Chapter 173: Chapter 174

Chapter 0174 Third Person POV Diana stared at Ella in disbelief. Diana had never expected such confidence from such a young girl.

Most of what she had heard about Ella Rowan was from a few months ago. It all led her to believe she was timid, innocent, and too nervous to stand her ground.

But seeing her now, fiercely defending him, it was clear that it wan’t the case.

Diana felt a wave of conflicting emotions. On one hand, if Alexander was truly going through with this wedding, the pack needed a strong Luna by his side. As Alpha, Alexander’s choices were final, and the only viable path forward was to accept his decision.

Yet Ella was nothing like Diana had anticipated. Her composure, her defiance–these were not traits Diana had been prepared to see. She wondered briefly if Alexander had coached Ella for this meeting, warning her to be on guard.

But that didn’t quite add up. Diana was always as polite and diplomatic as possible when dealing with other packs. Why would he think she would be anything less?

Still, Ella’s poise had thrown her off balance, and Diana couldn’t help but reevaluate the young woman standing before her.

Perhaps there was more to Ella Rowan than the rumors suggested.

Ella POV Diana studied me for a moment, her eyes searching mine as though trying to uncover a hidden truth. Then, she frowned.

“You wouldn’t be the first woman he took liberties with,” she said. “Aren’t you worried the reports were true? I don’t know what I’d do if I ever learned something so horrible about my son, but it seems to me you should be more cautious.”

“Those reports have been discredited,” I pointed out. “Many of the women who made those claims have retracted them. There’s really no reason to be concerned.”

“Still, I’ve known Alexander his whole life. I know that he’s good at hiding his mistakes...”

“He isn’t hiding anything from me,” I said confidently.

Diana tilted her head slightly as she looked at me. “You certainly aren’t what I expected,” she said softly. “I hope for your sake that you’re right then,” she added.

Without missing a beat, she turned and strode back toward the table, addressing Alexander as if she hadn’t just been accusing him of abuse.

I stood frozen for a moment, staring at Alexander as I tried to process what had just happened. He seemed unaware of the exchange, but I couldn’t shake the unease settling over me.

Based on our conversation last night, I wasn’t sure if this was something I should tell him about. It would only heighten the tension between him and his mother, and things were strained enough already.

Still, it angered me that she could believe such a thing about him. Alexander didn’t deserve the criticism he got. I made up my mind then, I would find a way to show her how wrong she was about her son.

Diana returned to her seat, and I turned to Alexander. Our eyes met, and I could tell he sensed I was upset. His brow lifted in a silent question, but instead of offering an explanation, I glanced pointedly at Diana.

+25 BONUS Chapter 0174 Alexander followed my gaze, studying his mother for a moment before shifting his focus back to me. Without a word, he slipped his arm around my waist.

“We actually have a lot to do today,” he said, addressing Diana. “We won’t be able to stay for breakfast–we need to get back.”

“Are you sure?” Diana asked, her frown deepening. “I don’t want to send you off on an empty stomach.”

“I’m afraid it’s unavoidable,” he replied smoothly. “But I’ll be in touch soon.”

Michael stood and walked over to us, a faint frown on his face. “It was good to see you,” he said, extending his hand to Alexander, who shook it firmly. Then Michael turned to me, hesitating slightly before offering his hand.

“It was really great to meet you too,” I said, shaking his hand with a polite smile.

“We’ll see you soon, right?” Michael asked, turning back to Alexander.

“I promise not to be gone as long as I was last time,” Alexander said softly. “And I’ll call you soon.”

Michael’s expression brightened. “I’ll hold you to that,” he said.

“Have a safe journey back,” Diana said, though her tone carried an edge of reluctance. “If you’re insistent on going now.” She walked over to Alexander and pulled him into a firm hug. His posture was stiff and uncertain, but he returned the embrace. When she released him, she turned to me with a tight smile.