The Heartbroken Luna's Choice Banish Love novel Chapter 283

Third Person's POV

Samantha nodded.

Alaina was right—she couldn't let the Ironthorn members think she was only after Cassian for the power.

Even though the astronomical "territory usage fee" on the lease made her heart skip a beat, she signed it.

Alaina had promised it was just a formality anyway. Moving into the heart of the city meant she was one step closer to Cassian.

Alaina tucked the contract away. "If we move," Samantha asked quickly, "what about Algernon's education?"

"A child of the Ironthorn bloodline will receive the best hunting and survival training available," Alaina said.

Her smile was warm, but her eyes remained like ice. "I'll have Cassian enroll him in the top Academy. You won't have to worry about the resources needed for his awakening."

Samantha watched Alaina leave, unable to hide her excitement any longer.

She wanted to scream.

Alaina wasn't just giving her a place in the core territory; she was promising to groom her son.

It seemed Alaina was so desperate for a grandson that she'd finally cracked.

With Alaina's backing, it was only a matter of time before Samantha officially replaced Trista.

Back at the Ironthorn packhouse, Cassian emerged from a meeting flanked by his team.

In his dark business suit, his height and Alpha presence made him stand out like a beacon among the elites.

He looked grim, walking with such a heavy stride that his shorter subordinates had to jog to keep up.

When the group spotted Alaina, they stopped and bowed respectfully.

Only Cassian's expression soured.

Once the crowd cleared, Cassian spoke up. "Mom, what are you doing at the briefing room again?"

"Samantha's place was marked. She can't stay there," Alaina said bluntly. "I arranged for her to move downtown so it's easier for you to look after them."

The mention of Samantha made Cassian's face darken further. "In my office. Now."

"No need." Alaina pointed to the empty conference room behind them.

Cassian shot a look at Humphrey, who stepped aside to guard the door and ensure no scents or voices leaked out.

Cassian handed his mother a glass of water, his voice strained. "Mom, how many times do I have to ask you to stay out of my private life?"

Alaina slammed the glass down. "You trampled over your matingbond and made this entire pack a laughingstock. Do you really think this is just 'private' anymore?"

But the kid wasn't his, and he absolutely could not let his mother bring an outsider's pup into the family's sacred grounds.

He took a deep breath and called Trista.

He lied, telling her he had a late business dinner. On the other end, Trista just gave a flat "Okay" and hung up.

After work, a few coworkers dragged Trista to a trendy restaurant downtown.

Around 8:00 PM, she stepped out into a light drizzle.

After saying goodbye to her friends, she pulled her coat tight and started walking.

She stopped dead in her tracks.

Right in front of her, under the hazy glow of a streetlight, was Cassian. He was in his crisp suit, and Samantha—dressed in a loose silk robe and slippers—was sobbing as she threw herself into his arms.

In the misty LA night, the two of them looked like a scene from a tragic, ironic movie.

As Trista watched Cassian try to peel Samantha off him, a cold, mocking smile touched her lips.

She had been looking for a way to get him to stop hovering over her and questioning her "illness." This was the perfect excuse, delivered right to her door.

Trista walked forward slowly, stopping right behind Cassian.