Chapter 498
Chapter 498
Chapter 498
3rd Person’s POV
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The gathering was hosted at a sprawling estate near the border of Blackmaw territory. Beneath the golden glow of crystal chandeliers and moonstone lanterns, some of the most influential figures in Lunaris mingled beneath one roof.
Eldric had no intention of missing an opportunity like this.
Connections were power. Alliances were currency. And tonight offered both.
At his side, Daia’s elegant smile was perfectly practiced as she exchanged pleasantries with the noble ladies. Orion followed several steps behind his parents, his shoulders stiff beneath his tailored suit. He could feel the stares. The whispers hidden behind polite
smiles.
Ever since news of Cora’s public humiliation had spread through Lunaris, Eldric’s family had become a source of gossip too.
To Orion’s credit, neither of his parents acknowledged it.
But that didn’t make the tension any easier to bear.
“Father,” Orion said quietly, keeping his voice low enough that only Eldric could hear. “They don’t want us here p>
Eldric didn’t even glance at him.
“Stand straight. You are the future Alpha of Ironcrest. These people will become your allies one day. Learn their names. Build your
network.
I don’t want you limiting yourself to pack affairs. Establish business connections in Lunaris as well p>
The Alpha’s gaze swept across the crowded ballroom.
“Learn what Rowan Blackfang did. His name carries weight throughout Lunaris now. He elevated Blackfang into something far greater than it once was p>
The words tasted bitter.
Eldric already refused to acknowledge Rowan as family. Yet even he couldn’t deny what the Blackfang Alpha had accomplished. It was exactly the kind of success he wanted for his son.
Orion hesitated.
“I don’t want that, Father. I’ve told you before I don’t have any interest in business. If you want me working in Lunaris research center, couldn’t you just ask Cora or Lylah to help me get a position there? Leading Ironcrest is enough for me p>
The temperature around Eldric seemed to drop.
Orion instantly regretted speaking.
The Alpha’s eyes flashed gold. For a brief moment, his wolf surfaced. He looked seconds away from striking his son.
“Eldric.” Daia’s warning came softly, yet it cut through the tension immediately.
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Chapter 498
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Several noble guests glanced in their direction.
Eldric slowly lowered his hand.
Then he laughed. The sound held no amusement.
“For now, you can say that.” His smile was thin. “But you’ll understand when you’re Alpha. I already know what’s best for you.” The words landed like iron chains. “So stop arguing and follow my instructions p>
His expression hardened further.
“And don’t ever suggest relying on your sisters. I severed those ties myself p>
The reminder felt crueler than Orion expected.
J
“Make me proud, Orion. You’re my son p>
The words fingered long after the conversation ended.
Before their relationship fractured beyond repair, Cora had been one of the pillars supporting Eldric’s grand ambitions.
Now the weight of every expectation rested squarely on Orion’s shoulders.
And it was crushing.
With a stiff nod, Orion excused himself and disappeared into the crowd.
Meanwhile, Eldric immediately turned his attention toward more valuable opportunities.
Across the ballroom stood a small group of influential figures.
One male drew particular attention. Tall and broad-shouldered, with striking reddish hair and piercing amber eyes, he stood among them with effortless confidence.
Straightening his jacket, the Ironcrest Alpha approached.
“Sir Lucien.” A cordial smile appeared on his face. “I’ve heard much about you p>
The group turned.
“I was told you worked at the Lunaris Research Center years ago before establishing your own engineering company in Blackmaw. Becoming one of Alpha Magnus’s most trusted advisors is no small achievement.” Eldric’s smile widened slightly. “It is an honor to finally meet you in person p>
Lucien studied him.
Like a noble deciding whether something was worth acknowledging.
Then, his nose twitched in disgust.
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