Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 38

**Where Falling Leaves Whisper Stories Written In Silence by Ryn Jace Reed**

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**Chapter 38**

“Evelyn,” I stated, my tone steady yet resolute, “Marcus, please see Emma out of here.” My voice rang clear in the grand ballroom, slicing through the thick tension that clung to the air. “And make it abundantly clear that she is not welcome to step foot on any pack land again.”

A profound silence enveloped the room, the kind that makes you acutely aware of every heartbeat. Emma’s expression morphed into a mask of disbelief and fury, her eyes darting around the gathering, searching for allies in her moment of desperation. “You can’t do this!” she exclaimed, her voice rising in pitch, a desperate plea laced with indignation. “William, are you really going to allow this to happen?”

When William remained silent, a heavy weight of disappointment settled in the air. Jonathan, unable to contain himself, interjected with a scowl etched across his features. “What do you think you’re doing? You don’t have the right to throw anyone out of here.”

I turned to face him, feeling an unexpected sense of detachment from the fear that had once gripped me tightly. “I possess the authority to act against those who show disrespect toward our family name,” I replied, my voice unwavering.

Before Jonathan could retort, Kate’s voice sliced through the simmering tension. “How dare you speak of respect when you’ve—”

Her words were abruptly cut off by the sound of the ballroom doors swinging open. All heads turned in unison as my brother Ethan Gray strode in, his tall frame commanding immediate attention. The three years he had spent in Europe had transformed him; he exuded a newfound confidence, his shoulders broader and his face more defined.

“I apologize for my tardiness,” Ethan announced, striding directly toward our grandfather, an ornate wooden box cradled in his arms. “The flight from Munich was delayed. Happy birthday, Grandfather.”

William’s face lit up with joy. “Ethan, my boy! Welcome home!”

Ethan carefully opened the box, revealing a collection of dried herbs that shimmered with an unusual silvery-blue hue. “Moonlight herbs from the Black Forest pack. They’re incredibly rare—said to enhance an aging wolf’s connection to their inner nature.”

My grandfather’s eyes widened, a look of genuine appreciation washing over his features. “A thoughtful gift, Ethan. Thank you.” His warmth contrasted sharply with the polite acknowledgment he had given to Kate’s earlier chain.

Seizing the distraction, Emma attempted to slip away, but Marcus’s firm grip on her elbow halted her escape. At my grandfather’s nod, he escorted her out, her furious glare promising future retribution.

As the crowd’s attention shifted back to the gift-giving, Kate shot me a smug look. “What about you, dear sister? What did the Wolfless bring for Grandfather’s special day?”

Her emphasis on “Wolfless” sent ripples of discomfort through the gathered wolves. That term had stung for three long years, a wound that had festered deep within me. Yet, now, it barely registered.

“Actually,” I said, stepping forward with a silver-inlaid wooden box I had been holding tightly, “I do have something.”

I placed the box gently in my grandfather’s hands. The room fell silent as he opened it, revealing a hand-carved wolf figurine. It was exquisite, but it was the base of the statue that took William’s breath away—a perfect likeness of my grandmother Isabel, his mate who had passed away a decade ago.

My grandfather stared at the figurine, his fingers trembling as they traced the delicate engraving. For a fleeting moment, anxiety gripped me, fearing I had overstepped.

“Evelyn…” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion, a tremor of disbelief lacing his words. He cleared his throat, attempting to regain composure. “Thank you.”

Even Kate’s smug smile faltered, unable to taint the profound moment we shared.

William placed the figurine carefully on the table, a sense of reverence in his actions, before turning to address the gathered crowd. “Since we are all gathered here, there’s an important matter I wish to announce.”

He gestured for me to stand beside him, his hand resting reassuringly on my shoulder. “As you know, I have been contemplating the future of Gray Enterprises for some time.”

His voice resonated with authority. “I have decided to transfer thirty percent of my shares to my granddaughter, Evelyn.”

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