Tempted By My Ex's Brother-in-Law (Aria and Grayson) novel Chapter 179

**Chapter 179**

**Aria’s POV**

I found myself utterly at a loss for words. My body felt as though it had turned to stone, paralyzed by the shock of the moment. All I could do was stare at him, my mind racing yet unable to articulate a single thought as the silence stretched between us like an unbridgeable chasm.

It was unfathomable. I had convinced myself that our paths would never cross again. The last time we had seen each other, it had been a bitter farewell, fraught with anger and misunderstanding. I had firmly believed that the love we once shared had been extinguished, leaving nothing but ashes in its wake.

Yet here he stood before me, an apparition conjured from my deepest memories, appearing at the most unexpected place and time.

He was as striking as ever, his presence commanding attention as he entered the room, every eye drawn to him like moths to a flame. But there was something different about him. He seemed to have lost weight, and the warmth that once danced in his eyes had been replaced by a coldness that sent a shiver down my spine. In our first encounters, he had exuded an intimidating charm, often punctuated by a teasing smile. Now, however, it felt as if he were enveloped in a cloak of shadows, his spirit weighed down by unseen burdens.

Behind him stood a formidable line of Red Stone soldiers, their stature imposing and their expressions unreadable. Their presence filled the hall, amplifying the tension that hung in the air. It was clear this was no mere coincidence; Grayson’s arrival had been meticulously orchestrated.

“A-Alpha Grayson!” Tamsin’s voice sliced through the thick atmosphere like a knife.

In a sudden burst of energy, she shoved me aside, rushing toward Grayson with an eagerness that was almost comical. Extending her hand, she beamed at him, “Hello! I’m Tamsin Avery, General of the Frostpine Pack. It’s such an honor to finally meet you in person! My goodness, what brings you here so unexpectedly?”

Grayson cast her a frosty glance, ignoring her outstretched hand entirely, his gaze locking back onto mine.

“What happened?” he asked again, his voice heavy with an emotion I couldn’t quite decipher.

Caught off guard by our abrupt reunion, I answered reflexively, “N-Nothing. We just… had a little disagreement. That’s all.”

His brow furrowed, skepticism etched across his features. He turned back to Tamsin, his voice sharper than before. “You’re Aria’s aunt?”

Tamsin visibly tensed under his icy scrutiny, her voice trembling as she replied, “Y-Yeah… that’s right.”

“And I’m her cousin!” Maeve chimed in, pushing her way forward. Her cheeks flushed a vivid pink as she gazed at Grayson’s imposing figure. “I-I’ve heard so much about you… online, and from people who know you… I’ve always wanted to meet you. Thank the Moon Goddess for blessing me with this chance…”

Her voice dwindled to a whisper, her shyness overtaking her as she struggled to maintain composure.

Despite the gravity of the situation, I couldn’t help but stifle a laugh at the absurdity of it all. Seeing someone as rough around the edges as Maeve act so bashfully was nothing short of hilarious. Who would have thought she harbored a crush on Grayson?

“Actually, I sent you several emails this year inviting you to take a tour of our army. Did you receive those emails? You’ve come specifically for that, right?” Maeve asked, her hope palpable.

I shot a sideways glance at Grayson, confusion knitting my brow. Was he really here for Maeve?

Before I could ponder further, a booming voice interrupted from behind us:

“In your fucking dreams. Alpha Grayson isn’t here because of your stupid email!”

Everyone turned, startled.

Morrigan rushed forward, her two sons trailing behind her, her face flushed and glistening with sweat from her hurried approach. An excited, almost worshipful expression danced across her features.

“I know Alpha Grayson must be here to discuss business with our company. Our recent market performance has been excellent—even Mother said we did a great job,” she declared, her voice dripping with exaggerated pride. “Alpha Grayson, investing in our company would be a very wise decision. Great call.”

“Bullshit,” Tamsin retorted, her voice laced with disdain. “Everyone knows you’re barely hanging on. As the CEO, you’re as incompetent as they come. And your two sons are just playboys who know absolutely nothing about running a company. If it weren’t for Mother, our company would’ve gone bankrupt under your watch.”

