Alpha King Chases Abandoned Luna

Chapter 63: A Silent Challenge

(Ethan's POV)

I entered the Grand Reception Hall with measured steps, my eyes immediately finding Olivia sitting beside. Lucas Blackwood on the sofa. My grandmother sat between them, her face alight with satisfaction.

The sight of them together sent a surge of possessive rage through my veins. Lucas Blackwood had no right to be here, in my territory, near my mate.

With deliberate slowness, I unbuttoned the top of my shirt, revealing the fresh bite marks on my neck-

evidence of my recent encounter with Victoria. The message was clear to any Alpha male: I was sexually

active and claiming my territory.

Lucas's eyes narrowed slightly as he caught sight of the marks. Message received.

"Ethan, you're just in time," Grandmother said, oblivious to our silent exchange. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she gestured between Olivia and Lucas, "I know you and Lucas are business rivals, but from now on, the Stone and Blackwood families will be one."

I kept my expression neutral, though my wolf snarled beneath the surface. Grandmother had always been fond of Olivia, but this was taking things too far.

"Be mindful," she added, wagging a finger at me, "and don't make things difficult for Olivia."

Her meaning couldn't have been clearer. She was suggesting a marriage between Olivia and Lucas.

"Is that so?" I replied, my voice deceptively calm. My amber eyes fixed on Olivia, silently commanding her to deny it.

Olivia shifted uncomfortably under my gaze. I could see the conflict in her eyes- the desire to defy me warring with her instinct for self-preservation.

"Grandmother," I continued, not taking my eyes off Olivia, "I wasn't aware you were arranging meetings. between my wife and other men."

Grandmother waved her hand dismissively. "It was a happy coincidence. Lucas came to visit me, and Olivia happened to be here."noveldrama

"A coincidence,” I repeated, my tone making it clear I didn't believe that for a second.

Lucas set down his teacup with deliberate precision, "It was indeed unexpected, but I'm grateful for it."

His confident directness grated on my nerves. He turned to face me fully, his posture relaxed yet

commanding the stance of an Alpha who feared no challenge.

“I find Miss Winters fascinating,” he declared, his gaze shifting briefly to Olivia. "With Madam Stone's blessing, I intend to court her properly."

The room temperature seemed to drop several degrees, Bernard Sheppard, standing quietly by the door, tensed visibly.

"Court her?" I echoed, a dangerous edge to my voice. "You seem to have forgotten that Olivia is my wife. The

ther Chal

mother of my child"

I emphasized the last part, reminding everyone present of Lily-our connection that could never be severed

"A wife you've neglected Grandmother cut in sharply. Her frail hands gripped her walking stick with surprising strength "A mother who lost her child while you were nowhere to be found."

Her words struck like physical blows. I maintained my composure, though my jaw tightened perceptibly

Tve made my decision," Grandmother continued, her elderly voice carrying unmistakable authority m formally adopting Olivia as my granddaughter and the fifth daughter of the Stone family"

My eyes widened slightly. This was no small declaration. By making Olivia a daughter of the Stone family. Grandmother was effectively severing any possibility of a continued relationship between us

"Her status will be equal to yours," she added pointedly. "And she will be free to choose her own path forward."

Lucas's expression remained carefully neutral, but I caught the flash of triumph in his eyes. He had won this

round without lifting a finger

Grandmother turned to Olivia with a gentle smile. Wanwan, please escort Lucas out. It's getting late."

Olivia nodded, rising gracefully from the sofa. Lucas followed suit, bowing respectfully to Grandmother before offering his arm to Olivia.

I watched them leave, my expression darkening with each step they took together. My wolf howled in territorial rage, demanding I stop them, claim what was mine.

But Grandmother's watchful gaze held me in place. This battle would have to be fought another way.

Outside, I knew Lucas was walking Olivia to his car. I could picture them standing close, speaking in low voices. The thought made my blood boil.

"Lucas," Olivia was saying, her voice carrying a note of apology. "I need to clarify something. This arranged meeting wasn't my intention."

Lucas nodded, his expression understanding. “I suspected as much. Your grandmother-in-law is quite the

matchmaker."

"She means well," Olivia replied with a small smile. "But I should be honest with you. I have no romantic feelings for Ethan anymore. Our relationship died years ago from neglect."

"I understand," Lucas said softly. "And I should be equally honest. There is a woman I love, one I've been

waiting for."

Olivia's eyes widened in surprise. "Then why did you agree to court me?"

Lucas leaned against his car, his posture relaxed. "Because it serves both our purposes. You need protection from Ethan's increasingly possessive behavior, and I need to satisfy my family's expectations while I wait for

the right moment with the woman I love."