Tempted By My Ex's Brother-in-Law (Aria and Grayson) novel Chapter 171

Chapter 171

Aria’s POV

The front–page news was all about Frostpine Pack. The headline was impossible to miss:

[SHOCKING! Frostpine Pack’s Royal Family–Fierce Warriors or Ruthless Monsters?]

The reporter claimed he’d received insider information that the newly recognized Lady Aria Collins was being subjected to inhuman treatment in her new home. She wasn’t allowed to live in a proper room, wear normal clothes, or even eat human food–Frostpine Pack was practically treating her like an animal. Clearly, these royal family members were violating human rights and might have broken international law.

Then the reporter even brought up the old scandal about Lady Tamsin and her daughter Maeve torturing servants, suggesting this kind of cruelty was common in Frostpine Pack.

Finally, the reporter urged everyone to keep an eye on Aria Collins‘ situation and protest in the streets if

necessary.

The article also featured a photo of a dirty corner from the room I’d stayed in last night.

“Not allowed to wear clothes? Not allowed to eat human food? That’s fucking ridiculous! It’s a total lie! Since when did we treat her like that?” Tamsin yelled furiously.

“You think people out there give a fuck about the truth?” Alpha Thalira said roughly. “Public opinion is exploding. Everyone thinks we’re abusing Aria. That we’re a bunch of violent psychos! Frostpine Pack has never been exposed like this–in the worst way possible!”

Orion cleared his throat and gave a dry laugh. “Grandma, I don’t see why you’re so angry. If people think we’re mistreating her, good. Let the whole world know she’s not welcome here. Then she can’t use the Frostpine Pack Lady title to throw her weight around anymore.”

“ARE. YOU. STUPID?!”

Alpha Thalira’s eyes blazed with fury as she looked at her grandson. She roared:

“This story destroys the positive image we’ve built internationally over the last decade, and you’re fine with that? And did you even consider that Aria has a lot of supporters out there? And we’ve just alienated all of them? If this keeps up, people will protest in the streets. Frostpine Pack’s stability could be at risk. Did any of that cross your mind?!”

“She has fans?” Morrigan gasped. The others stared at me, shocked.

I

gave them a calm smile.

Honestly, I’d only recently discovered I had fans.

Obviously, I’d become very popular. Especially among people from the lower classes. My fight against Isla as a commoner had won their support, and the dramatic twist of me actually being a noble just added to it. It seemed my speech at the execution grounds had become the most–watched live clip online.

And now, with people finding out I was being mistreated in Frostpine Pack?

Of course they were angry.

“Yes, I have fans,” I met their shocked stares and smiled. “And some powerful friends in the news industry, too. You thought I was completely alone with no one to help me, but you were wrong. Those people aren’t too happy to hear I’m being treated badly.”

Tamsin’s face twisted with rage. “So what if outsiders have opinions? We run Frostpine Pack. Their damn opinions don’t matter! We can do whatever we want with you. We can even fucking expel you again if you dare provoke us-”

Alpha Thalira slammed her hand on the table, cutting her off.

“You might not care about Frostpine Pack’s reputation, but I, as the Alpha of this pack, have to!” she roared. “Our businesses are already losing money. If everyone thinks we’re monsters who abuse our own family, do you think they’ll still do business with us?”

Tamsin looked both afraid and resentful. She muttered, “The pack’s money problems aren’t my fault, that’s my big sister’s… Why should I have to worry for her…”

Morrigan’s expression turned ugly. “Like everything’s perfect in your army, Tamsin. You have your own mess to clean up. Don’t point fingers at me.”

“ENOUGH!”

Alpha Thalira’s roar was furious. Her whole face was red.

“I’m so sick of you people pointing fingers at each other! You can’t accomplish anything impressive, just trip each other up. The spirit of Frostpine Pack is unity and courage! That spirit is dying with your generation!”

No one dared speak anymore. But they were still glaring at each other.

Alpha Thalira took a deep breath. “That’s it. I’m calling the shots here–Aria moves to the top floor today. I want her in a room as large as mine, with her own team of maids.”

People all looked displeased. Morrigan opened her mouth to object, “But Mother…”

“One more word, and you can figure out how to fix our international reputation and our failing businesses yourself.”

Morrigan immediately shut her mouth, scowling.

Alpha Thalira turned to me. “Now, Aria, I need you to make a public statement saying you’re happy here. That no one is mistreating you.”

“But the mistreatment is real. I don’t really like lying,” I replied calmly.

They all glared at me, frustrated. Then Alpha Thalira said coolly, “Fine. Name your terms then. But don’t push it too far. My patience has limits.”

I knew this was just a small victory and I shouldn’t push my luck. So I stated my prepared demand:

“Mrs. Cole gave me that disgusting room and claimed she’d throw me out later. She’s the one who bullied me. So I want her salary suspended for a year, and her mistake announced to the whole pack.”

“Done,” Alpha Thálira said without hesitation.

“B–But Mother!” Tamsin cried out, shocked and furious. “Mrs. Cole is my husband’s sister! She shouldn’t be humiliated like this-”

“And I’m Alpha Thalira’s granddaughter! I deserve to be humiliated like that?” I said, talking over her. “Or do you think your husband’s sister is more important than someone with Alpha blood?!”

She had no comeback. She could only glare at me, her face bright red.

“Do as Aria says,” Alpha Thalira declared firmly. “I don’t want any of you bullying her again. UNDERSTOOD?”

Everyone murmured in agreement. Then Alpha Thalira stormed out, saying she’d lost her appetite from

anger.

“Well, good job then, Aria,” Tamsin said through gritted teeth, her eyes venomous. “You don’t actually think you’ve won, do you? There are plenty more battles ahead.”

I gave her a smile. “Good. Then this won’t be your first loss.”

With that, I turned and strode out of the dining room without another glance at their faces.

I didn’t need to give the maids orders. They quickly moved my things to a suite upstairs.

The room had an amazing view and great light. The decor was extremely luxurious, everything was top quality.

I looked around, then sat down in an armchair by the bed, gazing at the snowy scene outside.

I’d taken a small step toward victory, but it was far from enough.

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