Morrigan’s face turned crimson with humiliation. “Don’t get me started on you! How many scandals has your army created this year? This isn’t the first time your soldiers have abused their power and harmed civilians. You’re not the only violent psycho—your soldiers are just as bad. Alpha Grayson would never waste his time on your pathetic army.”

I frowned, disbelief washing over me.

It was astonishing that these people were tearing each other apart right in front of a group of outsiders. Yes, they despised one another and were locked in a fierce rivalry for the Alpha position, but surely they could at least pretend to be united in front of others? What kind of impression were they making on Grayson and his soldiers?

Despite my lack of affection for Alpha Thalira, a pang of sympathy struck me. She was a formidable leader, a respected warrior, yet her legacy was at risk of being tarnished by her children’s reckless antics.

And still, the shouting continued.

“I was Mother’s firstborn!” Morrigan yelled, her face flushed with anger. “She entrusted me with the pack’s most important finances because she thinks very highly of me!”

“Yeah, you’re her firstborn, but has she ever considered you her first choice as heir? Never. Why? Because you’re vain, stupid, hypocritical, and empty-headed!” Tamsin shot back, her voice rising.

“Like you’re any better, you crazy woman? How many of your lovers have been tortured to death in your bed? You’ve ruined this pack’s reputation. If Mother weren’t constantly cleaning up your mess, you’d be in a nuthouse by now!”

I glanced at Grayson, who stood with his arms crossed, observing the chaos unfold with a completely unreadable expression. The soldiers behind him wore amused looks, clearly entertained by the spectacle. Coming from a background of strict discipline, they had likely never witnessed such a diplomatic disaster.

Orion wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. “My god, that’s one terrifying man. So why is he here anyway? To see Aria?”

I stiffened at his words. Maeve was quick to retort, “No freaking way. Why would he come to see this bitch?”

“Come on. The whole world knows their history. Why else would he come here…”

“They’re over!” Maeve declared firmly. “Now the whole world knows Grayson’s back with his noble ex-wife. A true lady. What these two had was nothing but a fling.”

A sharp sting pierced my heart. The others looked at me with smug satisfaction, and Morrigan scoffed, “Maeve’s right. Alpha Grayson didn’t even save her when she was about to be executed in Spiky Hill Pack. Clearly, he doesn’t give a shit about her. I bet he’s here on business. He won’t even look at her while he’s here.”

The weight of their words pressed down on my chest. I wanted to argue, to defend myself, but deep down, I knew they were right. Grayson and I had ended things. He likely felt nothing but indifference toward me now.

I felt an overwhelming urge to escape, to find solitude away from their taunts. So, I turned abruptly, attempting to leave the scene behind.

But Maeve lunged forward, grabbing my arm with a fierce grip. “Where do you think you’re going? We’re not done here!”

I struggled against her hold, anger surging within me. “How dare you… Let me go!”

Her grip only tightened. “You wouldn’t think your old lover showing up changes anything here, do you? No, like I said, he’s not even your lover. I bet you two were nothing but physical. Even if I tear your throat out right here, he wouldn’t even give a fuck—”

Suddenly, her words were cut short by a low, warning growl.

A tall soldier from the Red Stone Pack strode down the stairs with purpose. He approached us, shoving Maeve aside and positioning himself protectively in front of me.

“Back off,” he snarled, baring his fangs at her with a fierce intensity.

Maeve stumbled back a step, her fury palpable. “What’s your fucking problem? I’m just teaching my cousin a lesson. This is family business. Don’t tell me your Alpha sent you…”

“Of course my Alpha sent me,” the soldier replied coldly. “He wants me to ensure Lady Aria’s safety—that no scum in this house can do her any harm. And he wants me to bring her to him.”

My heart raced, a mixture of surprise and anticipation flooding my senses. “…He wants to see me?”

“Yes, my lady. Alpha Grayson specifically requested it. He wants to speak with you alone.”