Gabriel finally relented, allowing Mabel to care for Alie, but with one strict condition: if Alie were to get hurt, even in the slightest, Mabel would face severe consequences.
Later, as he pulled the trolley bag outside, Gabriel stopped near the car. The driver loaded the bag into the trunk while Gabriel turned to face his father with a tense expression.
"I don’t know what to say to you. You know your wife, and yet... You went through with it," Gabriel said sharply with frustration.
"I’ll hear the sa from you in two months, after Alie gives birth to the pup," Raidan replied evenly, eting his son’s gaze.
"Nothing will change, Dad. I’ve already given up hope for my mother. Can’t you see that?" Gabriel frowned deeply. Then, letting out a heavy sigh, he added, "Your flight might be delayed. I should drop you off." He decided not to argue further, it would accomplish nothing.
Gabriel opened the backseat door, and Raidan climbed in. The door closed softly behind him. The window was already down when Gabriel moved to sit on the other side, and he caught his father’s voice.
"Gabriel, I’ll go by myself. You just returned, not long ago. Stay here and don’t worry. I’ll call once I reach the palace. Dominick will et at the airport anyway," Raidan said firmly.
Gabriel humd in acknowledgnt and stepped back, letting his father settle in. He waved at his father, who drove off in the car. As Gabriel turned around, his gaze fell upon his mother, who was on the top of the stairs.
He wanted to ignore her completely, but it was just impossible.
Walking upstairs, he reached his mother’s level. "I’ll have eyes on you every ti," Gabriel said and walked inside.
~~~~~
Flora glanced at her phone, wondering if she had co to the right address. A sudden chill ran down her spine when a cold latte glass pressed against her cheek.
She looked up and saw Zander standing in front of her, holding the glass with a small smile.
"I thought I might have the wrong place. It’s not very crowded here," she admitted.
"I chose a quiet spot on purpose, so we wouldn’t have to deal with a crowd," Zander replied.
Flora tilted her head. "And where’s your latte?"
"I already finished it. I’ve been waiting for you for over fifteen minutes," Zander said.
"I was stuck in traffic," Flora explained, taking slow sips of her iced latte as she walked alongside him. Tall trees lined the path, their branches arching overhead to form a natural crown. The greenery all around created a serene, almost secluded atmosphere.
"There’s a Moon Goddess temple here," Zander said, his voice calm. "That’s why it’s a spot where you won’t find many people."
Flora chuckled. "You seem to know more about San Ravendale than I do." She paused, raising an eyebrow. "Wait... aren’t you supposed to be looking after the pack?"
"Alphas can take leave too," Zander replied calmly.
"I can’t be with you," Flora said, slowing her steps. She turned to face him, her eyes serious. "I know you’re interested in ... but I’m not suitable for you. If you think I’ll give us a chance, I won’t. You’re a good man, Zander, and you deserve soone much better than ."
"Let’s not talk about this yet," Zander said gently.
"Why not?" Flora asked, a flicker of frustration in her voice.
"Because I don’t want to hear you say you don’t deserve ," Zander said firmly. "And I know you’re afraid of your past... how the Red River Pack treated you and your family. But the pack is different now. It’s not like it used to be, so don’t worry about gossip or judgnt. I’m strict about giving everyone the justice they deserve, and I won’t allow anyone to bully another person."
"I told you... I’m incapable of falling in love right now," Flora replied.
"Then, don’t. I’m not asking for it right now," Zander stated. "However, I want to take you as my Luna to the Red River Pack one day. I’ll keep waiting for your answer." Then, taking a deep breath, he said, "Let’s go ahead. We have suddenly turned everything serious with our conversation."
Then, he placed his hands over her shoulders and took her ahead.
~~~~~
Katelyn’s eyes scanned the proposal in front of her, reviewing each line carefully as Sage prepared to sign.
"Everything looks correct?" Sage asked, glancing at her with a faint smile.
Katelyn nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm. Yes, it seems fine."
Satisfied, Sage picked up the pen, signed the docunt, and placed it neatly back on the table, sliding it toward Harry Findlay.
"We’re looking forward to this project getting started soon," Sage said confidently.
"Of course, Mr. Nightshade," Harry replied. "And I apologize for asking you to travel so far. My wife insisted we invite you and your secretary to lunch tomorrow. We’d be delighted if you could co to our ho."
"Of course, we’ll be happy to accept your invitation," Katelyn said, offering a warm smile.
"Excellent. I’ll send Mark to your hotel tomorrow to pick you both up," Harry added, glancing briefly at his secretary with a polite nod.
As the eting concluded, they exchanged friendly handshakes before departing for their respective destinations.
While sitting in the car, Sage turned to Katelyn, "I thought you would refuse their invitation. Surprisingly, you didn’t."
"It was a business eting and their intention is purely related to our business," Katelyn explained.
"So, you do have a problem with only," Sage murmured with a chuckle.
She observed him for a mont longer than a second before speaking, "Return your mother’s gift to . Since I’ve to see you for this whole month, your mother might ask about the gift if we et again."
Sage t her gaze, confusion brewing his mind, making him wonder if it was another plan of Katelyn to hurt him.
"I can’t give it to you. You don’t deserve to keep the amulet of my mother," Sage pronounced before focusing his gaze on the road.
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