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Nelly’s exquisite countenance remained unmoved, her eyes cold and distant. “This has naught to do with the Darknetz, but is a matter of safeguarding myself and those in my circle. Most importantly, if I were to encounter my father’s murderer, it would be wise to be in my strongest form.”
Spencer’s gaze narrowed as he caught a glimpse of the cruelty hidden within her eyes.
He understood that the loss of her father had left an everlasting wound in Nelly’s heart.
As long as the truth remained concealed, she would never let go.
“No matter what schemes you have in mind,” Spencer cautioned, “consult with me first.”
A faint smile tugged at the corner of Nelly’s lips. “Do not worry.”
Meanwhile, Alpha Wade had lost his appetite in the secluded room below.
Not only were Tony and Donna wronged, but the thought of Alpha Zachary’s mother filled him with fury.
Alpha King Larry could sense his friend’s thoughts. “Enough sulking, Alpha Wade,” he advised. “There is no use holding onto anger for someone like her. We will not allow anyone to take advantage of our great-grandchildren!”
“Not that!” the other snapped impatiently.
“It is even more pointless to be angered by that woman!” Alpha King Larry retorted. “I know what you fear, Alpha Wade. You hold as much disdain for Alpha Zachary as you do for his mother, and you worry that Nelly will suffer when she becomes his mate.”
Alpha Wade’s eyes met Alpha King Larry’s gaze, feeling embarrassed that his thoughts had been laid bare. “You seem to know everything.”
“We have been friends for countless years, have we not? I always understand what’s on your mind.” The two aged wolves settled into a quiet moment, and Alpha King Larry turned to his companion. “Have you investigated Alpha Zachary’s background?”
Alpha Wade’s stare grew sharp. “What about his past?”
“Zachary is the illegitimate child of Desmond Lucas. Yes, from Lucas Corporation.”
Alpha Wade was taken aback by the revelation. “Desmond’s son?” he echoed.
Alpha King Larry nodded.
A crease formed on Alpha Wade’s brow as unsettling memories stirred. Desmond was a name he heard frequently during his time in the business world. Though he had built Lucas Corporation from scratch, Alpha Wade recalled Desmond’s reputation for being ruthlessly cruel and treacherous.
“Rumors suggest that the Lucas family has been plagued by financial troubles as of late,” Alpha King Larry continued. “Their plans to form a matrimonial alliance with the Lenoir family for financial support are no secret.”
Alpha Wade was even more shocked. “When did this occur?”
“It must have been recent, though it is not yet finalized,” replied Alpha King Larry. “Zachary must have opposed the plan.”
Alpha Wade’s expression turned paler. No wonder he has been absent.
“If you were aware, why did you not inform me sooner?” he questioned after a long silence, lost in contemplation.
“I assumed you already knew.”
“How could I have known? If I had, would I have allowed that boy to join the Jackson family?”Content © NôvelDrama.Org.
Alpha King Larry was stunned by his friend’s outburst. “Fine, it is my fault, are you satisfied? All of this is new information to me as well, you know. Alpha Kilian informed me.” He glanced at Alpha Wade, gauging his reaction.
Alpha Wade’s attention immediately shifted at the mention of Alpha Kilian. The Lucas family may not be honorable, but neither is Alpha Kilian.
“Alpha Kilian is also concerned for Nelly, which is why he had them investigated.”
“The fox guarding the henhouse,” Alpha Wade muttered. “They always have ulterior motives.”
Alpha King Larry pursed his lips but did not come to Alpha Kilian’s defense. “Very well, Alpha Wade. I understand your thoughts. You fear that no one will care for Nelly after you are gone, don’t you? Do not worry. She will find a good man. Besides, when we pass, she will inherit all of our wealth. Though men may be unreliable, money will always be steadfast for her. Am I right?”
Alpha Wade raised an eyebrow at Alpha King Larry’s words. “You intend to leave Nelly your wealth?”
“What of it?”
“We shall see!” Though he couldn’t determine if his friend was genuine, Alpha Wade saw the affection Alpha King Larry held for Nelly, and there was no falsehood in his love.
“What does that mean? Nelly has already blessed the Morris family with three heirs, and the fortune I leave her shall be passed down to my great-grandchildren,” Alpha King Larry jovially explained. “No matter how you view it, I come out on top!”
Alpha Wade’s perspective amused him. “Are you not afraid that Nelly may find another man who will squander your fortune?”
“Nelly is not you,” Alpha King Larry retorted. “She is not easily swayed. I believe in her. Besides, I have made my peace with that possibility in the future. As long as my three heirs grow strong and healthy, it matters not to me!”
“You dare!” Alpha Wade exclaimed before helplessly sighing. “Enough of your nonsense. You are already in poor health, yet you still refuse to accumulate virtues in your speech. If you believe you can, try living long enough to witness those three grow. I doubt you will last with such a foul tongue!”
Alpha King Larry smiled. “I would happily live for a thousand years, watching you have the same good fortune. You are stuck with me, I’m afraid!”
“I would rather be by myself!” Alpha Wade chuckled. “I would not wish to spend eternity in your company.”
“Why not? Are you afraid of becoming uglier with age?” Alpha King Larry teased. “If you were to encounter an ugly and cantankerous witch, you would have finally met your match.”
Alpha Wade roared with laughter. “Come now, what nonsense are you spouting in front of the children?”
A pleasant conversation between the two older wolves had become a rarity as of late.
It seemed that they had finally buried the hatchet.
Tony, Alpha Wade, and Donna breathed sighs of relief, grateful for the moments of laughter that interrupted their previous bickering.
In hearing their grandfathers’ remarks, they joined in on the mirth.
Initially fearing that their great-grandfathers would resume their quarrels halfway through the conversation, the children were relieved that it did not happen.
This must be the reconciliation of the century!
Overjoyed at the restored harmony in their home, the three children’s appetites grew monstrous.
In that opportune moment, Donna spoke up. “I am so glad that Gramps and Great-Grandpa have finally stopped fighting!”
No longer must they choose sides!
The two old men turned to look at Donna. Alpha King Larry gently stroked her hair. “You look happy, Donna. We will not fight anymore, alright?”
“Hooray!”
Alpha King Larry turned to Alpha Wade. “See? The children do not wish to see us at odds!”
“Who would want to argue with you?” Alpha Wade retorted heatedly. “If it weren’t for the children, I would not deign to argue with you!”
“I am not arguing with you. I simply care for the children, and I do not blame you for keeping this news from me. So what if I spend more time with them than you?” Alpha King Larry demanded.
Alpha Wade rolled his eyes. “Are you still holding that against me? Would you have considered me your in-law if I had not informed you?”
“Well, Tony is a spitting image of Alpha Kilian. Anyone can see it,” Alpha King Larry shot back.
The two old men glared at each other, animosity returning as swiftly as it had disappeared.
The children exchanged bewildered glances.
Hadn’t they just promised not to fight anymore?