The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 191

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 191: A Private Meeting**

In the quiet confines of the office, Oliver’s voice broke through the stillness. “Sir, you know I’ve seldom questioned your judgment,” he began, his brow furrowing slightly. “But are you truly convinced that this is a wise course of action?”

Alexander couldn’t suppress the smile that crept onto his face as he examined the summons that had landed on his desk that very morning. It was just as he had anticipated; the newspapers buzzed with headlines celebrating the recent legal victory he and Evelyn had achieved. The press had done their due diligence, faithfully reporting Evelyn’s words after the hearing without embellishment.

And, as expected, they had also published the enigmatic message he had sent out.

He was certain it wouldn’t be long before the King summoned him again. However, he had a hunch that this particular meeting would carry a much more relaxed tone than their previous encounter.

Gregory had practically issued an ultimatum, insisting that Alexander arrive at the palace before noon. The Alpha was acutely aware that to decline such a direct order would be akin to declaring war—something he was keen to avoid, at least for the moment.

Amusement flickered within him at the thought of the King’s furious reaction to his previous comments. He hadn’t even named anyone specifically, yet Gregory’s palpable anger only served to make him look guiltier.

With a casual shrug, Alexander leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. “It would be rather impolite to decline the King’s invitation.”

He felt no trepidation in the face of Gregory’s simmering rage; rather, a sense of intrigue washed over him. He had grown accustomed to navigating the Royal Family’s affairs through indirect means, and now he was curious to see what the King was truly capable of when confronted directly.

The man always exuded an air of pride—too proud, perhaps, to get his hands dirty.

“Where’s Evelyn?” he asked, breaking the silence that had settled between them.

Oliver glanced at his watch, an expression of mild concern crossing his face. “She should still be in the midst of her interview.”

Nodding, Alexander rose swiftly from behind his desk. “Good. I’ll make my way there then. I’ll likely return before she even notices I’ve left.”

Oliver regarded him with a tempered expression. “And should Evelyn finish her interview earlier than expected, what should I tell her?”

“Just say I had some pressing matters to attend to. Keep it straightforward.”

Alexander caught the flicker of uncertainty in Oliver’s eyes, but he didn’t linger on it. Without wasting another moment, he strode out to the car, instructing the driver to take him to the palace.

Upon his arrival, he was met by two guards, their imposing figures clad in heavy armor. They remained silent as they ushered him through the grand halls of the palace, leading him to a part of the building he hadn’t visited before. This time, instead of the throne room, he found himself in a spacious circular office.

Behind an oversized desk sat the King, a glint of eagerness in his eyes that made Alexander’s stomach twist slightly.

“Leave us,” Gregory commanded, his voice firm.

The guards nodded and exited the room, leaving the two men to face each other in a thick silence that seemed to stretch on forever. Alexander couldn’t help but wonder if the King treated everyone with such coldness or if it was merely a reflection of the mounting pressures he faced.

For a long moment, they stood in silence, Gregory’s gaze raking over Alexander as though he were searching for a hidden weapon.

“You called for me?” Alexander finally broke the stillness, his tone steady.

“Indeed, I did,” Gregory replied, gesturing toward a chair. “Take a seat, Alexander.”

Gregory’s expression tightened, anger flickering in his eyes. “You think you have me all figured out, don’t you?”

“Yes, actually, I do,” Alexander replied with a chuckle, his confidence unwavering. “You’re not exactly subtle when it comes to illegal dealings.”

“And do you really believe you have what it takes to bring someone like me down?” The sarcasm dripped from Gregory’s voice. “Do you honestly think you can take me to court and hang me on the charges you and your little minions have unearthed? The public would never believe you, nor would they tolerate it.”

“Clearly, you haven’t been reading the newspapers closely enough,” Alexander countered coolly. “If you weren’t so absorbed in your own inflated self-image, you’d realize that the public is already questioning you. They’re wondering why their King has allowed three potential murderers to roam free while he sits back and does nothing.”

The air between them crackled with tension, electric and dangerous.

“I know you despise me,” Alexander continued, rising from his chair. “More than anything, you resent the fact that I’ve built my pack to rival your own. That must terrify you—to know that there’s someone capable of bringing you and every last Royal to their knees. I can only imagine how that keeps you awake at night.”

“I could have you executed for treason,” the King hissed, his voice barely above a whisper.

“You attempted that once before, and look where it got you,” Alexander shot back, his expression unyielding. “I’m not an easy man to eliminate. I assure you, I hold grudges and will always find a way to settle the score.”

Turning toward the door, he glanced back over his shoulder, his voice steady and commanding.

“Considering you’re the reason I have Evelyn in my life, I’m going to offer you a choice,” he declared. “You will either renounce your position as Alpha King, or I will expose your crimes to the public and take the throne for myself. Do you understand?”

He didn’t need to see the King’s face to know that the man was seething with rage, fury radiating off him like heat from a fire.