Marked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 305

**Chapter 305: Silently Praying**

**Deanna’s POV:**

With a gentle caress, my fingertip brushed against the screen as I answered the incoming call, my heart pounding like a drum in my chest. “Mr. Faulkner,” I greeted, striving to maintain a sense of calm that felt as elusive as the truth in this chaotic moment.

Malcolm’s voice poured through the receiver, warm and soothing, a lifeline amidst the storm. “Deanna, I’ve been following the rumors that have been swirling around. Is there anything I can do to assist you during this turbulent time?”

I paused, weighing my options carefully. The last thing I wanted was to appear weak or overwhelmed. “Thank you for offering, but I can manage this on my own,” I replied, attempting to infuse my words with a confidence I didn’t quite feel.

His tone shifted, a thread of concern weaving through his words. “I was at the hotel that day too. If it comes down to it, I can testify about that photo.”

His offer hung in the air, and for a moment, I was left speechless. Having Malcolm as a witness would certainly lend credibility to my side of the story. But ever since I had come to realize the depth of his feelings for me, I had instinctively created a chasm between us. I didn’t want to entangle him in my chaotic personal life, a mess that was becoming increasingly difficult to navigate.

“Deanna, please don’t push me away,” he urged, his voice gentle yet firm. “At the very least, let me help a little. We’re still friends, aren’t we?”

For a fleeting moment, my resolve wavered, the walls I had built around myself beginning to crack.

“Alright then,” I conceded, taking a deep breath to steady my racing heart. “Could you check if the hotel still has the camera footage from that day? Although, I have a sinking feeling that someone has already destroyed it.”

“Leave it to me,” he assured me, determination lacing his voice like a promise.

Just as I was about to end the call, Malcolm’s voice reached out to me, rich with sincerity. “Deanna.”

“What is it?” I asked, my heart racing slightly at the intensity in his tone.

His words were a soothing balm for my frayed nerves. “I know this is a significant blow to your company. Whatever you need, just say the word. I’ll be there to help.”

After we hung up, a flicker of hope ignited within me, but it quickly dimmed as I attempted to call Luis once more.

Instead of his familiar, comforting voice, I was met with a cold, automated response.

“The number you dialed is not available at the moment. Please try again later.”

My grip on the phone tightened, frustration bubbling just beneath the surface.

Was it a bad signal overseas? Or was he caught up in some urgent matter that prevented him from answering?

Suddenly, an idea struck me like a bolt of lightning. I remembered Luis’s assistant, Aaron, and quickly searched for his number, my fingers trembling with urgency.

Beep… beep… beep…

The ringing seemed to stretch on for an eternity before it abruptly cut off, leaving me with nothing but silence and a growing sense of dread.

After a grueling day of holding myself together, fatigue washed over me like a heavy tide. I sank back onto the couch, allowing my eyes to flutter shut for just a moment of respite, hoping for clarity in the chaos.

That was when the office door swung open, and in rushed my mother, her expression a swirling mix of worry and confusion.

“Deanna, what on earth is happening online?” she exclaimed, her voice laced with urgency. “Who is this Mason guy, and how did you two end up at the same hotel? You were even photographed together!”

I stood up, moving towards her, striving to project calm amidst the chaos. “Mom, it’s all a misunderstanding.”

“The entire werewolf community is buzzing about you! Your reputation is in tatters. What are we supposed to do now?” she demanded, her voice rising in a crescendo of panic.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify