeless, antiquated charm. The preserved details hinted at a deliberate effort to maintain the familyâs ancestral legacy. The solid oak floors, antique furniture, and subtle touches of history spoke volumes.
As we stepped inside, I couldnât help but let my eyes wander, taking in the craftsmanship of the space. A short, middleâaged woman opened the door for us and immediately stepped aside, bowing reverently.
âWelcome home, Alpha Black,â she said politely.
âThereâs no need to be so formal, Hazel,â Alexander replied kindly, a hint of fondness in his tone. He turned to me with a smile.
âElla, this is Hazel. Sheâs the head maid, though really, she runs the household and has for quite some time.â
âItâs nice to meet you, Hazel,â I said, returning her polite smile. âIâm Ella-â
âElla Rowanwood,â she interrupted, her tone warming with excitement. âThe pleasure is mine! I was beginning to wonder when we might have the honor of your presence.
Alexander sighed lightly. âI know, I took my time. I wanted to be certain of things.â
âAnd yet,â Hazel said, a playful reprimand lacing her words, âit is customary to introduce your girlfrier mother before proposing.â
Alexander smiled at her fondly, unbothered by the scolding âThank you for the reminder,â he said with amusement. âIs Mother in?â
your âShe is,â Hazel replied, her tone shifting back to professionalism. âBut Michael hasnât returned yet. I expect heâll be back after dinner if thatâs not too-â
Alexander waved off her concern before she could finish. âItâs fine. I know heâs busy. Please let Mother know weâre here.â
âOf course, sir,â Hazel said with a nod. âPlease, make yourselves at home in the meantime.â
As Hazel departed, I looked at Alexander curiously. âMichael?â
âMy younger brother,â he said, leading me further into the house.
âOh, of course,â I said, shaking my head at my own oversight.
Iâd only ever seen Alexanderâs brother referred to as Mikey Black in old news reports. Of course he wouldnât use the childish nickname now.
I realized it had been years since Iâd heard his name in the media. It was clear that Michael, like their mother, preferred the quiet privacy of their packlands.
âHe keeps himself busy, so Iâm not surprised at all that he wonât be joining us for dinner,â Alexander said casually. âBut donât worryâyouâll still get the chance to meet him. Heâll probably be excited to have a new sister. I wouldnât be surprised if heâs asking you for advice before the night is over.â
âAdvice?â I asked, frowning slightly.
+25 BONUS Chapter 0162 âAbout girls,â Alexander said with a slight grin. âMichaelâs never been the most charming, and Iâm sure heâll want your insight.â
âWhy wouldnât he ask you for advice about those kinds of things? Youâre good with the ladies.â
âNo, Iâm not,â Alexander muttered under his breath, his tone unexpectedly selfâdeprecating.
Before I could ask what he meant, a breathy female voice called out to us.
âWelcome.â
I turned to see a tall, slim blonde woman approaching. She wore a beautifully tailored dress, and her expertly done makeup highlighted her elegant features. At first glance, I wouldnât have guessed she was Alexanderâs motherâshe seemed far too youthful.
âElla, this is my mother, Diana,â Alexander said, introducing her with a polite but restrained tone. âMother, this is my fiancée.â
Diana walked toward me with her arms outstretched, clearly seeking a hug. I awkwardly obliged as she pulled me into a tight embrace..
âItâs so good to finally meet you,â she said kindly, stepping back and giving me a thorough onceâover. âYouâre very beautiful.â
âThank you,â I replied, feeling a little embarrassed by the sudden compliment. âIâm sorry it took so long for us to meet.â
J âThink nothing of it,â Diana said dismissively, her smile warm but practiced. âI never expected Alexan settle down at all.â She paused, her tone shifting just slightly, âHearing about your engagement was a very happy surprise, I assure you.â
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