The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 31

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
By Sophia Reed
**Chapter 31: A Harsh Reality**

[Evelyn’s POV]

B HERAN

My heart thundered wildly within my chest, each beat echoing the chaos swirling around me. The atmosphere in the room thickened with hushed whispers and piercing stares directed at me, causing my cheeks to flush with heat. I could feel the blood rushing to my ears, drowning out everything else.

Fiona’s words struck me like a relentless barrage of punches, each one landing with a painful thud. I had never been the focus of her torment before, and I was woefully unprepared for the onslaught. I struggled to find my voice, to muster a coherent response, but it was as if my tongue had turned to lead, trapped in my mouth.

Standing there, Fiona wore a self-satisfied smirk, as if she were merely warming up for a performance. Isabella, Samantha, and Caroline stood behind her, their expressions a mix of amusement and delight, clearly relishing in Fiona’s torment of me. It was as if they were content to let her do the dirty work, sparing themselves the effort of crafting their own jabs.

A wave of nausea rolled through my stomach as I watched the malicious grin spread across Fiona’s face. She took a step closer, her presence suffocating.

“You showing up here with Wendy means absolutely nothing,” she spat, her voice dripping with disdain. “What makes you think she’s happy to know that her only grandson is matched with a goddamn nobody? I bet she thinks the same way as the rest of us—”

“That is quite enough!” A commanding voice sliced through the tension like a knife.

The room fell into a hush, every head turning as Wendy’s fierce gaze locked onto Fiona and her entourage. With purposeful strides, she advanced toward us, the sound of her heels echoing against the marble floor with an authority that demanded attention.

Wendy’s expression was carefully controlled, masking the tempest of emotions brewing beneath the surface. The air grew thick, almost electric, charged with her palpable fury. It was as if every breath I took became more difficult, weighed down by the intensity radiating from her.

As she brushed past me, she halted directly in front of Fiona. In one swift motion, she swung her hand and delivered a sharp slap across Fiona’s cheek.

SLAP!

The sound reverberated through the room, drawing gasps of disbelief from the onlookers. Fiona’s eyes widened in shock, her hand instinctively flying to her reddened cheek. Before anyone could fully comprehend the scene unfolding, Wendy launched into her tirade.

“If you take anything away from what I’m about to tell you, let it be this,” she declared, her voice steady and unwavering. “You do not speak for me. Understand?”

Fiona, caught off guard, could only nod, tears brimming in her eyes, struggling to maintain her composure.

“I am well aware of the ‘probation’ my grandson has placed you on regarding the Moonstone Pack. Based on your current behavior, and no doubt your past actions at these events, I have every right to extend that probation,” Wendy continued, her tone icy.

Fiona suppressed a grimace, her expression a mixture of indignation and defeat. “Noted.”

“Evelyn is a highly valued member of the Kingston family, as well as its pack. It truly astounds me that, for a doctor, your sole interest seems to be preying on the insecurities and weaknesses of others. Perhaps it’s time to reconsider your career choice,” Wendy asserted, her words laced with contempt.

Wendy was like a tempest, moving on to Caroline next. Caroline attempted to maintain a facade of indifference, but Wendy’s keen eyes saw through her act.

“And as for you… I consider Evelyn to be the most suitable candidate to take over the role of Luna. Even above yourself,” she stated with unwavering conviction.

Caroline’s eyes widened in disbelief, her mouth hanging open as she struggled to process the words. She shifted her stance, desperately trying to cling to whatever modicum of respect she had left, but it was slipping away like sand through her fingers.

For a fleeting moment, I thought Wendy might be finished. She had dismantled Fiona and Caroline with an ease that left me in awe. My nerves twisted with anxiety, guilt creeping in that perhaps I had somehow brought this upon her.

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