Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 172

Evelyn

The next day, Eric, Devon’s friend, and I set off at the agreed time.

“Are you sure about this?” he asked as he pulled his car into the long, winding driveway of the Stone estate. His knuckles were white against the steering wheel, betraying his tension despite his casual tone.

I glanced at the moonlight stone gift basket in my lap, an expensive traditional offering that Eric had insisted on bringing. “I’m not sure of anything with the Stone family, but I’m sure about helping those babies.”

Eric sighed, parking in front of the imposing mansion. “Just remember what I told you about Kyle and Adalyn. They’ve never liked me much.” He gave me a sideways glance. “Don’t take anything they say personally. Sebastian’s parents are traditional to the point of being assholes.”

“I’ve dealt with worse,” I said, thinking of my own family.

As we approached the front door, Eric leaned closer. “My grandmother is old–school but fair. She used to be quite powerful before she got sick.”

A stern–faced maid led us into an opulent sitting room where two people waited.

“Eric,” Kyle acknowledged with minimal warmth. His gaze slid to me with undisguised suspicion. “And this must be the Gray girl.”

Before I could respond, Adalyn stepped forward, her lips pressed into a thin line. “We didn’t agree to visitors today. Especially not… outsiders. The way she emphasized the last word made it clear what she thought of me.

‘I brought a traditional offering, Eric said smoothly, taking the basket from my hands.

“How thoughtful,” Adalyn replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “But I’m afraid she isn’t receiving visitors. Her condition is delicate.”

I stepped forward. “That’s precisely why I’m here. Eric mentioned her silver poisoning, and I might be able to help.”

Adalyn’s eyebrows shot up. “Help? You?” She laughed, a brittle sound that echoed in the high–ceilinged room. “What could you possibly do that our doctors

haven’t?‘

‘Evelyn is a gifted healer,” Eric said firmly. “She’s helped many wolves with silver exposure.”

Kyle cleared his throat, his expression shifting slightly. “We… appreciate your concern, but we have the situation under control.”

“Actually,” I said, meeting his gaze steadily, “if you’ve been managing it for this long without improvement, I doubt that’s true.”

Adalyn’s face flushed with anger, but Kyle raised a hand to stop her retort. ‘If you believe you can help, we won’t turn down assistance. I’ve been trying to get the best treatment for my mother.”

The way he emphasized “I” told me everything I needed to know about who would try to take credit if my treatment worked.

‘Eric asked me to come,” I clarified firmly. ‘Let’s be clear about that.”

Kyle’s smile tightened. “Of course. This way.”

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14:18 Sat, Dec 27 RS

Chapter 172

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They led us to a sunroom where an elderly woman sat in a wheelchair, wrapped in blankets despite the warm day. Her eyes were alert and fierce even as her body seemed frail, her hands trembling slightly as they gripped a wolf–headed cane.

“Grandma,” Eric said, stepping forward with genuine respect. “I’ve brought someone who might be able to help you.”

The old woman’s gaze shifted to me, assessing and intelligent. She made a gesture with her hand.

“She wants to know who you are,” Kyle translated.

“I’m Evelyn Gray,” I said, approaching slowly. “I understand you’re suffering from silver poisoning. With your permission, I’d like to examine you.”

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