Mated to My Intended's Enemy novel Chapter 196

Chapter 196: Chapter 196 Banquet Summons

Freya’s POV

When Professor Nolan eventually excused himself to greet other guests, I took a measured sip of my champagne, letting the bubbles settle on my tongue. As I lowered my glass, I caught Levi staring at me from across the room, his expression hovering somewhere between amusement and challenge.

When Levi noticed my gaze, he raised his eyebrows and lifted his crystal tumbler in a mock toast.

I frowned, trying to decipher the message. Why would Levi, Granite Ridge Alpha’s son and supposedly one of Silvano’s closest friends, be giving me loaded looks across a crowded room?

Then it clicked.

*He thinks we bullied Aurora,* Selene growled, her instincts sharper than mine. *As if that ice queen couldn’t hold her own.*

Of course. In their eyes, Johnny and I had cornered poor, precious Aurora—the perfect she-wolf who could do no wrong in their circle. And now Levi was silently promising retribution on her behalf.

I narrowed my eyes slightly. Let him try.

Half an hour later, our host—Mr. Thompson, a beta with connections throughout the Eastern territories—finally circled back to us after greeting what seemed like every guest in attendance.

"Mr. Nakamura," he addressed Johnny after exchanging pleasantries, "do you know Miss Howlthorne well?"

Johnny’s smile was careful. "Somewhat. Why do you ask?"

"Fascinating woman," Thompson said, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "I’ve been making inquiries. She’s originally from Northern Territory, not from here in Central. Her family holds significant sway there—quite powerful within their region, but here in the capital?" He made a dismissive gesture. "They barely register compared to packs like the Morrisons or the Blackwoods."

Johnny raised an eyebrow. "And your point is?"

"Families like hers typically struggle to penetrate our inner circles," Thompson continued, clearly enjoying playing social analyst. "The established bloodlines wouldn’t normally give them a second glance. Yet somehow, Miss Howlthorne has seamlessly integrated herself into the core power structure. Quite remarkable, wouldn’t you say?"

I kept my face neutral, though Selene was growing restless beneath my skin.

"I wondered why Alpha Moretti would grace my humble gathering," Thompson mused, "but now it makes perfect sense—he was personally introducing Miss Howlthorne to key contacts. Had he brought Adrian and Levi with him specifically for that purpose..."

He sipped his drink, eyes gleaming. "When an Alpha of Moretti’s caliber personally facilitates someone’s social connections, it speaks volumes. He wouldn’t expend such effort for a casual acquaintance. The Howlthorne pack is undoubtedly poised for significant advancement within our hierarchy."

Johnny maintained his poker face, offering neither confirmation nor denial.

Thompson sighed, a hint of envy coloring his tone. "To have a daughter like that—the Howlthornes must have been blessed by the moon goddess herself. Truly fortunate."

I bit the inside of my cheek, tasting blood. Selene’s anger rippled beneath my skin, a low growl building in her consciousness.

When I lifted my gaze again, I noticed Silvano’s group had already departed. They’d slipped away without so much as acknowledging my presence—as if I were a stranger rather than the mother of his only child.

Thirty minutes later, Johnny and I also made our exit. The night air felt cool against my heated skin as we walked to our separate cars.

Just as I reached my vehicle, my phone vibrated. Silvano’s name flashed on the screen.

I paused, my finger hovering over the answer button.

*He’s calling to lecture us,* Selene predicted darkly. *To defend his precious Aurora from our "attack."*

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