Chapter 186
I ignored him, signaling for the driver to
or to leave.
As the car pulled away. I heard his voice one last time, a low murmur that sent a chill down my spine.
“Be careful of Ragnar.”
A few days later, the atmosphere had shifted. Lirian had recovered surprisingly quickly, his resilience a testament to his strength.
On the day of his discharge, we decided to celebrate with a dinner at a high–end restaurant near a
serene lake.
The setting was breathtaking.
The lake’s surface mirrored the clear blue sky, broken only by the occasional ripple caused by the gentle breeze.
Surrounding the water were lush trees, their leaves rustling softly like a whispered melody.
The cobblestone path leading to the restaurant was lined with vibrant flowerbeds, the blooms releasing a fragrance that was both soothing and invigorating.
As I stepped into the elegant establishment, my mood soured almost instantly.
Seated near the entrance were Ragnar and Ryan, their presence like a storm cloud threatening to ruin the evening.
Lirian stiffened beside me, his jaw tightening as he met Ragnar’s smug gaze.
“What are you doing here?” Lirian asked coldly, his voice laced with authority.
Ragnar leaned back in his chair, a sly smile playing on his lips.
“I could ask you the same thing,” he replied smoothly. “But then again, it’s not surprising to see you bere, Alpha. After all, you’re with Sophia, aren’t you?”
His tone carried a hint of malice, and I knew he was up to something.
What do you mean by that?” I asked, my voice steady despite the anger simmering beneath the
„The Alpha’s Substitute Lima A Heart Claimed. A Soul Reborn
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surface.
Ragnar chuckled, the sound grating against my nerves.
u are. The
“Oh, nothing much. I just thought everyone here should know what kind of woman you so–called Luna of the Moon Shadow Pack.”
His voice grew louder, drawing the attention of nearby diners.
“Chasing after men while you were still in school, tricking Alpha Lirian into choosing you. Do you really think you’re worthy of your title?”
The room fell silent, all eyes now fixed on us.
The weight of their stares pressed down on me, but I refused to falter.
I glanced at Lirian, whose expression had darkened with anger.
His voice was cold as ice as he addressed Ragnar.
“You’d better explain yourself clearly. What kind of woman are you accusing my Luna of being?”
Ragnar smirked, his gaze shifting to Ryan.
“Why don’t you tell them, Ryan? Didn’t Sophia used to pester you all the time? Or are you too kind to reveal the truth?”
My eyes locked onto Ryan, who looked conflicted as he stood there in silence.
He was dressed impeccably, but there was an unease in his posture that betrayed his discomfort.
“Ryan,” I said calmly, though my voice carried an edge of warning. “Are you going to slander me again?”
Ryan hesitated, his gaze meeting mine.
For a second, I saw Ryan looking at me with a heartbreaking look, as if questioning my distrust.
Ragnar, growing impatient, barked, “Speak up! She left you for wealth and status, didn’t she? She’s just a gold–digger who jumped from one man to another!”
The room erupted In murmurs, the onlookers eager to dissect the spectacle unfolding before them.
Ragnar’s plan was clear–to humiliate me in front of everyone and tarnish my reputation.
took a steadying breath, ready to defend myself, but Ryan spoke first.
Mr. Ragnar,” he said, his tone calm yet firm, “you’re mistaken.”
The murmurs grew louder as Ryan stepped forward, addressing the room.
“Sophia and I were never anything more than ordinary friends. When my mother worked as a maid for the Moon Shadow Pack, Alpha Ethan was kind enough to support me financially. In return, I tutored Sophia for a time. That’s all.”
He turned to me, his expression sincere.
I came here today only to congratulate Sophia and Lirian on their engagement. I have no other Intentions.”
The tension in the dining room was palpable as Ragnar’s accusations hung in the air.
I had expected him to twist the truth–he had a talent for sowing discord–but what I didn’t anticipate was Ryan stepping in to defend me.
“Enough, Ragnar,” Ryan said, his voice calm but firm. His sharp gaze pinned Ragnar in place. I won’t be part of this. Slandering her might be your way of solving problems, but it’s not mine.”
agnar blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “I thought you of all people would see reason, Ryan. After all-”
Ryan cut him off, his tone now steely.
“Reason? There’s no reason in spreading lies. If you came here expecting me to cooperate, you’ve wasted your time.”
I couldn’t hide my surprise. Ryan, of all people, had chosen to speak up for me.
The Alpha’s Substatute Loir
